If you’re planning on travelling during hurricane season, there are several things you need to know. While it’s generally okay to travel during these months, you should also prepare for them. One of the best ways to do so is to obtain travel insurance. Travel insurance can help you recover funds and make life easier if you end up in the path of a storm.

When is hurricane season?

Hurricane season in the Atlantic extends from June 1st to November 30th. In the Pacific, it is May 15th to November 30th. Most serious hurricanes occur between August and September. This is when the conditions for hurricanes are most favourable. Hurricanes occur when tropical cyclones form in a major body of water, such as the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes are also often referred to as tropical storms or tropical depressions.

Where do hurricanes hit most?

If you’re looking to travel during hurricane season, it’s important to understand which destinations are most affected. By far, the most affected destination is Florida, where 41% of the 292 hurricanes in the United States have hit since 1851. Additionally, other high risk destinations in North America include the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.

Should you travel during hurricane season?

Although it is a risk, travel during hurricane season is relatively common in the United States and the Caribbean. Statistically, the most risky months of hurricane season are August, September, and October, so we recommend looking to avoid those months out of an abundance of caution. The overall chance of a hurricane hitting during your tropical vacation is small, however, we recommend booking at your comfort level. No one wants to stress over the uncontrollable while on vacation!

How do you prepare for a hurricane?

If you’re travelling during hurricane season, chances are you’ll have significant early warning. Hurricanes do not just appear out of nowhere, but rather develop over time. If you’re very concerned about it, cancel your trip. Having the proper travel and cancellation insurance may help recover the costs of cancelling or adjusting your dates. If you do decide to go, take extra precautions by packing your bag with safety items. Also, always bring (or get) extra local currency.

What is hurricane weather like?

It’s also important to understand the type of weather you can experience if caught in a hurricane. Generally, hurricanes produce strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge flooding. This inclement weather often leads to inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. You may also experience thunderstorms during a hurricane.

If a hurricane hits, what precautions should you take?

All vacation destinations in the path of hurricanes have safety measures in place. Usually, you should not stay in your hotel or resort room, but rather meet in your hotel lobby. Staff will be able to guide you to the correct place to stay safest – usually common areas isolated from the exterior. Hurricanes often only last for a day or two. After it passes, you may find your trip needs to be extended depending on the severity of the storm and damage caused. Power outages, heavy winds, and possible property damage are all after effects you may have to prepare for.

Is it cheaper to travel during hurricane season?

If the potential of a hurricane doesn’t dissuade you from travelling, prices are often much lower during hurricane season. Especially for high-risk destinations, travellers can receive up to 25% off a typical vacation. It also depends on the month you choose to travel in, with low-risk months, such as June and November, being more expensive than high-risk months, like August and September.

What is the biggest danger of travelling during hurricane season?

When people think about hurricanes, they think about the wind. A hurricane immediately conjures images of flying debris and palm trees bending at the force of the wind. But, the real danger of a hurricane is flooding. Even before a hurricane hits land, storm surges can cause massive damage along coastlines, and result in many injuries, or even deaths.

What is the best way to avoid a hurricane, but still travel?

If you want to travel to the Caribbean, but avoid the hurricane risk, travel to a destination that isn’t often affected by them. Some islands to consider include:

The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao)
The Southern Windwards (Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago)
Southern Central America (Costa Rica and Panama)

While storms do affect these places occasionally, they are usually not in the path. So, booking at any of these places is a better idea. With proper planning, travelling during hurricane season can still be safe and enjoyable. We hope this article helps you learn more about travelling during hurricane season. Whatever you choose to do, and whenever you choose to travel, we hope you enjoy your vacation!

For more hurricane travel tips, click here.