Hong Kong, Hong Kong: When to Go and Weather

Weather: Hong Kong, located on the southern coast of China, is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The South China Sea partly surrounds the city, which is located just south of the Tropic of Cancer, so Hong Kong weather is strongly affected by typhoons during the summer months.

Summer: High humidity and heat are standard for Hong Kong weather in summer. Typhoons and thunderstorms drive up the average rainfall levels. The average temperature is 85 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 14 inches.

Fall: Dry and sunny, fall is a favorite season in Hong Kong for tourists and locals alike. The average temperature is 72 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 2 inches.

Winter: The temperatures never fall very low, but winter is dark and gloomy. Hong Kong weather is almost always overcast in January and February. The average temperature is 55 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 1.5 inches.

Spring: Spring is slow to start in Hong Kong. March is rainy, but April and May bring more sun. The average temperature is 68 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 6 inches.

Looking for local weather reports? Try the frequently updated weather webpage of the Hong Kong Observatory (www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo).

When to Go: Peak Season
Hong Kong is busy and the weather is temperate during the peak season of October to December. The sun shines during the day, and at night, temperatures cool off and tourists and locals can enjoy outdoor dining and window shopping. Hotel rates are at their highest during these fall and early winter months, and competition can be stiff for the most popular accommodations, so make sure to plan you stay well ahead of time. The peak season, though often crowded with visitors on sunshine-filled afternoons, is an ideal time to visit outdoor monuments like the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island.

When to Go: Off Season
Typhoon season, understandably, is also the off season in Hong Kong. During the months of June through September, fewer travelers visit the city and hotel rates are down due to the sweltering summer temperatures and the threat of major storms. Typhoons sound more frightening than they really are: visitors usually don't need to evacuate, but the high winds can shut down the city and even sink boats that usually bob in Hong Kong waters. If a typhoon is headed towards the area, you'd have to be hiding under a rock to miss the constant TV reports and warnings issued by hotels. Locals are accustomed to the high winds and heavy rains, but tourists should seek shelter for the duration of the storm.

When to Go: Shoulder Season
The months of January through May constitute the city's shoulder season. Hong Kong weather varies quite a bit during these months, with chilly temperatures, cloudy skies, and frequent rain during the first half of the season, then a slow transition into spring and summer brings warmer days and more sunshine in April and May. Hotel rates are particularly low in the first months of the year. Any tourist crowds you'll encounter are usually in a rush to get indoors: the Heritage Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of Art attract steady numbers during these cold months.

• Mon

   

  Mostly Clear

  73  66

• Tue

   

  Sunny

  78  67

• Wed

   

  Sunny

  80  57

• Thu

   

  Mostly Sunny

  78  58

• Fri

   

  Mostly Sunny

  79  58

• Sat

   

  Mostly Sunny

  78  57

• Sun

   

  Partly Cloudy

  76  55

Get more information on Hong Kong weather.