The best time to visit Hong Kong is in the cooler winter months when humidity is low and there’s little rain. This is the perfect time for outdoor exploration and enjoying the markets, Victoria Peak, and the outlying islands. However, Hong Kong is a buzzing, dynamic city with a packed calendar of cultural events throughout the year.
Hong Kong, which lies off the south coast of China, faces the South China Sea and enjoys a subtropical climate. Winters are mild and dry, while in summer, from May to September, the heat and humidity rise. There are four distinct seasons here, although they’re not of equal length. When to visit depends on what you want to do.
Visiting Hong Kong By Season
Summer
Aberdeen Fishing Village
June, July, and August in Hong Kong are hot, humid, and rainy. Days can feel oppressive, and at night, the temperature often remains high, making air conditioning a necessity. July is the hottest month of the year, with average temperatures of 85.8°F (29.9°C).
Summer is the most likely time for typhoons to arrive, bringing several days of strong winds and torrential rain. June, the wettest month of the year, receives on average a substantial 19.3 inches (490mm) of precipitation.
Fall
Fall is brief in Hong Kong. September is still hot and rainy, but October and November are cooler and less humid. October can still see the occasional late-season cyclone, but by November, the weather is delightful, with sunny days and average temperatures of 73°F (22.8°C).
November is the best time to visit Hong Kong if you want to avoid the winter peak season. Rainfall has dropped to 4.7 inches (120mm). The nights become cooler and more tolerable, perfect for exploring the colorful night markets.
Winter
Central District
December, January, and February are regarded as winter in Hong Kong and are the high season for tourist arrivals. December is sunny and warm, which is arguably the best time to go to Hong Kong if you want to spend time outdoors. January and February have less sunshine and average daily temperatures in January of 62.1°F (16.7°C). December is also the driest month of the year, with just 1.2 inches (30mm) of rain.
But temperatures can vary enormously, from warm days perfect for outdoor dining and hiking to times when the wind can be cool and temperatures drop to freezing at altitude by night.
Spring
Spring in Hong Kong, from March to May, is warm and usually pleasant, with humidity increasing as May progresses.
Expect average daily temperatures of 75.1°F (23.9°C) in April, increasing to a steamy 81.1°F (27.3°C) in May. April receives on average 6.1 inches (15.5mm), but by May, this goes up to 11.4 inches (290mm).
Despite the pleasant temperatures, the spring months are often overcast. March, in fact, is the cloudiest month of the year, receiving an average of just three hours of sunshine daily.
Read: 3 Days in Hong Kong
When Is Rainy Season?
Hong Kong’s wet season is the humid summer months when typhoons can bring heavy rain and strong winds. Precipitation starts to increase in April, peaking in June, July, and August. Rainfall begins to decrease in September, but this is still a relatively wet month, receiving on average 12.6 inches (320mm) of precipitation.
Despite the rain, June, July, and August are still some of the sunniest months of the year, receiving around six hours of sunshine daily.
When Is High Season?
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High season in Hong Kong is the winter months, when the weather is at its best for sightseeing. November to February is the busiest time, especially around Chinese New Year, which usually falls in late January or February, according to the lunar calendar. This is a spectacular time to visit, with lion dances, lanterns, processions, and market stalls packed with Chinese zodiac-themed gifts.
Christmas is another big cultural event, with bright displays of festive lights and cultural events. For New Year’s Eve, fireworks light up the skies.
When Is Shoulder Season?
The shoulder season in Hong Kong is from April to early May, before the heat of summer, and to an extent, September and early October. September can still be hot, but there’s plenty going on, not least horse racing at Happy Valley, which is an important part of Hong Kong culture and always has a carnival atmosphere.
This is also the time of the big Mid-Autumn festival, a time of lantern displays, fire dragon dances, and special mooncake pastries for sale. October 1 is National Day, so look out for spectacular fireworks over Victoria Harbour.
When Is Low Season?
Low season for tourism in Hong Kong is June through September, when typhoons are most likely and the weather is hot and sticky. Having said this, there’s still plenty going on; just fewer tourists.
Pollution is at its lowest, too, and you can enjoy sweeping views from the top of The Peak of the islands, sea, and urban area spread out below you. Come in June and you can enjoy the Dragon Boat Festival, a colorful day of racing at locations all over the city.
Read: The Ultimate Hong Kong Food Guide
Central District
Are you tempted to explore this dynamic place for yourself? Browse Celebrity’s cruises to Hong Kong and plan your Asian adventure.
