Grab your sunscreen and brave the heat for these spectacular things to do this summer in Hong Kong.
The weather’s getting warmer and the days are getting longer – that’s right, summer has arrived! While our beloved city is infamous for its humidity, the summer months aren’t so bad with beach-perfect weather and plenty of things to do around town. Whether you’re looking for a nice day out to reconnect with nature, scouting for the most decadent ice cream cones, or simply wanting to stay cool and AC-ed up, here are my best picks for things to do this summer in Hong Kong.
2025 Summer in Hong Kong: Top things to do
1. Visit 2025 summer fairs
One of the best things to do during summer in Hong Kong is to visit a fair! A series of annual arts, cultural, and educational fairs set up shop at the HKCEC from June to August every year. The most popular fairs have got to be the Ani-Con & Games Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Book Fair. Whether you’re a professional cosplayer eager to show off your latest ensemble, or simply want to stock up on books to read for the rest of the year, these summer fairs in Hong Kong have you covered.
When: 16 – 22 July 2025 (Book Fair); 25 – 29 July 2025 (Ani-con)
How much: Tickets from $30 per adult (Book Fair); tickets from $45 per adult (Ani-con)
Address: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Ani-con website Book Fair website
2. Sing to your heart’s content at 2025 summer music festivals
Get your concert fits ready! An impressive line-up of international artists are coming to Hong Kong this summer for a series of mega music festivals, individual performances, and more.
First up, we got Waterbomb 2025 – an international music festival that serves up exceptional shows with a side of gripping water fights. Is there a better way to cool down while bopping to good tunes?
Another highlight is Carnival Fair’s Murray Summer 2025, a sports, wellness, and music festival taking place at Stanley’s historic Murray House throughout August. Whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast, master yogi, or simply seeking a one-of-a-kind rave, this is the festival for you!
When: July 2025 (Waterbomb); August 2025 (Murray Summer)
How much: Ticket prices TBC
Address: Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong and
Murray House, Stanley, Hong Kong
Waterbomb website Murray Summer website
3. Go island-hopping
Take advantage of the sunshine and plan a weekend trip to the outlying islands! While the majority of Hong Kong’s beat is on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, remote islands such as Lantau and Lamma have much to offer, too. Hiking enthusiasts, be sure to hit up the trails on Lantau Island – you’ll encounter the Big Buddha and other Taoist religious monuments along the way. In addition, Lamma Island offers plenty of authentic local food and drinks for you to enjoy in a laid-back, rustic atmosphere.
4. Cool off with a cold treat
While I love some quality ice cream and silky smooth gelato, the same ol’ soft serve can get a little repetitive throughout Hong Kong’s unending summer. So, why not spice things up with alternative cold treats this year? There are various “cotton” shaved ice specialists around town where you can quench your thirst with a tall mount of flavoured ice. While I’m a big fan of the crowd-favourite dessert joint, Shari Shari, local dessert shop Grindie’s latest Causeway Bay location has caught my attention (and appetite!) with its refreshing shaved ice bowls crafted with seasonal fruits.
How much: Items from $100 (Shari Shari); items from $38 (Grindie)
Address: Shari Shari has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
Grindie has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
Shari Shari website Grindie website
5. Get cultured, get crafty
Take refuge from the heat and visit some of the best museums and art galleries in town. Whether you wish to learn about local culture and history, or admire some awe-inspiring art, Hong Kong has a wide variety of artsy locations for you to choose from – and rest assured they’re mostly air-conditioned! What’s more, fellow artists can unleash your creativity at creative classes in town. I recently had a blast improving my pottery skills at The Pottery Workshop’s ceramics class, while CL Art Studio’s friendly environment made picking up the paintbrush again at its art jamming sesh breezy and enjoyable.
Price: From $750 for two per class (Pottery Workshop); from $250 per person per session (CL Art Studio)
Address: The Pottery Workshop, Room 305, 3/F, Lyndhurst Building, 29 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong
CL Art Studio,
The Pottery Workshop website CL Art Studio website
6. Spend some quality time with your pooch
Take your doggos on a summer adventure around the city! From dog-friendly restaurants and cafes to a series of indoor and outdoor playgrounds designed for our four-legged friends, there’s plenty of fun to be had for pets and their parents. Highlight of the season has to be Kai Tak Sports Park’s Summer Playcation Fest, a vibrant summer festival complete with fun and enriching play facilities for pets. Alternatively, make your way to Repulse Bay for Groa, a picturesque pet-friendly cafe that’s been highly recommended by our resident dog mom.
