Eastern Pacific hurricane season dates: May 15–November 30
The official Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 and ends November 30 each year, including 2026. These are planning dates for the basin, not a forecast of daily activity. Cyclones can occasionally form outside the calendar. The Central Pacific uses June 1–November 30, so first identify which Pacific basin the product covers.
When does Pacific hurricane season end?
Both the Eastern and Central Pacific official seasons end November 30. A calendar boundary does not make an existing cyclone disappear or cancel local warnings. Continue checking the latest official bulletin for an active system and the local products that apply to your coast.
Mexico’s Pacific coast versus Cancún and the Caribbean
For Baja California and Mexico’s Pacific coast, use the Eastern Pacific calendar and products. Cancún and Mexico’s Caribbean/Gulf coast use Atlantic information, whose official season is June 1–November 30. Read SMN / CONAGUA notices for the actual place: a Mexico-wide query can combine two different basins.
2026 reading example: Simon in October
Simon’s identifier EP202026 identifies an Eastern Pacific system. Its archived Advisory 22, issued October 12, 2026 at 21:00 UTC, is an example of a bulletin within the season. The calendar alone cannot supply its track, warning areas or future intensity. This dated example is not today’s forecast; open the latest official product for current information.
Formation outlook versus a named storm’s track
The tropical weather outlook describes development potential over its stated time windows. A named cyclone’s advisory describes that system and its forecast. A formation percentage is not the probability of a hurricane hitting your destination. Before a storm is named, read the outlook; when a system has advisories, compare those bulletins and their source times.
A practical route from dates to local forecasts
Identify the coast and basin, check the season dates, then read the current outlook and any active storm advisory. For Mexico, continue to SMN / CONAGUA; for Central Pacific questions, check the responsible NHC / CPHC product. Compare wind-arrival, rainfall and coastal-water information when those are the hazards you need. Seasonal timing alone cannot decide whether a trip or address is safe.
Frequently asked questions
Does the season start on May 15 every year?
The official Eastern Pacific season starts May 15 each year, but storms can occasionally form before or after the seasonal dates.
Is Polo an Atlantic storm?
No. Its identifier EP172026 places it in the Eastern Pacific basin. The first two letters of NHC identifiers show the basin.
How often should I check an active storm?
Look at the issuance time of the current NHC advisory, especially when a watch or warning affects your area. This site checks its feed every five minutes while open.
Reviewed 2026-10-13. Independent guide; follow NHC and local authorities for safety decisions.