Los Cabos’ Hurricane Season Is Here… and the Shelters?  They’re Not Ready

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If you’ve got Los Cabos on your travel radar (or you’re already sipping margaritas beachside), here’s something you definitely want to know: hurricane season officially kicked off on May 15—and the temporary shelters?

Well, let’s just say they’re looking a little rough around the edges.

I’m talking electrical issues, busted water systems, and windows that wouldn’t stand a chance against high winds. Most of these shelters are actually schools, and right now, they’re scrambling to get fixed up in time for the wild weather that might be headed their way.

But should tourists be concerned?

What’s the Situation?

So, here’s the scoop straight from Civil Protection director Francisco Cota Márquez: Los Cabos has 44 official shelters under “Plan A” with space for around 9,000 people. That might sound like a lot, but when you consider that over 40,000 families live in high-risk areas here, that’s not exactly reassuring.

He admitted there are a bunch of “basic, practical issues”—his words—not mine. Like broken cisterns (no drinking water), electrical failures (no lights or fans), and windows without any protection (flying glass hazard).

Repairs started a couple of weeks ago, and they’re racing the clock to get everything up and running before the storms get serious.

So What Are the Odds We’ll Get Hit?

This year, the Navy says 19 tropical cyclones are expected to form in the Pacific. And guess what? Baja California Sur has the highest chance of a direct hit in all of Mexico—13%! Yep, that includes all the paradise spots like San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

Translation? If you’re anywhere near the tip of the Baja Peninsula between now and November, keep your eyes on the skies.

The good news is, most hotels have their own shelters on site and are better maintained than public shelters. If this is a concern of yours, be sure to reach out to the property to ask about their hurricane protocol before heading down for your vacation.

If You’re Traveling to Los Cabos, Don’t Freak Out—but Do This

I’ve visited Los Cabos during hurricane season, and trust me—preparation is everything. Here’s what I always recommend to friends headed there:

• Track the storms. Bookmark the National Hurricane Center and check out Windy for real-time weather patterns.
• Know your nearest shelter. Even if they’re not perfect right now, it’s better than not having a plan. If you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb, ask them about the closest one. You can also look up official locations through the Municipal Civil Protection site. Many hotels have their own shelters.
• Pack an emergency kit. Flashlight, power bank, water, non-perishables, copies of your passport, and some cash. (ATMs can go offline during power outages.)
• Get travel insurance. Make sure it covers weather-related disruptions.

Peak Danger? August Through October

While the season officially runs from May through November, the storms tend to go full drama queen from August to October. That’s when things can escalate really fast—from sunny skies to 100 km/h winds in a matter of hours.

Hotels and resorts in the area are generally great about keeping guests safe. Some even have their own on-site shelters and backup power. When booking, look for properties that mention hurricane policies—places like Pueblo Bonito or The Cape are well-prepared.

Stay Smart, Not Scared

I’m not saying don’t go to Los Cabos (I mean, the tacos alone are worth the trip), but if you’re planning a visit between now and late fall, do it with your eyes open. Hurricane season is serious business, and right now, the local shelter situation is still getting its act together.

I’ll be keeping tabs on any new updates, especially as we roll into the stormier months. But for now, pack smart, stay weather-aware, and maybe don’t rely on a half-fixed school building to be your hurricane backup plan.