When is hurricane season in the Caribbean?

Those who recall headlines from 2017 will remember how devastating that particular hurricane season was for the Caribbean. The extreme weather caused more than $91.61 billion worth of damage; the most expensive tropical cyclone season recorded at that time.

As news reports showcased, 2017’s hurricane season devastated the lives of millions and left hundreds of thousands of people homeless and displaced. While the Caribbean remains prone to hurricanes, nobody had witnessed such a scale of destruction before.

Hurricane Irma was the first big one. Slicing through the Eastern Caribbean in September 2017, Irma tore major cruise ports apart, closed down Key West and ignited a domino effect of cruise ship cancellations and itinerary alterations.

Hurricane Maria followed a fortnight later, ensuring that further damage was inflicted upon the Caribbean people. Although cruise lines had clocked the severity of incoming storms, more than 136 sailings were disrupted – creating an unprecedented impact on the cruise industry.

It is this kind of event and coverage that raises questions about the safety of travelling to and from the Caribbean. We’d like to take this opportunity to establish one big thing; the cruise industry would never put your life at risk. Your safety and well-being are paramount to each and every cruise line, and should the weather turn against the sailing, you’ll always get home safely.

When is the Caribbean hurricane season?

The Caribbean region is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes from the start of June until the end of November. The official hurricane season is recognised from June 1 to November 30, but storm activity can fall beyond these parameters on rare occasions.

Hurricanes have been known to occur as early as May, whereas July is often free from tropical storms once sea water cools across the Caribbean’s southern regions. Warmer waters throughout October cause most hurricanes to form, while June brings a higher chance of bad weather.

That being said, these conditions don’t guarantee hurricane activity, and those that are generated vary in size, impact and severity.

During May and June, hurricanes typically hit western areas, whereas most of the region can be affected by August and September. The season peaks in October when the ocean surface hits the highest yearly temperatures, creating storms with the strongest force.

Why is the Caribbean prone to hurricane weather?

It’s all about location. The majority of Caribbean storms form over the Atlantic, most commonly off the coast of West Africa. Hurricanes are then charged by moist air and warm water – something that the Caribbean climate offers aplenty throughout summer months.

As warm air rises quickly, it churns the surface and creates waves alongside extremely powerful winds. As this intense activity hits land, it devastates the coastal communities. Flooding from the subsequent storm surge sets the foundation for dangerous conditions, especially once winds exceed 150mph.

Those further from the coast tend to escape the worst, as the storm’s power eases when fuel (warm water) becomes less available over dry land. Smaller islands have no escape, as they are surrounded by the warm waters of the Caribbean and remain particularly vulnerable to tropical storms.

Do cruise lines avoid hurricane season in the Caribbean?

Unsurprisingly, the most popular time for tourists to the Caribbean is not hurricane season.

From December until April, cruise ship companies offer a full itinerary of destinations and activities. With warm weather and very few spells of rain, with little-to-no risk from hurricanes, these peak months make the Caribbean a safe and wonderfully pleasant destination.

It’s worth noting that these months are also the busiest where prices hit the highest rates.

Cruise line companies may still offer voyages during hurricane season, but their experts always study the tropical patterns. If it’s looking risky, the destinations and itinerary will change to avoid any danger zones.