Macau, a former Portuguese trading post that became a Special Administrative Region of China in 1999, covers just over 33 km² (13 sq mi) not far from Hong Kong. People visit Macau for its UNESCO-listed historic center, where baroque churches, cobbled squares and Chinese temples stand side by side, for its Sino-Portuguese cuisine and for the large resort complexes of Cotai. Here is what to see in Macau, how to plan your visit and when to go, based on the official normals of the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau.
This guide brings together the entry and safety information read on 24 October 2026 on travel.state.gov and GOV.UK, the 1991–2020 normals published by the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG), and a calculation we did not find in other guides: the number of rainy days to expect on a three-day stay.
Macau at a glance
StatusSpecial Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China since 20 December 1999After more than four centuries of Portuguese administration. Macau peninsula, Taipa and Coloane islands, and Cotai between them; about 688,900 inhabitants at the end of 2025
LanguageChinese and Portuguese (official)Cantonese is the most widely spoken language
Currencythe pataca (MOP) · currency converterHong Kong dollars and Chinese renminbi are widely accepted at a one-to-one ratio (travel.state.gov, last updated September 17, 2026)
Time zoneUTC+8, no daylight saving8 h ahead of London in winter (7 h during UK summer time), 13 h ahead of New York in winter (12 h during US daylight time)
AirportsMacau International Airport (MFM); many visitors arrive via Hong KongCheck current routes with the airlines
EntryUS: no visa for up to 30 days; UK: no visa for up to 6 months · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
Electricitycheck the voltage and plug type before you travel · plugs
Best timeOctober to December, dry and sunnyOne day for the historic center, two to add Taipa and Coloane
What to see in Macau: the highlights
The Historic Centre of Macao was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 15 July 2005. It brings together some twenty buildings and squares, from Senado Square to the Ruins of St. Paul’s and down to A-Ma Temple, at the southwestern tip of the peninsula. Most of it can be explored on foot.
The Ruins of St. Paul’s
This is the image of Macau: a lone stone facade standing at the top of a wide staircase. It is the facade of the Church of Mater Dei, built from 1602 to 1640 to plans by the Jesuit Carlo Spinola and carved by Japanese craftsmen. The rest of the church has disappeared. The square below is named after the Society of Jesus.
Mount Fortress
Right next to the ruins, Mount Fortress (Fortaleza do Monte) occupies a hill in the heart of the peninsula. It is part of the listed historic center and gives an overall view of the old town and the towers around it.
Senado Square (Largo do Senado)
Senado Square is the heart of the historic center. It is lined by the Leal Senado Building, the former municipal senate created in 1583, and leads to St. Dominic’s Church, on its own square. It is the logical starting point for a walking tour: the Ruins of St. Paul’s lie to the north, through the shopping lanes.
A-Ma Temple
Built in 1488, A-Ma Temple is dedicated to Mazu, goddess of sailors and fishermen. It stands on Barra Square, at the southwestern tip of the peninsula. The name Macau is said to come from this temple. Nearby, the Mandarin’s House, a large Chinese mansion, is also part of the historic center, as are the Lou Kau Mansion and Camões Square.
Guia Fortress and Lighthouse
On Guia Hill, the fortress built from 1622 to 1638 houses a chapel and a lighthouse whose light stands at 108 m (354 ft). The whole site is World Heritage–listed; in 2007 residents complained to UNESCO about nearby buildings blocking the view of the lighthouse, and in 2016 the height of a nearby residential project was capped at 81 m (266 ft).
Macau Tower and the casinos
Macau Tower, built in 1998, dominates the south of the peninsula and serves as a lookout. Gambling drives the economy: casino taxes provide most of the territory’s tax revenue. Gambling is banned in mainland China and Hong Kong, which gives Macau a de facto monopoly in China; the vast majority of gamblers are visitors from the mainland. The big casinos are split between the peninsula and Cotai.
Taipa and Coloane
To the south, Taipa keeps an old village next to the towers of Cotai. The light rail serves Taipa and Cotai. Further south, Coloane is the greenest part of Macau; its highest point, at 170.6 m (560 ft), is the highest in the territory. It is the place for a quieter half-day, away from the casinos.
Itinerary: Macau in 1 or 2 days
Time
Day 1: historic center
Day 2: Taipa, Cotai, Coloane
Morning
Senado Square, St. Dominic’s Church
Taipa old village
Midday
Ruins of St. Paul’s, Mount Fortress
Macanese food in Taipa
Afternoon
A-Ma Temple, Mandarin’s House
Coloane
Evening
Macau Tower or the peninsula’s casinos
Cotai resorts
Indicative itinerary, without travel times: check opening hours and access with the Macao Government Tourism Office.
