Hurricane Risk for Cancún, MX
No tropical storms currently threaten Quintana Roo. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.
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Since 1852, 240 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 200 miles of Cancún. Here's what you should know.
By the numbers
Most recent hurricane
Helene (2024)
Passed within 42 miles of Cancún on September 25, 2024. Peak intensity: Cat 4 (138 mph).
Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby
Allen (1980)
Reached Cat 5 (190 mph) at its peak. Passed within 53 miles of Cancún.
Closest approach ever
Unnamed (1964)
Passed just 4.2 miles from Cancún on June 05, 1964.
When hurricanes hit Cancún
Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 200-mile radius since 1852:
Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.
Prep your supplies before the storm is named
Our alerts can notify you of a storm long before it makes the news, giving you more time to get what you need — instead of joining the panic-buying public.
Sign Up FreeRecent notable storms (last 20 years)
Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Cancún residents likely remember:
| Storm | Year | Peak | Closest | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helene | 2024 | Cat 4 | 42 mi | Sep 25, 2024 |
| Beryl | 2024 | Cat 5 | 69 mi | Jul 05, 2024 |
| Milton | 2024 | Cat 5 | 115 mi | Oct 08, 2024 |
| Idalia | 2023 | Cat 4 | 29 mi | Aug 27, 2023 |
| Grace | 2021 | Cat 3 | 84 mi | Aug 19, 2021 |
| Delta | 2020 | Cat 4 | 25 mi | Oct 07, 2020 |
| Zeta | 2020 | Cat 3 | 64 mi | Oct 27, 2020 |
| Gamma | 2020 | Cat 1 | 67 mi | Oct 03, 2020 |
| Marco | 2020 | Cat 1 | 86 mi | Aug 23, 2020 |
| Eta | 2020 | Cat 4 | 141 mi | Nov 10, 2020 |
| Laura | 2020 | Cat 4 | 160 mi | Aug 25, 2020 |
| Michael | 2018 | Cat 5 | 114 mi | Oct 08, 2018 |
| Nate | 2017 | Cat 1 | 62 mi | Oct 07, 2017 |
| Franklin | 2017 | Cat 1 | 150 mi | Aug 08, 2017 |
| Harvey | 2017 | Cat 4 | 175 mi | Aug 22, 2017 |
| Hermine | 2016 | Cat 1 | 187 mi | Aug 30, 2016 |
| Ernesto | 2012 | Cat 2 | 171 mi | Aug 08, 2012 |
| Rina | 2011 | Cat 3 | 17 mi | Oct 28, 2011 |
| Paula | 2010 | Cat 2 | 64 mi | Oct 13, 2010 |
| Karl | 2010 | Cat 3 | 190 mi | Sep 15, 2010 |
| Ida | 2009 | Cat 2 | 66 mi | Nov 08, 2009 |
| Dolly | 2008 | Cat 2 | 27 mi | Jul 21, 2008 |
| Dean | 2007 | Cat 5 | 177 mi | Aug 21, 2007 |
Preparedness
- Know your zone. Cancún sits in Quintana Roo — look up your evacuation zone here.
- Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
- Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
- Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
- Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.