Today, June 1st, 2011 marks the official start of hurricane season in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. While the word “hurricane” may strike fear in the hearts of many, the truth is that the authorities, businesses and people of the region are well prepared for any meteorological event. We proudly survived Wilma in 2005, the biggest and baddest hurricane in history and rebounded quickly. No tourist was harmed and while their vacations may not have been what they expected, most went home with an incredible story of adventure that they’ll remember for a lifetime. Early reports for 2011 seem to indicate an active year in the Atlantic, but predictions at this time of year tend to have about 70% accuracy, things change as the weather and ocean patterns shift.
So, should you travel to Cancun and the Riviera Maya during hurricane season? Absolutely. Bargains abound during the season and 99.9% of people who book during this time have fantastic vacations unhampered by serious weather. Hurricane season runs June through November, with chances of a storm increasing closer to the end of the season as the temperatures of the ocean rise. In 2011 the technology for identifying and tracking storms is extremely advanced, generally we know several days in advance if we will be affected by a storm. This should ease your mind as a traveler, with this kind of notice it is easy to avoid danger and prepare for any event.
Important things to know about travel during hurricane season
1. Buy travel insurance. This may seem like a no brainer, but it’s vital! Purchase coverage at the same time you purchase your trip, once the storm has formed it’s too late. Travel insurance varies from provider to provider, read the small print to know what you are covered for.
2. Monitor the weather. This doesn’t mean obsess about it or become paranoid about every little blip on the radar, just pay attention to the weather sites and Cancun travel forums in the days leading up to your trip. The National Hurricane Center is the most vital resource and Dr. Jeff Masters at Wunderground has an excellent blog during hurricane season. (Of course you can always follow CancunTravel on Facebook and Twitter, if anything is happening, we’ll be sure to post about it).
3. Travel registries. Whenever you travel it is a good idea to notify your home government of where you will be and the dates of your trips. In the event of anything serious, they will be a great resource to you and your families. People from the United States of America can register with the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, Canadians with Canadian Foreign Affairs and British Nationals with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. For those of you from other countries, a simple Google search will tell you how to register in your homeland.
4. What to expect if you are on vacation when a storm or hurricane strikes. First, stay calm, you will not be in any physical danger. All hotels have plans in place to ensure your safety during a storm. You most likely will not evacuated from your hotel unless it is a very large storm, the buildings in Cancun were constructed to withstand high winds and rain and have facilities that act as shelters. If it is indeed a powerful storm, you may be evacuated to a shelter further inland, your hotel will guide you through the move. Pack a small bag of essentials with you, alcohol hand gel or baby wipes, extra toilet paper, any non-perishable food you might find and be sure your documents are in a plastic bag and carried with you at all times. The electricity is usually turned off before a storm arrives to avoid problems if electrical lines go down, try to find an ATM before the power goes so you are not left without cash. Telephone service may be affected, contact your family or consulate early to let them know what is happening and where you will be. You can expect high winds and lots of rain during a storm, follow your staff’s instructions carefully. Remain calm and patient, everyone is in the same situation and must work together. The worst thing about waiting out a hurricane is boredom, bring a book, a deck of cards and something to keep everyone occupied and distracted.
Do not let the hurricane season 2011 stop you from enjoying a much needed vacation, just be prepared, be aware and get ready for some fun in the sun! Odds are we won’t be seeing another Wilma for a long time to come. Would love to hear your comments about Cancun hurricanes, share your experiences or any other tips you may have for tourists!
Welcome June, we’re ready for you! We came back from Wilma, we can handle anything!
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Great article Kelly, thank you!
During the hurricane season hotels are much cheaper, so you have to decide what you value more money or your health lol
Thanks! This was very helpful! We leave for Riviera Maya on the 2nd of September and this was an area I was highly concerned about. I feel less calm already
I did just watch a movie where some people were vacationing and had a hurricane hit unexpectedly thus making me paranoid, haha. Thanks for your words of wisdom.
@ Emma I too am going to Riviera Maya tomorrow September 2nd .. a bit nervous because everyone says its dangerous to go there ..but hey danger can be anywhere