When does the hurricane season start and end?

The Atlantic Basin hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. The hurricane season of the Pacific Basin officially runs from May 15 to November 30. While it is possible for tropical storms to form outside of these dates, such activity is exceedingly rare.

Hurricanes are large rotating storm systems characterized by high winds and low atmospheric pressure. The bulk of hurricanes and tropical storms form between August and October. Hurricanes form over large bodies of warm water, requiring temperatures of at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit to sustain development. Hurricanes are capable of producing strong wind, heavy rains, storm surges and tornadoes.