Greetings from South Florida! When I first wrote this back in 2024, Hurricane Milton had kept me up most of the night but thankfully, there wasn’t much damage. That being said, my 83 year old father had refused to evacuate from Bradenton, Florida (close to the water!), which was very stressful!!

This entire situation had me thinking…where am I going to go next time there’s a Cat 4 or Cat 5 hurricane coming my way? Here’s a few things you should know about hurricane season, along with a few suggestions on where to vacation during hurricane season.

When Is Hurricane Season — And When Should You Actually Worry?

Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs June 1 through November 30. But not all six months are created equal.

June–July: Low activity. Great rates, low worry. Most of the Caribbean is perfectly fine.

August: Storms start picking up. Still manageable, but buy your travel insurance before you go.

September–October: This is the danger zone. Statistically the most active months — Hurricane Milton hit in October 2024, which is what inspired this post in the first place. If you're traveling during these two months, you want to be somewhere structurally outside the hurricane belt.

November: Winds down fast. By mid-month, the risk drops significantly and most of the Caribbean is back on the table.

The bottom line: If your trip falls in September or October, the destinations below are your safest bets. And wherever you go during hurricane season, please buy real travel insurance — trip interruption, emergency evacuation, the works. I work with TravelEx and am happy to help you find the right coverage.

*Wondering where to travel during hurricane season? Try The Ritz Carlton, Aruba*

The ABCs: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao

The ABCs are what we travel folks call Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. These three islands are off the coast of Venezuela — people don’t believe this for some reason but I swear it’s true! . These three islands are generally not on the track of most hurricanes. If you are looking for a Caribbean vacation in September or October, here are some properties to check out in this part of the Caribbean…

Aruba: Offers pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious accommodations. Consider staying at the Ritz-Carlton Aruba, a Virtuoso property renowned for its impeccable service and stunning oceanfront location. I am a Marriott Stars & Luminous Advisor which means I can gift you complimentary breakfast for two and a hotel credit when you book through me.

Bonaire: A diver's paradise with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Harbour Village is a popular choice for its direct access to the beach and diverse on-site amenities.

Curaçao: A colorful island with a rich history and charming colonial architecture. The Baoase Luxury Resort offers luxurious accommodations, a beautiful beach, and a variety of dining and entertainment options. This is a Virtuoso property where I can gift you breakfast for two, a resort credit, and upgrade on arrival if available when you book through me.

Panama

Panama's diverse geography, including the Central American isthmus and the Caribbean coast, makes it a relatively safe destination during hurricane season. This is really an overlooked destination and a great place to vacation during hurricane season. Here are two of my favorite properties…

Isla Secas, a private island located in Panama, offers an exclusive and unforgettable experience for discerning travelers. Here's why you should consider staying there for your hurricane vacation:

Unspoiled Natural Beauty:

Secluded Paradise: Isla Secas is a pristine island, far from the crowds and commercialization. Enjoy the tranquility and peacefulness of untouched nature.
Diverse Ecosystems: Explore lush rainforests, pristine beaches, hidden coves, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Eco-Friendly Luxury: The island is committed to sustainability, preserving its natural beauty and minimizing its environmental impact.

The Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama hotel is housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, offering a blend of modern luxury and timeless elegance. Enjoy spacious accommodations with panoramic city views, indulge in exquisite French cuisine, and relax in the hotel's tranquil courtyard. Discover the charm of Panama City's historic district, just right outside the door of the hotel. I am a top-producing Accor HERA advisor, which means I can VIP your stay with complimentary breakfast for two, a hotel credit and more when you book through me.

Belize

With its barrier reef, ancient Mayan ruins, and diverse wildlife, Belize is a fantastic destination for nature lovers. It also enjoys a relatively low risk of hurricanes!

