What you should know about traveling to Mexico in hurricane season

Hurricane season in Mexico lasts from June until November, though most hurricanes occur between August and October. Hurricanes and tropical storms can affect weather on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Gulf Coast, and the Pacific coast. Inland destinations may get substantial rain during a hurricane’s passage, but in general are not affected as much as areas along the coastlines.

There are some advantages to traveling to Mexico during hurricane season: there are fewer crowds, and hotel rates and airfares may be lower – if you look carefully, you can find some great travel deals. This season also coincides with summer holidays and it may be tempting for families to take advantage of lower prices to enjoy a family get-away. There are risks involved in traveling during hurricane season, however. The likelihood that a hurricane will hit while you are on vacation may be low, but if one does strike, it can completely ruin your vacation.

If you do decide to travel during hurricane season, there are some precautions you can take to minimize the risks involved.
Before you go:

  • Purchase travel insurance and make sure you’re covered in the case that you must cancel or cut short your trip due to a hurricane. Shop around for a policy that meets your needs.
  • Register your trip with your country’s embassy.
  • Monitor the weather. You can check the National Hurricane Center Web Site for current tropical storm and hurricane conditions.
  • Leave a detailed itinerary of your trip with a friend or family member at home.

If a Hurricane Strikes During Your Trip:

It is very rare for a hurricane to strike by surprise. There is advance warning and time to prepare if a hurricane is approaching, although its exact trajectory is unknown, there will be forecasts and a warning for the general area the hurricane is expected to hit. Keep up on weather reports and if you’re in an area that may be affected, consider evacuating beforehand. If you do get caught in a hurricane while you’re in Mexico, remember that there are protocols in place to keep you safe, so follow the instructions of safety personnel. Carry your personal documents in a resealable bag to keep them dry. Charge your cell phone when you can and when you can’t, try to conserve its power by only using it for essential communication.

Source: About Travel