Kaohsiung International Airport (RCKH/KHH) serves as the ”Southern Gateway” of Taiwan, supporting the industry and tourism of Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan. As Taiwan's second-largest international airport after Taoyuan International Airport (RCTP/TPE), it plays a central role in connecting the southern region with destinations around the world. This analysis is based on five years of observational data (METAR) from 2020 to 2024, summarizing the key trends and characteristics of aviation meteorological elements at RCKH. It is intended to support more accurate operational decision-making and proactive management of weather-related risks.
Airport Overview
Kaohsiung International Airport is located in Xiaogang District, Kaohsiung City, in southern Taiwan. Situated at a low elevation of approximately 10m (32ft) and in close proximity to the Taiwan Strait, the airport is subject to the direct influence of maritime air masses. Under the Köppen climate classification, it falls within the tropical savanna climate zone, characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. The airport operates a single asphalt runway, RWY 09/27 (3,150×60m), oriented in an east-west direction.
Wind Direction & Speed
Wind Direction
・Westerly winds (260–280°) are the prevailing wind direction throughout the year, with northerly winds (350–360°) also frequently observed. ・A clear seasonal shift is evident: westerly to west-southwesterly winds (250–280°) dominate from March to November, while northerly winds (350–360°) prevail from December to February. ・During June to August, northeasterly to east-northeasterly winds (40–80°) also tend to be prevalent. ・Crosswind conditions occur more frequently from December to February.
Wind Speed
・Strong winds of 13KT or above are relatively uncommon throughout the year. ・Gust activity tends to increase slightly from July to October, likely associated with convective activity (CB) and typhoons.
Precipitation & Thunderstorm
Precipitation
・Rainfall is observed throughout the year, with the highest frequency typically occurring in July. ・Due to consistently high temperatures, snowfall is not observed.
Thunderstorm
・Thunderstorm activity is observed throughout the year, with the highest frequency typically occurring in August. ・While thunderstorms can occur at any time of day, they tend to be slightly more frequent in the local afternoon hours, a pattern that becomes particularly pronounced from July to September. ・Contributing factors include both air mass thunderstorms driven by surface heating, as well as frontal thunderstorms associated with the passage of weather fronts.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility (VIS)
・Significant low visibility below 800m is relatively rare, with observed peaks typically occurring in the early morning and during daytime hours. ・June sees the highest frequency of low visibility events, primarily attributed to reduced visibility caused by heavy rainfall. ・Low visibility conditions are observed across most hours of the day, with the exception of 05Z, 16Z, and 19Z.
Ceiling (CIG)
・Ceiling conditions below 200ft are extremely rare.
Temperature
Temperature
・Average temperatures tend to exceed 30°C during daytime hours (01–08Z) from June to September. ・In May and October, average temperatures may also exceed 30°C during certain daytime hours.
High temperatures lead to an increase in density altitude, which can affect aircraft takeoff and landing performance. Extra caution is advised during these periods.
