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Hong Kong Weather

Written by Ruru Zhou Updated Jun. 28, 2021

Hong Kong’s climate is firmly in the subtropics. It’s located on the southern coast of China, near Macau, and Shenzhen. Most of the undeveloped land in Hong Kong is hilly and forested- typical of the topology of southeastern China.

Spring changes from cool to sunny, balmy, and very rainy. Summers are hot, humid, and rainy, late summer is typically the typhoon season. Autumn weather is drier and cooler but changes frequently. Winter is usually mild, occasionally breaching genuine coldness. Spring is also temperate but subject to instantaneous and frequent change.

Hong Kong High/Low Temperatures Monthly

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High(℉) 66 66 71 77 83 86 89 88 86 82 75 68
Low(℉) 58 59 63 69 75 79 80 80 78 75 68 61
High(℃) 19 19 21 25 28 30 31 31 30 28 24 20
Low(℃) 15 15 17 21 24 26 27 27 26 24 20 16

Best Time to Visit Hong Kong

The late-Fall and Winter months are some of the best for visiting Hong Kong. The cooler, drier weather is complemented by few holidays, meaning that the small, already crowded city won’t be inundated with visitors from the mainland. The notable exception is "Golden Week" when enormous crowds of mainlanders typically flood the city.

The temperature average ranges from 26º down to 17º (79º to 63º Fahrenheit) and the monsoon season is typically finished, so the trade winds blow smoothly.

Read More on Best Times to Visit Hong Kong

What is Typhoon Season in Hong Kong?

Typhoon season in Hong Kong usually officially lasts from about July to September. However thanks to climate change, typhoons in other months are becoming more and more common May, June, and October now have typhoons as well. July, August, and September still remain the worst months for Typhoons- having more than all the other months combined.

Visitors coming to Hong Kong during this season should plan on delays at the airport and by boat. Traveling overland to the city is advised as it will result in the least delays, unexpected problems.

What is the Rainy Season in Hong Kong?

The rainiest months, both in terms of rainfall and days with precipitation are April-September with each month having over 100mm of rain (and some months having over 200mm) and 14 or more rainy days per month. The highest rainfall months among them are June, July, and August. Visitors who want to come during the Spring and Summer should pack appropriately.

Hong Kong in Spring

Spring is one of the best times to visit the city that never sleeps...or stops. The weather is nice and mild, and light breezes with mild precipitation cool the scorching heat of the sun. Spring is a great-all around season in Hong Kong, whether you want to go sailing or shopping.

Storms

Although Spring is not within the traditional typhoon time, thanks to climate change there are occasional typhoons in the area as early as May. This is still the exception rather than the rule, but be sure to check the weather before your trip, especially directly before your trip. Typhoons can form quickly and move quickly as well.

Tips on Traveling Hong Kong in Spring

Overall, Spring is a good season to visit, especially early Spring. Between March and April, the average rainfall more than doubles, although the rainy days during the period are about the same (so when it rains in April and May, it pours).

There are also many April holidays, Buddha's Birthday (Apr. 30) usually features lights and celebrations at the Buddhist Temples.

What to Pack?

Bring some warm-weather clothes. You will want t-shirts, shorts, and plenty of deodorants. Don't forget an umbrella and rain jacket.

Hong Kong in Summer

Summer is probably the season most people want to avoid. The weather alternates between a blazing hot sun and frequent rain. It's not recommended to do much outdoors in the summer heat, and even getting to Hong Kong can be difficult at this time, as the bad weather can delay flights and even ferries.

Late summer is the monsoon season when typhoons most aggressively attack the southeastern coast of China. Unless you are a dedicated meteorologist, it's best not to visit during the monsoons.

Storms

Summer is the storm season. Late summer to early autumn are when the typhoons begin to strike and the storms rage the hardest in Hong Kong. If you are planning on visiting in the summer, check the weather on the days of your arrival and departure for airline delays and cancellations.

Visit Hong Kong in Summer

The summer months are regarded as the worst months to visit Hong Kong. Between the sweltering heat, humidity, rain, and typhoons, it's easy to see why.

If you do have a trip to Hong Kong in the Summer, the best thing to do is to stay inside. If you manage to hit the outdoors on a dry day, make sure to bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and stay as cool as possible. When the rain isn't beating down on you, the sun is. The Dragon Boat Festival in June makes for pretty much the only holiday to see during this season. It is well-worth seeing though.

What to pack?

T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, sandals, plenty of deodorants, an umbrella/rain gear, and a hat for the sun (if you want to head outside) are all pretty good items to prepare you for the Hong Kong summer.

Hong Kong in Autumn

Autumn is most peoples' ideal time in Hong Kong. The summer rains die down, and some cool winds start to blow in from further north. Autumn is the best time for pretty much anything you can do in HKG, from relaxing outside at a café and watching the world go by, hiking the subtropical jungle-covered islands, or just wandering the teeming metropolis.

Storms

In August and September, the typhoon season winds down. Although the vast majority of serious storms are completely done by early September, there are occasional severe typhoons in September.

As usual, it's important to pay close attention to the weather in Hong Kong around the time of your flights in and out of the city.

Visit Hong Kong in Autumn

Autumn is one of the better times to visit- especially late Autumn. The October average rainfall is less than one-third of the average rainfall in September. Once again, it's safe to venture into the great outdoors. Exploring the city on foot or the nearby islands becomes a joy as the weather is: cooler, less humid, and significantly less rainy.

Although the weather is much better, the week following October 1st marks National Day in China. AKA "Golden Week" this long holiday sees throngs of people flock to Hong Kong. It's usually best to come after the 7th or 8th of October to avoid the crowds.

What to pack?

Pack your usual warm-weather clothes- the average temperature is still fairly warm and the climate sunny. But if you are coming in late Autumn, you can ditch the rain gear and even bring a few long-sleeved shirts/layers.

Hong Kong in Winter

Storms

Storms are least common during the Winter in Hong Kong. The mild, dry weather doesn't even permit much rainfall.

Visit Hong Kong in Winter

Winter is generally regarded as the best season to see Hong Kong. The weather permits almost any activity, whether indoors or outdoors. It's by far the best weather season and has many holidays. Christmas is a huge celebration in Hong Kong, New Years' is as well, and then Chinese New Year' is also a huge event- all of which take place during Winter. Chinese New Year is usually a 2 week-long extravaganza of fireworks, celebrations, and feasting.

What to pack?

Bring a few warm-weather clothes and some layers for nighttime weather. No need for rain gear this season.

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