When is the best time to visit Hong Kong? October to December: the air becomes drier, average highs fall from 28 °C (82 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F) and less than 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain falls per month in November and December. January and February remain pleasant, a little cooler. From May to September it is hot and very humid, it rains a lot and it is typhoon season. To plan your walks between districts, hills and islands, see our map of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has a subtropical, monsoon-influenced climate. Winter is short, mild and fairly dry; spring quickly turns gray and muggy; summer is long, hot and heavy, with thundery showers and the possible passage of typhoons. Autumn is the sunniest season. For a city that is mostly explored on foot, on hill trails and by ferry, these differences matter. Here is how to choose, based on the official normals of the Hong Kong Observatory.
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When to go to Hong Kong: the essentials
- Best time: October to December; January and February remain a good choice
- Hottest month: July, with an average high of 31.6 °C (89 °F) and 26.9 °C (80 °F) at night
- Wettest month: June (492 mm (19.4 in)), followed by August (453 mm (17.8 in)) and July (386 mm (15.2 in))
- Driest month: December (29 mm (1.1 in)), then January (33 mm (1.3 in))
- Typhoons: the typhoon season runs from May to November in Hong Kong, according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 1 April 2026)
- Plan ahead for: Lunar New Year (January or February), a period of heavy crowds and closures
- For hiking: November to February, when the air is drier and cooler
When to go to Hong Kong by priority
- Best weather: October to December; November for hiking
- Cheapest: January, April, May, June and September (medium prices); March, October, November and late December are more expensive
- Fewer crowds: January and April (medium crowds); June is quieter but very rainy
- Events: Lunar New Year in January or February, Dragon Boat Festival in May or June, Mid-Autumn Festival in September or October, the Chinese National Day holiday week in early October (heavy crowds)
November, the best month for walking, features in our selection of where to go in November.
Hong Kong: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: January, February, October, November, December
❌ Period to avoid: June, July, August
Hong Kong’s climate month by month
The table below uses the normals from the Hong Kong Observatory headquarters station, in Tsim Sha Tsui, in the heart of Kowloon. It is the territory’s reference station. The New Territories and the peaks are a little cooler in winter.
| Month | Max | Min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18.7 °C (66 °F) | 14.6 °C (58 °F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | Medium | Medium | Cool, dry and bright ✅ |
| February | 19.4 °C (67 °F) | 15.3 °C (60 °F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | High (Lunar New Year in some years) | Medium to high | Mild, sometimes gray ✅ |
| March | 21.9 °C (71 °F) | 17.6 °C (64 °F) | 75 mm (3.0 in) | High (trade fairs, events) | High | Mild but humid and often overcast ⚠️ |
| April | 25.6 °C (78 °F) | 21.1 °C (70 °F) | 153 mm (6.0 in) | Medium | Medium | Pleasant, more showers ⚠️ |
| May | 28.8 °C (84 °F) | 24.5 °C (76 °F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | Medium | Medium | Hot, humid, frequent thunderstorms ⚠️ |
| June | 30.7 °C (87 °F) | 26.5 °C (80 °F) | 492 mm (19.4 in) | Low to medium | Medium | The wettest month ❌ |
| July | 31.6 °C (89 °F) | 26.9 °C (80 °F) | 386 mm (15.2 in) | Medium (holidays) | Medium to high | The hottest, typhoon risk ❌ |
| August | 31.3 °C (88 °F) | 26.7 °C (80 °F) | 453 mm (17.8 in) | Medium (holidays) | Medium to high | Heavy heat, rain and typhoons ❌ |
| September | 30.5 °C (87 °F) | 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 321 mm (12.6 in) | Medium | Medium | Still hot, typhoons possible ⚠️ |
| October | 28.1 °C (83 °F) | 23.9 °C (75 °F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | High (Chinese National Day week) | High | The sunniest month ✅ |
| November | 24.5 °C (76 °F) | 20.3 °C (69 °F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | High | High | The best month for walking ✅ |
| December | 20.4 °C (69 °F) | 16.2 °C (61 °F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | High (holidays) | High in late December | The driest month ✅ |
Note: according to the same normals, it rains an average of 5 to 6 days a month from November to January, compared with 18 to 19 days in June and July. Average relative humidity exceeds 80% from March to August and falls back to about 70% in December. Sunshine is lowest in March (100 hours) and highest in October and July (nearly 200 hours).
For swimming, the average sea temperature, measured by the Observatory at North Point (1991–2020 normals), falls to 17 °C (63 °F) in February, rises to 24.7 °C (76 °F) in May and stays between 26.5 to 27 °C (80 to 81 °F) from June to October, before dropping to 23.7 °C (75 °F) in November and 20 °C (68 °F) in December.
Hong Kong’s seasons: pros and cons
Autumn (October–November): the ideal season
After the rainy season, the air dries out. October still reaches 28 °C (82 °F) in the afternoon, with 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, and is the sunniest month of the year. November drops to 24.5 °C (76 °F) and receives only 39 mm (1.5 in). The view from the Peak is often clearer than in spring. A late typhoon remains possible in October, more rarely in November.
