Top 5 Islands Most Likely Hit By A Hurricane
Admittedly, the Caribbean is one of our favorite places to visit and a dream destination for millions of travelers, but its tropical beauty also comes with the summertime risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity occurring in September. While hurricanes can strike anywhere in the region, some islands are definitely more vulnerable than others due to their location, size, and exposure to the open Atlantic or the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.
2025 HURRICANE SEASON FORECAST
Colorado State University’s research team released their initial predictions calling for an above average hurricane season for 2025.
|
STORM TYPE |
CSU FORECAST |
AVERAGE 1991-2020 |
|---|---|---|
|
NAMED STORMS |
17 |
14 |
|
NAMED STORM DAYS |
85 |
69 |
|
HURRICANES |
9 |
7 |
|
HURRICANE DAYS |
35 |
27 |
|
MAJOR HURRICANES |
4 |
3 |
|
MAJOR HURRICANE DAYS |
9 |
7 |
Nine of the 17 predicted storms could become hurricanes, with four expected to develop into major hurricanes at Category 3 strength or above. A typical year averages about 14 tropical storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes, according to data from the CSU team from 1991 to 2020.
If you’re planning a trip during hurricane season, there are definitely some more hurricane-prone Caribbean destinations to keep in mind. We’ve put together a gallery of islands and east coast destinations impacted by hurricanes and tropical systems since 1990.
THE BAMAMAS
The Bahamas’ proximity to Florida and its low-lying islands makes it highly susceptible to hurricanes. Hurricane Dorian (2019) was one of the strongest storms to hit the country, devastating Abaco and Grand Bahama. The Bahamas has been struck by over 30 hurricanes in the past century, with the majority occurring in August and September.
PUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico sits in the path of many Atlantic hurricanes, and its exposure makes it one of the most hurricane-prone destinations.
Hurricane Maria (2017) was one of the most destructive storms in the island’s history, leaving lasting impacts on infrastructure and tourism. The island faces increased hurricane threats from August to October.
CUBA
Cuba’s large landmass and location in the western Caribbean place it in the crosshairs of both Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico storms. With a history of hurricanes like Hurricane Ike (2008) and Hurricane Irma (2017), Cuba experiences frequent and intense storms. The southern coast is typically hit earlier in the season, while the north and west face greater threats in September and October.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Sharing the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic and Haiti have been affected by numerous hurricanes due to their position along the hurricane belt. Storms like Hurricane Georges (1998) and Hurricane Matthew (2016) caused widespread destruction. Haiti, in particular, faces heightened risks due to deforestation and mountainous terrain, which increase flooding and landslides. The most active months are August through October.
JAMAICA
Jamaica is frequently in the path of hurricanes forming in the central and western Caribbean. While it has avoided some direct hits, hurricanes like Hurricane Gilbert (1988) and Hurricane Ivan (2004) brought widespread damage. Jamaica’s hurricane risk peaks in September and October.
HOW TO TRAVEL SAFELY DURING HURRICANE SEASON
While these destinations face increased hurricane risks, you can still visit with proper planning. In fact, some of the best deals are during the hurricane season. We have put together a hurricane travel guide on when to cancel, reschedule or continue on with your plans.
Have an emergency plan: Know local evacuation routes and stay informed about emergency procedures.
Monitor the forecast: Use reliable weather tracking tools like Weather Passport to stay updated.
Purchase travel insurance: Ensure coverage includes hurricane-related cancellations and delays.
Choose resorts with hurricane policies: Many hotels offer flexible cancellation policies during hurricane season.
Avoid peak hurricane months: Traveling in early summer (June–July) or late fall (November) reduces the risk.