St. Maarten Hurricanes In History & How To Stay Safe

Understanding St. Maarten’s hurricane risk

Where is St. Maarten and why is it in hurricane territory?

St. Maarten (Dutch side) and Saint-Martin (French side) share a small island in the northeast Caribbean, east of the Virgin Islands. The island sits in the middle of what's known as Hurricane Alley, a region frequently affected by tropical storms and hurricanes during the Atlantic season.

Quick fact: At just 18 square miles, even a glancing blow from a storm can impact the entire island.

When is hurricane season in St. Maarten?

Hurricane season in St. Maarten runs from June through November, with the highest storm risk in August, September, and early October. This is when the Atlantic Ocean is at its warmest—ideal conditions for hurricanes to form and strengthen.

How often do hurricanes affect the island?

St. Maarten doesn’t get hit every year, but it gets tested often. Since 1950, over 40 named storms have passed within 100 miles of the island. A direct hit from a major hurricane—Category 3 or stronger—happens roughly once every 15 to 20 years.

Irma in 2017 was the most recent and most destructive example, causing widespread damage across both the Dutch and French sides. It made landfall as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds up to 185 mph.

The hurricane category scale, explained

Historical hurricane record

St. Maarten has weathered dozens of hurricanes over the decades. Some storms changed the island permanently — others just brushed by. Here's how the history breaks down.

Major hurricanes that hit St. Maarten

These are the most powerful and destructive hurricanes to make direct or near-direct hits on the island.

Full list of hurricanes that hit St. Maarten (plus the ones above): Hurricane Baker (1950), Hurricane Bertha (1996), Hurricane Debby (2000), Hurricane Dog (1950), Hurricane Earl (2010), Hurricane Faith (1966), Hurricane Frederic (1979), Hurricane Georges (1998), Hurricane Jose (1999 & 2017), Hurricane Klaus (1990), Hurricane Marilyn (1989), Hurricane Omar (2008), Hurricane Rafael (2012).

Fact: Irma remains the strongest storm ever recorded in the Atlantic in terms of wind speed at landfall — and St. Maarten took a direct hit.

Other notable storms near St. Maarten

Not every storm is catastrophic, but many still bring flooding, high winds, and disruptions. Here are recent notable events within 100 miles of the island:

St. Maarten hurricane statistics

• Over 40 named storms have passed within 100 miles since 1950
• 7 direct hits by hurricanes in the last 75 years
• 1–2 tropical events per year typically trigger alerts or watches

How hurricanes impact St. Maarten

Hurricanes affect every part of life in St. Maarten — from homes and power lines to tourism and the economy. A direct hit, like Irma in 2017, shows how vulnerable even modern infrastructure can be.

Wind damage

St. Maarten’s compact size makes it especially vulnerable to wind damage during hurricanes.

• Category 4–5 winds (130–185+ mph) can destroy roofs, shatter windows, and collapse walls.
• In Irma (2017), winds peeled off the roof of Princess Juliana International Airport and flattened steel-framed buildings.
• Power lines and communication towers are among the first to go down, causing days to weeks of blackout.

Flooding & storm surge

Rainfall and coastal flooding often do more lasting damage than the winds.

• Storm surge along the coast can rise 6–12 feet during major hurricanes, pushing seawater into homes and businesses.
• Flood-prone zones include:
  • Philipsburg (Dutch side)
  • Marigot (French side)
  • Simpson Bay lagoon areas
• Heavy rainfall — up to 10–15 inches in 24 hours — overwhelms drains, triggering flash floods and landslides.

Infrastructure & daily life disruptions

• Airports, ports, and roads can shut down for days — or longer — after major storms.
• Water and power services are typically interrupted across the island.
• In 2017, 90% of public infrastructure was compromised, including schools, hospitals, and government offices.

Economic & tourism impact

Tourism is St. Maarten’s backbone — and storms strike right at it.

• Hotel closures, flight cancellations, and cruise ship rerouting are common after storms.
• After Irma:
  • Over 70% of hotel rooms were damaged or closed.
  • Cruise arrivals dropped for several months.
  • Economic losses were estimated at $2.5 billion USD.

Environmental consequences

• Beaches erode, coral reefs suffer, and sea turtle nesting sites are often wiped out.
• Rebuilding can take years, especially for natural and protected areas.

Note: The French and Dutch governments often coordinate post-hurricane recovery, but aid and restoration still move slowly.

Risk in 2025: What we know now

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to be active to extremely active, with climate signals pointing to higher-than-average storm formation. Here's what to expect for St. Maarten.

2025 Hurricane forecast overview

Meteorological agencies including NOAA, AccuWeather, and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology & Hydrology (CIMH) are projecting:

• 18 to 23 named storms
• 9 to 12 hurricanes
• 4 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher)

⚠️ Many forecasters note that record-high Atlantic sea surface temperatures, combined with a developing La Niña, create ideal conditions for intense storm development.

What this means for St. Maarten

St. Maarten is not guaranteed to be hit, but the risk of a major storm passing nearby or making landfall is higher than average in 2025.

• The island lies directly in the forecast path for multiple model storm tracks in September and October.
• Travel insurance, flexible bookings, and preparedness kits are strongly advised this year.

