What to Know Before Traveling During Hurricane Season

As forecasters predict “above-normal hurricane activity” in the Atlantic basin this year, travelers with plans to visit Florida, the Caribbean, or Mexico may want to take note.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) “is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3-5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).” NOAA has “70 percent confidence” in these predictions.

Every year from June to November, hurricane season looms over the Atlantic. While the odds of a storm hitting your exact destination at your exact time of travel are slim, the reality is that hurricanes can and do disrupt vacations.

As a born-and-raised Floridian, I’m used to it and know what to do—we track storms, prepare when warranted (and party when not), batten down the hatches, or get the hell out of Dodge, depending. But, understandably, non-natives often find hurricane season intimidating.

So what happens if a hurricane threatens to derail your plans—or worse, hits while you’re there? We gathered insight to help you navigate the storm, literally and figuratively. From knowing your cancellation rights to riding it out safely, here’s what to know before, during, and after a hurricane potentially impacts your trip.

1. Understand your destination’s risk level.

Not all regions are equally vulnerable to hurricanes; storm severity and local infrastructure vary widely. For example, being in Miami is very different from being on a remote island in the Caribbean and both of those are very different from being in Gulf Coast cities below sea level.

Larger cities tend to have more resources and better evacuation plans, while islands and low-lying areas may face prolonged outages and slower recovery.

Infrastructure also varies widely, and construction quality is a huge factor in how well a place fares. The Caribe Hilton in San Juan, for example, underwent a $150 million rebuild after a devastating hit from Hurricane Maria in 2018; now, the hotel has hurricane-resistant features including impact windows in every guest room, upgraded building systems and exteriors, and enhanced structural elements to protect guests if another major storm hits.

If you’re booking a trip during peak hurricane season (typically mid-August to late October), weigh how easy it would be to leave quickly if needed, whether the destination has adequate resources and a track record of bouncing back, and your comfort level.

If you’re traveling to a more remote destination, ask your hotel in advance how they handle emergencies.

2. Book wisely and inquire about hurricane policies.

When booking a trip during hurricane season, your safest bet is fully flexible bookings with no penalties for cancellations or changes.

If you’re not booking somewhere with a transparent “hurricane policy,” ask directly—some resorts, especially those in hurricane-prone areas, are surprisingly flexible when a named storm looms. Below, find examples of actual hotels’ hurricane policies:

• “If the National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirms a hurricane category 1 or higher, there is an official warning from the local authorities, and the trajectory is confirmed to directly impact or pass close to that destination, any passenger due to travel there within 72 hours of the statement will not incur a penalty for rescheduling their vacation.”–The Excellence Collection
• “If a hurricane warning is issued by the NHC for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within seven days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.”–Disney
• “In the event that any Palace Resorts, Le Blanc Spa Resorts, or Baglioni Hotels and Resorts is directly impacted by a hurricane … we will gladly offer a certificate for a return stay to the original resort for the number of unused nights.”–Palace Resorts

Forced to evacuate? Some hotels in and out of the storm’s path offer reduced “distress rates” to guests during times of crisis, allowing you to get to safety while staying on budget. Many also offer a forgiving no-show policy, relocations, extensions, evacuation assistance, and more.

Even properties that typically have strict policies often make exceptions in the face of an impending emergency; still, read the fine print, because a looming storm might not be enough to trigger full refunds unless official travel warnings or evacuation orders are in place.

3. Consider destinations outside the hurricane belt.

Skipping hurricane season altogether is an option—sort of. Not all tropical destinations are in the storm’s path. The islands of Aruba and Curaçao, for example, lie outside the hurricane belt, offering a reliable escape even at the height of hurricane season. These Dutch Caribbean islands are reliably sunny and warm year-round, offering an island vacation without the stress of storm threats.

4. Know that travel insurance might not cover hurricanes.

It’s a huge misconception that travel insurance always protects you in a storm, and often, once a storm is named, it’s too late to buy coverage that will apply to that event. Travel insurance may seem like a safety net, but not all plans cover weather-related cancellations, and timing is everything when it comes to these policies.

For example, travel insurance from companies like Allianz can cover hurricane-related trip cancellation, interruption, and delays, but only if you buy the policy before a storm is named. Per their policy, “Travel insurance is designed to offer protection against sudden and unforeseen situations and events. When a hurricane (or other severe weather) becomes a named storm, it also becomes a ‘foreseeable event’ with known potential to affect your travel. If you buy travel insurance after a storm is named, your plan won’t provide coverage for storm-related claims.”

Look for policies with a broader “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) add-on, which allows you to cancel for almost any reason whatsoever and receive a percentage of nonrefundable trip costs back—but know these are more expensive and often must be purchased soon after booking.

Hurricane season or not, always read policy language carefully and don’t assume anything.

5. Don’t pack a hurricane kit—but be storm smart.

You probably don’t need to bring a survival kit on vacation, but packing smart never hurts.