Turtle Inn: Francis Ford Coppola has lovingly overseen every detail of Turtle Inn’s creation, using materials available in Belize’s tropical region. Today, it’s a hideaway praised for its rustic elegance and every imaginable indulgence. The seafront villas are prized features, with their screened porches, spacious living rooms, and private walled gardens. When you’re not “on siesta,” consider becoming a certified diver, swimming in either of the two infinity-edge pools, snorkeling, kayaking, or indulging in your choice of three restaurants. Excursions are available to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s only jaguar preserve. This is a Virtuoso property where I can VIP your hurricane vacation with complimentary breakfast for two, a hotel credit, and more.

Blancaneaux Lodge: Francis Ford Coppola's secluded mountain retreat, Blancaneaux Lodge is every bit as dramatic and inspiring as one might hope. Guests choose from an array of luxuriant accommodations, including the owner's villa, with its open-air living area, and the peaceful riverfront cabanas, with their decks overlooking the waterfalls of Privassion Creek. Active types enjoy riding horseback to hidden falls, hiking, exploring caves, and “discovering” hidden Mayan cities. Of course, there are myriad spa treatments, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and two gourmet restaurants (Montagna and Guatemaltecqua) to boot. This is a Virtuoso property where I can VIP your hurricane vacation with breakfast, a hotel credit, and other amenities.

Colombia

Colombia has experienced a significant transformation in recent years, emerging as a popular tourist destination. The country's diverse landscapes, including the Andes Mountains, the Caribbean coast, and the Amazon rainforest, offer plenty of options for hurricane-free vacations. Here are two of my favorite properties for a hurricane vacation…

Sofitel Baru Cala Blanca Beach Resort: This place is a dream! Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves and the smell of salty air. Sofitel Baru Cala Blanca is all about relaxation and luxury. The rooms are spacious and modern, the food is delicious, and the beach is just steps away. It's the perfect spot to unwind and recharge. I am an Accor HERA advisor and can VIP your stay at this property or any 5 star Accor property. (Fun note: You can also do a double Sofitel stay here and pair this property with the Sofitel in Cartagena.) This is a great vacation spot during hurricane season!

Casa San Agustin: If you're looking for something a bit more historic, Casa San Agustin is a must-visit. This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Cartagena's old town, surrounded by beautiful colonial architecture. The rooms are beautifully decorated, and the hotel has a charming courtyard. It's a great place to explore the city and experience the local culture. This is a Virtuoso property where I can VIP you.

Costa Rica (Guanacaste & Papagayo)

Costa Rica sits south of the main Atlantic storm track and doesn't get hurricanes — and its Pacific coast, where Guanacaste and the Papagayo Peninsula are, follows an entirely different weather pattern from the Caribbean. When the rest of the region is watching the forecast nervously, this corner of Costa Rica is just… fine.

It's also spectacular. Guanacaste is where the dry tropical forest meets the Pacific, and the Papagayo Gulf is one of those rare places where jaw-dropping nature and genuine luxury coexist without apology. Monkeys in the trees, manta rays offshore, and a swim-up bar waiting for you when you're done with all of it.

For hotels, the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo is the gold standard here — a Virtuoso property with its own Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, multiple pools, and one of the better beaches in the country. As a Virtuoso advisor, I can VIP your stay with complimentary breakfast for two, a resort credit, and a room upgrade on arrival when available.

Also worth knowing about: the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, which has a more relaxed, design-forward vibe and sits right on the water. A great option if the Four Seasons feels like more than you need.

I've written a full post on Costa Rica here — it gets into what a luxury trip actually looks like on the ground. But for a hurricane-season escape with beaches, wildlife, and real luxury? Guanacaste and Papagayo belong on this list.

Where Else to Travel During Hurricane Season

This is just a small sampling of places to travel during hurricane season. There are so many other interesting spots, and it really depends on what month we are talking about, how far you’re willing to fly, and where you can get to from your local airport.

Ready to Book Your Hurricane Vacation?

The lights and internet are back on here in Florida and I am ready to Zoom with you! If you’re looking for the best vacation spots during hurricane season, book a complimentary vacation consultation here!

About Krista

I’m a Notre Dame grad and a Chicago Booth MBA based in Palm Beach, Florida. But I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England, selling financial data. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others at a Virtuoso travel advisor. Let me make your next vacation seamless for you.