Think twice before visiting these destinations in the summer. Alert: HIGH HURRICANE RISK!
There are some places in this world where you should be really careful before visiting because the high hurricane risk might catch you off guard.
These natural disasters leave a mark not only on locals but also on unsuspecting travelers. Remember the effects of Hurricane Irma on St. Martin’s airport in 2017? Rebuilding took an eternity.
So, next time you plan on visiting some tropical paradises, do some research and make sure your dream vacation in these postcard-perfect destinations is not going to be destroyed.
Summer hurricanes are a normal part of life in a lot of tropical regions, but we advise you to visit these places outside of the hurricane season. Cyclones, typhoons, or hurricanes—you don’t want to deal with them, and this is why we made a list of some destinations that have a high hurricane risk so you can be wary of them and maybe avoid them during the summer.
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
The “Big Easy” is an amazing city that many of us want to visit in the summer. The jazz scene, the Cajun and Creole cuisine, and the unique Mardi Gras celebrations make this place a popular destination for tourists, but many ignore or are not aware of the hurricane risk.
Several factors make New Orleans particularly susceptible to hurricanes, and we want to make them known. First, this city is located on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, which makes it a favorite target for tropical storms.
Secondly, New Orleans sits below sea level, which makes it a vulnerable place that tends to flood and be easily affected by storm surges.
The warm water of the Gulf of Mexico is the perfect fuel for these storms, and this is why they are so amplified and powerful in this area. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 remains a reminder of the devastation these storms can unleash.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. Because of this, if you plan to travel during this period, consider purchasing travel insurance with hurricane coverage.
2. Key West, Florida
This is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the US and is also the one retirees love the most. The nice weather, the ocean, the friendly people—it has it all. However, the “southernmost point” of the continental United States has a high hurricane risk, and you should know when the best time is to plan your vacation there.
Key West is located at the tip of the Florida Keys, and this makes this place exposed to both the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. Again, the hurricane season takes place between June 1st and November 30th, and peak activity occurs from August to October.
Many times, hurricanes do not hit the island directly, but they can still disrupt travel plans with heavy rain, strong winds, and potential evacuations.
Opting for flexible booking and carefully monitoring the weather forecast can save your dream vacation.
3. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Nestled at the southern tip of Baja California, Cabo San Lucas is the perfect place for travelers who want to relax on stunning beaches, learn more about marine life, and also party all night long.
However, under this perfect facade, you can find the hurricane risk that can’t be ignored. While Cabo might not be the first place that comes to mind when considering hurricane risks, its location makes it easily affected by those powerful Pacific storms.
Since Cabo San Lucas is found on the west coast, the hurricane season is different from the one in the Atlantic, and it runs from May 15th to November 30th.
The warm waters, the proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and the tropical climate are the main factors that make this place a destination with a high hurricane risk. The last major hurricane that hit Cabo was Hurricane Odile in 2014. Many resorts and businesses have been inoperable for months, and other widespread damage has affected the city.
Hopefully, compared to the Caribbean or the Gulf Coast, Cabo San Lucas has a lower frequency of hurricanes. September and October are considered the peak months, and because of this, it might be a good idea not to plan your vacation then.
4. Galveston, Texas
Galveston, Texas, is a beautiful island city that has multiple sunny beaches, a rich architectural heritage, and some iconic attractions like the Pleasure Pier. However, its charm comes with a twist, the same for every destination on this list: it has a high hurricane risk.
Galveston is located on the western edge of the Gulf of Mexico, which makes it the perfect target for many tropical hurricanes. Also, the shallow continental shelf allows surges to build higher as the storm approaches.
This city follows the Atlantic hurricane season, and most hurricanes hit from August to October. Hopefully, the city has strong hurricane plans, such as evacuation routes, shelters, and flood control systems.
But doing a little bit of research before would not hurt and is the best thing you can do if you don’t want to remain stuck in Galveston if a hurricane hits.
5. San Juan, Puerto Rico
The capital city of Puerto Rico attracts numerous tourists every year with its sandy beaches and fascinating culture. If you go here, you’ll never get bored because there is always something to explore.
But unfortunately, San Juan is also placed in a vulnerable zone that has a high hurricane risk. The island sits squarely within the Atlantic hurricane alley. This is a zone that is notorious for its powerful storms, and the tropical conditions in Puerto Rico are not helping at all.
This place has a history of hurricanes, and these are just a few major ones that hit here: Hurricane Fiona (2022), Hurricane Maria (2017), Hurricane Irma (2017), and Hurricane Hugo (1989).
The hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th, and the island is prepared for such events and also has a strong and resilient community. However, it is best to plan your vacation outside of the hurricane season (December to May).
6. Miami, Florida
This metropolis is a well-known destination where you can find beautiful beaches, great nightlife, and even a rich culture. It is also a favorite spot for many to retire. Miami attracts millions of tourists each year, but behind all of this popularity, the high hurricane risk can be a huge drawback for many.
Miami is located on the southeastern tip of Florida, and this places it directly in the path of the Atlantic hurricanes. The hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, and peak activity takes place from August to October.
The best time to visit Miami if you want to avoid the storms is from December through May. Make sure to have travel insurance in case you visit during the hurricane season. Also, remember to closely monitor the weather.
If you ever end up in a place that was hit by a hurricane, one thing you will need is clean, fresh water. Considering this scenario, sometimes water access might be missing, and a tool that can help you is a portable water filter: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness
You should also read: Top 5 RV-Friendly Coastal Towns
