In the Caribbean, a good forecast at one island is not a forecast for the next open-water leg. Trade-wind conditions, seas and local exposure vary, while tropical systems can change the risk picture at basin scale. Use this page to select the right official products, not as a substitute for them.
Three different checks
- Current marine warnings and forecast: find the route’s offshore and coastal zones via NWS Western Atlantic and Caribbean marine forecasts and the relevant island or national service.
- Tropical systems: open the National Hurricane Center for current outlooks, advisories and marine analyses, not a social-media screenshot.
- Local approach: check island-specific forecasts, observations, harbour information and the lee/exposure of the chosen anchorage.
According to NHC climatology, the official Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November; tropical cyclones can occur outside those dates. A calendar month is therefore not a safe/unsafe switch. Distinguish an outlook about possible formation from an active warning for an existing system.
Before an inter-island passage
Check the forecast over the whole leg and at arrival time, wind against wave or current where relevant, visibility, squalls and available shelter. If the plan depends on an anchorage, inspect the forecast direction and alternative protection rather than relying on a generic island forecast. Record when the next NHC and local marine updates will be reviewed.
For a transatlantic arrival, combine this page with the North Atlantic source guide and crossing brief. The WMO/IMO directory identifies the international high-seas information framework; national issuers remain the authoritative source.
Source check: 24 September 2026. This is educational, not a tropical-cyclone alert or a departure clearance.