The paper uses the finite element method to study the vibration characteristics of large hyperbolic cooling towers. Taking a typical tower for example, the distribution of the natural frequencies and mode shapes are investigated. The equations to estimate the fundamental frequency and overturning frequency are fitted based on a series of parametric studies. The results show that the fundamental frequency is directly proportional to the concrete material property〖KF(〗E/ρ〖KF)〗 and the thickness of tower wall, and inversely proportional to the height of tower. The fundamental frequency also has a quadratic relationship with the total cross-sectional area of supporting columns and the median regressive parameter. The good matches between the results from the fitting equation and the results from full-scale tests indicate that the fitting equation has a high credibility in predicting the natural frequencies of cooling towers.