{"id":157864,"date":"2025-08-04T12:00:01","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T04:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/hong-kong\/?p=157864"},"modified":"2025-08-04T17:20:52","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T09:20:52","slug":"keep-cool-in-hong-kong-summer-humidity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/hong-kong\/keep-cool-in-hong-kong-summer-humidity\/","title":{"rendered":"How to keep cool in Hong Kong: Tips on battling the heat and humidity"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tropical weather can be attractive to some \u2013 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\u2019m here to share my tips on how to keep cool throughout the relentless heat and humidity. Spending time at museums<\/a>, galleries<\/a>, and shopping malls<\/a> are a great start, but here\u2019s how to have a fruitful summer while staying cool.<\/p>\n

Heat wave alert: How to keep cool in Hong Kong<\/h2>\n

1. Cool off with a frosty bowl of shaved ice<\/h3>\n
\"keep
Photography: Celia Lee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chowing down on a frosty treat is my go-to cool off tactic. While I have previously explored various shaved ice<\/a> joints in Hong Kong, my current favourite is the Pistachio bingsu<\/em> (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\u2019d 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<\/a> in town.<\/p>\n

Bingsu<\/em> flavours<\/strong>: Pistachio, Strawberry, Tangerine, Busan Corn
\nOpening hours<\/strong>: 11:30am \u2013 10pm every day
\nAddress<\/strong>: Surasang and Coffee Hwajeon, Shop 1028B, 1\/F, Water Zone, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong<\/p>\n

Surasang website<\/a> Coffee Hwajeon website<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Let it go at the rink<\/h3>\n
\"festival
Photography: Festival Walk Glacier via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Going ice skating<\/a> is one of the best ways to keep cool in Hong Kong \u2013 chilling above a sheet of ice is a cooling effect even the strongest AC can\u2019t rival. You can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Opening hours<\/strong>: Mon \u2013 Fri, 9:30am \u2013 9pm; Sat, 8am \u2013 9pm; Sun, 8am \u2013 8pm (Ice Palace). 10:30am \u2013 8pm, every day (Glacier).
\nAddress<\/strong>: Ice Palace, L1\/F, CityPlaza, 18 Tai Koo Shing Road, Tai Koo Shing, Hong Kong
\nGlacier, UG\/F, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong<\/p>\n

Ice Palace website<\/a> Glacier website<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Take a dip at these top-notch pools<\/h3>\n
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Photography: Wpcpey via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2025 is the year I finally brave the pools<\/a> and learn to swim. If you\u2019re from a no-beach family like me, there\u2019s no shame in signing up for an adult swimming class<\/a> in Hong Kong, where instructors and fellow students alike are welcoming, accepting, and patient in your progress. While I\u2019m 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 \u2013 best of all \u2013 beginner-friendly.<\/p>\n

Opening hours<\/strong>: Thu \u2013 Tue, 6:30am \u2013 12\u202fpm (morning); 1 \u2013 6pm (lunch \u2013 evening); 7 \u2013 10\u202fpm (night)
\nAddress<\/strong>: Kwun Tong Swimming Pool, 2 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong<\/p>\n

4. Tuck into a refreshing meal<\/h3>\n
\"refreshing
Photography: Poking HK via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019m 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\u2019s day. That\u2019s 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<\/a> from Poking HK, where you can choose from a menu of protein-packed and nutritious combos. Of course, a lunchtime salad<\/a> never fails to keep you fueled and cool, while Vietnamese food<\/a> is pho<\/em> real an appetising cure to Hong Kong\u2019s evening humidity.<\/p>\n

My go-to items<\/strong>: The Salmon Classic from Poking; Banyan or Willow Salads from Treehouse; Bun Thit Nuong from An Choi
\nOpening hours<\/strong>: Mon \u2013 Fri, 11:15am \u2013 9pm; Sat, 12 \u2013 5pm (Poking). Sun \u2013 Thu, 12 \u2013 10pm; Fri \u2013 Sat, 12 \u2013 11pm (An Choi).
\nAddress<\/strong>: Poking, G\/F, 121 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
\nTreehouse has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
\nAn Choi, Shop A, 15 \u2013 17 Mercer Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong<\/p>\n

Poking website<\/a> Treehouse website<\/a> An Choi website<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Hit the waves<\/h3>\n
\"keep
Photography: Earth100 via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hong Kong\u2019s beaches<\/a> have yet to lose their allure for me, especially now that I\u2019m 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\u2019s close to my home in Tseung Kwan O<\/a>, but you should also check out these hidden beaches<\/a> in Hong Kong for quieter scenes. As for the more adventurous amongst you, most main beaches offer plenty of exhilarating watersports<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Opening hours<\/strong>: Apr \u2013 Oct, Mon \u2013 Fri, 6am \u2013 8pm; Sat \u2013 Sun and public holidays, 8am \u2013 7pm (Clear Water Bay). Apr \u2013 Oct, Mon \u2013 Fri, 9am \u2013 6pm; Sat \u2013 Sun and public holidays, 8am \u2013 7pm; Nov \u2013 March, 8am \u2013 5pm every day (Silverstrand).
\nAddress<\/strong>: Clear Water Bay First Beach, Tai Wan Tau, Clear Water Bay Road, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
\nSilverstrand Beach, Clear Water Bay Road, Sai Kung, Hong Kong<\/p>\n

6. Cheers to happy hour<\/h3>\n
\"happy
Photography: Celia Lee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I never say no to a well-shaken cocktail, especially when it\u2019s above 30 degrees. To get bang for my buck, I always look out for the best happy hour deals<\/a> in town when the sunset humidity creeps in. My current favourites include Australian wine bar<\/a> Bourkes, Shady Acres\u2019 snazzy new persona, and SYP<\/a> staple Call Me Al. Though they don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

My go-to items<\/strong>: Bondi Beach Spritz from Bourkes; Spritz Me from Call Me Al; Montana Daiquiri from Montana
\nOpening hours<\/strong>: HH Mon \u2013 Friday, 5 \u2013 7pm; Sat, 3 \u2013 7pm; Sun, 12 \u2013 7pm (Bourkes). HH 4 \u2013 7pm (Call Me Al). Tue \u2013 Sat, 6pm \u2013 1am (Montana).
\nAddress<\/strong>: Bourkes, G\/F, 46 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong
\nCall Me Al, G\/F, 123 Queen\u2019s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
\nMontana, Shop A, G\/F, 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong<\/p>\n

Bourkes website<\/a> Call Me Al website<\/a> Montana website<\/a><\/p>\n

Want more insider tips about living in Hong Kong? DM @honeycombershk<\/a> on Instagram or drop me an email at celia.lee@thehoneycombers.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>

How can I specifically combat the humidity in Hong Kong, not just the heat?<\/h3>

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Are the activities and tips in this guide generally affordable or budget-friendly?<\/h3>

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Are these "keep cool" activities suitable for children and families?<\/h3>

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>