Hurricane season in the Caribbean and Mexico: travel guide

Summary: if you are planning a trip to the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America, the hurricane season is no minor detail: in the Atlantic it runs from 1 June to 30 November and in the eastern Pacific from 15 May to 30 November, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). This guide explains those calendars, what real dangers storms leave (beyond wind) and what official advice for Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica says. Data accessed on 10 November 2026.

The official calendars

The NHC publishes these climatological references:

Atlantic (including the Caribbean and the Gulf)

• Season: 1 June to 30 November.
• Peak: 10 September; most activity falls between mid-August and mid-October.
• Average season (1991-2020): 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.
• Typical timing: first named storm in mid-to-late June, first hurricane in early-to-mid August and first major hurricane in late August or early September.

Eastern Pacific (Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America)

• Season: 15 May to 30 November.
• A less pronounced peak than the Atlantic's, in late August; most activity runs from late June to early October.
• Average season (1991-2020): 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes.

These are averages: any year can be quieter or more active, and November, though part of the season, is already in its final stretch.

Beyond the wind: the dangers storms leave

The US National Weather Service (NWS) reminds us that:

• Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds and has historically been the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the US; it can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers and estuaries.
• Flooding from heavy rain is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones; it can continue for days and affect areas far from the coast.
• Winds can destroy buildings, and loose objects become projectiles.
• Dangerous waves can cause deadly rip currents and beach erosion even when the storm is more than 1,000 miles offshore.

So even if the storm does not pass over your hotel, you may face a closed sea or cancelled flights.

What official advice says, by country

• Mexico: the British FCDO says the season normally runs from June to November, can affect both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, and that storms can cause flooding, landslides and transport disruption; flooding can continue after a hurricane.
• Jamaica: season normally June to November; hurricanes can bring fallen trees, blocked roads and flooding. Hurricane Melissa hit the island as a major hurricane in October 2025 and caused significant damage in the western parishes; some communities still lacked electricity or piped water according to the May 2026 advice.
• Dominican Republic: season June to November; the FCDO recommends following local alerts, such as the national emergency centre's app, and sea warnings.
• Costa Rica: from June to November the rainy season and the hurricane season coincide; flooding and landslides can close roads and you must follow the authorities, including evacuation orders.

How to book sensibly

1. Travel insurance that covers cancellation for weather events and, above all, medical care and evacuation. Read the small print: the FCDO insists insurance should cover your itinerary and activities.
2. A flexible cancellation policy if you travel between June and November; ask what happens with the resort or cruise if there is an alert.
3. Flight margin: avoid tight connections and book your return day with some slack.
4. Official sources: follow the NHC, national weather services and your foreign ministry's advice from a few days before.
5. A couple plan: agree what you will do if there is an alert (where to meet, when to decide to change tickets, who contacts the accommodation).

If there is an alert during your trip

• Follow instructions from the authorities and your accommodation, including evacuation orders.
• Keep your passport, medication, charger and document copies at hand.
• Stay away from the sea and from rivers and gullies: the risks of surf, rip currents and flooding increase.
• Tell a relative or friend your status and plans.

After the storm

The British advice on Jamaica notes that debris and standing water carry health risks, including water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases, and that healthcare access can be limited in the worst-affected areas. Before travelling to a recently affected place, ask your accommodation about the state of services.

Sources

• NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Climatology, accessed 10 November 2026.
• National Weather Service, Hurricane safety, accessed 10 November 2026.
• GOV.UK (FCDO), Mexico: safety and security, accessed 10 November 2026.
• GOV.UK (FCDO), Jamaica travel advice and safety and security, accessed 10 November 2026.
• GOV.UK (FCDO), Dominican Republic: safety and security, accessed 10 November 2026.
• GOV.UK (FCDO), Costa Rica: safety and security, accessed 10 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

When is the hurricane season in the Caribbean?

From 1 June to 30 November, peaking on 10 September, according to the NHC.

And on Mexico's Pacific coast?

From 15 May to 30 November, peaking in late August.

What is the biggest danger of a hurricane?

Besides wind, storm surge and rainfall flooding are leading causes of fatalities, according to the NWS.

Can I travel in November?

The season remains in force until 30 November, though it is in its final stretch; check official alerts until the last day.