Which Month Has the Most Typhoons? Monthly Climatological Statistics
August sees the highest number of typhoon formations, while September has the highest proportion of super typhoons. The three months from July to September account for approximately 60% of annual typhoons. Understand the monthly rhythm of the typhoon season in one article.
Monthly Distribution of Typhoons Throughout the Year
The Northwest Pacific averages about 26 numbered typhoons annually. The monthly distribution is roughly as follows (climatological average from 1991-2020, approximate values):
| Month | Average Formations | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Jan-Mar | 0-1 each | Rare, mostly in low-latitude open oceans |
| Apr-May | 1 each | Prelude to the typhoon season |
| June | 1-2 | Curtain raiser for landfalls in China |
| July | 4 | Start of peak landfalls in South China |
| August | 5-6 | Highest number of formations annually |
| September | 5 | Highest proportion of super typhoons |
| October | 3-4 | Autumn typhoons with variable tracks |
| November | 2 | Mainly affects South China and Hainan |
| December | 1 | Basically no landfalls in China |
Key Rhythms
- Landfall Window in China: Late June to early October is the concentrated period for landfalls, with late July to mid-September being the peak within the peak.
- "Late July and Early August" Applies to Typhoons Too: The critical flood control period in North China (late July to early August) coincides with the active period when typhoons move north to affect the Huang-Huai region and North China.
- September Has the Highest "Quality": Sea surface temperatures peak around September, resulting in the highest proportion of super typhoons. Mangkhut and Meranti were both products of September.
- No Off-Season: Theoretically, typhoons can occur every month. Although January and February typhoons are rare, they do exist.
Regional Rhythm of Typhoon Landfalls in China
- June-July: Primarily South China (Guangdong, Hainan, Taiwan)
- July-August: Landfall points shift northward; Fujian, Zhejiang, and Shanghai enter high-risk periods, with typhoons capable of deeply affecting North and Northeast China
- September-October: Landfall points retreat south to South China; autumn typhoon tracks are highly variable
- November-December: Occasional impacts only on Hainan and the South China coast
Want to verify these patterns? TyphoonSays' historical typhoon database archives all typhoons since 1945 by year. The annual pages provide an intuitive view of the monthly typhoon timeline for that year, while the "On This Day in History" page displays typhoon records from the same date in previous years.