2025 Hurricane name list

These are the official Atlantic storm names for the 2025 season: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, Wendy.

Monitoring tools & alert systems

To stay informed in real time:

• SXMHSMA (St. Maarten Hurricane & Disaster Management) issues local watches and warnings.
• NOAA’s NHC and Windy.com provide accurate storm path tracking.
• Alert systems include:
  • SMS alerts
  • Sirens
  • Social media from @SXMGov and @MetOfficeSXM

Preparedness and safety: what you must do

Whether you live on St. Maarten or you’re planning a visit during hurricane season, preparation is essential. Storms can develop fast, and even those that pass offshore can bring serious disruption. This section covers how to stay ready—before, during, and after a storm.

Visiting during hurricane season isn’t impossible — but it’s important to be flexible and cautious. Locals know that preparation isn’t just about the storm itself—it’s about what happens afterward, when power’s out and roads are blocked.

Hurricane checklist

• Flashlights and batteries
• Battery-powered or NOAA weather radio
• Water: one gallon per person per day (for at least 7 days)
• Non-perishable food
• Prescription medications
• First-aid kit
• Important documents in sealed plastic bags
• Fully charged phone and power bank
• Cash (ATMs may be down)
• Full tank of gas
• Tie down or bring in anything that could blow away

Know where to go

Shelters are announced through the Government of Sint Maarten and the Préfecture of Saint-Martin. Not all allow pets, and some fill up quickly. If your home is low-lying, near the coast, or not built to withstand high winds, relocate before the storm hits.

Public shelters (check availability before the storm)

Dutch Side

• John Larmonie Center – Philipsburg
• Dutch Quarter Community Center
• Rupert I. Maynard Youth Community Center – St. Peters

French Side

• Evelyna Halley School – Marigot
• French Quarter Community Center

Travel prep tips

• Avoid peak months: late August through early October
• Always get travel insurance that includes storm-related cancellations
• Check hotel or Airbnb hurricane policies before booking
• Ask your accommodation about backup power, food supplies, and evacuation plans
• Register with your embassy’s traveler safety program

Stay informed

Download weather apps like Windy or MyRadar, and follow local alerts:

• Dutch side: Government of Sint Maarten on Facebook or X / Twitter
• French side: Préfecture de Saint-Martin official page
• Forecasts: National Hurricane Center

Don’t rely on last-minute decisions. Flights and ferries fill quickly once watches are issued — and some airlines don’t rebook during storms unless you’ve purchased flexible fares.

Emergency services and evacuation

Evacuations are rare but possible, especially after a strong Category 3 or above. Always listen to official advisories and don’t wait until the last minute to move.

Important numbers to know (Dutch side):

• 911 – Emergency services
• 912 – Fire department
• 914 – Disaster management coordination

If you’re staying in a short-term rental, ask your host what their storm response plan is. Some keep a hurricane kit on-site, but not all do.

When to visit St. Maarten and what to expect after a hurricane

Visiting St. Maarten during hurricane season can be safe if you choose the right time to go. Risk is much lower in June, July, and late November, while peak storm activity happens from mid-August to early October. If a hurricane does impact the island, recovery times vary — minor storms cause short delays, but major hurricanes can take weeks to fully recover from.

Best times to visit during hurricane season

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, but not all months carry the same level of risk.

Low-risk months:

• June and July – Early season storms are usually weaker, and many pass far from the Caribbean. These are good options for budget travelers who want fewer crowds.
• Late November to early December – The season winds down, but you can still find off-season prices and warm weather.

High-risk window:

• Mid-August to early October – This is when most of the strongest storms form, and the likelihood of travel disruption is highest. If you travel during this period, it’s essential to have insurance and backup plans.

How long recovery takes after a storm

St. Maarten has a reputation for bouncing back quickly, but the speed of recovery depends on the storm’s severity.

• After minor storms or tropical storms: Flights and utilities are usually restored within 1–3 days, and most hotels reopen just as fast.
• After major hurricanes: Damage can take weeks or even months to repair. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, parts of the island were without power or water for over a month, and some resorts didn’t fully reopen until the following year.

Airports and ports are prioritized in recovery plans, so travelers can often leave or return within a few days once the storm passes. However, beach access, excursions, and restaurant availability may still be limited.

Tip: If you're planning a trip shortly after a hurricane has passed, check with your hotel or airline for the most accurate status updates. Many smaller properties and tour operators update via social media before official travel advisories.

St. Maarten hurricane outlook in 2025

St. Maarten lies squarely in the Atlantic basin and is at elevated risk this year due to the heightened probability of hurricane activity. Particularly, CSU notes a slightly above-average probability of major hurricane impacts in the Caribbean region.

Ongoing systems & near-term threats

• As of mid‑August, Tropical Storm Erin, the fifth named storm of 2025, formed in the eastern Atlantic and is forecast to intensify—possibly into a hurricane. However, current projections keep it well east of the Caribbean and not on a direct path toward St. Maarten.
• Another system in the “main development region” east of the Caribbean has a 50–60% chance of developing, though its future track is uncertain

St. Maarten’s beauty comes with real hurricane risk, especially during peak season. Whether you live there or plan to visit, preparation is key. Know the history, stay informed, and make smart choices — especially in 2025, with another active season on the horizon.