- Pros: often clear skies, bearable heat, pleasant trails and islands
- Cons: expensive hotels, crowds during the Chinese National Day holiday week in early October
- Our tip: the second half of October and November offer the best balance
Winter (December to February): cool, dry and bright
Highs hover around 19 to 20 °C (66 to 68 °F) and nights fall to about 15 °C (59 °F). December and January are the driest months. Northerly winds can cool the air noticeably for a few days: pack a sweater, especially as indoor spaces are heavily air-conditioned and rarely heated. Lunar New Year, in January or February depending on the year, enlivens the city but closes many shops and creates strong demand for transport.
- Pros: dry weather, ideal for hiking (Dragon’s Back, MacLehose Trail), year-end lights
- Cons: cool swimming, grayer skies in February, high prices over the holidays
- Who is it for? Walkers, city-break fans and travelers combining Hong Kong and southern China
Spring (March–April): mild but gray
Temperatures rise (22 °C (72 °F) in March, 25.6 °C (78 °F) in April), but humidity exceeds 80% and the sky is often overcast, sometimes with haze that hides the skyscrapers. March is the least sunny month of the year. Showers increase markedly in April. It is also a season of cultural events and trade fairs that fill the hotels.
- Pros: pleasant temperatures, a rich cultural program
- Cons: less clear views, humidity, firm prices during the big events
- Our tip: book early if you are going in March
Summer (May to September): heat, rain and typhoons
From May to September, highs exceed 28 °C (82 °F), nights stay above 24 °C (75 °F) and humidity makes the heat oppressive. Between 290 to 490 mm (11.4 to 19.3 in) of rain falls per month from May to August, often as violent thunderstorms. This is also typhoon season, which runs from May to November according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 1 April 2026): the Hong Kong Observatory issues numbered warning signals, and the FCDO notes that public offices and public transport shut down when a “Typhoon 8” signal is raised. It advises following local warnings and monitoring local news, the World Meteorological Organization and the Hong Kong Observatory. The beaches, on the other hand, are at their best.
- Pros: warm sea, dragon boat races, prices often lower in June
- Cons: muggy heat, heavy rain, lost days in a typhoon
- Our tip: keep some flexibility in your schedule and take insurance that covers cancellations
When to go to Hong Kong by district or excursion
The territory is small and all its areas share the same seasonal calendar. What changes is how the weather weighs on each activity:
| Area | What you do there | Best time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong Island and Kowloon | Skyscrapers, markets, temples, museums | October to February | Can be visited all year thanks to covered transport and shopping malls |
| Lantau | Big Buddha, Ngong Ping, Tai O village | October to December | The cable car can be suspended in strong wind or thunderstorms |
| Sai Kung and the New Territories | Hiking, beaches, geopark | November to February for walking, summer for the beach | Slippery trails and punishing heat in summer |
| Macau (excursion) | Historic center, churches, food | October to December | Ferries suspended during typhoons |
Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
The urban core can be visited in any season: the metro, covered walkways and air-conditioned malls let you escape the rain. Weather matters mainly for the view: from the Peak or the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, autumn and early winter generally offer the sharpest panoramas.
Lantau and the islands
The Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and the stilt village of Tai O take a day. In fog, which is common in spring, the view from the Ngong Ping 360 cable car disappears. Lamma and Cheung Chau can be reached by ferry and suit a day of walking from October to April.
Sai Kung and the New Territories
Nearly half the territory is covered by nature parks. The trails, the Sai Kung beaches and the geopark are best explored from November to February. In summer, start at dawn, carry plenty of water and give up if there is a thunderstorm or extreme heat warning.
Macau
Less than an hour away by ferry, or by the bridge linking Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau, the former Portuguese colony has the same climate. Its historic center is mostly explored on foot: prefer autumn and winter. Sea links are interrupted during typhoons.
When to go to Hong Kong by type of trip
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| City break and food | October to February | Central, Sheung Wan, Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui |
| Hiking | November to February | Dragon’s Back, Lantau Peak, Sai Kung |
| Beach and swimming | June to September, outside typhoon warnings | Sai Kung, Shek O, Repulse Bay, Lamma |
| Shopping and sales | December–January, and summer | Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, Central |
| Traditional festivals | Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival | All over the city |
| Combined with southern China | October to December | Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Macau |
Major events in Hong Kong
| Period | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January or February (lunar calendar) | Lunar New Year: parade, fireworks, flower markets | All over the city, Victoria Harbour |
| April or May (lunar calendar) | Cheung Chau Bun Festival | Cheung Chau island |
| May or June (lunar calendar) | Dragon Boat Festival: boat races | Several bays of the territory |
| September or October (lunar calendar) | Mid-Autumn Festival: lanterns and mooncakes | Parks, Victoria Park |
| Early October | Chinese National Day holiday week: heavy visitor crowds | All over the city |
| December 31 | New Year fireworks | Victoria Harbour |
Hong Kong weather month by month: what to expect
Hong Kong in January: Cool (18.7 °C (66 °F) in the afternoon) and dry (33 mm (1.3 in)). Light is often sharp, ideal for hikes and the city. Lunar New Year sometimes falls in late January.
