“I love the humidity!” said nobody ever in Hong Kong. My handy tips will help you keep cool in Hong Kong this summer.
Tropical weather can be attractive to some – but I am definitely not part of this pool. Growing up in Hong Kong, summers are always my least favourite season, despite the lack of school. Having spent many hot seasons in the city, I’m here to share my tips on how to keep cool throughout the relentless heat and humidity. Spending time at museums, galleries, and shopping malls are a great start, but here’s how to have a fruitful summer while staying cool.
Heat wave alert: How to keep cool in Hong Kong
1. Cool off with a frosty bowl of shaved ice
Chowing down on a frosty treat is my go-to cool off tactic. While I have previously explored various shaved ice joints in Hong Kong, my current favourite is the Pistachio bingsu (Korean shaved ice) available at both the Korean restaurant Surasang and its sister location Coffee Hwajeon. This mount of flavoured ice comes with a generous drizzle of rich, housemade pistachio glaze, sprinkle of pistachio nuts, plus pistachio brownies and mochis hidden within, ensuring a surprise find with each scoop! I’d recommend to share one between at least two people, as the brain freeze sets in quick. And if shaved ice is not your vibe, check out my picks for the best ice cream and gelato in town.
Bingsu flavours: Pistachio, Strawberry, Tangerine, Busan Corn
Opening hours: 11:30am – 10pm every day
Address: Surasang and Coffee Hwajeon, Shop 1028B, 1/F, Water Zone, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Surasang website Coffee Hwajeon website
2. Let it go at the rink
Going ice skating is one of the best ways to keep cool in Hong Kong – chilling above a sheet of ice is a cooling effect even the strongest AC can’t rival. You can’t really go wrong with any rinks in town, but my favourites are still the Ice Palace in CityPlaza and the Glacier in Festival Walk. Tickets usually go around $100 per person per session or hour, with ample locker rooms and skates for rent onsite.
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 9:30am – 9pm; Sat, 8am – 9pm; Sun, 8am – 8pm (Ice Palace). 10:30am – 8pm, every day (Glacier).
Address: Ice Palace, L1/F, CityPlaza, 18 Tai Koo Shing Road, Tai Koo Shing, Hong Kong
Glacier, UG/F, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
Ice Palace website Glacier website
3. Take a dip at these top-notch pools
2025 is the year I finally brave the pools and learn to swim. If you’re from a no-beach family like me, there’s no shame in signing up for an adult swimming class in Hong Kong, where instructors and fellow students alike are welcoming, accepting, and patient in your progress. While I’m still a noob at it, I am looking forward to trying out the indoor pools around town. My fave so far is the Kwun Tong Swimming Pool, which is family-friendly, has good safety and hygiene regulations, and – best of all – beginner-friendly.
Opening hours: Thu – Tue, 6:30am – 12 pm (morning); 1 – 6pm (lunch – evening); 7 – 10 pm (night)
Address: Kwun Tong Swimming Pool, 2 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
4. Tuck into a refreshing meal
I’m a big fan of hot foods like rice bowls, soup noodles, and pasta. But these items are often too rich and hearty for a sweltering summer’s day. That’s when I turn to the various refreshing dining options in town to beat the heat while eating healthy. I love picking up a loaded poke bowl from Poking HK, where you can choose from a menu of protein-packed and nutritious combos. Of course, a lunchtime salad never fails to keep you fueled and cool, while Vietnamese food is pho real an appetising cure to Hong Kong’s evening humidity.
My go-to items: The Salmon Classic from Poking; Banyan or Willow Salads from Treehouse; Bun Thit Nuong from An Choi
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 11:15am – 9pm; Sat, 12 – 5pm (Poking). Sun – Thu, 12 – 10pm; Fri – Sat, 12 – 11pm (An Choi).
Address: Poking, G/F, 121 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Treehouse has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
An Choi, Shop A, 15 – 17 Mercer Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Poking website Treehouse website An Choi website
5. Hit the waves
Hong Kong’s beaches have yet to lose their allure for me, especially now that I’m less apprehensive about approaching the waves. My ideal beach day consists of lounging under some shade with a book in hand. Clearwater Bay and Silverstrand Beach are my go-to destinations simply because it’s close to my home in Tseung Kwan O, but you should also check out these hidden beaches in Hong Kong for quieter scenes. As for the more adventurous amongst you, most main beaches offer plenty of exhilarating watersports.
Opening hours: Apr – Oct, Mon – Fri, 6am – 8pm; Sat – Sun and public holidays, 8am – 7pm (Clear Water Bay). Apr – Oct, Mon – Fri, 9am – 6pm; Sat – Sun and public holidays, 8am – 7pm; Nov – March, 8am – 5pm every day (Silverstrand).
Address: Clear Water Bay First Beach, Tai Wan Tau, Clear Water Bay Road, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Silverstrand Beach, Clear Water Bay Road, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
6. Cheers to happy hour
I never say no to a well-shaken cocktail, especially when it’s above 30 degrees. To get bang for my buck, I always look out for the best happy hour deals in town when the sunset humidity creeps in. My current favourites include Australian wine bar Bourkes, Shady Acres’ snazzy new persona, and SYP staple Call Me Al. Though they don’t offer a happy hour menu, Montana, newly opened by local startender Lorenzo Antinori, has become my new watering hole because of their delicious Cuban-inspired classics.
My go-to items: Bondi Beach Spritz from Bourkes; Spritz Me from Call Me Al; Montana Daiquiri from Montana
Opening hours: HH Mon – Friday, 5 – 7pm; Sat, 3 – 7pm; Sun, 12 – 7pm (Bourkes). HH 4 – 7pm (Call Me Al). Tue – Sat, 6pm – 1am (Montana).
Address: Bourkes, G/F, 46 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong
Call Me Al, G/F, 123 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Montana, Shop A, G/F, 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Bourkes website Call Me Al website Montana website
Want more insider tips about living in Hong Kong? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at celia.lee@thehoneycombers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I specifically combat the humidity in Hong Kong, not just the heat?
Hong Kong's humidity is a major factor in discomfort. While air conditioning is a primary solution, visiting indoor, air-conditioned spaces like malls and ice rinks are key. Additionally, wearing light, breathable fabrics and staying hydrated with cooling drinks can help your body regulate its temperature and feel more comfortable in the humid conditions.
Are the activities and tips in this guide generally affordable or budget-friendly?
Yes, this guide is designed with affordability in mind. Many of the suggestions are very budget-friendly. While some activities like visiting a beach or a waterfall might involve transport costs, the activities themselves are often free or very low-cost.
Are these "keep cool" activities suitable for children and families?
Absolutely. Many of the activities mentioned are perfect for families with children. Ice skating, visiting a public swimming pool, or hitting the beach can be great fun for all ages. These activities provide a fantastic way for families to stay active and cool together during the hot weather.
