Hong Kong · May
Low seasonHong Kong · Asia
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 time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Post-season — prices falling after the travel period, beaches and attractions quieter.
May in Hong Kong is generally manageable, but with 12 rain days it's not a reliably sunny month. Better conditions can be found in April, October, and November.
Daytime highs average 30°C (86°F), cooling to 25°C (77°F) at night (daily average: 27°C (81°F)). Peaks reach around 33°C (91°F), the coldest nights around 20°C (68°F). With 6 sunshine hours per day and 12 rain days (267 mm (10.5 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. The water is a warm 28°C (82°F) — perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
Light clothing is enough — the evenings stay mild too. Good conditions for sightseeing and excursions.
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.
Events & Festivals
- Cheung Chau Bun Festivalvariable (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.
Packing list for Hong Kong in May
- Light summer clothes
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Insect repellent
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Hong Kong?
- May is not an optimal month for Hong Kong (Score: 67/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider April, October, and November.
- How warm is it in Hong Kong in May?
- In May, Hong Kong sees daily highs of 30°C (86°F). Nights cool to 25°C (77°F), with a daily average of 27°C (81°F). Peaks reach around 33°C (91°F), the coldest nights around 20°C (68°F).
- How much rain falls in Hong Kong in May?
- In May, Hong Kong receives an average of 267 mm (10.5 in) of rain over 12 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Hong Kong get in May?
- Hong Kong averages 6 sunshine hours per day in May — close to the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Hong Kong in May?
- Water temperature in Hong Kong in May averages 28°C (82°F) — ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
