Travelling During Hurricane Season: What You Need to Know

You’re picturing yourself on a sunny beach, drink in hand, but instead, you’re stuck indoors playing board games at the hotel as a tropical storm rolls in. Welcome to hurricane season, a real consideration if you’re planning a trip down south between June and November. 

The good news? With a few simple precautions, you can avoid travel headaches and stay safe. Keep an eye on weather forecasts, be flexible with your travel plans, and choose the right travel insurance. Read on for our expert tips and a list of safer travel spots during hurricane season.

 

What Is Hurricane Season? 

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the most activity typically occurring between August and October. It primarily affects coastal areas of the southern United States, the Gulf of Mexico, and especially the Caribbean—including popular Canadian vacation spots like Florida, the U.S. East Coast, Cuba, Cancún, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.

These powerful storms can bring torrential rain, power outages, cancelled flights, and even hotel closures, disrupting not only your travel plans but also your safety.

 

What Are the Best Destinations During Hurricane Season? 

Fortunately, there are sun-soaked destinations with stunning beaches and where the risks of tropical storms are minimal between June and November:  

• Southern Europe: Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece are perfect for a sunny, gourmet getaway, especially from September and November.

• Brazil: This vibrant and tropical country lies outside the hurricane belt. With its lively cities, breathtaking beaches, and rich cultural experiences, Brazil is a great alternative for sun-seekers.

• Western North America: If you’re drawn to rugged coastlines and outdoor adventures, consider California or British Columbia. Surf towns like Tofino and Victoria offer a perfect mix of nature and relaxation.

 

Still can’t resist the pull of the Caribbean? While much of the region is affected during hurricane season, a few destinations remain largely untouched. 

• Southern Caribbean: The ABC Islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao—are located just outside the hurricane belt. With turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and consistently sunny weather, they’re a top choice for a Caribbean getaway with minimal storm risk.

 

What If My Destination Is Affected by Hurricane Season? 

Don’t panic—just be prepared.

• Stay informed: Monitor weather updates before and during your trip. Trusted sources include Environment Canada, the National Hurricane Center, and travel.gc.ca for official travel advisories and alerts. 

• Share your travel plans: Give a trusted friend or family member your full itinerary, including flight details, hotel information, and contact numbers. Provide them with copies of important documents like your passport and travel insurance. It’s also smart to carry their contact details with you or note them in your passport in case of emergency. 

• Book flexible accommodations: Look for hotels or rentals that offer flexible cancellation or change policies. Many properties in hurricane-prone areas have contingency plans and will accommodate last-minute adjustments in the event of severe weather. 

• Register with the government: Enroll in the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important updates and allow Canadian authorities to contact you quickly in case of an emergency.

 

Which Travel Insurance Coverage Is Best for Hurricane Season? 

Even with a well-planned itinerary, a sudden storm can disrupt everything—especially during hurricane season. That’s why the right travel insurance isn’t just a nice extra—it’s an essential safety net when unexpected costs arise, like cancelled flights, emergency medical expenses, or a last-minute trip home. 

Here are two key steps to protect yourself: 

1. Read the fine print: Before purchasing a policy, carefully review the terms—especially exclusions and conditions related to weather events and natural disasters.
2. Don’t wait: Purchase your insurance as early as possible. Once a hurricane is forecasted or named, it’s considered a known event, and any related expenses—such as trip cancellations—may no longer be covered if your policy was purchased afterward.

 

With Blue Cross travel insurance, you’ll have coverage designed to help you manage uncertainty with greater ease: 

• 24/7 Travel Assistance: Wherever you are, you’ll have access to a caring, knowledgeable team ready to support you through weather-related disruptions. 

• Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage: If a storm grounds your flight or forces your accommodation to close, this coverage helps reimburse the non-refundable parts of your trip, based on the policy you choose. 

• Option: Cancel for Any Reason: Not comfortable with the forecast? This upgrade lets you cancel your trip and recover a portion of your travel costs—even for reasons not typically covered. 

• Flight Delay Service (included): Delayed by more than three hours due to weather? Enjoy perks like airport lounge access or a hotel stay to make your wait more comfortable. 

 

Learn more about Blue Cross travel insurance coverage

 

Final Thoughts 

Whether your trip brings sunny skies or stormy weather, staying informed and protected is essential. With the right travel insurance, you can confidently handle the unexpected—and focus on making the most of your vacation.