When to go to Macau
From October to December. These are the driest months (less than 75 mm, or 3.0 in, a month) and among the sunniest: 6.2 h of sunshine a day in October, 5.3 h in November. Highs drop from 28.5 °C (83 °F) in October to 20.3 °C (69 °F) in December. January stays dry but cooler (12.7 °C, or 55 °F, at night). February and March are the grayest months: March gets only 2.4 h of sunshine a day. From May to September it is the hot, rainy season: June gets 374 mm (14.7 in), nearly twelve times December, and highs exceed 30 °C (86 °F) from June to September.
According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 December 2025), typhoon season normally runs from May to November; typhoons very occasionally hit Macau and can cause flooding and landslides, and public offices close when the Typhoon 8 signal is issued. If you travel in this period, follow the SMG bulletins and the local authorities’ instructions.
Month
High °C (°F)
Low °C (°F)
Rain mm (in)
Rainy days
Sunshine / day
Verdict
January
18.6 (65)
12.7 (55)
34.2 (1.3)
5.8
4.1 h
✅ Dry, cool
February
19.2 (67)
13.9 (57)
43.9 (1.7)
8.9
3.1 h
⚠️ Gray, cool
March
21.4 (71)
16.5 (62)
80.0 (3.1)
11.4
2.4 h
⚠️ The grayest
April
25.1 (77)
20.3 (69)
153.5 (6.0)
11.6
3.2 h
⚠️ Humid, gray
May
28.7 (84)
23.7 (75)
286.0 (11.3)
14.1
4.4 h
❌ Rainy, typhoons
June
30.5 (87)
25.7 (78)
373.7 (14.7)
17.7
5.3 h
❌ The wettest
July
31.4 (89)
26.1 (79)
290.7 (11.4)
16.6
6.8 h
⚠️ Sunny, hot, typhoons
August
31.5 (89)
25.9 (79)
331.4 (13.0)
16.2
6.1 h
❌ Hot, very rainy
September
30.8 (87)
25.1 (77)
227.8 (9.0)
12.3
5.9 h
⚠️ Hot, typhoons
October
28.5 (83)
22.7 (73)
75.1 (3.0)
6.2
6.2 h
✅ Ideal, dry
November
24.7 (76)
18.8 (66)
39.0 (1.5)
4.9
5.3 h
✅ Dry, mild (typhoons possible)
December
20.3 (69)
14.3 (58)
31.3 (1.2)
5.0
4.7 h
✅ Dry, cool
1991–2020 normals of the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG), via the Wikipedia climate box (« Macau weatherbox » template). Station and rainy-day threshold not specified by the source. Sunshine per day: Destination de Voyage calculation.
How many rainy days on a 3-day stay?
Scaling each month’s average number of precipitation days to a three-day stay, you can expect about 0.5 rainy days in December, against 1.8 in June. In other words, in June it rains on average more than one day in two; in November, about one day in six. Destination de Voyage calculation based on the SMG 1991–2020 normals.
Month
Expected rainy days over 3 days
Monthly rainfall
January
0.6
34 mm (1.3 in)
February
1.0
44 mm (1.7 in)
March
1.1
80 mm (3.1 in)
April
1.2
154 mm (6.1 in)
May
1.4
286 mm (11.3 in)
June
1.8
374 mm (14.7 in)
July
1.6
291 mm (11.5 in)
August
1.6
331 mm (13.0 in)
September
1.2
228 mm (9.0 in)
October
0.6
75 mm (3.0 in)
November
0.5
39 mm (1.5 in)
December
0.5
31 mm (1.2 in)
Destination de Voyage calculation: precipitation days in the month × 3 / number of days in the month. Source: SMG 1991–2020 normals.
From Hong Kong: ferries link Macau with Hong Kong and mainland China, notably from the Taipa terminal. Check timetables and crossing times with the operators. See our Hong Kong guide to combine the two.
By plane: Macau International Airport, built in 1995, is the base of Air Macau. Many international travelers connect through another hub or arrive via Hong Kong.
By helicopter: a daily service runs to Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
Getting around: more than 80 public bus routes, free hotel shuttles, and the light rail (Taipa line, 11 stations between Taipa and Cotai, in service since December 2019). According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated September 17, 2026), taxis are inexpensive and available through a queuing system at the airport, ferry terminal and gaming venues. Uber is illegal in Macau, and police act against drivers and passengers of unlicensed taxis (GOV.UK, updated 11 December 2025).
Driving: traffic moves on the left and congestion is heavy (travel.state.gov). According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 December 2025), you need a 1949 International Driving Permit along with your UK licence, obtained before you travel, and you must register to drive for more than 14 days.
On foot: the historic center is best explored on foot; traffic is very heavy in the narrow streets of the old town.
Where to stay in Macau
The peninsula puts you within walking distance of the historic center. Cotai concentrates the big resort and casino complexes, served by the light rail and shuttles. Taipa is a compromise between the two. You must stay in licensed accommodation: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 December 2025) warns of fines of up to MOP 3,000 for staying in illegal accommodation, and the Macao Government Tourism Office website lists licensed places. Compare offers: rates vary with dates.
