When is hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season, which includes the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, officially runs from June 1 to November 30. Storms can form outside those dates, but it's rare.
When it peaks
- Activity ramps up in August, and the statistical peak is around September 10.
- Mid-August through mid-October is when most major hurricanes form.
- Early-season storms (June and July) often form close to home in the Gulf or off the Southeast coast.
- Late-season storms (October and November) often develop in the western Caribbean and southern Gulf and can turn north toward Florida and the northern Gulf Coast.
What it means for the Gulf Coast
The Gulf's warm water can let storms strengthen quickly right before landfall, so there's sometimes only a day or two of warning. That's why prep before the season matters. See our hurricane prep guide.
Is there anything out there now?
The live tracker shows active storms and the National Hurricane Center's areas to watch, updated automatically. Our countdown to the end of the season is on the homepage.
More hurricane basics
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Local storm-prep businessesGeneral information, not an official forecast. Always follow the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service and your local emergency management.