The term “hurricane season” can drive fear into the heart of travelers. In the minds of travelers, the ideal Caribbean vacation is filled with clear skies, light breezes and calm waters. But before you feel embarrassed about traveling to the Caribbean from June to November, consider the positives. The region spans approximately 1 million square miles of the Caribbean, and in the event of major hurricanes do When it occurs, it usually affects only a small portion of the island at once. And by taking vacations in the Caribbean during the offseason, you will find lower prices and much less crowds.
“Even if hurricanes have affected the South Bahamas, most of the region is likely to be ideal tropical weather,” said Frank J. Comitto, now retired CEO and director of the Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association.
Still, it’s important to prepare for the chances of serious storms and bad weather. Here’s what you need to know about traveling to the Caribbean during hurricane season:
When is the Caribbean hurricane season?
According to the US National Weather Service (NWS), hurricane season in the Caribbean It will be held from June 1st to November 30th And normally Peak in August and September. The Caribbean is located within the Atlantic Hurricane Basin, and the storm also affects Florida and other parts of the southern US coast (it has been a little north in the past few years). In 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) counted 20 named storms that passed through the Caribbean, with 8 tropical storms and 11 hurricanes in 2024. This year, the National Weather Service is predicting storms with names from 13 to 19 (meaning winds of 39 mph or more).
To prepare better, check the latest information from the National Hurricane Centre before your trip. This NWS department tracks and forecasts tropical weather and issues hurricane warnings and updates on the latest Atlantic weather conditions.
Even if the weather forecast does not report a hurricane, you may still experience rain and harsh weather patterns at your destination. Get ready, take your most waterproof luggage, pack your rain jacket, and take a sea-like dry bag to the summit to dry your important items like cameras and phones while you’re out.
How different are tropical storms and hurricanes?
The difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane is the most important factor in determining the severity of a storm and its classification: wind speed. According to the National Weather Service, when wind speeds reach 39 mph, the weather system is considered a tropical storm. Once above 74 mph, you enter the territory of a hurricane, typhoon, or tropical cyclone. Hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical cyclones are all names for the same weather phenomenon. The only difference between them is where the world’s storms are happening.
Hurricanes occur in the North Atlantic, the central North Pacific and the central North Pacific region, but the same weather pattern is called typhoons in the northwest Pacific. In warm waters in the Indian and South Pacific Oceans, no matter how strong the winds are, the more common term “tropical cyclone” is used to describe intense storms.
Why is the Caribbean prone to hurricanes?
The warm water and high humidity in the Caribbean region can be wet for several months in the summer. When this warm air evaporates and rises, it stimulates the sea level and rapidly leads to tropical storms and thunderstorms. Warm water keeps hurricanes active. There are certainly many things you can find in this area.
Think of a hurricane as a large group of thunderstorms concentrated in a single area. If a large amount of rain meets strong winds, the inflow of water can kick inland. However, as soon as the turbulent weather system hits the land and starts to cool down, the storm often begins to slow down.
Best Places in the Caribbean during hurricane season
If you want to travel to the Caribbean from June to November, there are a few islands that are prone to hurricanes. These destinations usually have low prices and less crowds. Head to the Southern Caribbean islands that are closest to South America. This is usually less stormy. They are:
- World-class scuba diving destinations known as Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, the ABC Islands
- Barbados, the capital city of Bridgetown, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Trinidad and Tobago are popular with music and culture
- Grenada is known for its beaches and rum distilleries, and is located off the coast of Venezuela outside the Hurricane Belt of the Caribbean Sea
And although not an island, the country of Belize in Central America has a beautiful Caribbean coastline, and its location is relatively protected from the worst hurricane activities.
It’s more affordable to visit the Caribbean from June to November
Hurricane season is certainly the cheapest time to travel to the Caribbean. Airlines and hotels do not explicitly sell “hurricane rates,” but you can expect hotel fares, cheaper flights and less crowds. (Some islanders use the deal to travel through the Caribbean.)
Keep an eye out for flight deals by setting up alerts on Google Flights or signing up for trading newsletters such as Going.
Please note that many hotels will approach for weeks or months for annual maintenance. Check the options before committing.
Buy travel insurance before you go
Travel insurance is always a good idea. Make sure your policy includes NOAA warnings and covered tropical storm alerts. Most travel insurance also covers cancellations if the destination is considered difficult to live in, and if the insurance policy is purchased in front A hurricane or tropical storm was named. Sites like InsureMemytrip.com, which casts Wide Net, and TravelInsurance.com offer narrower, more curated lists, so you can shop and compare for the best travel insurance. Cancellation or suspension of trips due to bad weather or natural disasters, whether they are unable to reach cruise ports or the storm is hit by a hotel on the island, and the more premium “Explorer” plan.
According to Stan Sandberg, co-founder of Travelinsurance.com, buying a travel insurance plan is a necessary precaution and is more affordable than most people think. “You get high quality coverage that amounts to the cost of a nice dinner during the holidays,” Sandberg says.
Prices vary depending on destination, travel costs, desired benefits, and even the age and home of the traveler, but covers 3-10% of travel. It’s $100 or $200 for two people planning a $2,000 holiday.
Consider booking a cruise
Cruise ships route when they receive a storm warning. This means your vacation will be less susceptible to unexpected storms. Caribbean cruise line options range from luxury small Silver Sea, Seaborne and Azamara to large ships of celebrities, carnivals and NCL.
What should I do if a hurricane hits?
If you book a trip and don’t buy travel insurance, don’t panic if a hurricane hits. “In the Caribbean, we’ve been experiencing dealing with the effects of storms. We know that we have fairly accurate predictions about ETAS as soon as the system is formed,” says Johnson Johnrose, a former communications specialist at Sint Eustatius Island and the Caribbean Tourism Agency. Local governments and hotels are focusing on the development of the storm and implementing detailed activation plans to evacuate or evacuate guests.
When an imminent storm appears to be serious, hotels and airlines often have guests cancel or reschedule without penalty. Ask about the policy when booking, and if it appears that trouble is looming, ask again about the options. “We are regularly aware of cases where guest satisfaction levels increase during storms,” says Comito of the Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association. “They are well taken care of by the resort and staff.”
Related: 25 best luxury resorts and hotels in the Caribbean must book now
This article was originally published in 2015, and most recently updated the current information on May 26, 2025. Jesse Beck, Erica Owen and Sophie Friedman contributed to reporting this story.
