Hurricane Season in Saint-Barthelemy: Understanding, Preparing, and Traveling Safely
Everything you need to know about hurricane formation, risk periods, local history, and prevention measures for a safe stay.
What is Hurricane Season and Should You Be Worried?
The hurricane season in the Caribbean officially runs from June 1st to November 30th each year. During this period, weather conditions become favorable for the formation of tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes.
However, it is essential to understand that:
Saint-Barthelemy is only rarely hit by major hurricanes. Most seasons pass without any significant event.
Hurricanes are tracked several days in advance. Modern technology allows us to anticipate their trajectory and prepare accordingly.
Buildings in Saint-Barth are constructed according to strict hurricane-resistant standards. Most tourist accommodations offer adequate protection.
Local authorities and tourism professionals have mastered safety and evacuation procedures if necessary.
How Do Tropical Cyclones Form?
Tropical cyclones (called hurricanes in the Atlantic) form through a complex process requiring several specific weather conditions:
Massive evaporation of warm water provides the energy needed for the hurricane. The warmer the water, the more the system can intensify.
Upper-level winds must be stable. Winds that are too strong at altitude prevent the formation of the characteristic rotating system.
Earth's rotation initiates the system's rotational movement. This is why hurricanes never form exactly on the equator.
- 1. Tropical depression (winds < 39 mph): First organized phase, active monitoring begins.
- 2. Tropical storm (39-73 mph): The system strengthens and receives an official name.
- 3. Hurricane (74+ mph): The cyclone reaches its mature form with a clearly defined eye.
- 4. Dissipation: The system weakens upon reaching land or cooler waters.
Hurricane Season Calendar
Hurricane season does not present uniform risk throughout its duration. Here is the month-by-month progression:
June
Risk: LowOfficial start
Hurricane season officially begins on June 1st, but activity generally remains moderate.
July
Risk: Low to ModerateGradual increase
Activity increases slightly. Conditions become more favorable for tropical system formation.
August
Risk: Moderate to HighPeak activity begins
Risk intensifies. August marks the beginning of the most active period of hurricane season.
September
Risk: HighMaximum peak
The highest risk month of the entire season. Enhanced weather monitoring is essential.
October
Risk: Moderate to HighStill elevated activity
Although the peak has passed, October remains a period of important vigilance.
November
Risk: LowEnd of season
Activity gradually decreases. Hurricane season officially ends on November 30th.
The Saffir-Simpson Scale
Hurricanes are classified from 1 to 5 based on wind speed and potential damage:
Category 1
74-95 mphMinor damage
Broken branches, torn signs, possible power outages.
Category 2
96-110 mphModerate damage
Damaged roofs, uprooted trees, extended water and power outages.
Category 3
111-129 mphSignificant damage
Destruction of light structures, coastal flooding, dangers to human life.
Category 4
130-156 mphExtreme damage
Massive destruction of structures, areas uninhabitable for weeks.
Category 5
157+ mphCatastrophic damage
Near-total destruction, life-threatening dangers, area uninhabitable for months.
Hurricane History in Saint-Barthelemy
Although rare, some major hurricanes have marked the recent history of Saint-Barth:
September 6, 2017
Devastating hurricane with winds of 295 km/h.
Impact: Massive destruction, 95% of structures damaged.
September 5, 1995
Major hurricane that hit the Antilles.
Impact: Significant damage to infrastructure.
October 12, 2014
Quick passage with moderate winds.
Impact: Limited damage, mainly trees.
October 16, 2008
Unusual formation in the Caribbean.
Impact: Significant swell and coastal flooding.
Note: After Hurricane Irma in 2017, Saint-Barthelemy strengthened its building standards and improved its infrastructure. The island is now better prepared than ever for hurricane events.
How to Prepare in Case of a Hurricane Alert
- Follow daily bulletins from Meteo France and the National Hurricane Center
- Stock up on drinking water (1.5 gallons per person)
- Have non-perishable food for 3-5 days
- Check flashlights and batteries
- Charge all electronic devices
- Fill up the vehicle
- Withdraw cash
- Secure outdoor objects that could blow away
- Stay indoors, away from windows
- Take shelter in a windowless room (bathroom, hallway)
- NEVER go outside during the eye of the hurricane (deceptive calm)
- Listen to the radio to follow developments
- Do not use plugged-in electrical devices
- Keep your phone off except for emergencies
- Wait for the official all-clear announcement before going outside
- Check the condition of your accommodation (leaks, structural damage)
- Do not touch electrical cables on the ground
- Avoid standing water (health risk)
- Report any emergencies to local authorities
Useful Resources and Contacts
Meteo France Guadeloupe:
Official site for the French Antilles
National Hurricane Center (NHC):
Real-time monitoring of Atlantic hurricanes
Local radio (RCI Guadeloupe):
Continuous information during alerts
Saint-Barthelemy Prefecture:
05 90 27 60 27
Gendarmerie:
17 or 05 90 27 11 70
SAMU (Emergency Medical):
15
Travel Insurance and Cancellation
Most standard travel insurance policies do not automatically include hurricane coverage. It is therefore crucial to:
- Purchase "climate risk" insurance or "all-risk" coverage
- Check the enrollment deadlines (often 24-48 hours after booking)
- Read the cancellation and refund terms carefully
- Keep all supporting documents (official weather alerts, cancellation confirmations)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Season
No, not necessarily. The probability of being directly impacted remains low. However, monitor weather forecasts 7-10 days before your departure and purchase appropriate insurance. Most trips go smoothly without any problems.
Tropical systems are generally detected 5 to 7 days before arrival. Trajectories become more precise 48 to 72 hours in advance. You therefore have plenty of time to prepare or modify your plans.
Local authorities and your accommodation will guide you through safety protocols. You will need to shelter indoors during the passage of the hurricane (typically 6-12 hours). Tourist facilities are designed to withstand and protect occupants.
Airlines monitor the situation and may reschedule flights if necessary. In case of a confirmed hurricane alert, early evacuation flights may be organized. Stay in contact with your airline and your insurance.
No. Direct impacts from major hurricanes remain rare. Since the 1990s, only a few significant events have hit the island (Luis 1995, Irma 2017). Most hurricane seasons pass without any major incident.
Discover the Other Seasons in Saint-Barthelemy
Each time of year offers its own advantages and characteristics. Explore our detailed guides to choose the best time based on your preferences.