Traveling to a Caribbean Wedding During Hurricane Season: What You Need to Know

Caribbean Weddings During Hurricane Season

The Caribbean is a sought-after wedding destination. Who can blame couples for desiring a ceremony on a picturesque white sandy beach with a breathtaking sunset? With numerous resorts prepared to host all wedding-related activities and accommodation for guests, the Caribbean offers countless exploration opportunities before and after the big day.

Addressing Concerns About Hurricane Season

If you’re planning a wedding trip to the Caribbean during the hurricane season from June to November, it’s natural to feel apprehensive about the potential for storms. However, historical data indicates that September is typically the most hurricane-prone month, suggesting that weddings scheduled for June, July, or November generally have a lower risk of disruption.

Furthermore, meteorologists actively monitor tropical storms in the Caribbean, providing valuable insights and predictions well in advance. This proactive tracking means that if a hurricane is approaching, you’ll be notified days ahead, allowing for any necessary travel adjustments.

A Colombian woman and man pose for a wedding photo shoot in the colonial streets of Cartagena, Colombia
The best part of attending a Caribbean wedding? Everything you can do before and after the big day © Alexandre Laprise / Shutterstock

Choosing Safer Destinations

Regions such as Barbados, located in the southeastern corner of the Caribbean, benefit from a lower likelihood of hurricane strikes, thanks to geographical factors like the Coriolis force. This makes it an excellent choice for a summer wedding destination. Picture enjoying 80 stunning white-sand beaches, rum tastings at Mount Gay Rum, and thrilling submarine tours—all in the name of wedding festivities.

A rum tasting at Mount Gay is the perfect pre-wedding activity
A rum tasting at Mount Gay is the perfect pre-wedding activity @ Courtesy of Mount Gay Barbados Rum

Other Caribbean locations, such as Bonaire, San Blas Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, and Grenada, are also promising choices for weddings during the summer months. Understanding that hurricanes typically begin as tropical storms southeast of the Caribbean—which travel northeast and gain power—can provide reassurance. It’s less common for storms to make direct hits on these southeastern islands, which are often safe from the worst impacts.

Prepare for the Unexpected

To enhance peace of mind, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers hurricanes, regardless of the wedding location. Travel disruptions could occur even if the destination remains unaffected, and many insurance providers offer compensations for flight delays and trip cancellations due to hurricanes. Partnering with a travel advisor can further help to navigate potential changes or challenges related to your travel plans.

Packing Essentials

Finally, regardless of the wedding’s location in the Caribbean, it’s prudent to prepare for sudden weather changes—rainy mornings, intermittent showers, and brief downpours can occur. Bringing a poncho or an umbrella along with your vibrant wedding attire will ensure you’re ready for anything.

After all, a sprinkle of rain on a wedding day is often considered a sign of good luck.


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