Best Time to Visit Hong Kong: Weather By Season and Month

The best time to visit Hong Kong is in the autumn, from late October to November. These shoulder season months fall outside of the summer tourism high season, and avoid the year’s most oppressive heat, humidity, and rainfall. Autumn temperatures are still comfortable, with averages in the twenties and drier conditions.

Summers in Hong Kong are hot, humid, and wet—and generally uncomfortable. The summer months also fall within Hong Kong’s typhoon season, which runs from April to October, peaking between July and September. Winters are mild and the driest season of the year. The spring and fall months offer warm temperatures and drier-than-normal conditions, particularly in early spring and late fall.

Ready to work out your vacation plans? Figure out exactly when to go with this complete Hong Kong weather guide, including what to expect and what to wear by season and by month! 

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Weather in Hong Kong: An overview

For the most part, Hong Kong is a year-round destination. That’s not to say that you’ll necessarily enjoy yourself equally at every moment!

Hong Kong lies in a subtropical location, jutting off of mainland China and southwest of Taiwan. And that’s probably just enough information for you to speculate what’s in store throughout the year.

You’ll find that the weather in Hong Kong sways anywhere between mild winters and insanely hot and sticky summers. Throw in a bunch of rain, especially during the summer months, and you’ll walk away with a (very) general idea of what to expect.

View of Hong Kong Skyline from Victoria Peak

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of Hong Kong’s weather by season and by month, there’s one thing you should be aware of when travelling in Hong Kong: typhoons.

Anytime between May and October, when daytime highs start to inch north, these nasty tropical storms are a possibility. Early September is the most likely month to experience one. (Oddly enough, this foul season is quickly followed by the best time to travel to Hong Kong.)

Approach typhoon season with a healthy dose of caution rather than paranoia. If summer is the only time you can carve out for a visit to Hong Kong, don’t let it scare you off completely. Local meteorologists are adept at tracking brutal storms and send out warnings promptly when the fury draws near.

Rather than facing a dangerous situation, the worst thing that comes is often boredom as the city shutters up to prepare for the unleashing of Mother Nature’s forces.

In whichever month you plan to visit, remember that Hong Kong is a popular destination with foreigners and mainland Chinese alike. When choosing among the best hotels in Hong Kong, always book well in advance, particularly during the popular Chinese vacation periods at the beginning of May and October and during Chinese New Year.

Weather By Season

Spring

When is spring in Hong Kong? Spring in Hong Kong is from March to May.

What to expect in spring: Coming from North America or Europe, you’ll immediately notice how pleasantly mild Hong Kong becomes in the spring. Daytime average temperatures range between 20°C (68°F) and 26°C (79°F) throughout the spring, gradually getting warmer as summer approaches.

Even with the cloud cover and ever-looming possibility of rain—not exactly the most easily avoided of weather aberrations—spring is one of the best times of year to visit and dig into all the fun things to do in Hong Kong!

What to wear in spring: With the warm temperatures, you’ll be pumped not to have to pack thicker outerwear to deal with the cooler spring temperatures you’ll find elsewhere in the world. Carrying a sturdy travel umbrella and rain jacket is always smart in spring.

Summer

When is summer in Hong Kong? Summer in Hong Kong is from late May to mid-September.

What to expect in summer: Enjoy steam baths? If not, you should probably think twice about heading to Hong Kong in the summer. At the peak of summer, temperatures regularly soar above 30°C (86°F) with intense humidity. Stepping into the streets often means a near-instantaneous drenching with sweat.

To relieve the pressure, summer rainstorms are big and frequent. Let’s not forget that summer is the height of typhoon season in Hong Kong. Always stay caught up with local weather forecasts to avoid the brunt of the blow.

What to wear in summer: Well, you certainly won’t need anything warm! As always in Hong Kong, carry around a travel umbrella and a lightweight rain jacket, just in case. Wearing a hat and applying sunblock isn’t a bad idea, either. With the crazy humidity, it’s also a good idea to tag a travel water bottle to your backpack to stay hydrated.

