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Overview

Hong Kong experiences extreme weather conditions - normally in the typhoon season which generally runs from May - September, but there are no guarantees.  

Winter conditions are generally more stable than summer through the day or night.

In summer winds are from a southern direction - in winter from the north.

Tide

This is a website about tide information which jointly developed by the Hydrographic Office of Marine Department and the Hong Kong Observatory.

Typhoons

Warnings are broadcast as soon as a tropical cyclone is centered within 800km of Hong Kong and is likely to affect the territory.  Broadcasts are made every half hour on RTHK and Marine VHF Channels 12 & 14.

When signal No. 3 (Strong Winds - sustained speed 41-62km/h with gusts to 110km/h in Victoria Harbour) is hoisted make sure your vessel complies with the insurance company policy.  Normally this requires being at a safe mooring or typhoon shelter.

If signal No. 8 (Gale or Storm force winds - sustained speed 63-117km/h with gusts exceeding 180km/h in Victoria Habour) is likely to be hoisted a warning broadcast will be made 2 hours previously to enable workers to return home and schools to close.

Typhoon shelters

These are available on a first come first serve basis.  Once secured you must advise the Vessel Traffic Center of your position. 

If staying in a Marina or Yacht Club mooring, check wether the berth or mooring is within a typhoon protection area.

Monsoon Warnings

This is hoisted when wind is expected to exceed 40km/h near sea level anywhere in HK.  Strong winds tend to persist for a few days.  It is possible these winds may exceed 70km/h.

Thunderstorm warnings

Warnings are given less than 4 hours - they may affect any part of HK.

Rainstorm warnings

Observatory issues warning in two-stages:

1. First stage - heavy rainstorms likely to affect HK waters.

2. Actual rainfall levels have been recorded over a period of 1-2 hours.

Flood & Landslide warning 

- as the warning says!

Useful links

Click here to visit US Government 'Joint Typhoon Warning Center.'

Click here to visit the Hong Kong Observatory website for maximum guest in Hong Kong.