What Are The Worst Months For Hurricanes In The Caribbean?

Weather is likely a deciding factor in planning your vacation. When planning a trip to the Caribbean, you should know the worst months for hurricanes.

Most of us would describe an ideal getaway to the Caribbean as warm, sandy, and full of beachside sunsets. Wet, windy, and without electricity don’t usually make the top of the list. The Caribbean is an ideal vacation spot offering you 26 of the most idyllic island settings you could ask for. Dodging the worst weather windows should be part of your planning process for your next trip to the Caribbean..To avoid vacation interrupting bouts of bad weather, it’s best to take note of historical hurricane patterns. 

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What Are The Worst Months For Hurricanes In The Caribbean?

Extreme storms can hit Caribbean islands any time of the year, but the worst months for hurricanes are during Hurricane season, the months of July, August, September, October, and November. While hurricanes are more likely then, you can also get great weather and more affordable accommodations in the Caribbean during hurricane season.

Below we break down which months are the most active for hurricanes, the potential upside to rebels who want to take the risk, and which islands are best to check out during hurricane season in the Caribbean. 

We consulted historical weather patterns and travel experts to gather the data you need to know before booking your trip to paradise. 

What Months Have The Most Hurricanes In The Caribbean?

The Caribbean Islands cover approximately 1 million square miles of sea and multiple climate regions, but while the eco systems may differ, hurricane season is fairly predictable. 

Generally earmarked from June 1st to November 30th, this is the season where you are most likely to see a hurricane event. If you travel during this period, you should be prepared for potentially serious inclement weather. 

The good news is that because the Caribbean covers too much territory, when a hurricane does hit, it generally only affects a small portion of the island chain. 

Due to climate change, the Caribbean has seen an increasing amount of storms with strengthening intensity. The 2020 n Atlantic hurricane season saw more storms in total than any other previous year and the second most hurricanes at 14 mega storm events. 

Perks To Traveling During Hurricane Season In The Caribbean 

If you are willing to forgo the history of hurricanes, toss caution to the breezy Caribbean wind, and generally live life without fear of loss of electricity, there are some perks. 

Cheaper 

Traveling during “offseason” is going to be cheaper all around. Hotels still need to fill beds and bars still need to fill cocktails. Booking a trip between June and November will generally result in great deals from the get go. Once you are on an island, good deals can often be found in excursions and food.

Less Crowded

Making a bet to gamble during hurricane season can pay off on the beach if you are looking for solitude. Not everyone wants to risk the rainy season and as a result beaches, bars, and hotel pools are generally not as crowded. 

Pro Tips

When booking your trip, try to aim for “should season” which are the months of June and November. You’ll still be able to reap the benefits of lower pricing and escape from the crowds while being statistically less likely to see a hurricane event while on your vacation. 

Also consider booking with a cruise line. A cruise is a great way to get a Caribbean experience that includes many different island stops, but most importantly, can swerve to avoid inclement weather. 

Be Prepared 

If you do decide to travel during the hurricane season in the Caribbean you should be prepared. 

  • Buy travel insurance to cover lost flights, evacuation, and medical costs for a worst case scenario.
  • Ask about cancellation policies ahead of time for hotels and airlines. 
  • Pack a small emergency kit with backup phone batteries, basic first aid care, and cash. 
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What To Do If You End Up In The Eye Of The Hurricane

NOAA has predicted the 2022 hurricane season to have a 65% of being “above average.  If you do end up in one of the 14-21 storms or 6-10 hurricanes that happen on average each year in the Caribbean there are a few things to take into account. 

Island infrastructures are usually pretty hit and miss on a good day which means; rudimentary roads, sensitive electric grids and only basic emergency services. Here are a few things to keep in mind to get you prepared. 

Weather Watch

Get acquainted with both local and global weather watching systems. Locally check in with the televised and radio news as it becomes available. Local people are also extremely knowledgeable about timing, intensity, and knowing what to expect. Globally NOAA, Wunderground, and Accuweather are all trusted online services to check for updates, warnings, and preparation advice. 

Make Contact

Check in with your loved ones or at least one person off the island to let them know where you are staying. Make a plan to check in on a regular basis. The odds of losing both power and cell phone reception are exceptionally high and this small measure will keep everyone’s worry in check. 

Stock Up

The locals are the best source of information and if you see them preparing, you should too. This doesn’t mean you need to clear the grocery store shelves, but a few days of survival necessities like water, canned food, and medicines should be kept on hand. 

Touch Base With Your Accommodations

If you are staying at a hotel or resort, it is highly likely they will be proactive and contact you first. Most properties will consider the safety of their guests their responsibility. They will likely let their guests know where emergency gathering points and exits are and what to do if power is lost. 

This is not to scare you but rather to keep guests calm and prepared. Hospitality in the Caribbean islands are well versed in hurricane and storm events and generally have backup power and provisions to accommodate their guests if this does happen. 

Which Caribbean Islands Have The Least Hurricanes

Now that we’ve outlined some of the upsides for those that want to put their vacation days into the hands of the weather gods, we’re listing some of the best places to visit during hurricane season. How do we determine these safe bets? The islands closest to South America tend to see fewer hurricanes during the season. They are also just as beautiful as their stormy counterparts. 

Aruba

Aruba has a great location in the southern fringes of the hurricane belt and often avoids the worst of hurricane season. It has been so lucky in doing so that the locals like to brag that only six hurricanes have passed within 60 miles of its shores in the last 140 years. 

You’ll love Aruba for its white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and of course, tranquil weather. 

Curaçao

Curaçao is the “C” of the ABC Islands- right after Aruba and Bonaire. This gem has managed to stay out of the path of most major hurricanes over the last several decades and it is deemed a safe bet to travel to during hurricane season in the Caribbean. 

You’ll love Curaçao for cave lined coasts, calm azure waters, and historic ruins. 

Grenada

Grenada is located in the Southern Caribbean and is generally considered to have a lower risk of direct hurricane hit. While it has not escaped all of the worst hurricanes, it has managed to avoid the most intense weather from them. 

You’ll love Grenada for its jungle adventures, colorful seaside villages, and frangipani flower lined streets.