What to eat in Macau
Macanese cuisine is based on Cantonese and Portuguese cooking, with Indian and Malay influences. Portuguese recipes were adapted to local ingredients (seafood, turmeric, coconut milk, adzuki beans): you will find local versions of caldo verde and cozido à portuguesa, as well as minchee. Many restaurants actually serve Sino-Portuguese fusion food; « Portuguese chicken » (galinha à portuguesa), often presented as Macanese, is a Chinese dish of Macanese inspiration.
If you… then…: choosing your plan
If you…
Then…
only have one day from Hong Kong
Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul’s, Mount Fortress, A-Ma Temple, on foot
want sunshine and little rain
go from October to December (SMG normals)
travel between May and November
watch the typhoon warnings and keep some slack in your schedule
get your Chinese visa before you reach the border if you are not exempt; see our China guide
Destination de Voyage summary based on the sources cited.
Entry requirements for Macau and safety
US citizens
According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated September 17, 2026), you need a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended stay, adequate funds for your stay and evidence of onward or return transportation. You only need a visa to stay more than 30 days (extension with the Macau Immigration Department) or to work or study. To enter mainland China from Macau you need a valid passport and a Chinese (PRC) visa. Dual nationals or travelers with ties to the PRC may be treated as PRC citizens and denied US consular access.
UK citizens
According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK foreign travel advice, updated 11 December 2025), you can visit Macau for up to 6 months without a visa for tourism. Your passport must have an expiry date at least 90 days after the date you leave Macau. If you travel on to mainland China on a British passport, you must get a Chinese visa before you arrive at the border; if you enter and leave Macau through the mainland, you need a double- or multiple-entry Chinese visa. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if you arrive from a country with a transmission risk. Macau does not recognize dual nationality.
E-cigarettes: the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated September 17, 2026) lists electronic cigarettes among the controlled or prohibited items that Macau customs strictly enforce; items brought in without the required documents may be seized and you may be prosecuted.
National security: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 December 2025), you could face criminal charges for activities the authorities believe threaten national security, including activities outside Macau, under the Safeguarding National Security Law.
Drugs: penalties for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs, including marijuana and CBD products, are severe: long prison sentences, heavy fines or the death penalty (travel.state.gov). Carry your passport: police can take you in for questioning if you have no valid travel document.
Natural hazards: typhoons between May and November (see above); the U.S. Department of State notes that the SMG issues typhoon warnings and has a good monitoring system.
Health and insurance: both governments recommend insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation; U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas (travel.state.gov). Prescriptions issued by UK doctors are not valid in Macau (GOV.UK).
Emergencies: 999 for ambulance, fire and police (GOV.UK; travel.state.gov). The Macao Government Tourism Office runs a 24-hour hotline, +853 2833-3000 (travel.state.gov).
Entry requirements checked on 24 October 2026; they change often, so check them again before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Macau?
Not for tourism: US citizens can stay up to 30 days without a visa, with a passport valid 90 days beyond the stay and proof of onward travel (travel.state.gov, last updated September 17, 2026); UK citizens can stay up to 6 months, with a passport valid 90 days after departure (GOV.UK, updated 11 December 2025). A Chinese visa is required to continue to mainland China if you are not exempt. Checked on 24 October 2026.
What is the best time to visit Macau?
From October to December: dry months (less than 75 mm, or 3.0 in) and sunny, according to the SMG 1991–2020 normals. From May to September heat and rain dominate, and typhoon season normally runs from May to November according to the UK FCDO.
How many days do you need to visit Macau?
One day is enough for the historic center (Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul’s, A-Ma Temple). Two days let you add Taipa, Cotai and Coloane.
What currency is used in Macau?
The pataca (MOP). Hong Kong dollars and Chinese renminbi are commonly accepted at a one-to-one ratio, and credit cards are widely accepted, according to the U.S. Department of State.
What languages are spoken in Macau?
The official languages are Chinese and Portuguese. Cantonese is spoken by 87.5% of the population; only 2.3% of residents speak Portuguese.
Can I bring an e-cigarette to Macau?
No. The U.S. Department of State lists electronic cigarettes among the controlled or prohibited items enforced by Macau customs; they may be seized.
Our sources
Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG), « Macao Climate: 30-year Statistics », 1991–2020 normals, via the Wikipedia climate box (« Macau weatherbox » template), consulted on 23 October 2026
Entry, safety, health, driving and customs information read on 24 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Macau country information (travel.state.gov, last updated September 17, 2026), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Macao (GOV.UK, updated 11 December 2025)
Wikipedia: « Macau », « Historic Centre of Macau » and « Macau International Airport », consulted on 23 October 2026
Destination de Voyage calculations: sunshine per day, rainy days on a 3-day stay
To continue, see our guides to Hong Kong and China, and our destinations in Asia.
Transparency: this page contains affiliate links, labelled as such. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; it does not influence our content or recommendations. How we fund the site.
