Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. That is the season relevant to Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast. October falls inside it.
The National Hurricane Center’s climatology reference explains that these dates cover the usual active period, while tropical cyclones sometimes form before or after it. The calendar is a planning guide, not a boundary that prevents storms.
Atlantic and eastern Pacific dates
| Basin | Season |
|---|---|
| Atlantic, including the Caribbean and Gulf | June 1–November 30 |
| Eastern North Pacific | May 15–November 30 |
A May 15 date in a weather report may refer to the eastern Pacific season. It can also refer to the start of NHC’s regular Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook schedule. The NHC product description lists routine Atlantic outlooks from May 15 through November 30; that earlier monitoring schedule does not change the Atlantic season’s June 1 opening date.
Can a hurricane form outside the season?
Yes. NHC notes that activity can occur outside the official dates. Read an advisory based on the actual system and its hazards, rather than dismissing it because it is early or late in the year. A storm in October, however, is an in-season event.
Do the dates tell us how busy a year will be?
No. The same calendar applies to quiet and active seasons. Annual outlooks, assigned names and individual storm forecasts answer different questions. Our 2026 guide provides the dated NOAA outlook; our 2027 guide separates confirmed names from outlook information that is still pending as of its review date.
What should Houston property owners do with this calendar?
Work backward from June when scheduling inspections and reviewing an emergency plan. Put known leaks, drainage problems and unfinished exterior repairs on a list early enough to arrange assessments. Keep contractor contacts and property records accessible to a second person.
During the season, check NWS Houston/Galveston tropical updates and follow local officials’ directions. After November, retain the records and improve the plan using what you learned.
For a practical sequence of tasks, read our Houston hurricane planning overview. HTX Elite Build can discuss storm-related property work and roof inspections before an urgent forecast makes scheduling more difficult.