The Storm Dodgers: Where to Travel in Hurricane Season

The Caribbean hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak danger period being August, September, and October. For travelers, this creates a dilemma: prices are low, crowds are thin, but is it safe?

The answer is yes, if you know geography. The “Hurricane Belt” is a specific band. Some islands sit safely below it. Here are the best “Safe Zone” islands for an autumn escape in 2026.

1. The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao)

Located in the far south Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela, these Dutch islands are statistically hurricane-free.

  • Aruba: The most developed. High-rise hotels, casinos, and perfect white beaches (Eagle Beach). Very dry and windy (divi-divi trees).
  • Bonaire: The diver’s paradise. Shore diving, wild donkeys, and a very quiet, small-town vibe.
  • Curaçao: The cultural hub. Willemstad looks like Amsterdam in the tropics. Great beaches and nightlife.

2. Trinidad & Tobago

Also located deep south, rarely hit by major storms.

  • Trinidad: Industrial, busy, and famous for nature (bird watching at Asa Wright) and food (doubles). Not a beach destination.
  • Tobago: The holiday island. lush rainforests, waterfalls, and Pigeon Point beach.

3. Grenada (The Spice Isle)

Situated at the southern end of the Grenadines. While hit historically (Ivan 2004), it is generally considered low risk compared to Florida/Bahamas.

  • Why Go: It smells of nutmeg and chocolate. Grand Anse beach is world-class. The underwater sculpture park is unique.

4. Barbados

It sits further east into the Atlantic, often pushing storms to the north. (Note: It can be hit, but less frequently than the Leeward islands).

  • Why Go: The “Crop Over” festival in summer is electric. The west coast is luxury; the east coast is rugged surf.

5. The Pacific Option: Hawaii

Hawaii is generally safe from hurricanes (though tropical storms happen).

  • Why Go: September/October is the sweet spot. Kids are back in school, weather is great, prices drop.

6. The European Option: The Mediterranean

September and October are the best months for the Med.

  • Why Go: The sea is warm after the summer. The “Meltemi” wind in Greece dies down.
  • Top Picks: Santorini, Sardinia, Cyprus (warm until November).

7. The Asian Option: Bali and Lombok

While the Caribbean is stormy, Indonesia is in its dry season.

  • Why Go: August/September is prime time. Blue skies, great surf.
  • Warning: Thailand’s Andaman coast (Phuket) is rainy. Stick to the Gulf coast (Koh Samui) or Indonesia.

8. San Blas Islands, Panama

Located safely in the southwest Caribbean. Hurricanes almost never touch Panama.

  • Why Go: September/October is the “calm season” here. No wind means the water is like glass—perfect for snorkeling, though it can be humid.

Travel Tips for Hurricane Season

  1. Travel Insurance: Mandatory. Ensure your policy covers “Trip Cancellation due to Named Storms.” You must buy the policy before the storm is named.
  2. Cruise Deals: Cruises can sail away from storms. September cruises are incredibly cheap.
  3. Flexibility: If a storm forms, airlines will usually let you change dates for free. Be ready to shift your trip by a few days.

9. The Canary Islands (Spain)

Located off Africa, they are generally out of the main Atlantic hurricane path.

  • Why Go: September and October are often the best months of the year here—the “Calmas.” The trade winds drop, and the ocean is at its warmest (23°C).

10. The Azores (Portugal)

While they can get storms, they are rarely full-blown hurricanes.

  • Why Go: It’s the best time for whale watching (Sperm whales are resident). The hydrangea hedges are still blooming.

The “Plan B” Strategy

If you book a trip in the danger zone (e.g., Bahamas in September):

  1. Book Refundable: Pay the extra $50 for a fully refundable hotel rate.
  2. Watch the NHC: The National Hurricane Center website is your bible. Storms are predicted 5-7 days out.
  3. Go Early: If a storm is coming, leave before the airport closes. Don’t try to ride it out in a hotel room without power.

11. Malta: The Mediterranean Safe Haven

Malta sits in the center of the Mediterranean and enjoys warm weather well into November.

  • Why Go: The sea temperature peaks in late summer. It is arguably the best time to visit for swimming.
  • The Risk: Occasional thunderstorms (“Mediccanes”) can occur in late October, but they are rare compared to Atlantic hurricanes.

12. Seychelles: Outside the Cyclone Belt

The main granitic islands (Mahé, Praslin, La Digue) are located outside the cyclone belt of the Indian Ocean.

  • Why Go: You can visit year-round. September is a transition month with calm seas and great visibility for diving.

What to Pack for Hurricane Season Travel

  • Power Bank: Essential. If the power goes out in a storm, your phone is your lifeline.
  • Flashlight: A headlamp is better than a phone light.
  • Snacks: Energy bars and dry food in case shops close for a day.
  • Patience: If a flight is delayed due to weather, getting angry won’t make the plane take off. Bring a good book.

Don’t write off the autumn. The ABC islands offer the Caribbean dream with zero storm stress.