This page is not an emergency service. For storms, follow the National Hurricane Center, NWS Miami and your county emergency management office. For park closures, check the NPS Alerts & Conditions page.
Tropical outlook right now
Active storms and advisories (NHC)Outlook text (NHC)How to read the forecast cone
NWS watches and warnings for the park areas: Shark Valley · Homestead and Royal Palm · Flamingo · Gulf Coast (Everglades City)
NHC describes the cone this way: “The cone represents the probable track of the center of a tropical cyclone.” Wind, rain and surge impacts can occur outside the cone.
When is hurricane season?
According to the National Hurricane Center, “The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.” NHC adds that “The peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is September 10, with most activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October.” (NHC climatology). The NPS weather page gives the same season dates. Hurricane season overlaps the Everglades wet season; see our month-by-month guide.
Hurricane categories (Saffir-Simpson scale)
| Type | Sustained winds |
|---|---|
| Tropical storm | 39–73 mph |
| Category 1 hurricane | 74–95 mph |
| Category 2 hurricane | 96–110 mph |
| Category 3 hurricane (major) | 111–129 mph |
| Category 4 hurricane (major) | 130–156 mph |
| Category 5 hurricane (major) | 157 mph or higher |
NHC notes that the scale is “based only on a hurricane’s maximum sustained wind speed” and “does not take into account other potentially deadly hazards such as storm surge, rainfall flooding, and tornadoes.” Sources: NHC Saffir-Simpson scale, NPS weather page.
Watch vs. warning
- Hurricane Watch: hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are possible. NHC issues hurricane watches 48 hours before it expects tropical-storm-force winds.
- Hurricane Warning: hurricane conditions are expected. NHC issues a hurricane warning 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected.
- Tropical Storm Watch: tropical storm conditions (39 to 73 mph) are possible within 48 hours.
- Tropical Storm Warning: tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.
Source: NWS hurricane watches and warnings.
How storms affect a park visit
NPS posts closures on its Alerts & Conditions page. When a storm threatens, the park may close areas; follow NPS alerts and county evacuation orders. Storm damage can last for years: NPS says the original Gulf Coast Visitor Center was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and the temporary visitor contact station by Hurricane Ian in 2022; the new Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center opened in 2026. Flamingo is 38 miles south of the Homestead entrance, at the end of a long road, so leave plenty of time to get out if the forecast changes. See Everglades trail status and park entrances.
Evacuation zones: know where you’re staying
- Statewide zone lookup: Florida Division of Emergency Management: Know Your Zone
- Miami-Dade County: storm surge planning zones
- Monroe County (Florida Keys and mainland Monroe): evacuation information. The county lists Zone 5 as “CR 905-A to mainland Monroe County, including Ocean Reef.”
Refunds and travel insurance
Read each tour’s and lodging’s weather-cancellation policy before you book. NPS says America the Beautiful passes are non-refundable (NPS fees). If you buy travel insurance, ask the insurer when storm coverage begins; policies vary.
What to pack in hurricane season
Water, sun and rain gear, insect repellent, a charged power bank, offline maps, a paper list of reservations and phone numbers, a full tank of fuel and any medications. For full preparation advice, see Ready.gov: Hurricanes.
When is hurricane season in the Everglades?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, according to the National Hurricane Center and NPS. NHC says the peak is September 10, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October.
Is the park closed during hurricanes?
When a storm threatens, the park may close areas. NPS posts closures on its Alerts & Conditions page; check it, and follow county evacuation orders, before you travel.
Should I cancel my Everglades trip for a hurricane?
Follow National Hurricane Center forecasts, NWS watches and warnings, and county instructions for where you’ll be staying. Check each tour’s and lodging’s weather-cancellation policy before you book; NPS entrance passes are non-refundable.