Making your way to the 852 soon? See if you’ll be coming during Hong Kong’s best season with our guide to Hong Kong weather.
Apart from booking the best hotel, making reservations at top restaurants, and familiarising yourself with Hong Kong’s public transport system, understanding the city’s weather pattern should also be on your travel checklist. While we’re blessed with a minimal number of natural disasters in the 852, there are a few things you should keep in mind while planning your trip. Read on as we breakdown key elements of Hong Kong weather and when is the best time to visit.
A crash course on Hong Kong weather
Hong Kong spring
While spring might be synonymous with blooming flowers in other parts of the world, we locals usually associate the season with encroaching heat and humidity. Hong Kong spring usually spans from February to early April, or just after the Easter holidays. Although we used to get temperatures below 10°C (50°F) pre-2010s, spring months in recent years have averaged out to a tepid 17°C (62°F).
It’s also important to note that we see 100% humidity on a daily basis during spring. So, pack light and airy clothes, and maybe plan more indoor activities in your itinerary. We find ice-skating, roller-skating, and bouldering perfect things to do in Hong Kong’s spring. Alternatively, heading out to see cherry blossoms can be a great sunny day activity, too.
Check out more tips on how to cope with Hong Kong’s heat and humidity.
Hong Kong summer
Summer in Hong Kong usually starts in May and continues well after the Mid-Autumn Festival in mid- to late-September. You can expect clearer and longer – but also hotter – days during this period. Temperatures usually range from 27°C (80.6°F) to 37°C (98.6°F), with some days in July and August reaching 40°C (104°F). Humidity stays high, too, with rates averaging out around 85%.
That being said, Hong Kong is AC-ed up during summer, so you shouldn’t have to worry about the heat. And if you’re planning on hitting some of our stunning beaches, hitting the seas on a junk or yacht, or trying water sports, summer will be the best time to visit Hong Kong for you. Just remember to pack your sunglasses and sunscreen!
Discover more summer things to do in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong autumn
Officially, fall starts after the Mid-Autumn Festival. Temperature-wise, summer doesn’t really end until November. But when cooler weather finally sets in, Hong Kong maintains a crisp 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F) on a daily basis. The cooler and drier weather is perfect for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. You’ll also notice days getting shorter, with the sun fully set by around 6pm. We recommend checking out al fresco restaurants and rooftop bars to take advantage of the breeze as well.
Hong Kong winter
According to the lunar calendar, winter starts on or after the winter solstice, which is usually a few days before Christmas. For those who are not fans of the cold, you’d be happy to know temperatures rarely drop below 10°C (50°F) from December to February. However, the relatively high humidity makes Hong Kong’s winter feel much colder than it is. Coupled with the fact that most places don’t have central heating (or any heating for that matter), Hong Kong winter is nothing to scoff at!
So, wrap up warm if you’re heading out for Christmas lights or festive markets and fairs. Otherwise, a cosy hot pot, poon choi, or K-BBQ meal also does the trick.
When is the best time to visit Hong Kong?
Hong Kong festivals
Apart from Hong Kong weather, you should also take our annual festivals and holidays into account when planning your trip.
January to February
Chinese New Year usually falls between mid-January and early February, with plenty of festive displays, decorations, and markets for you to explore. Do keep in mind that restaurants and cafes might close on public holidays (the first three days of the lunar new year). Generally, shopping malls and theme parks like Disneyland and Ocean Park remain open with adjusted hours.
April to June
After the Ching Ming Festival and Easter in April, a major cheerful occasion is the Dragon Boat Festival, usually taking place in late-May to early June. You may want to visit Hong Kong then to watch dragon boat races along our coasts, such as the Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai waterfront that faces the Victoria Harbour, and Stanley waterfront looking out to sea.
September to December
Mid-Autumn Festival is another major Hong Kong festival and usually entails several attractions. Apart from festive displays and markets, locals in Tai Hang and Aberdeen host spectacular Fire Dragon Dances that you won’t want to miss! Finally, Christmas and New Year’s Eve close out the year in wintry jubilation. Try Hong Kong’s best Christmas menus and get involved with New Year’s Eve celebrations during your visit.
Art Month in Hong Kong
If you’re an art lover, the best time to visit Hong Kong has to be March. During this month, which is aptly referred to as Art Month, Hong Kong plays host to several major art events. Art Basel and Art Central attract ample locals and visitors. In recent years, both fairs have extended their efforts to hosting exhibitions in local galleries, as well as installations around the city. What’s more, the West Kowloon Cultural District also contributes to this month of arts and culture in unique ways across its museums.
Hong Kong typhoon season
Hong Kong’s typhoon season falls between summer and autumn. Aside from a few strong typhoons in recent years, the city usually gets off relatively unscathed. So, if you’re in Hong Kong during a typhoon, there’s no need to panic. Simply stay indoors and keep an eye out on our Observatory for updates on transportation status, road closures, and more. However, if your flight coincides with a typhoon, expect it to be cancelled.
Here’s all the T on Hong Kong’s typhoon season to help you prep your trip.