Simple items like a backup battery bank, flashlight, battery-powered fan, cash, poncho, protective quick-dry shoes, shelf-stable snacks, and hard copies of important documents (passport, insurance, etc.) can go a long way. Consider traveling with a compact Starlink Mini, as satellite internet often remains operational even when other internet services are down.

Larger resorts may have medical staff, storm-resistant construction, and direct lines to emergency services, while smaller or boutique hotels may not; it’s worth asking before you arrive.

6. Track the storm and stay flexible.

If a storm is approaching, you’ll see “hurricane watch” or “hurricane warning” in local alerts. These terms aren’t interchangeable; a watch means hurricane conditions are possible—usually within 48 hours—while a warning means they’re expected, typically within 36 hours. A warning is your cue to take immediate action or evacuate if directed.

If a hurricane is on the horizon, closely monitor forecasts from the NHC and local government alerts. Flexibility is your best friend; changing your travel dates by a few days or swapping destinations can make all the difference. Things can change quickly and storms can be unpredictable; it’s worth it to leave early and miss out on a few days of vacation rather than find yourself in a crisis situation and further tax local governments and emergency response teams.

A bit of good news: Improved hurricane analysis in 2025 means the NHC will be able to issue advisories “up to 72 hours before the arrival of storm surge or tropical-storm-force winds on land” (rather than the previous 48), giving people more precious time to prepare.

Some airlines waive change fees when a hurricane threatens certain routes, and hotels may let you rebook without penalty. Be proactive if you want to change your plans; don’t wait for a mandatory evacuation when situations veer chaotic.

People often ask me, “How do you live in Florida when there are so many hurricanes?” And to that I reply: “What other natural disaster do you get several days to prepare for?” Wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes hit with zero notice; with hurricanes, you’ll know about a week out if storms are forming, and you’ll have several days to prepare if the threat strengthens.

Of course, a storm’s course can always shift last-minute, but you’ll generally know in advance the region it will hit or what’s within the cone of destruction.

7. If you’re already there, follow local guidance.

If you’re on vacation and a hurricane forms, listen to local authorities and hotel staff. Most large resorts have established hurricane protocols—including emergency generators, stocked supplies, and training to help guests shelter in place if needed.

Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa in Mexico, for example, has weathered many storms and amplified its in-room programming to keep guests entertained indoors. This year, they launched a Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) in-room concierge experience with unlimited 24/7 room service, books of your choosing, and a DIY mocktail, margarita, or guacamole kit to enjoy in-room. The spa also tends to offer specials when there’s inclement weather.

If you’re staying in a vacation rental, make sure you know how to safely operate a generator if needed—and never run it indoors. But even in modern resorts, power and internet can go out. No matter where you are, make a plan to stay safe and know how you’ll stay connected.

The Red Cross recommends downloading emergency apps, keeping a flashlight or headlamp on hand, and being ready to go without water, cell service, and electricity for a few days, especially in more remote areas.

8. Be kind to hotel staff.

If your vacation gets disrupted, locals’ lives do too. Resort teams often work around the clock during storms, sometimes sleeping on-site while trying to care for their own families and lives at the same time. A little patience—and maybe a generous tip—goes a long way during and after a natural disaster. Remember that in times of emergency, we’re all in it together.

9. After a storm, be mindful about visiting.

Once a hurricane passes, recovery timelines can vary. Some destinations bounce back within days; others need months or years. Infrastructure, supply chains, and even access to clean water may be compromised, especially for smaller islands or less-developed areas.

That said, returning tourists are often crucial to local economies. If officials say it’s safe and the community is ready to welcome visitors again, your trip can powerfully support recovery. Just be respectful of what the area has been through.

I, for one, can’t wait for the day guests can return to Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Grenadines; the resort was leveled by Hurricane Beryl in June 2024 (not long after my first visit to the dreamy paradise) and has since dedicated itself to supplying emergency relief to nearby Union Island. I follow the progress on social media, cheering on their painstaking process of rebuilding.

More Tips for Traveling During Hurricane Season

Sometimes, the trip can’t wait. If you plan to travel during hurricane season, opt for nonstop flights that are early in the day to reduce your risk of getting stranded on connecting layovers (especially in hurricane-prone areas) or facing delays or cancellations during afternoon storms, which are more common during these weather-volatile months.

A trusted travel advisor can also be a lifeline during travel disruptions; if flights are canceled or hotels close, they often have direct access to info and can rebook you fast.

Lastly, communicate with loved ones about your travel plans (and contingencies), and save emergency numbers like your hotel’s direct line, contact info for the local tourism board, and your airline’s customer service line. You can also sign up for local emergency alerts and download apps like FEMA or the Red Cross for push notifications.

Traveling during hurricane season comes with risks, but with smart planning and flexibility, you don’t have to avoid it altogether. Book flexible reservations, know your rights, monitor the weather, and always put safety first; after all, it’s not a vacation if you sacrifice peace of mind to make it happen.