As you likely know, past years have seen a higher frequency of hurricanes than most. If you’re like us, you’re probably trying to avoid traveling to destinations where hurricanes are a possibility, even if there isn’t a storm in the forecast. Safety first they say! Hurricanes most commonly form in the Pacific Ocean but can form over any large, warm body of water. They can easily make landfall near the equator, so it’s best to avoid those areas during hurricane season if you’re concerned. But what about places where hurricanes don’t hit?
If you’re not wanting to stop your travel plans, consider purchasing travel insurance –it could reimburse you for the costs you might lose if you decided to cancel your trip due to a hurricane at your destination. Otherwise, check out our guide on how to travel during hurricane season like a pro!
Luckily, you can visit many, many beautiful and exciting places where you can know a hurricane will never hit. Here are our top four picks of places that don’t get hurricanes:
Switzerland
Does Switzerland normally get hurricanes?
As we know from news about Hurricane Petra in the early months of 2020, it’s no longer a guarantee that Switzerland is a place where hurricanes don’t hit –or faces the effects of them. Usually, storms are drawn away from Switzerland and Europe in general and don’t directly hit these places. Sometimes, hurricanes offshore can bring rain and high winds as they approach land instead of weakening.
This is a great example of why travel insurance can be helpful when things don’t go as planned at your destination. If your destination experienced a hurricane before your departure date and it was no longer inhabitable, you could cancel your trip and file a claim under your policy to be reimbursed for the expenses you would have lost.
If your trip gets delayed or you miss your cruise or tour departure because of a hurricane, you could also get reimbursed for extra flight tickets, accommodations, or meals until you’re able to continue your trek.
In contrast, landlocked Switzerland is an ideal (and worry-free!) destination for travelers seeking to avoid hurricanes. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s one of the most gorgeous countries in the world. The lush green hills adorned with wildflowers and stunning snow-capped mountains are iconic scenes of this destination. From the slick, post-industrial streets of Zurich to the steep Swiss Alps, this tiny country offers travelers endless ways to spend their days.
Foodies should travel to Basel to experience the modern food at Cheval Blanc—a three-star, Michelin restaurant situated on the banks of the Rhine River. And any trip to Switzerland should include some skiing. Home to over two dozen ski resorts, the Swiss Alps offer world-class adventures any time of the year. For a special summer treat, try skiing in your bathing suit at the famed Zermatt ski resort.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, or the UAE as it’s commonly referred to, is a relatively small destination country. It’s located between Saudi Arabia and Oman in the Middle East. Because of its position on the Persian Gulf, it’s one of the places where hurricanes don’t hit.
Does Dubai get hurricanes?
Perhaps the most well-known spot in the UAE is Dubai, known for its incredible luxury. The UAE is home to the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, and the expansive Dubai Mall, which is the largest mall in the world by total area. If fast cars interest you, try visiting Abu Dhabi. It’s where the one and only Ferrari World Theme Park is located. You’ll also find the stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque there, which is well worth a visit.
Uraguay
Located between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is one of the lesser-traveled South American nations. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, it’s far enough from the equator to avoid hurricane or violent storm risks. This is ideal because you can still explore a stunning beach without fear of a natural disaster or bad weather.
What’s more, Uruguay is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Colonia del Sacramento’s historic quarter, so definitely head that way if you’re interested in history. If you’re more of a wine buff, Uruguay is famous for its four wine regions along the Atlantic coastline. Get travel insurance to protect your prepaid tours or tickets in case you need to cancel last minute!
Does South America get hurricanes?
It’s not typically hurricane-prone! Due to various factors like the difference in water temperature of the South Atlantic and North Atlantic ocean and the direction hurricane winds often form, South America is a place where hurricanes don’t usually hit.
Even though you might not have to worry about a natural disaster hitting your destination, buying a travel insurance policy offers other benefits like Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, and Medical Expense coverage in case a family member passes away back at home, your flight gets delayed, or you get sick on your trip.
Zimbabwe
Does Zimbabwe usually get hurricanes?
Usually, Zimbabwe’s inland, land-locked areas, and distance from the equator make it a safe destination in terms of weather. As 2019 though, it was hit with two tropical storms. There have never been any other hurricanes to hit mainland Africa though besides Hurricane Eline in 2000.
Nevertheless, this destination is full of adventure and beauty any time of year you decide to travel. Zimbabwe is home to Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Located in Victoria Falls National Park, the falls span 5,604 feet in width, and 354 feet in height, touching both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Zimbabwe is also a wonderful destination to go on a safari. Head to Hwange National Park to choose one of the best safari camps in the country, and spend a short while off the grid immersed in the wilderness.
Consider a travel insurance policy if you plan on engaging in adventurous activities or spending time in remote areas to ensure sufficient medical coverage in case of an emergency.
Which Continent Never Has Hurricanes?
Most of Europe rarely experiences hurricanes due to its location away from warm waters and high humidity. South America doesn’t often have hurricanes either. The colder temperature of the waters and opposite wind conditions needed to produce such a storm don’t often occur.
Are There Caribbean Islands Without Hurricanes?
Although not fully immune to bad weather, the southern Caribbean islands include places where hurricanes don’t hit often. You’ll find fewer direct-hit storms in Island countries like Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Aruba. This means you can enjoy the beach and water activities safely!
What Countries Have the Most Hurricanes?
There are a few countries that are prone to hurricanes each year. This doesn’t mean you have to avoid these destinations –it just might take more planning and timing it out right! Or you can check out our other travel inspiration articles sure to spark your wanderlust.
We’re a little biased, but we think travel insurance brings much needed-peace of mind. Here are the top hurricane-prone countries as you begin planning a future trip:
China is a hurricane-prone place because of the year-round typhoon season. You could say it’s the country that gets the most hurricanes each year. Since 1970, there have been over 127 hurricanes in China. Have extra caution for typhoons if traveling to regions near Guangdong, Guangxi Province, and Hainan –they experience the most flooding and winds in the country.
The United States also has frequent hurricanes. However, the hurricane season lasts from June – November. The U.S. has had over 63 hurricanes occurrences since 1970. During peak hurricane and potential flooding times, it’s best to avoid Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. Even if you choose to travel to these areas during hurricane season, here’s how to best prepare for being caught in a storm.
Cuba is another country that has a hurricane season that lasts from June – November. It has seen over 79 hurricanes since 1970.
If you’re traveling to a hurricane-prone region, we want to ensure your safety while you’re there. Getting travel insurance is essential to cover unforeseen issues like illness, injury, lost baggage, or uninhabitable accommodations. The best way to find the right travel insurance policy is to run a free quote and compare online. Otherwise, we hope these places where hurricanes don’t hit inspire you to continue to travel!
As a seasoned professional with over five years of experience in the travel insurance industry, Meagan has honed her expertise in marketing and operations working for Yonder Travel Insurance.
Throughout her career, she's shown dedication assisting customers at every stage of their travel insurance journey, from the initial quote process to navigating the claims process. Her expert understanding of travel insurance equips her to provide unbiased and valuable insights, which help travelers find the best coverage and maximize its benefits.
Tags: hurricanes
