Abstract: Based on wave buoy observation data and the ADCIRC-SWAN wave-current coupled model, this study analyzes the wave characteristics in the South China Sea Beibu Gulf during typhoon “TALIM” (No. 2304 in 2023) and assesses the impact of tidal currents on the effective wave height. The study shows that: During “TALIM”, the maximum observed significant wave height was 2.73 m, with wave period was 6-9 seconds, and waves primarily propagated eastward; The maximum significant wave height in the Beibu Gulf reached 3.7 m, with areas of high effective wave height mainly distributed in the eastern Beibu Gulf near the Leizhou Peninsula and the Qiongzhou Strait. Before “TALIM”, there was a region dominated by swell wave on the east side of the Beibu Gulf, while after “TALIM”, the region was mainly controlled by wind wave. Compared to the east side of Leizhou Peninsula, the typhoon transferred more energy to the wave field in the Beibu Gulf; In areas deeper than 15 meters, the significant wave height nearshore was largely affected by whitecapping, bottom friction, swells, and the interactions between these factors. As the water depth decreased to 5 meters, wave breaking and triad interactions caused a rapid reduction in significant wave height. Coupling experiments show that bottom friction primarily affects shallow areas within 20 meters of water depth in the Beibu Gulf, the impact of water level is mainly concentrated in the nearshore areas of the northern and eastern Gulf, and the impact of current coupling is primarily on Qiongzhou Strait and areas farther from the coast. Compared to whole current, tidal current has a stronger effect on the significant wave height within the strait. Tidal currents can significantly affect the significant wave height in the Qiongzhou Strait within 12 hours.