Florida hurricane season: everything you need to know

Updated August 10, 2026.

Florida hurricane season officially takes place between 1 June and 30 November and it is a period that usually generates many doubts among brazilians who plan to travel to Orlando.

After all, is traveling to Florida during hurricane season dangerous? Orlando can be hit directly? Disney and Universal parks close down? What happens to tickets, hotels and flights if there is a hurricane during the trip?

The most important answer is: Being in the area during the Florida hurricane season doesn't mean you'll have a hurricane during your trip.

Orlando is located in the interior of Florida and is therefore not exposed to the same risks as coastal regions. However, the city may suffer effects of tropical storms and hurricanes, especially with heavy rain, winds, flooding and infrastructure disruptions.

In this guide, you will understand when it's the Florida hurricane season, what are the months of greatest activity, how the forecast works, what are the risks for Orlando, what can happen to Disney and Universal and what to do if a tropical system is approaching during your trip.

Update: this content is updated periodically with the latest information about the hurricane season and the orientations for those traveling to Orlando.

When's the Florida hurricane season?

The official season of Atlantic hurricanes begins in June 1st and ends November 30th.

These are official dates, but that does not mean that tropical storms cannot arise outside this period. They may occur before June or after November, although they are less common.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), hurricane activity in the Atlantic usually increases throughout the summer and reaches its weather peak around September 10. Most of the activity occurs approximately between mid-August and mid-October.

So if you plan to travel to Orlando in August, September or early October, you will be just within the most historically active period of the season.

Hurricane season month to month

It is important to remember that this table represents the historical behavior of the AtlanticIt doesn't mean there's necessarily going to be a hurricane in a given month.

Why is there a hurricane season in Florida?  

Hurricanes are formed from tropical systems that find favorable conditions, such as sufficiently hot oceanic waters, humidity and certain atmospheric patterns.

During the summer and early autumn of the northern hemisphere, these conditions are more favorable in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico.

That's why most of the Atlantic tropical activity takes place between June and November.

What's the difference between tropical storm and hurricane?

Not every tropical system is a hurricane.

A tropical storm gets a name when its sustained winds reach at least 39 mph (63 km/h).

When the sustained winds hit 74 mph (119 km/h)The system is classified as a hurricane.

Hurricanes are classified according to the Saffir-Simpson Scale, which considers the speed of sustained winds:

The categories help to indicate the potential for wind damage, but do not represent all the dangers of a tropical system.

Even a tropical storm or a minor hurricane can cause intense rain, floods, tornadoes, tree falls and power supply disruptions.

What's the forecast for the Florida hurricane season in 2026?

The hurricane season forecast is not fixed. It is updated throughout the year as new weather information becomes available.

The latest update of NOAA was released in 6 August 2026 And it points to a season below average in the Atlantic.

According to the current forecast, NOAA estimates:

NOAA also estimates today 75% probability of a season below average, 20% probability of a season near the average and 5% probability of a season above the average.

As a comparison, the average from 1991 to 2020 is approximately 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.

The current forecast already considers the systems that formed previously in the season.

What explains the 2026 forecast?

One of the main factors considered by meteorologists is the presence of the El Niño.

In general, El Niño increases the vertical shear of the wind over the Atlantic, which can hinder the formation and strengthening of tropical cyclones.

Therefore, the expected conditions for 2026 contributed to the forecast of a season below average.

But watch out: a season below average does not mean a season without hurricanes.

Nor does it mean that a certain city is free of risk.

A single storm can cause major impacts in a region, regardless of the total number of systems that are formed during the season.

Meteorologists predict a 60% chance of there being between 13 and 19 named storms, of which six to 10 must evolve into hurricanes. In addition, it is estimated that three to five of them can reach high intensity.

Thus, if the number of storms exceeds the list available, additional names may be added by the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Does the 2026 forecast mean Orlando's out of the woods?

No, that's a very important difference.

A seasonal forecast informs the amount of activity that weathermen expect for the whole AtlanticShe can't tell months earlier if a certain hurricane will hit Orlando.

In practice, a forecast as “7 to 13 named storms” does not mean that seven to 13 storms will pass through Florida.

It is also not possible to use seasonal forecast to determine where future landsfalls will occur.

For those who are planning a trip, what really matters is to keep up with the weather situation next to the dates of the trip.

Orlando gets hit by hurricanes?

Yes, Orlando can suffer impacts from hurricanes and tropical storms.

