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Hong Kong Observatory vs NDBC Buoy Data API

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

APIHong Kong ObservatoryNEW—NDBC Buoy Data APINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
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, NDBC Buoy Data API leads on measured uptime — Hong Kong Observatory at —% versus NDBC Buoy Data API at —% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

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.