Hong Kong in February: Mild (19.4 °C (67 °F)), a little grayer. Lunar New Year in some years: parades and fireworks, but shops closed for a few days and prices up.
Hong Kong in March: Wetter (75 mm (3.0 in), 82% humidity) and the least sunny month. A busy cultural calendar: book early.
Hong Kong in April: Pleasant (25.6 °C (78 °F)) but showers double (153 mm (6.0 in)). Still fine for walking early in the morning.
Hong Kong in May: Hot and muggy (28.8 °C (84 °F)), frequent thunderstorms (291 mm (11.5 in)). Possible start of the typhoon season.
Hong Kong in June: The wettest month (492 mm (19.4 in), 19 rainy days). Dragon boat races in some years. Plan indoor visits.
Hong Kong in July: The hottest (31.6 °C (89 °F) by day, 26.9 °C (80 °F) at night). Warm sea, but typhoon risk and heavy heat.
Hong Kong in August: Still very hot and rainy (453 mm (17.8 in)). Keep spare days in case of a typhoon warning.
Hong Kong in September: Heat stays strong (30.5 °C (87 °F)) and typhoons are possible. Mid-Autumn Festival in some years. Rain eases toward the end of the month.
Hong Kong in October: The sunniest month, 28 °C (82 °F) and 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain. Avoid the first week, which is very busy.
Hong Kong in November: The best month for many travelers: 24.5 °C (76 °F), 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, drier air. Ideal for the trails.
Hong Kong in December: The driest (29 mm (1.1 in)), 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon. Lights and fireworks on the 31st; high prices at the end of the month.
When to book your stay in Hong Kong
For October, November, December and Lunar New Year, book your accommodation 2 to 3 months ahead: Hong Kong hotels are expensive and well-located rooms go quickly. Big trade fairs and events in March also push prices up. In summer, a few weeks is generally enough, but choose flexible rates because of typhoon risk.
Planning your trip to Hong Kong
- Entry requirements: they depend on your nationality; see our entry requirements for Hong Kong in the Hong Kong travel guide. To continue to mainland China, check the entry requirements separately.
- Time difference: Hong Kong is UTC+8 all year and does not change its clocks.
- Currency: the Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Use our currency converter to estimate your budget.
- Health: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 1 April 2026) advises checking that you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.
- E-cigarettes: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 1 April 2026) says it is prohibited to bring e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and similar devices into Hong Kong, and that from 30 April 2026 possessing one in a public place is illegal. Leave yours at home.
To plan your visit, see our Hong Kong travel guide. If you are continuing to mainland China, also read when to go to China. To compare with other stopovers in Asia: when to go to Taiwan and when to go to Singapore.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Hong Kong?
November: 24.5 °C (76 °F) in the afternoon, 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain and drier air, according to the 1991–2020 normals of the Hong Kong Observatory. October and December are also excellent choices.
When is typhoon season in Hong Kong?
According to the UK FCDO, the typhoon season runs from May to November in Hong Kong. The U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated September 17, 2026) says strong typhoons and tropical storms usually occur from July through September. Follow the Hong Kong Observatory’s signals during your stay.
What is the wettest month in Hong Kong?
June, with 492 mm (19.4 in) on average and about 19 rainy days. August (453 mm (17.8 in)) and July (386 mm (15.2 in)) follow closely.
Is it cold in Hong Kong in winter?
No, but it is cool: 19 to 20 °C (66 to 68 °F) in the afternoon and 15 °C (59 °F) at night on average in January–February. As indoor spaces are rarely heated, pack a sweater, especially for northerly winds.
What is the weather like in Hong Kong in December?
Cool and dry: 20.4 °C (69 °F) in the afternoon and 16.2 °C (61 °F) at night on average, with 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, making it the driest month according to the Hong Kong Observatory’s 1991–2020 normals. Pack a sweater for the evenings.
What is the sea temperature in Hong Kong?
According to the Hong Kong Observatory’s 1991–2020 normals (North Point), it ranges from 17 °C (63 °F) in February to 26.5 to 27 °C (80 to 81 °F) from June to October. Swimming is most pleasant from June to October, outside typhoon warnings.
Can you visit Hong Kong in summer?
Yes, if you accept the humid heat (31 °C (88 °F), more than 80% humidity) and thunderstorms. Book flexible rates and keep indoor visits for rainy days or typhoon warnings.
When should you visit Hong Kong to avoid the crowds?
Avoid the early-October holiday week, Lunar New Year and the year-end holidays. Late October, November (outside weekends) and January offer a good compromise.
Our sources
- Hong Kong Observatory: 1991–2020 normals for the Hong Kong Observatory headquarters station, Tsim Sha Tsui; sea temperature: 1991–2020 normals for North Point (table 9 of the Observatory’s normals)
- Weather and legal information read in 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Hong Kong (GOV.UK, updated 1 April 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Hong Kong country information (travel.state.gov, last updated September 17, 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
