Cyclone & Hurricane Season Planner
Seasonal timing windows and safe-haven routing for tropical storm regions — South Pacific, Caribbean, and Atlantic.
Seasonal Guidance Only
This planner uses historical seasonal patterns only — not live weather data or live storm tracking. Always consult official forecast services (MetService, NOAA, JTWC, etc.) before departure. The skipper remains responsible for all decisions.
Interactive Risk Planner
Seasonal Reference by Region
South Pacific
Tropical Cyclone Season
South Pacific tropical cyclones develop in the warm waters of the Coral Sea, Solomon Sea, and around Fiji/Vanuatu. They typically form between 5°S and 20°S and track south-eastward toward New Zealand, often intensifying as they move poleward.
Typical Storm Tracks
Systems frequently originate near the Solomon Islands or Fiji, tracking SSE toward New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and eventually New Zealand. Some curve south-west toward the Australian coast.
Known Safe Havens
- Opua, New Zealand — Primary cyclone-safe refuge with marina haul-out facilities; check-in port of entry.
- Whangarei, New Zealand — Deep harbour with multiple marinas and boatyards for haul-out.
- Marsden Cove, New Zealand — Sheltered marina south of Whangarei Heads.
- Port Vila, Vanuatu — Sheltered harbour, but still within the cyclone belt — acceptable only outside peak season.
- Noumea, New Caledonia — Large protected harbour with marina facilities; still cyclone-prone in season.
- Suva, Fiji — Deep-water port of entry; exposed to direct cyclone hits during season.
Shelter Strategy
Cruisers departing the tropics for New Zealand typically wait for a suitable weather window after the cyclone season ends (late April–May). Those remaining in the tropics should seek designated cyclone holes or arrange haul-out at a secure boatyard with cyclone tie-downs.
Caribbean
Hurricane Season
Atlantic hurricanes form off the west coast of Africa as tropical waves, tracking westward across the Atlantic into the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. The Caribbean hurricane season is among the most active tropical storm regions globally.
Typical Storm Tracks
Cape Verde-type systems develop near the African coast and track W/WNW across the Atlantic. Caribbean Sea storms often move WNW through the Lesser Antilles, while Gulf storms can curve north-east toward the US Gulf Coast or Florida.
Known Safe Havens
- Trinidad — Located at ~10°N — historically below the main hurricane belt. Popular haul-out refuge with several boatyards.
- Grenada — At ~12°N, generally south of most hurricane tracks; a common cruiser refuge with marinas and haul-out.
- Bonaire & Curaçao (ABC Islands) — Southern Caribbean, generally outside the main hurricane track; limited haul-out facilities.
- Aruba — Far south Caribbean, typically clear of direct hurricane hits.
- Panama / San Blas — Western Caribbean refuge at ~9°N, generally below the storm belt.
Shelter Strategy
Cruisers in the eastern Caribbean during hurricane season commonly sail south to Trinidad, Grenada, or the ABC islands. Those in the western Caribbean head for Panama or the Rio Dulce (Guatemala). Haul-out at a secure boatyard is strongly recommended over riding out a storm at anchor.
Atlantic (North)
Hurricane Season
North Atlantic hurricanes originate as tropical waves off the African coast, tracking west across the Atlantic. They can strike the Caribbean, US East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, or curve north toward Bermuda and Atlantic Canada. The statistical peak of activity is around September 10.
Typical Storm Tracks
Cape Verde systems track WNW from the African coast. Early-season storms tend to form in the Caribbean/Gulf; late-season storms more often originate near the Cape Verde islands and recurve north-east toward Bermuda, the Azores, or Europe as extra-tropical systems.
Known Safe Havens
- Bermuda — Mid-Atlantic refuge with sheltered harbours (St. George's, Hamilton); vulnerable to direct hits but well-prepared.
- Azores (Portugal) — North-east Atlantic refuge, generally outside the main hurricane belt; exposed to recurving extra-tropical storms.
- Horta, Faial (Azores) — Well-known trans-Atlantic stopover with a sheltered marina.
- Hampton/Norfolk, Virginia (US) — US East Coast refuge for southbound cruisers; sheltered inland waterways.
- Lisbon / Cascais, Portugal — European refuge outside the hurricane belt for eastbound Atlantic crossings.
Shelter Strategy
Trans-Atlantic cruisers typically time departures to avoid the peak season (Aug–Oct). For those caught in the western Atlantic, heading north to the US East Coast or east to the Azores are the primary options. Bermuda sits in the storm path and is not a reliable cyclone refuge during peak season.
Guidelines Only — Operator Responsibility
All seasonal windows, storm tracks, and safe-haven information are based on historical patterns and general references only. They do not reflect live storm activity, real-time forecasts, or official warnings. Always verify conditions against official forecast sources (MetService, NOAA NHC, JTWC, Fiji Meteorological Service, etc.) before departure. Sailing carries inherent risk — the operator is solely responsible for all decisions.