Last Updated on May 31, 2026 by Elizabeth
Planning a summer or fall escape to the East Coast, Gulf Coast or Caribbean? Pre-season forecasts indicate an below-average to average hurricane season in 2026.
When booking a hotel in the Atlantic region, read the fine print on cancellation policies. Don’t choose a nonrefundable hotel rate; you can generally cancel a hotel booking within 24 to 72 hours of your stay should the weather forecast look ominous. And consider buying travel insurance with hurricane coverage.
What is the Forecast for Hurricane Season 2026?
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, and runs for a full six months, through November 30. The peak period begins in early August and runs through the end of October. Early pre-season forecasts indicate 2026 will have a Atlantic hurricane season that’s less active than usual.
The NOAA Climate Prediction Center is forecasting eight to 14 named storms, with three to six hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes.
AccuWeather is predicting 11 to 16 tropical storms, with four to seven hurricanes, including two to four major hurricanes.
Colorado State University expects 13 named storms. Of those, six will become hurricanes, with two that could become major hurricanes.
The Weather Company is predicting 12 tropical storms, with six hurricanes, including two major hurricanes.
To put these projections in perspective, consider that an average hurricane season brings a total of 12 named tropical storms and six hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
A tropical storm has a maximum sustained wind speed of 39 mph. A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when its wind speed reaches 74 mph. Major hurricanes – Category 3, 4 or 5 – have sustained wind speeds of 111 mph or greater.
The “Safest” Caribbean Islands During Hurricane Season
Not all Caribbean destinations are prone to getting pummeled in big storms. Some islands—especially those in the southern Caribbean—have historically stayed out of harm’s way. So go ahead and plan your tropical getaway, but choose wisely.
The “ABC Islands” (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) are the safest bets. The last time Aruba was affected by a storm was in 2007, when Hurricane Felix caused minor damage when it skirted about 60 miles away from the island.
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