The 1977 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, 1977, and it ended on November 30, 1977; these are dates that conventionally delimit the timeframe for tropical cyclone formation. It was rather inactive due to the presence of a moderate El Niño. While 16 total depressions and 14 tropical storms formed, both above average, only three hurricanes and no majors formed, the lowest numbers since 1972. The real season witnessed 16 depressions, 6 storms, 5 hurricanes, and 1 major hurricane.