When Is the Typhoon Season in Macao, and How Many Typhoons Occur in a Year?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Regional Typhoons · 更新 at 2026-10-19
Timing and Activity Patterns of Macao's Typhoon Season
Due to the patterns of tropical cyclone activity in the Northwest Pacific and Macao's geographical location, the typhoon season in Macao generally has a long span, usually lasting from May through November. July, August, and September are the “core active period” for typhoon impacts. Sea surface temperatures are high during these three months, and the subtropical high is positioned favorably, creating conditions conducive to tropical cyclone formation and movement toward the west or northwest. This poses a direct threat to coastal areas of southern China.
Although typhoons may approach or affect Macao in May and from October through November, they occur less frequently than during midsummer and are often weaker. It is important to note that meteorological conditions vary from year to year, and specific typhoon tracks and intensities depend on real-time changes in atmospheric circulation. The public should abandon the assumption that “no typhoons occur in fixed months” and always follow the meteorological authorities' real-time assessments.
The Difference Between “Typhoons Formed” and “Actual Impacts”
When discussing the number of typhoons, two concepts need to be distinguished: the total number of tropical cyclones that form over the Northwest Pacific throughout the year, and the number that have a substantial impact on Macao. According to statistics, an average of more than 20 tropical cyclones at tropical storm strength or above form in the Northwest Pacific each year. However, the vast majority dissipate or change track over the open sea and do not directly affect Macao.
For Macao, a more relevant indicator is the number of times Signal No. 8 or higher is hoisted. Historically, the number of strong typhoons that require Signal No. 8 to be hoisted each year is generally in the single digits. In some years, it may be zero, while more may occur in certain active years. Therefore, there is no fixed “average annual number of impacts.” The disaster-prevention burden for each year must be assessed in light of that year's climatic background, such as El Niño or La Niña conditions, and the meteorological authorities' specific warnings.
Interpretation of Warning Signals and Disaster-Prevention Guidelines
The Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) uses a five-tier tropical cyclone warning signal system: Signals No. 1, No. 3, No. 8, No. 9, and No. 10.
- Signal No. 1: Indicates that a tropical cyclone has gathered within 800 kilometers of Macao; vigilance should be maintained.
- Signal No. 3: Signifies that strong winds are about to affect or are already affecting Macao.
- Signal No. 8: A critical stage. Gale-force winds or a storm will blow in from a particular direction, and school closures, work suspensions, and public transport shutdowns are generally triggered at the same time.
- Signals No. 9 and No. 10: Indicate that wind strength will increase further to strong-gale or hurricane levels, posing a highly destructive threat.
Special reminder: Specific arrangements for school and workplace closures and adjustments to public services must strictly follow real-time announcements issued by the Macao SAR Government, education authorities, and employers. Never make assumptions based on past experience.
Practical disaster-preparation recommendations:
- Advance preparations: Before the typhoon season begins, remove flower pots and clutter from balconies, check the sealing of doors and windows, and verify the stability of outdoor signs and billboards.
- Emergency supplies: Prepare at least three days' worth of drinking water, non-perishable food, flashlights, power banks, and commonly used medicines in advance.
- Safety precautions: After Signal No. 8 takes effect, remain indoors in a safe area, stay away from windows, and never go to the coast or low-lying areas to watch the waves.
- Stay informed: Pay close attention to official updates on typhoon tracks, changes in intensity, and any further upgrades to warning signals.
Real-time typhoon tracks can be checked on TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com).
This article is original educational content from TyphoonSays. Please refer to the latest official announcements from local governments for policy standards.