Travel smarter this hurricane season: here’s everything you should know

illustration of a hurricane

Let’s be honest — a hurricane is the last guest you want showing up on your vacation. But if you’re heading somewhere tropical between June and November, it’s smart to understand how hurricane season works — and how to stay ahead of it.

From trip delays to potential evacuations, we’re breaking down what to expect and how to prepare (hint: Faye travel insurance can help when things get stormy).

When is hurricane season?

Hurricane season typically runs through summer and fall in many popular travel destinations. Here’s when to be extra prepared:

  • Atlantic hurricane season (Caribbean, Gulf Coast, East Coast U.S.): June 1 – November 30 (with peak activity from August through October)
  • Pacific hurricane season (West Coast Mexico, Hawaii): May 15 – November 30

Where are hurricanes most likely to occur?

Some regions are more hurricane-prone than others, especially during peak season:

  • The Caribbean – Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, U.S. & British Virgin Islands
  • U.S. Gulf Coast – Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, North & South Carolina
  • Mexico’s coasts – Cancún, Riviera Maya, Baja California Peninsula
  • Hawaii and parts of the Eastern Pacific

Should you travel during hurricane season?

Traveling during hurricane season isn’t off the table, and for many travelers, it comes with perks. If you’re planning a trip during this time, having travel insurance that includes weather-related coverage (like trip cancellation, delay, or interruption) can help ease potential mishaps.

Pros:

  • Lower prices on flights and accommodations
  • Fewer crowds at popular destinations

Cons:

  • Increased risk of weather-related delays or cancellations
  • Possibility of evacuations
  • Storms may impact outdoor activities
palm trees blowing in a storm

How Faye can help when the weather turns

When you’re traveling during hurricane season, having protection in place can make all the difference. Here’s how Faye helps keep things on track, even when the skies don’t cooperate:

Trip cancellation & trip interruption

If you have a policy with Faye and a hurricane renders your home or destination uninhabitable, or your plans are impacted by a covered weather-related reason, you may qualify for reimbursement of up to 100% of your non-refundable trip costs (like flights, hotels, and tours), capped at your total estimated trip cost. If your trip is cut short, Faye may also help cover what you missed, including eligible transportation costs to get home.

Trip delay coverage

If you’re traveling with Faye and are delayed by severe weather by 6+ hours and can’t reach your next destination, you could be reimbursed up to $300 per day, per traveler — up to $2,100 total per trip.

Emergency evacuation & transportation

If you’re in imminent physical danger due to a covered natural disaster and need to evacuate, Faye can help cover the cost of eligible emergency transportation.

24/7 travel assistance

Need help rebooking flights, finding a new hotel, or simply want guidance through the next step? Faye’s support team is available 24/7 in the app, phone, email, or WhatsApp.

When is severe weather not covered?

If a natural disaster or storm is named or becomes a known event before your plan’s effective date, then you may not qualify for reimbursement. A hurricane, for example, is foreseeable on the date it becomes a named storm.

Your hurricane-season checklist

Even with travel insurance, a little prep goes a long way. Here’s what we recommend:

  • Track storms using MyRadar or AccuWeather
  • Sign up for local alerts from your airline or embassy (you can get real-time flight alerts in the Faye app too)
  • Have backup plans, including alternate destinations or flexible dates (this may mean opting for free cancellation or no pre-payment booking options)
  • Know your hotel or vacation rental’s evacuation policy
  • Pack essentials (medicine, chargers, travel documents) in a carry-on bag and store backup copies of your most precious documents in the Faye app’s safekeeping feature
  • Download the Faye app for easy access to coverage & support

Destinations that are safer during hurricane season

Prefer to steer clear of the storm path entirely? These destinations are generally considered lower-risk during peak hurricane season:

  • ABC Islands – Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao
  • Southern Caribbean – Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago
  • Central America – Panama, Belize, Costa Rica
  • U.S. West Coast – California, Oregon, Washington
  • Mediterranean Europe – Spain, Italy, Greece


Note: Even in lower-risk regions, it’s always best to check the forecast before you travel.

So, should I get travel insurance for hurricane season?

If you’re heading to a region where hurricanes are more likely, it’s worth thinking through the what-ifs — and how you’d handle them. Delays, cancellations, and even evacuations can cause stress and unexpected costs.

With Faye, you get more than coverage — you get proactive support, easy-to-access tools, and peace of mind that sticks with you from takeoff to return.

Because while we can’t control the forecast, we can help you travel through it confidently.

Some of the apps and websites mentioned in this post are suggestions. Faye is not affiliated with any third-party providers. Coverage is subject to the specific terms and conditions of your plan. Please refer to your full policy wording for complete details.

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