The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30 every year. The Eastern Pacific season starts May 15 and also ends November 30. The statistical peak of the Atlantic season is September 10, when ocean temperatures, low wind shear, and atmospheric moisture align to create the most favorable conditions for tropical development.
While the official season spans six months, roughly 90 percent of all major hurricane activity occurs during the 10-week window from mid-August through mid-October. Early-season storms (June and July) tend to form in the Gulf of Mexico or western Caribbean and are often weaker. Late-season storms (November) tend to form in the southwestern Caribbean.
| Basin | Start | End | Peak | Avg Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic (incl. Gulf & Caribbean) | June 1 | Nov 30 | Sep 10 | 14 named, 7 hurricanes, 3 major |
| Eastern Pacific | May 15 | Nov 30 | Aug–Sep | 15 named, 8 hurricanes, 4 major |
| Central Pacific | June 1 | Nov 30 | Aug–Sep | 4–5 named |
| Western Pacific (Typhoons) | Year-round | Year-round | Jul–Nov | 26 named |
| North Indian Ocean | Apr | Dec | May & Nov | 5 named |
| South Indian / South Pacific | Nov | Apr | Jan–Mar | Varies |
The Atlantic basin is the primary concern for the United States, Caribbean nations, and Central America.
Three factors converge in late summer and early fall to create ideal conditions for hurricanes:
Hurricanes need water temperatures of at least 80°F (26.5°C) to form and strengthen. By September, the tropical Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico are all well above this threshold.
Wind shear is the difference in wind speed or direction between the upper and lower atmosphere. High wind shear tears developing storms apart. In September, the jet stream retreats northward and shear across the tropical Atlantic is at its lowest.
These disturbances move off the west coast of Africa and serve as the seed for most major Atlantic hurricanes. The wave train peaks in August and September.
Increases wind shear across the Atlantic, which suppresses hurricane activity. El Niño years tend to produce fewer named storms and fewer major hurricanes.
Decreases wind shear and warms Atlantic SSTs, creating more favorable conditions. La Niña years tend to be more active and have historically produced some of the most destructive seasons, including 2005 and 2020.
Falls between the two extremes and typically produces activity close to the climatological average of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.
| State | Season Window | Peak Threat | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Jun–Nov | Aug–Oct | Risk from both Atlantic and Gulf storms |
| Texas | Jun–Oct | Aug–Sep | Gulf storms can intensify rapidly |
| Louisiana | Jun–Oct | Aug–Sep | Concave coastline funnels surge |
| South Carolina | Aug–Oct | Aug–Oct | Recurving Atlantic storms |
| North Carolina | Aug–Nov | Aug–Oct | Outer Banks especially vulnerable |
| Georgia / Alabama / Mississippi | Aug–Oct | Aug–Sep | Typically from Gulf landfalls |
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The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and runs through November 30. The Eastern Pacific season starts slightly earlier on May 15.
September is the most active month for Atlantic hurricanes. The statistical peak of the season is September 10. Roughly 90 percent of major hurricane activity occurs between mid-August and mid-October.
Yes. Out-of-season tropical storms and hurricanes have occurred in every month of the year, though they are rare. Recent years have seen pre-season formation in May becoming more common.
Based on the 1991–2020 average, a typical Atlantic season produces 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).
Yes. El Niño increases upper-level wind shear across the Atlantic basin, which inhibits tropical cyclone formation. El Niño years historically produce fewer and weaker Atlantic hurricanes. La Niña years tend to be more active.
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