The warm summer months in Mexico bring a lot of tourism, especially national tourists, but it also signals the arrival of a less pleasant visitor… hurricanes. These powerful storms are created in the Pacific Ocean, quickly increase in strength, and can create significant damage to structures and human life if they make landfall. Hurricanes can also be called tropical cyclones, and are unpredictable act of nature that reach sustained wind speeds of 74 miles per hour or more. Strong enough to create catastrophic damages to structures and human life, hurricanes are a natural phenomenon to be respected. In addition to the strong winds hurricanes possess, many times subsequent heavy rains and flooding can create additional damages.
In recent history, Mexico has been hit by hurricanes that left a path of destruction that took months and sometimes years to clean up. A few of the strongest hurricanes to hit Mexico in recent history include Hurricane Katia and Hurricane Patricia. Hurricane Patricia was touted as the strongest storm ever recorded by meteorologists tracking its path, but thankfully less damage occured than was initially expected. Despite modern technology and methods of predicting weather patterns, there is no way sure fire way to know how many hurricanes will occur annually. History has shown that hurricane regularly form during late summer and early fall. Specifically in Mexico, tropical storms and hurricanes occur commonly during the hottest months of the year between July and October. September and October are the most active hurricane months. Temperatures begin cooling down in November, and as a result less and less hurricanes form and hurricane season comes to an end.
If you plan to vacation or travel to Mexico during the summer months, it is likely you will not have to deal with a hurricane although it is a possibility. However, if you do end up dealing with a hurricane, rest assured that most of hotels and homes in Mexico are built to withstand the strong winds that a hurricane brings. Remember that it is important to always follow instruction and guidance from hotel personnel if a hurricane hits. Resort and hotel employees get regular disaster training and know how to deal with hurricanes and other natural disasters. These workers often have had first hand experience with hurricanes, and know how to prepare and respond effectively to guests while keeping safety a top priority. If you happen to find your vacation in Mexico coincides with an active hurricane, the most important thing is to stay safe and follow any hotel regulations or instructions. Your life and the lives of your loved ones is the number one consideration.
In conclusion, summer vacations in Mexico are a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Mexico without the huge crowds of high season during winter months. The drawback to traveling to Mexico in the summer is the possibility of dealing with a hurricane. To protect yourself, always stay alert, follow hotel protocol and you can keep you and your loved ones safe to enjoy your vacation without risk.