When does hurricane season begin in Louisiana? See when peak season begins
Mar 17, 2026
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Louisiana hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30, peaking in September.
Mid-August to mid-October is typically the most active period.
Forecasts hinge on a potential El Niño, which could reduce storm activity.
Meteorologists say it’s too early for a definitive 2026 outl
ook.
Hurricane season in Louisiana begins on June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30, with most activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October.
September is considered the most active month of hurricane season in Louisiana, as this month typically sees the highest number of landfalls.
Hurricane activity reaches its peak during this time because of warm ocean temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions.
Hurricane season 2026 outlook. What forecasts predict
Since hurricane season is about three months away, meteorologists are preparing their forecast for the upcoming 2026 season.
At the moment, meteorologists are watching what’s happening with the El Niño and La Niña cycles in the tropical Pacific Ocean. If El Niño occurs as expected, then the Atlantic hurricane season could be less active than average.
AccuWeather officials have said that El Niño could develop later this year, reshaping weather patterns across the U.S. and impacting the Atlantic hurricane season.
If El Niño develops in the summer, the higher wind shear it brings could mean less storm development and shift where storms are likely to form, with activity favoring areas farther out over the Atlantic.
AccuWeather meteorologists say that the overall pattern is pointing toward El Niño developing by autumn.
It’s still too early to tell exactly what hurricane season might be like this year, but once El Niño’s development becomes clear, forecasters will have a better idea of what to expect.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: When does hurricane season begin in Louisiana? See when peak season begins
Reporting by Presley Bo Tyler, Shreveport Times / Shreveport Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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