Skyline of Hong Kong

Autumn

When is autumn in Hong Kong? Autumn in Hong Kong is from late September to early December.

What to expect in autumn: The fall season stretches a little later into the year than in most parts of the world. With the loco thunderstorms and typhoons in the rearview and pleasant temperatures, autumn is the ideal season to go to Hong Kong.

Besides the warm temperatures, autumn is among the driest seasons. Outdoor activities like hiking or lazing on the beach are excellent in the fall.

What to wear in autumn: It’s still quite warm, so many of the same outfits that would get you through summer should serve you well in fall. As the end of the season approaches and temperatures begin to dip, you might need some warmer clothing like a light fleece jacket or long-sleeve shirts, especially at night. Since this is prime hiking season in Hong Kong, stow away a nice pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots to tackle the trails.

Winter

When is winter in Hong Kong? Winter in Hong Kong is from mid-December to February.

What to expect in winter: Winter is the coolest season in Hong Kong, and while it may not have the impact of a typical northern winter, it can still get cool, particularly at night. Even so, the average lows in the coldest month (January) still sit around a relatively mild 13°C (55°F).

Keep in mind that Chinese New Year usually falls between mid-January and February. It’s a busy time of year in Hong Kong and a period when advanced hotel reservations are not optional!

What to wear in winter: The cooler temperatures settling upon the shores of Hong Kong mean that you’ll need to pack some warmer clothing to stay comfy. A full-on winter jacket isn’t needed; a warm fleece jacket should do the trick for your outerwear.

Weather By Month

January

January is the coldest month in Hong Kong. Even so, it’s a blessing compared to the winter months many travellers experience at home. Average temperatures in winter are still pleasantly mild, even if not by standards elsewhere in Asia.

Along with December, January sees less rainfall than the rest of the year. A good month to hit the hiking trails? Yes, we think so! Don’t forget that the Chinese New Year sometimes falls at the end of January. Plan well ahead if you want to visit at this time.

  • Average Temperature: 16°C / 61°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 13°C / 55°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 18°C / 64°F
  • Rainfall: 21mm

February

The weather in Hong Kong is cool in February but hardly cold. With mild average temperatures in the mid-teens, February is still a great time to be outside in Hong Kong.

February is also one of the driest months of the year. You’ll appreciate this if you’ve got more than one day in Hong Kong and decide to escape the city on a day trip.

  • Average Temperature: 18°C / 64°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 15°C / 59°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 20°C / 68°F
  • Rainfall: 33mm

Clouds over Buildings in Hong Kong

March

The short winter becomes ever more obvious as the temperatures climb into March. For the first time since November, average highs begin to step up firmly into the 20s.

Take advantage of this comfortable month by soaking up some rays outside and enjoying some outdoor activities before the ridiculous humidity slams you in late spring.

  • Average Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 17°C / 63°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 22°C / 72°F
  • Rainfall: 45mm

April

Spring is in full swing in Hong Kong come April. As temperatures continue to rise, although still steering clear of their insane summery heights, April is one of the best months to travel in Hong Kong.

The full humidity of summer isn’t quite in session. Outdoor activities are far more comfortable than in the upcoming month of May when the rainy season swoops in to ruin our most well-intentioned travel plans. That’s not to say April is totally faultless. There’s still quite a bit of rainfall, especially compared to the dry winter and early spring.

  • Average Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 21°C / 70°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 26°C / 79°F
  • Rainfall: 112mm

Sunset over Hong Kong

May

With spring already inching to a close, the rainfall begins its ramp-up to the summer rainy season in May. Although it’s nowhere near as wet as the June to August soaking, May isn’t one of the most comfortable months to travel in Hong Kong.

In May, there’s a noticeable increase in both heat and humidity, a small taste of the uncomfortable months ahead. May is also the first full month of typhoon season in Hong Kong, although the prospect is far less likely than in the coming months.

  • Average Temperature: 26°C / 79°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 23°C / 73°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 29°C / 84°F
  • Rainfall: 158mm

June

Okay, so June in Hong Kong is hot. Actually really hot. Sadly, that’s probably not the worst part about travelling to Hong Kong in June. Humidity is the real buzzkill. Or the massive rainfall. Either way, June is generally a lousy month to travel to Hong Kong.

