Summer and Fall Can Be the Best Time to Visit Mexico

June 1 marks the traditional start of the hurricane season. From June through November, the risk of hurricanes is something to consider if you're traveling to Mexico, especially if you plan to visit the coast.

Does this mean you should scratch Mexico off your travel list every summer and fall? Absolutely not. These months can be a great time to visit. Many areas in the interior are largely unaffected by hurricanes. And coastal areas often are only affected if there's a storm in that region: For instance, a tropical storm off Baja California may not even cloud the sky in the Riviera Maya.

But hurricanes should definitely be taken seriously. Hurricane Katrina in 2005-and, for many tourists, Hurricane Wilma that plastered Cancún the same year-showed vividly the damage that these storms can wreak.

According to the Mexican Meteorological Service, the 2007 hurricane season is expected to be more intense than normal. It's predicting 17 storms significant enough to be given names-eight tropical storms, four moderate hurricanes (category 1 or 2) and five intense hurricanes (categories 3 to 5). For reference, Katrina was a category 3 when it made landfall.

Of course, these are only predictions. But it makes sense to factor in the possibility of bad weather when you plan your trip. Here are some tips:

If you plan to fly, consider travel insurance. Look for a plan that covers trip cancellation and trip interruption in severe weather conditions. That way you're covered if a hurricane develops just before you leave or during your stay.
If you're traveling with a tour or group, ask about their policy on weather-related cancellations and interruptions. Make sure you feel comfortable with the answers.
If a storm develops during your trip that could affect your area, keep an eye on the weather reports. If you understand Spanish, check the local news. If not, get updates from hotel personnel or from the Internet. A classic weather resource is NOAA, the National Atmospheric & Oceanic Administration. Its focus is U.S. weather, but severe storms in Mexico are covered.
If you can, keep your plans flexible. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause rainy weather over a wide area. If part of your trip is rained out, think about indoor activities like museums or shopping. Or-if you haven't pre-paid all your hotel reservations-head for someplace where the sun is still shining. This could be your chance to discover a whole new part of Mexico.
If, sadly, it looks as though a major hurricane is heading directly for you, get out. Any responsible hotel or inn will tell you if there's real danger and you should leave. If you'd feel most comfortable returning home, try to arrange it and don't feel guilty. If you'd prefer to stay in Mexico, get out of the storm's direct path. Ask the hotel receptionist to book accommodation for you elsewhere (the hotel may have partner hotels or affiliates). Ask for help with travel arrangements if you need them. If you have a Mexico guidebook with you, check it for information on hotels and destinations outside the storm zone.
Chances are, you'll have no bad weather at all on your trip. But if you do, taking a few simple precautions can help ensure your safety and a pleasant trip.

Best Regards,

Suzan Haskins
Editor, Mexico Insider
International Living

P.S. We'll be hosting a Live and Prosper in Mexico Seminar in Puerto Vallarta September 23-25. And yes, we know it's hurricane season…but this part of Mexico rarely suffers from hurricanes, and the low-season hotel prices at this time of year can't be beat. If you want to meet the expert Mexico resources that can help your dreams of La Vida Mexico come true, this is the place. We'll send details soon, but for more information, contact Events@InternationalLiving.com.