The city is located in the central Florida area of the state, and is not directly exposed to the same coastal effects as a sea-stricken region.

This can reduce certain risks, especially those directly related to the coast and the storm tide.

However, a tropical system that advances over Florida can cause Orlando:

• heavy rain;
• strong winds;
• the fall of trees;
• energy supply disruptions;
• floods;
• problems on the roads;
• cancellation or delay of flights;
• changes in the operation of attractions;
• temporary closure of parks;
• Transporter interruption.

Besides, a system doesn't need to pass exactly over Orlando to cause impacts in the region.

It is therefore not right to say that Orlando is “immune” to hurricanes.

The most appropriate thing is to say that the risk and type of impact are different from those observed in coastal regions..

Is it dangerous to travel to Orlando during hurricane season?

The simple existence of hurricane season does not mean that it is dangerous to travel to Orlando.

The season lasts six months, and thousands of tourists visit the city during this period normally.

What deserves attention is the existence of a specific tropical system that may affect the region during its travel dates.

If there is no system threatening Florida, there is no reason to treat your trip as if there was a hurricane on the way just because the calendar is between June and November.

On the other hand, if there is a hurricane or tropical storm being monitored, it is important to monitor official information and follow the guidance of the authorities.

What's the worst month to travel to Orlando during the hurricane season?

Historically, September is the month of the largest hurricane activity in the Atlantic.

The climatological peak occurs around September 10, and the highest concentration of activity occurs approximately between mid-August and mid-October.

This does not mean, however, that September is necessarily a bad month to travel to Orlando.

It is not possible to know in advance whether there will be a hurricane during a certain journey.

If you plan to travel during this period, the best strategy is simply to be prepared and follow the weather forecast before and during the trip.

Can travelling during hurricane season be cheaper?

The hurricane season partially coincides with periods of lower tourist demand in Orlando, mainly outside school holidays and holidays.

So depending on the time and demand, it may be possible to find more interesting prices in tickets, hotels and other services.

But it's not right to say that All hurricane season is low season.

Prices vary greatly according to:

• school holidays;
• holidays;
• events;
• special dates in parks;
• demand;
• availability of hotels;
• prices of air tickets.

Therefore, the possibility of saving may be an advantage, but it should not be the only factor considered in choosing the date of the trip.

Hurricanes in Florida and Orlando parks

One of the biggest concerns of Brazilian tourists is to imagine what happens to Disney parks, Universal and other entertainment complexes when a hurricane approaches.

The good news is that parks have security protocols and follow weather conditions.

That doesn't mean they'll remain open in any situation.

If there are severe conditions, operations can be changed and, in exceptional situations, parks can close.

It is therefore important to always monitor the official information of the park when there is a concrete threat.

Disney shuts down the parks during a hurricane?

Walt Disney World has already closed its parks in some exceptional situations related to hurricanes and severe weather conditions.

So, although the closures are unusual, they can happen when the security of visitors and employees requires this measure.

If there is an important weather situation during your trip, do not rely solely on previous experiences or information found on social networks.

See Walt Disney World's official channels directly.

• 📌 Bastidores: How Disney Prepares for Storms and Hurricanes — See how parks organize themselves to ensure security and minimize impacts.
• 📌 The times Disney closed their theme parks — Remember the rare moments when Disney had to suspend its operations on account of hurricanes.

What if I have a reservation at Disney?

Disney has a specific policy for certain reservations when a Hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando region or the visitor's place of residence within seven days of scheduled arrival date.

In such circumstances, certain hosting reservations and packages purchased directly from Disney can be cancelled or rescheduled without Disney's fee for change or cancellation.

However, this policy has conditions and exceptions.

If your trip includes third party services such as:

• airfare;
• car rental;
• hotel booked outside Disney;
• travel insurance;
• transport;
• travel agency;

these services remain subject to the policies of their suppliers.

So, do not assume that the cancellation or rescheduling of a Disney service automatically applies to your entire trip.

What about Universal Orlando?

Universal Orlando also has a specific policy for severe weather conditions.

According to the current Universal policy, if a Hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center, or if declared a state of emergency for Orlando or the visitor's place of residence within seven days of arrival, certain reservations made directly with Universal can be cancelled or rescheduled without any change or cancellation fees imposed by Universal.

The policy can cover certain holiday packages, stays and tickets purchased directly from Universal.

Services purchased by agencies, operators or other third parties follow the rules of those suppliers.

So always check the policy corresponding to the reservation you actually bought.

