Should you book an Islamorada fishing trip in hurricane season?
You can. The season runs June 1 to November 30 and overlaps Islamorada’s summer mahi, tarpon into July and the fall blackfin tuna on the humps. The National Hurricane Center puts the peak on September 10, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October, so keep a spare day for weather.
The season, by the numbers
The National Hurricane Center says the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, peaks on September 10 and sees most activity between mid-August and mid-October; an average season (1991–2020) has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. The National Weather Service in Key West calls June to October the Keys’ wet season.
Islamorada knows what a storm can do. The Village says its average elevation is about five feet, and the Florida Keys Memorial at mile marker 81.5 marks the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, holding the remains of about 190 victims.
What it means for the fishing
Hurricane season overlaps good Islamorada fishing. Bud N’ Mary’s and A Fishing Guru put mahi from April to September, A Fishing Guru peaking it May to July; tarpon run strongest from April to July; and George Poveromo and A Fishing Guru describe blackfin tuna returning to the Islamorada Hump in September and October, the larger fish in fall. Best time to go has the month-by-month table.
How to book in hurricane season
- Keep a spare day so a weather cancellation can move rather than vanish.
- Read the operator’s weather terms before paying: the captain makes the call on the day. Cancellations and weather sets out what each operator publishes.
- Watch the National Weather Service Key West forecast in the days before you go.
Read for this page on 6 October 2026: National Hurricane Center: climatology ; NWS Key West ; Village of Islamorada: why Islamorada matters ; Keys tourism council: Hurricane Monument ; George Poveromo: blackfin tuna on the Islamorada Hump .
Check it at the source
- National Weather Service — Key West Marine forecast and small craft advisories for the Straits of Florida. Link checked 6 September 2026
Hurricane season: questions
When is hurricane season in Islamorada?
June 1 to November 30, the Atlantic hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center puts the peak on September 10, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October.
Is September a good month to fish Islamorada?
For the fishing it can be: George Poveromo and A Fishing Guru describe big blackfin tuna on the Islamorada humps in September and October, and Bud N’ Mary’s says summer tarpon in the Everglades can be excellent into September. It is also the peak of hurricane season, so keep dates flexible.
What happens if my charter is cancelled for weather?
The captain makes the weather call. Read the operator’s published policy before booking; cancellations and weather lists what Islamorada operators say about refunds and rescheduling.
Next step
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