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Best Time to Visit Hong Kong: Overview of Weather, Climate and Seasons
November 2019
Looking for a sunny holiday with your family but cannot endure 35°C heat with 80% humidity? Or are you excited about a milder winter when you can sit outside in a sleeveless shirt? With four distinct seasons in Hong Kong, knowing the Hong Kong climate can help you choose the best time to visit Hong Kong.
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Hong Kong Climate Overview
Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate, with temperate temperatures for half of the year. The springtime (March - May) is known for its occasional periods of high humidity and brief showers, and the summer (June - August) is scattered with thunderstorms, typhoons, and momentary dry spells. The weather is much more bearable once autumn (September - November) arrives, with the temperature starting to fall in the city. Winter (December - February) brings light breezes and can be surprisingly chilly at times.
To help you navigate and plan for the perfect trip, we’ve gathered a list of some of the best things to do during the different Hong Kong seasons.
Hong Kong's 4 Distinctive Seasons
Spring (around March - May): Showers and High Humidity
Spring is a great time to visit Hong Kong - but bring your umbrellas as precipitation, humidity, and temperatures slowly rise from March to May. Delicate magnolias, vivid azaleas, as well as Hong Kong’s very own bauhinia flowers come into blossom - you can catch glimpses of these plants in the carefully curated parks of Hong Kong.
The Kowloon Park located in the centre of Tsim Sha Tsui is home to many species of vegetation and tropical birds, and it’s a lovely oasis to visit amid the towering high-rise buildings. With stunning displays of potted plants and floral arrangements, the Hong Kong Flower Show is yet another venue for horticulture lovers to frequent in late March, as well as music and cultural performances and fun activities for visitors of all ages.
What To Do?
The Hong Kong Arts Month also occurs during the March of every year. Exhibits and various events take place throughout the city with the work of local and international artists on display. Just a stone throw’s away from Hotel ICON, the K11 Art Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui offers a distinct perspective into the art scene as they combine culture, entertainment, and shopping all in one location.
Other notable events are Le French May, and the much celebrated Hong Kong Sevens. Le French May is a series of cultural and heritage programmes shown over the span of two months, and has since become an integral part of Hong Kong’s cultural scene since its inception in 1993.
As the world’s premier rugby event, Hong Kong Sevens is known for being one of the biggest sporting events during the year. The lively atmosphere is highly contagious as fans cheer on their favourite team.
Summer (around June - August): Hot Spells and Typhoon Season
The heat is on - both literally and figuratively! When June rolls around, the typhoon season starts and humidity sets in. Temperatures can reach figures in the mid-30s°C. When visiting in the summer, make sure to bring lots of sunscreen and your raincoats as August is the wettest month of the year with thunderstorms and occasional typhoons. Keep an eye out for any rainstorm or typhoon warnings as it may affect public transport and store hours.
What To Do?
The Hong Kong Tourism Board hosts the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival at the Central Harbourfront Event Space, and you can board the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to get there. Watching a live dragon boat race is an experience like no other - you can see teams row with all their might in sync to the beat of pounding drums and excitement fills the air as the boats dash towards the finish line. Other highlights of the Carnival include the temporary beach area, concerts, food trucks, and interactive activities fit for the whole family.
To escape the heat, many locals choose to frequent the heavily air-conditioned malls around the city. A great choice is Harbour City, a vast shopping centre consisting of more than 700 shops and restaurants in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui.
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Autumn (around September - November): Clear Skies and Comfortable Temperatures
Though brief in duration, the blue sky of autumn means that it is one of the best times to visit Hong Kong. You should still keep your umbrellas close by as September is considered typhoon season, and there may be occasional rainstorm warnings. Humidity, rainfall levels, and temperature dip to low-20s°C in October and November, and many make their way to the country parks, markets, and outdoor eateries.
What To Do?
The city is lined with numerous mountains and peaks, so it’s no wonder that hiking is one of the most popular pastimes in autumn. Popular trails include the Dragon’s Back, Tai Tam Reservoir, and the Lantau Peak, all within a short ride away from the city centre.
Autumn is the season of festivals: Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, ClockenFlap, and Halloween fun at Ocean Park to name a few. Mid-Autumn festival is one of the most significant cultural activities in Hong Kong as families gather for mooncakes, meals, and lantern viewing.
Winter (December - February): Dry and Cool Weather
In general, Hong Kong's climate in the winter is dry and the skies are clear. You can expect to dress in layers and a light jacket as the temperature dips below 20°C with very little rainfall. It is suggested that you bring a heavier coat in January and February, as every now and then the temperatures will go as low as single digits.
What To Do?
Winter is the peak travel and shopping season for visitors and Hong Kongers alike. Shops offer amazing deals and malls around the city try to out-compete one another on dazzling Christmas decorations and displays. You can shop til you drop as shops in Hong Kong often have extended hours during the Christmas and New Year holidays. On New Year’s Eve, people gather near the Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui for the spectacular display of fireworks and to ring in the new year with loved ones. Many restaurants around town will also offer Christmas and New Year dinner so you can celebrate with friends and family.
The Winter Solstice Festival is another major celebration of the Hong Kong people, second only to Chinese New Year in January or February. The whole city is buzzing with energy during the days leading up to Chinese New Year, as people flock to temples to wish for good fortune, flower markets for decorations, and festive markets for the lively atmosphere.
So how do you decide when the best time to visit Hong Kong is? Come and find out for yourself – book a room with us today! Something exciting is always happening in the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong.
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