What happens to the park tickets?

That's a fairly common doubt.

The answer depends on:

• Which park did you buy;
• What kind of ticket you have;
• where you bought it;
• whether there is a special climate policy;
• whether the ticket was purchased directly or through a third party.

There is no universal rule saying that any ticket will automatically be refunded when it rains or there is a storm.

So if there is a hurricane during your trip, please consult the official policies of the park and the supplier responsible for your purchase.

What if my flight is canceled because of a hurricane?

That's a different question from park policy.

If your flight is cancelled or changed because of weather conditions, the solution will depend on the airline and the conditions of your flight.

In certain situations, airlines may publish special flexibility policies for passengers affected by storms.

So if there's a tropical system threatening the region:

1. follow the status of your flight;
2. check the airline's reports;
3. keep the company application installed;
4. Follow your email and messages;
5. verify that there is a special policy of amendment;
6. Do not go to the airport simply because the flight still appears as confirmed without checking the company updates first.

If the flight is changed, remember to check also:

• hotel;
• car rental;
• transfer;
• tickets;
• Safe trip.

Travel insurance covers hurricane problems?

That depends on the policy.

It is not correct to claim that every travel insurance automatically covers any damage caused by a hurricane.

Some policies may offer coverage related to:

• cancellation;
• interruption of the journey;
• delay;
• emergency expenditure;
• additional accommodation;
• transport problems.

But conditions, limits and exclusions vary widely.

Before hiring insurance, read specifically the rules related to weather events, natural disasters, cancellation and interruption of the trip.

And after you hire, keep the insurance policy and contacts easily accessible during the trip.

What if there's a hurricane during my trip to Orlando?

If you're already in Orlando when a tropical system is approaching, the first thing you do is do not make decisions based only on social media publications.

Follow the official sources and guidelines of your hotel and local authorities.

1. Follow the National Hurricane Center

The National Hurricane Center, or NHC, is one of the main official sources for monitoring tropical systems in the Atlantic.

Through it, you can follow:

• path;
• intensity;
• alerts;
• forecasts;
• weather discussions;
• possible impacts.

2. Follow the hotel guidelines

If you are staying in Orlando, follow the messages from the hotel administration.

In a situation of severe conditions, the staff can advise guests on:

• staying in the room;
• more protected areas;
• food;
• displacements;
• the operation of certain installations;
• emergency procedures.

3. Avoid leaving unnecessarily

If there is a guidance to remain in a safe place, do not just go out to observe the storm.

Strong winds, fallen trees, loose objects, flooding and other dangers can make a very risky displacement.

4. Keep your phone loaded

The mobile phone can be an important tool for receiving alerts and tracking information.

If you have an external battery, keep it charged.

5. Have documents and essential items by hand

Make it easy to reach:

• passport;
• documents;
• personal use medicines;
• chargers;
• external battery;
• water;
• some food;
• flashlight;
• Important contacts.

6. Never cross flooded areas

Even if the water looks shallow, you may not be able to see holes, objects or the force of the current.

If there is flooding, follow the guidance of the authorities and look for a safe place.

How to prepare before traveling to Orlando during the hurricane season?

You don't need to set up a “survivor kit” for a normal trip to Orlando.

But some simple precautions can make your journey much quieter.

Before the trip

Check the cancellation policies

When booking hotel, ticket, car rental and tickets, know exactly what are the conditions for change or cancellation.

Have a proper travel insurance

Read the policy conditions before the trip and not just after a problem arises.

Keep some flexibility in the script

If you are traveling during the most active period of the season, it may be interesting not to leave the script completely cast every day.

Follow the forecast before boarding

A forecast made months earlier is of limited use to determine the conditions of your day of travel.

The closer the date is, the more important it is to keep up with the forecast.

How do we keep up with hurricane forecast?

To keep up with a tropical system, you prefer official sources.

National Hurricane Center

The NHC monitors Atlantic tropical systems and publishes the main warnings, forecasts and information on possible impacts.

NOAA

The NOAA is responsible for seasonal forecasts and for various weather and climate information used by the US authorities.

Disney

If you have a scheduled trip to Walt Disney World and there is a threat to a tropical system, please consult Disney's official channels to learn about the running of the applicable parks and policies.

Universal Orlando

Likewise, please consult Universal Orlando's official channels to check for changes in the operation and conditions of your reservation.

What's the hurricane forecast cone?

You've probably seen that map with a cone-shaped white area on the news following the predicted trajectory of a hurricane.

