Hong Kong
Hong Kong · Asia
The best time to visit Hong Kong is April, October, and November. In summer, daytime highs average 33°C (91°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 14°C (57°F), dropping to around 7°C (45°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
Hong Kong – What you should know
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with four recognisable seasons, even if spring and autumn are short. Summer from June to September is muggy, with daytime highs averaging around 31–32°C (88–90°F), nights around 26–27°C (79–81°F) and humidity of 75 to 80%, and it rains on 11 to 16 days a month; about 395 mm (15.6 in) falls in June. The typhoon season runs from May to November, peaking from July to September. At signal 8, traffic and school life largely grind to a halt, so anyone travelling then should build in buffer days.
The most pleasant time is autumn: October averages 29°C (84°F) with only about 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain on 4 days, and November brings 25°C (77°F), 43 mm (1.7 in) and 3 rain days. December, at just under 21°C (70°F) with 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain and clear air, is also very good for sightseeing, even though it is not among the automatically determined best months. April is among them, but with 111 mm (4.4 in) on eight days and humidity around 78% it is already warm and damp.
Winter from January to March brings daytime highs around 19–23°C (66–73°F), around 7°C (45°F) on the coldest nights, and many grey days: the sun shines only 4 to 5 hours a day, and in March in particular fog and drizzle hang over the city. Victoria Peak is only worth it in clear conditions, best in autumn and winter. Swimming trips to the beaches on Lantau and the Outlying Islands work in summer, with water at 28–30°C (82–86°F); in January the sea is only around 18°C (64°F).
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 20° (68°)12– (54–)25 (77) | 21° (70°)12– (54–)26 (79) | 23° (73°)16– (61–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)19– (66–)31 (88) | 30° (86°)24– (75–)33 (91) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)34 (93) | 33° (91°)28– (82–)35 (95) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)35 (95) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)35 (95) | 29° (84°)24– (75–)32 (90) | 26° (79°)20– (68–)30 (86) | 21° (70°)13– (55–)26 (79) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 14° (57°)7– (45–)19 (66) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)20 (68) | 18° (64°)11– (52–)22 (72) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)25 (77) | 25° (77°)20– (68–)28 (82) | 27° (81°)24– (75–)29 (84) | 27° (81°)24– (75–)29 (84) | 27° (81°)24– (75–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)28 (82) | 24° (75°)20– (68–)27 (81) | 20° (68°)14– (57–)24 (75) | 15° (59°)8– (46–)20 (68) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h UV 6 | 5h UV 6 | 5h UV 6 | 6h UV 7 | 6h UV 7 | 6h UV 7 | 7h UV 8 | 6h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 6h UV 6 | 5h UV 5 |
🌊Water Temp | 19° (66°) | 19° (66°) | 21° (70°) | 24° (75°) | 28° (82°) | 30° (86°) | 30° (86°) | 30° (86°) | 29° (84°) | 27° (81°) | 24° (75°) | 20° (68°) |
🌧Rain Days | 2d22mm (0.9") | 2d32mm (1.3") | 4d46mm (1.8") | 8d111mm (4.4") | 12d267mm (10.5") | 16d393mm (15.5") | 14d276mm (10.9") | 15d330mm (13.0") | 11d223mm (8.8") | 4d97mm (3.8") | 3d43mm (1.7") | 2d21mm (0.8") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
December offers great weather in Hong Kong with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Hong Kong
January – March
Cool, grey winter days with little sun: temperatures sit at 19 to 23°C (66 to 73°F), the air is dry, and in March fog often hangs over the harbour. At Chinese New Year lanterns, flower markets and fireworks bathe the city in red and gold. A light jacket belongs in the luggage.
April – May
Spring is short and damp. April grows warmer, but the air is sticky, and May brings the first heavy rain. The trails on Lantau and in the New Territories are green, though the view from Victoria Peak is often veiled by haze.
June – September
Hot, muggy and rainy: highs sit at 31 to 32°C (88 to 90°F), the nights stay warm and humidity climbs to 75 to 80 per cent. Thunderstorms and downpours roll through, and the typhoon season reaches its peak. In return the beaches on Lantau and the Outlying Islands are bath-warm, and air-conditioned museums and malls are in demand. In September (sometimes early October, depending on the lunar calendar) lanterns glow in the parks for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
October – December
The best time of year: the air turns clear and dry, temperatures settle at a pleasant 21 to 29°C (70 to 84°F) and the views from the hills stretch far. The skyline glitters and the trails are easy going. An ideal time for sightseeing and street food.
Events & Festivals
February
- Chinese New Year· variable (late January / February)
On the first day of the New Year a night parade of floats and dance troupes winds through Tsim Sha Tsui, and on the second evening a big fireworks display lights up Victoria Harbour.
March
- Art Basel Hong Kong· variable (late March)
Asia's leading art fair at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, with around 240 galleries from around the world. Hong Kong Art Week brings numerous exhibitions and satellite fairs around it.
May
- Cheung Chau Bun Festival· variable (April/May, on Buddha's Birthday)
A Taoist island festival on Cheung Chau: costumed children seem to float above the crowd in the Piu Sik parade, and at midnight competitors scramble up a bamboo tower covered in lucky buns.
June
- Tuen Ng Festival and Dragon Boat Races· variable (late May/June, around the 5th day of the 5th lunar month)
Around the Tuen Ng holiday, more than 200 teams from around the world race at the international dragon boat races on Victoria Harbour off Tsim Sha Tsui. The races have run since 1976, with music and cultural events along the Avenue of Stars.
September
- Mid-Autumn Festival· variable (September/October, 15th day of the 8th lunar month)
Lanterns light up parks and promenades, above all at the big lantern carnival in Victoria Park. In Tai Hang a 67-metre (220-foot) fire dragon studded with thousands of incense sticks is carried through the streets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Hong Kong?
- The best time to visit Hong Kong is April, October, and November. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Hong Kong?
- In summer, daytime highs in Hong Kong average 33°C (91°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 14°C (57°F), dropping to around 7°C (45°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Hong Kong get?
- Hong Kong has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 8 rain days per month. The driest months are January, February, and December.
- How warm is the water in Hong Kong?
- Water temperature in Hong Kong ranges from 19°C (66°F) (January) to 30°C (86°F) (July). During the best travel months (April, October, and November), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
MayOctNov
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
FebMarDec
