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Hong Kong Observatory vs NDBC Buoy Data API

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

APIHong Kong ObservatoryHEALTHY60NDBC Buoy Data APIDYING83
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%84.3%
Uptime · 30d100%73.3%
P50 · ms1415575
P95 · ms36701068
Authnonenone
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseHKO open data (see terms of use)Unverified
Free tierFree, no keyFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Hong Kong Observatory vs NDBC Buoy Data API: common questions

Which is more reliable, Hong Kong Observatory or NDBC Buoy Data API?

On our scheduled checks, Hong Kong Observatory leads on measured uptime — Hong Kong Observatory at 100% versus NDBC Buoy Data API at 84.3% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Which is faster, Hong Kong Observatory or NDBC Buoy Data API?

NDBC Buoy Data API has the lower median latency in our checks — Hong Kong Observatory responds in 1415 ms versus NDBC Buoy Data API at 575 ms (P50). Tail latency (P95) is in the table above; for most workloads the median is the number that shapes how the API feels.

Do Hong Kong Observatory and NDBC Buoy Data API need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — Hong Kong Observatory is callable with no signup, and NDBC Buoy Data API is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call Hong Kong Observatory and NDBC Buoy Data API from the browser?

Only Hong Kong Observatory is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. NDBC Buoy Data API needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are Hong Kong Observatory and NDBC Buoy Data API free for commercial use?

Hong Kong Observatory has unclear commercial terms, and NDBC Buoy Data API has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.