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Flying This Summer? Avoid These Weather-Prone Airports | Weather.com
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How Summer Weather Causes Flight Delays, And What You Can Do About It

Summer travel might bring sunshine and adventure, but if you’re flying to your destination, watch out—summer is also peak weather delay season, and these routes are stormier than others.

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Hacks To Avoid Summer Delays

Summer may be peak vacation season, but it’s also prime time for thunderstorms, hurricanes, and heatwaves—all of which can throw a wrench in your travel plans. If you're booking flights in the coming months, understanding how weather impacts air travel can help you avoid major headaches and get to your destination on time.

When To Book

Thunderstorms are more likely to pop up in the late afternoon and early evening—especially in the Southeast and Midwest. Booking morning flights can lower your risk of weather-related delays, since skies tend to be calmer earlier in the day. Plus, if your flight is delayed or canceled, you’ve got a better chance of being rebooked on another flight later that same day.

(MORE: Your 2025 Guide To Top Vacation Trends)

Where (Not) To Book

According to data, major summer trouble spots include:

  • Newark Liberty International (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA) – prone to summer thunderstorms and crowded airspace
  • Orlando International (MCO) and Miami International (MIA) – frequently affected by tropical weather and pop-up storms
  • Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – notorious for severe thunderstorms and ripple-effect delays
  • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Atlanta (ATL) – hubs in storm-prone regions that can back up quickly during bad weather

Tropical Weather

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Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with activity ramping up around August and September. If you're flying to or from coastal cities along the Gulf or the Southeast—like Houston, Tampa, or Charleston—keep an eye on the forecast and consider travel insurance in case storms cause cancellations.

(MORE: Plan For A Weather Emergency When You Travel)

Extreme Heat

It’s not just storms. High temperatures can affect aircraft performance, especially at high-altitude airports like Denver or Phoenix. On very hot days, some planes may face weight restrictions, meaning passengers or luggage might be bumped.

Smart Booking Tips

  1. Fly nonstop if possible to avoid connecting through storm-prone hubs.
  2. Book early morning flights for better odds of smooth skies.
  3. Pad your itinerary or arrive a day early, just in case.
  4. Use airline apps to track your flight status and rebook quickly if the weather disrupts your plans.

Summer travel is all about making memories—but knowing how weather can impact your journey will help ensure those memories are of vacation, not frustration.

Weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan explores how weather and climate weave through our daily lives, shape our routines and leave lasting impacts on our communities in countless, often unexpected ways.

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