Where do hurricanes occur?


Hurricane and tropical cyclone formation basins
Where do hurricanes occur? Hurricanes or tropical cyclones occur in seven distinct basins around the world. Some hurricanes formation basins are much more active than others. Some tropical cyclone basins also have a much longer time frame in which tropical cyclones may occur during the year. Most tropical cyclones form from a disturbance in the monsoon trough. The north Atlantic basin is considerably different, as the majority of hurricanes form from easterly waves originating from Africa.

North Atlantic Ocean     Hurricane season: June 1 - November 30. The most active period runs from about mid August through the latter part of October.

Eastern North Pacific Ocean     Hurricane season: May 15 - November 30. This the second most active region for tropical cyclones in the world.

Northwest Pacific Ocean     Typhoon season: All year. This is the most active basin in the world. Most typhoons form between July through November.

Bay of Bengal / Arabian Sea     Severe Cyclonic storm season: April 1 - December 30. This basin has a double maximum because of the monsoon trough moving through at two different times of the year. Maximums occur from mid April through May and from mid September through mid December.

Southwest Pacific Ocean     Severe Tropical Cyclone Season: October 15 - May 1. These tropical cyclones may effect eastern Australia.

Southeast Indian Ocean     Severe Tropical Cyclone Season: October 15 - May. These tropical cyclones may effect northern and western Australia. This basin has a double maximum in mid January, and mid February through early March.

Southwest Indian Ocean     Tropical Cyclone Season: October 15 - May 15. These tropical cyclones may effect Madagascar and southeastern Africa. A double maximum occurs in mid January and mid February through early March.