When: Fri – Sun, 1 July – 14 September 2025 (Summer Playcation Fest)
How much: Free to enter (Summer Playcation Fest);
Address: Kai Tak Sports Park, 38 – 39 Shing Kai Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
Groa, Shop 203A, 1/F, Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
Kai Tak Sports Park website Groa website
7. Throw back a couple of cold ones
Hot and thirsty? Chill out with a frosty pint or a specialty cocktail at the best bars in Hong Kong. Our local bar scene offers an amazing variety of nighttime entertainment to visitors and locals alike. Say cheers with a craft beer, spill some tea over a tall glass at a speakeasy, or clink glasses at a classy wine bar. Plus, summer in Hong Kong is also the time for the LGBTQ+ community to shine – so make sure to check out LGBTQ-friendly bars for exciting Pride Month events and celebrations!
8. Stay active and sweat it out
The glaring sun is no excuse to skip leg day! Get your daily workouts in at indoor gyms and fitness studios this summer in Hong Kong. From bouldering gyms to spin classes, the city’s fantastic selection of sports venues caters to just about any fitness interest, level, and goal. Personally, I’ll be twirling at Festival Walk’s ice skating rink for extra cooling effects, and working on my mobility and flexibility at our fave yoga studio, IKIGAI, on scorching days.
Opening hours: 10:30am – 8pm (Glacier); (IKIGAI)
How much: From $100 per person per hour (Glacier); From $590 for seven-day unlimited access (IKIGAI)
Address: Glacier, UG/F, Festival Walk, 8 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
IKIGAI has locations in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui.
Glacier website IKIGAI website
9. Party it up on a junk
Junk season is upon us! If you’re running out of ideas for your next summer bash, why not host your party on a chartered boat? Planning a get-together on the sea is easy. Simply check out these junk catering packages that cover food, drinks, and entertainment on board. I recommend giving Knead a try for a grazing platter of gourmet finger foods, and Bain Marie for a refreshing yet filling spread. After that, round up your friends, bring your swimming trunks and bikini, and you’re good to go!
Price: From $550 per package (Knead); from $120 per person (Bain Marie)
Address: Knead has locations in Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, and Tin Wan.
Bain Marie, Unit 17C, 4 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong
Knead website Bain Marie website
10. Say yes to a mindful summer
Congratulations! You’ve made it through half the year. Why not take some time off for yourself and reflect on how your year has fared so far? Finish that Netflix series you’ve been putting off or finally pick up that book you bought years ago at a garage sale. Finally, pamper yourself with a spa treatment or manicure, and take the time to relax and enjoy life – you deserve a break!
Want more tips on how to tackle Hong Kong’s summer? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at celia.lee@thehoneycombers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I best cope with Hong Kong's intense heat and humidity while enjoying these outdoor summer activities?
When planning outdoor activities like island hopping or junk parties, prioritise early mornings or late afternoons. Always stay well-hydrated by carrying plenty of water. Opt for light, breathable clothing, use sunscreen and hats, and take advantage of air-conditioned indoor breaks (like museums or shopping malls) between outdoor adventures.
Do I need to book tickets or make reservations in advance for the suggested summer events and attractions?
For popular summer fairs (like Ani-Con) and music festivals, booking tickets well in advance is highly recommended as they can sell out quickly. For specific attractions like museums or classes, checking their official websites for any required pre-booking or timed entry is advisable to avoid disappointment, especially during peak holiday periods.
Are many of these summer activities suitable for families with children, or are they geared more towards adults?
This guide offers a mix of activities for various audiences. While some, like bar visits, are adult-oriented, many suggestions are great for families. Island hopping, visiting museums and art galleries, enjoying alternative cold treats, and engaging in indoor activities like ceramic classes or arcade gaming can be enjoyed by all ages. Look for specific family-friendly details within each suggestion.
