Should I be concerned about attending a wedding in the Caribbean during hurricane season?

In this series, the Dinogo Planet team addresses your travel concerns and shares tips and hacks to ensure a smooth trip. We posed this Caribbean-related question to Dallas-based travel journalist Alex Temblador, who has explored the region from Barbados to Bonaire.

Question: My family is heading to the Caribbean this summer for a wedding. Should I be worried about going during hurricane season?

Alex Temblador: The Caribbean is a favored wedding spot—who wouldn't want to tie the knot on a beautiful sandy beach with a sunset view? The numerous resorts in the region are fully equipped to handle all wedding festivities and accommodate guests, and before and after the big day, the couple and their wedding party can explore an entire island—like Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic.

If you're planning a trip to the Caribbean for a wedding this summer, it's understandable to feel anxious about the strong storms that tend to hit during the summer and fall. The possibility of a hurricane can cast a shadow over any wedding celebration.

But trust me, there's not much to worry about.

While hurricane season spans from June to November, historically, September is the month with the most severe hurricanes. So, if the wedding is planned for June, July, or November, you're likely in the clear. Additionally, meteorologists closely monitor tropical storms in the Caribbean, providing insights and forecasts days ahead, giving you ample time to adjust your travel plans if needed. Even if a hurricane strikes on the wedding day, stay composed. Most resorts are built to withstand hurricane winds and have safety protocols in place.

Even in the most hurricane-prone months, certain Caribbean nations rarely face direct hits. Take Barbados, for instance: its position in the southeastern Caribbean and a phenomenon known as the Coriolis force significantly reduce its chances of encountering a hurricane, making it an ideal summer wedding venue. (Imagine 80 white-sand beaches, rum tastings at Mount Gay Rum, and submarine tours to explore the ocean depths between wedding events.)

Other Caribbean destinations like Bonaire, the San Blas Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, and Grenada are also excellent choices for weddings this summer. Consider this: hurricanes typically start as tropical storms southeast of the Caribbean. These storms move northeast toward the USA, gaining strength from the warm waters until they develop into hurricanes. This means these southeastern islands experience the least danger when storms pass by. While a tropical storm or low-level hurricane may occasionally approach, it's uncommon for these countries to be directly impacted, as shown in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Historical Hurricane Tracks map.

For added peace of mind, I recommend securing travel insurance that includes hurricane coverage, regardless of where the Caribbean wedding is held. A hurricane or tropical storm could potentially delay your flight, even to a location unaffected by the storm. Many travel insurance providers offer compensation for significant delays or cancellations due to hurricanes. Working with a travel advisor is another effective way to stay informed about any factors that could affect your wedding trip.

Lastly, keep in mind that regardless of where a summer wedding occurs in the Caribbean, you might encounter rainy mornings, occasional showers, and brief downpours at any time. Be sure to pack a poncho or umbrella along with that vibrant wedding attire.

Remember, rain on your wedding day is considered a sign of good luck.