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Risk topic
Typhoon season in Southeast Asia
Where Western-Pacific typhoons form, when they peak, which destinations are most exposed — and how to get push alerts the moment a storm forms.
TL;DR
- Western Pacific season runs year-round but peaks Jul–Oct.
- Philippines averages 8 landfalls per year — more than any other country.
- JMA (Japan), PAGASA (Philippines), HKO (Hong Kong) and CWA (Taiwan) are the authoritative agencies.
- Most named storms become trackable 5–7 days before landfall — enough to change a trip.
- TravelAlert aggregates JMA, PAGASA, GDACS and HKO and pushes when a storm threatens your destination.
The Western Pacific is the most active tropical-cyclone basin on Earth: an average of 25 named storms each year, of which roughly 16 reach typhoon strength. The Philippines bears the largest share — around 8 storms make landfall annually — followed by Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, southern China and Japan.
When typhoons form
Typhoons are tropical cyclones in the Western Pacific. Although the basin technically has no closed season, formation peaks sharply between July and October, with September the single most active month historically. May–June and November storms are common but smaller in number.
- Peak season: July – October
- Shoulder: May – June, November
- Quietest: January – April
Where typhoons hit hardest
Different basins inside the Western Pacific feed different destinations. The Philippines is the most exposed — central Luzon, Visayas and northern Mindanao take most landfalls. Vietnam's central coast (Da Nang, Hoi An) is the second-most exposed mainland coast. Hong Kong, southern China, Taiwan and southern Japan each see 2–6 storm impacts per year.
- Philippines: ~8 landfalls/year (peak Luzon & Visayas)
- Vietnam: 4–6 landfalls/year (central coast)
- Taiwan: 3–4 storm impacts/year
- Hong Kong & Macau: 5–6 close passes/year
- Japan (Kyushu, Okinawa): 3–5 impacts/year
What to do when a typhoon forms
Modern numerical weather prediction gives 5–7 days of warning for most Western-Pacific storms. By Day -3, landfall location is usually accurate to within 100 km. Use that window: rebook with your airline (not OTA), move inland or to a higher floor in a coastal hotel, and stock 48 hours of water and snacks. Once Storm Signal 8 (Hong Kong) or PAGASA Signal 3+ is in effect, most public transport and businesses close and travel becomes impossible.
Official sources for this topic
No rumors — only verified agencies.
- JMA — Japan Meteorological Agency
Official RSMC for the Western Pacific basin.
- PAGASA
Philippine warnings, including local storm-signal levels.
- Hong Kong Observatory
Hong Kong storm-signal system (T1, T3, T8, T9, T10).
- GDACS
UN-backed multi-hazard scoring across the basin.
Agency names and trademarks are property of their respective owners. TravelAlert is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of these organizations. We surface their publicly available data; we do not speak for them and do not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or timeliness.
Frequently asked questions
When is typhoon season in Southeast Asia?
The Western-Pacific season runs year-round but peaks July through October, with September the historically most active month.
Which country gets hit by the most typhoons?
The Philippines — averaging around 8 landfalls per year, more than any other country on Earth.
How much warning do you get before a typhoon?
Modern forecasts give 5–7 days of advance notice for most storms. By 3 days out, landfall is usually predictable to within 100 km.
Should I cancel a trip if a typhoon is forecast?
Not necessarily. If the storm is forecast to pass within 200 km of your destination at landfall intensity, contact your airline directly — most allow free rebooking under typhoon waivers. If you're already there, move inland from the coast and stock supplies for 48 hours.
Is travel insurance enough?
Most standard policies exclude 'foreseen' weather — meaning once a storm is named, new bookings won't be covered. Buy insurance before storms form, and check whether your policy includes 'cancel for any reason' coverage.
Related on TravelAlert
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How Caribbean and Gulf storms compare to Western Pacific typhoons.
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Open TravelAlertLast updated: 4 June 2026.