Traveling During Hurricane Season: What You Need to Know
Hurricane season can stir up more than just wind and waves—it can throw a wrench into your travel plans if you’re not prepared. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay home. With a little planning and a lot of awareness, you can still enjoy a safe, fun vacation—even when the skies threaten stormy surprises.
Here’s what every traveler should know about hurricane season, including where (and when) to avoid, safer destinations to consider, what to do (and definitely NOT do), and why travel insurance is a must.
Affiliate Disclaimer—This page contains affiliate links. I earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon, Share-A-Sale, and CJ Marketing Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
🌪️ When Is Hurricane Season?
In the Atlantic (which includes the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and southeastern U.S.), hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30—with peak activity between mid-August and mid-October. The Pacific season starts even earlier, from May 15 through November 30.
✅ What You Should Do During Hurricane Season Travel
- 📅 Travel Early in the Season or After Peak
Early June or late November trips tend to have lower hurricane risk while still offering great weather.
Although mid-June 2024 had an unusual amount of rain around the Gulf Coast, it impacted several destinations, including Cancun and the Riviera Maya. No one can predict the weather, so its best to make the most of your trip anyway.
- 📍Choose Your Destination Wisely
Pick locations less likely to be affected (more on that below). - 📱 Monitor the Weather
Apps like MyRadar or NOAA Weather Radar Live keep you informed in real-time. - 👜 Pack Smart
Bring waterproof pouches, ponchos, backup chargers, and printed copies of important documents in case of power outages or delays. - 🧾 Book Refundable Travel or Flexible Rates
If you don’t have insurance (though you should!), refundable options offer a backup plan. - 🛡️ Buy Travel Insurance That Covers Weather Events
Many people skip this—until it’s too late. Hurricanes can delay, reroute, or cancel your trip.
👉 Read my full post on why travel insurance is worth every penny.
❌ What You Shouldn’t Do
- 🚫 Don’t Ignore Weather Warnings or Local Advisories
If officials are evacuating an area, don’t wait it out. Your safety is worth more than any vacation memory. - 🚫 Don’t Assume Your Cruise Ship Is Safe from Storms
Cruise lines do reroute, but this doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing. Weather delays, missed ports, and motion sickness can still impact your experience.
Check out our blog post: Sailing Through Sickness: Tips for Managing Illness on a Cruise to help manage the storm.
- 🚫 Don’t Book Without a Backup Plan
Especially for beach destinations or all-inclusive resorts—know your cancellation policy and airline flexibility.
🌀 Destinations to Avoid During Peak Hurricane Season
- Caribbean Islands (especially late August to October)
Includes Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. - Gulf Coast States
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle are at high risk from late summer through October. - East Coast Beaches
North and South Carolina, Georgia, and parts of Florida’s Atlantic coast can be affected, especially in September. - Disney World and Universal Orlando
- Although some people might say these are great destinations to be in during a hurricane, most people want to avoid them. Both Disney and Universal are actually safe places because their hotels are built to withstand strong winds. Both resorts have hurricane plans in place to keep guests as safe and comfortable as possible during their stay. However, theme parks are not always the best option in the pouring rain. We do have some tips for navigating the parks in the rain.
💡 Tip: If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean cruise during this time, consider booking from ports like New York or Boston that head north instead of south!
🌤️ Safer Travel Destinations During Hurricane Season
- U.S. West Coast
California, Oregon, and Washington have beautiful summer and fall weather—and no hurricanes. - Europe
September is shoulder season in Europe—fewer crowds, beautiful weather, and safer skies. Think Italy, France, Portugal, or the UK. - Mountain Destinations
Colorado, Utah, and the Smoky Mountains offer scenic views, hiking, and outdoor adventure with low risk of hurricanes. - Arizona or New Mexico
These states offer warm weather, desert beauty, and no tropical storm concerns. - Alaska Cruises
A great option for summer travel—Alaska’s cruise season typically ends in late September. These are great for beating the summer heat as well.
🧳 Prepare and Don’t Panic
Traveling during hurricane season isn’t off-limits—but it does come with extra responsibility. Be smart, stay flexible, and always have a Plan B.
And seriously—don’t skip the travel insurance.
🌦️👉 Check out my post on how travel insurance saved my trip—and how it could save yours too.
Remember… Life’s Short… Take the Trip!
But take it safely. 😉
Ready to start planning your own Dream Vacation? Contact me today: [email protected]. I understand that each family is unique and offer individualized family vacation planning to help you tailor your vacation to fit your family.