Exerting any ounce of energy outdoors is almost unbearable, requiring frequent hydration breaks and cool-downs in over-air-conditioned shops & restaurants. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

  • Average Temperature: 28°C / 82°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 26°C / 79°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 30°C / 86°F
  • Rainfall: 237mm

View of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Skyline from Star Ferry

July

Like June, July isn’t a great month to visit Hong Kong. Both intense heat and humidity mingle to create a crapshoot of discomfort at any given moment.

Slipping out of your hotel to take on the city will no doubt leave you spent. And then there’s always that nasty typhoon problem. Autumn can’t come soon enough!

  • Average Temperature: 29°C / 84°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 26°C / 79°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 31°C / 88°F
  • Rainfall: 252mm

August

You’ve probably picked up the Hong Kong summer trend of heat waves and lung-bulging humidity. August isn’t much of a relief. The thunderstorms and rain keep a-comin’.

And the typhoons? Well, they’re still always looking for an invitation to roll ashore.

  • Average Temperature: 29°C / 84°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 26°C / 79°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 31°C / 88°F
  • Rainfall: 281mm

Junker Boat in Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong

September

Like the rest of the summer, early September is a bit of a mixed bag of weather. The heat and humidity are still rockin’ out with fury, and the chance of typhoons hammering the city is still high. The end of the month is a different story.

Late September starts the fall transition. Slowly, the humidex drops, making it far more comfortable for travel than the previous three months. And the sun? It finally comes out to play again. Things are lookin’ up…

  • Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 25°C / 77°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 29°C / 84°F
  • Rainfall: 166mm

October

With memories of the dreadful Hong Kong summer finally passing by, October swoops in as an ideal month to travel to Hong Kong. The humidity once again becomes manageable, and the streets become ripe for exploration.

As most of the northern hemisphere starts pulling out their warmer gear, Hong Kongers hit the outdoors to enjoy the beauty of the fall weather.

  • Average Temperature: 26°C / 79°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 23°C / 73°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 28°C / 82°F
  • Rainfall: 41mm

Signs in Kowloon, Hong Kong

November

As with October, visiting Hong Kong is a fantastic idea in November. Rainfall is a mere smidgen from the intensely wet summer, and temperatures are still pleasantly warm. November is a great time to explore the New Territories and outlying islands.

  • Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 19°C / 66°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
  • Rainfall: 22mm

December

Hong Kong’s reputation as a year-round destination is only supported by the excellent weather you’ll find in December. Although the temperatures begin to cool off compared to November, they’re far from cold. December is one of the sunniest and driest months in Hong Kong.

As long as you dress for the milder weather, December offers superb opportunities for wandering in the outdoors, including hiking in the New Territories.

  • Average Temperature: 17°C / 63°F
  • Low Temperature (Average): 14°C / 57°F
  • High Temperature (Average): 20°C / 68°F
  • Rainfall: 21mm

Final recommendations

The best months to visit Hong Kong are October or November.

Why visit in October or November?

You’ve probably already noticed how adamant we are about not visiting Hong Kong in the summer months. It’s too hot, too humid, too wet; to put it simply, it’s oppressive.

October in Hong Kong is none of those things. Starting in late September, the season transitions from summer to autumn. Once October rolls around, fall is in full swing with all the beauty that comes along with it.

Hong Kong Ocean Park

The temperatures are still warm, even bordering on hot. Average temperatures sit around 26ºC (79ºF), with average lows of 23ºC (73ºF) and toasty highs of 28ºC (82ºC). With only 44mm of rain over an average of just eight rain days, October is almost bone-dry compared to the 50%+ rain days of summer.

If visiting Hong Kong in October isn’t possible, November, especially early in the month, is also quite pleasant. Or, for springtime travel, April is another good alternative.

Ryan O'Rourke

Ryan O'Rourke is a Canadian traveller, food & drink aficionado, and the founder & editor of Treksplorer. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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