Sept. 20, 2026 • 13 min read Jump to section Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Email The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. El Nino has officially arrived, and this one is a doozy.
What does that mean for travelers? This powerful natural phenomenon could make some destinations more enjoyable this year — while you may want to reconsider visiting others. It also increases the risk of severe weather events and travel disruptions.
The good news is: you can prepare yourself. Read on to learn exactly what El Nino means for various destinations and how to plan your trip accordingly.
Related: Travel mistakes that can ruin your next trip
El Nino is a natural climate pattern that occurs roughly every two to seven years. In general, El Nino forms in the northern hemisphere's summer months and lasts through the following spring, with its effects peaking in winter. The most recent El Ninos occurred in 2023-2024 and 2018-2019.
El Nino weakens, or even reverses, the trade winds that typically blow east to west across the Pacific Ocean, pushing warm water east toward the Americas. The changing water temperature affects the Pacific jet stream, a powerful wind channel that flows from west to east across North America . During El Nino, the Pacific jet stream splits into two streams: a weaker polar jet stream that brings warmer, drier conditions to the northern U.S. and Canada, and a stronger subtropical jet stream that brings more rain to the Southern U.S. and Gulf Coast.
But while North America is typically at the center of El Nino, this climate phenomenon can have much more far-reaching impacts — especially this year.
That's because the World Meteorological Organization expects the current El Nino to reach "very strong" (aka "super") status by the end of 2026. Based on how these temperatures compare to past El Nino events, some forecasters think this one is on track to become the most extreme El Nino on record.
El Nino has the capacity to change weather patterns worldwide, making some destinations less ideal for travel while making others more desirable. El Nino also puts some areas at higher risk of natural disasters and disease outbreaks.
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And while WMO predicts the current El Nino will end around February, it could have ripple effects further into 2027 — especially if this year's event turns out to be as strong as predicted.
Here's what you need to know to plan your travels during this potentially historic El Nino year.
While strong and super El Ninos can impact the whole planet, the biggest impacts — both good and bad — tend to be centered around North America.
On the northern side, Canada and the upper U.S. will likely experience a warmer, drier winter than usual.…