That's the call. forecast cone.

It represents the likely trajectory of the system center and helps communicate the uncertainty in the predictions.

One important information for tourists is that The cone doesn't mean that every location inside it will receive hurricane winds..

Similarly, the effects of a system can occur outside the central area represented by the cone.

So never use the cone as if it were an exact map of where there will be destruction.

Also follow maps and warnings related to winds, rains, storm, storm tide and other risks.

Is hurricane season the same as the Orlando rain season?

No, this is a fairly common confusion among tourists.

Orlando has a period of higher occurrence of rains and storms during the hottest months of the year.

It is perfectly possible to have a heavy rainstorm in Orlando and, a few hours later, the sky is again open.

That doesn't mean there's a hurricane nearby.

A hurricane is a large-scale tropical system, with very different characteristics and impacts from a common summer storm.

So, Don't confuse Orlando's typical rain with the approach of a hurricane.

What to do in Orlando on a rainy day?

Even during hurricane season, most days will not be dominated by hurricanes.

And even when there's rain in Orlando, that doesn't necessarily mean you need to cancel your day.

If it is just a regular summer rain, many attractions continue to function normally.

You can also adapt the script and enjoy:

• stores;
• outputs;
• restaurants;
• indoor attractions;
• museums;
• aquariums;
• entertainment centres;
• Disney Springs;
• Universal CityWalk.

Also read:

📌 Orlando indoor: What to do in a rainy day?

History: Hurricanes That Have Ever Affected Orlando

Although Orlando is in the interior of Florida, the region has had effects from several tropical systems over the years.

Among the hurricanes that caused major impacts in the region are:

• Charley, 2004;
• Frances, 2004;
• Jeanne, 2004;
• Matthew, 2016;
• Irma, 2017;
• Dorian, 2019;
• Ian, in 2022;
• Nicole, 2022.

History is important to understand that Orlando is not free from hurricane effects.

At the same time, it also shows why we should not interpret a hurricane season as if the city were necessarily about to suffer a direct impact.

Each system has a different trajectory, intensity, size and behavior.

How was the 2025 hurricane season?

The 2025 season is part of the recent history and can be used as a reference to understand the evolution of Atlantic activity.

However, the behavior of a season does not determine what will happen the following year.

Therefore, 2025 information is presented here mainly as historical context, while the information from 2026 is updated as new official forecasts are disclosed.

From the next few years, this page will continue to be updated with the history of previous seasons.

After all, should I cancel my trip to Orlando because of the hurricane season?

Not simply because your trip will take place during the hurricane season.

The official season runs from June to November and during these months thousands of tourists visit Orlando normally.

What really should be considered is if there is a specific tropical system with the possibility of affecting the region during its travel dates.

If there is no concrete threat, there is no reason to cancel a trip just because it is within the season calendar.

If there is a system being monitored, follow your evolution and see:

• National Hurricane Center;
• the airline;
• hotel;
• Disney;
• Universal;
• car rental;
• insurance;
• Local authorities.

And remember: a season below average does not mean no risk, as well as a season above average does not mean Orlando will be hit.

What matters to the traveler is the real weather situation near the travel dates.

Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Hurricane Season

Summary: what you need to know before you travel

If you're planning a trip to Orlando during the hurricane season, you don't have to panic.

The most important thing is to remember that:

• the official season goes from 1 June to 30 November;
• the historical peak of activity occurs around september;
• Orlando is in the interior of Florida, but can suffer effects from tropical systems;
• a seasonal forecast cannot tell if Orlando will be reached;
• the latest forecast of NOAA for 2026 indicates a season below average;
• even a season below average can produce a system capable of causing important impacts;
• conditions close to the date of the trip are much more important than a forecast made months before;
• Disney and Universal have specific policies for certain hurricane situations;
• services acquired from third parties may follow different rules;
• monitoring official sources is much safer than making decisions based on publications on social networks.

In short, you can travel to Orlando during the hurricane season. The key is to be informed, prepared and follow the weather conditions close to your trip.

Official sources

To follow the weather conditions and park policies, please always see:

• National Hurricane Center (NHC)
• NOAA
• Walt Disney World Resort
• Universal Orlando Resort

The information in this article is updated periodically and is informative. Weather forecasts may change and do not replace alerts, warnings and guidance issued by the competent authorities.

READ ALSO:

• 📌 Hurricane season in Orlando: what to do? — An essential guide with practical tips for those travelling during this period.