Hurricane season in Mexico officially begins in June and lasts until the end of November. These powerful storms originate and gather strength over the warmer waters of the southern Pacific Ocean to the west and the Gulf of Mexico to the east. Some of these powerful storms end up making landfall on the Pacific, Gulf, and Caribbean coasts.
Hurricanes are actually tropical cyclones that have maximum sustained surface winds of 74 miles per hour or greater. These storms gather energy as they pass over the warmer waters on the east and west coasts of Mexico during the summer months. Depending on its strength, a hurricane that makes landfall can result in significant damage to structures and property on or near the coast, and significant rainfall amounts further inland.
People living and working in the parts of Mexico that are prone to hurricane activity are accustomed to possible storm activity during hurricane season, and know how to prepare and respond. However, if you’re traveling in Mexico during this time of the year, your vacation can be ruined if you’re visiting a beach destination and a hurricane hits.
The summer months
Even though Mexico’s hurricane season starts in June and ends in November, the greatest risk of a hurricane hitting the coastal areas is in the late summer, starting in August and continuing into September and October.
If you’re planning to travel to Mexico during this time of the year, there are some advantages – fewer travelers, lower hotel rates, and airfares. You may be able to find some great deals. However, there are risks associated with traveling to Mexico during hurricane season, so the following are some tips on preparing for hurricanes:
- Purchase travel insurance that covers you in case you have to cancel or cut your trip short due to a hurricane
- Find out if your hotel or resort has a hurricane policy or hurricane guarantee; what are the terms
- Register your trip with the U.S. Department of State
- Leave a detailed itinerary of your trip with a family member or friend
- Scan and email copies of important documents (e.g., passport, driver’s license, flight information, hotel reservations) to yourself in case you lose the physical copies.
Being prepared
If you’re planning a summer vacation with friends or family in coastal Mexico during the hurricane season, it’s important that you know how to prepare for a hurricane. However, you have some options if you want to ensure that you’ll have a hurricane-free vacation.
One option is to choose an inland destination. Consider renting a house in one of Mexico’s beautiful cities as an alternative. If a hurricane does make landfall in a coastal area, you may get a few days of rain or overcast conditions, but the weather will still be warm.
And, on the plus side, you’ll get a chance to learn about the history, culture, art, and cuisine of this unique country if you vacation in one of its vibrant cities. But, before you make your travel plans, check out our blog on the top 10 safest cities in Mexico.