Hong Kong Climate

Located in a subtropical region, Hong Kong enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate, featuring distinct seasons with an annual average temperature of 23.3℃. The temperature may fall below 10℃ in winter and rise above 31℃ in summer. Rainfall is concentrated from May to September, accounting for about 80% of the annual rainfall. There is plenty of rainfall throughout the year, flowers bloom all the year round, spring is warm and foggy, summer is hot with plenty of rainfall, autumn is sunny and sunny, and winter is slightly dry and cold.

Hong Kong Weather Graphs and Climate Features

Hong Kong enjoys a sub-tropical climate, tending towards temperate for nearly half the year. During November and December there are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. In Hong Kong, the wet season is hot, oppressive, and overcast and the dry season is comfortable, windy, and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 57°F to 89°F and is rarely below 49°F or above 93°F.

Average Temperature in Hong Kong

The hot season lasts for 4.7 months, from May 20 to October 10, with an average daily high temperature above 85°F. The hottest day of the year is July 17, with an average high of 89°F and low of 81°F. The cool season lasts for 2.9 months, from December 12 to March 9, with an average daily high temperature below 71°F. The coldest day of the year is January 23, with an average low of 57°F and high of 66°F.

Precipitation in Hong Kong

The wetter season lasts 5.7 months, from April 3 to September 23, with a greater than 31% chance of a given day being a wet day. The chance of a wet day peaks at 55% on June 14. The drier season lasts 6.3 months, from September 23 to April 3. The smallest chance of a wet day is 7% on January 2.

Average Monthly Rainfall in Hong Kong

Rain falls throughout the year in Hong Kong. The most rain falls during the 31 days centered around June 10, with an average total accumulation of 9.8 inches. The least rain falls around December 24, with an average total accumulation of 0.8 inches.

Water Temperature in Hong Kong

The average water temperature experiences some seasonal variation over the course of the year. The time of year with warmer water lasts for 4.5 months, from May 31 to October 13, with an average temperature above 80°F. The day of the year with the warmest water is August 9, with an average temperature of 83°F. The time of year with cooler water lasts for 3.5 months, from December 11 to March 27, with an average temperature below 70°F. The day of the year with the coolest water is January 23, with an average temperature of 66°F.

Hong Kong Travel Weather by Month

Hong Kong Four Seasons and What to Pack

Hong Hong climate features 4 distinct seasons: warm and humid spring, hot and rainy summer, sunny pleasant autumn and cold and dry winter. The area is prone to thunderstorms and cyclones from May to November as well as typhoon season in September.

Spring: March to May

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm.  Rain is somewhat common with 3 to 11 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. 

Average Temperatures by Month: March: 73 F (23 C)/68 F (20 C), April: 77 F (25 C)/72 F (22 C), May: 86 F (30 C)/79 F (26 C)
Appropriate Clothing: Goggles and a snorkel might be the best advice—but seriously, some effective waterproofs are a must, as well as shorts and T-shirts for warmer days and sweaters for evenings. 
Things to Do: In spring, Hong Kong begins nicely-known flowering season, this time of year is the most favorable for visiting the local Botanical gardens and tourist outings. In addition, at the end of the second month, the lucky traveler can join in on the festivities noisy carnivals all through Hong Kong. This festival is dedicated, archaic goddess-the patroness of the seas, known as tin Hau.

Summer: June to September

Summer in Hong Kong city is very hot and humid with temps of 32 degrees Celsius and over in the hottest months of July and August. There are also frequent thunderstorms and the occasional typhoon during this season. June – August is the slowest season for tourism in Hong Kong, so lodging and other accommodations may cost less than usual.

Average Temperatures by Month: June: 86 F (30 C)/82 F (28 C), July: 88 F (31 C)/82 F (28 C), August: 88 F (31 C)/82 F (28 C)
What to Pack:  Bring plenty of T-shirts and shorts, although those who easily burn in the sun may want to consider long sleeves or high factor sunscreen. A raincoat is useless, take an unbrella.
Things to Do: Summer is time beach holiday. Late summer is the best time for European tourists to visit Hong Kong. The air and water temperatures are about the same and range in the region of 25 degrees, what is the optimal weather condition for a beach holiday and for visiting the many local attractions and outings.

Autumn: October to mid-December

The short autumn season brings drier and cooler conditions with plenty of sunshine making it an ideal time to get outdoors and hike around Hong Kong’s many walking trails. It rains or snows a significant amount: 3 to 9 days per month. Tourism is the busiest during these months due to the stable weather condition, so hotels may be higher priced.

Average Temperatures by Month: September: 86 F (30 C)/81 F (27 C), October: 82 F (28 C)/77 F (25 C), November: 77 F (25 C)/72 F (22 C
What to Pack: T-shirts, short or lightweight pants, thin jacket.
Things to Do:November in Autumn is the most beautiful month of the year, and therefore is suitable for long walks in local parks, cultural centers, and endless adoration for many of the local indescribable beauty.

Winter: December to February

The winter months in Hong Kong are dry and mild, although the occasional cold front can see the temperature drop suddenly to below 10 degrees Celsius before climbing back up again. On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 2 to 3 times per month. These times of year are fairly slow with tourists.

Average Temperatures by Month: December: 70 F (21 C)/64 F (18 C), January: 70 F (21 C)/64 F (18 C), February: 73 F (23 C)/68 F (20 C)
What to Pack: Long sleeve T-shirts, long pants, thin jacket, coat and sweater.
Things to Do:Travelers prefer to visit Hong Kong in winter, it is right time for study-trips, pilgrimage, and studying the pleasures of the local cuisine. At the end of January comes the Chinese new year, during which restaurant menus will receive a lot of new, incredibly delicious dishes. 

Hong Kong Typhoon Season

Typhoon season begins in May and ends in November. But as you can see even in April, October or November it is possible to have a typhoon, but that doesn’t happen very often. On average, about 30 tropical cyclones form in the western North Pacific or China Seas every year, and about half of them reach typhoon strength (maximum winds of 118 kilometres per hour or more).

When a typhoon is approaching, warnings are broadcast on television and radio. There are various degrees of warning signals issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, but when the no. 8 signal is in place, most businesses and shops close down and flights may be cancelled. There is a separate warning system for heavy rain.  If you happen to visit Hong Kong in the typhoon season, you should not venture out too far when the typhoon warning is level 3 or less, but stay indoors when it is higher. All shops and banks are closed when a level 8 typhoon warning is given.

The Best Time to Visit Hong Kong

Located in a subtropical region, Hong Kong is a great place to visit all year round. The only predictable weather events that could have a significant impact on your travel plans are typhoons. Based on the following scores, the best time to visit Hong Kong for general outdoor tourist activities is from late October to late December, with a peak score in the third week of November. The best time of year to visit Hong Kong for beach holidays and hot-weather activities is from late September to early November, with a peak score in the third week of October.

The Peak Season and Off-season in Hong Kong

The busiest month for tourism in Hong Kong, Hong Kong is September, followed by October and April. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Hong Kong in December. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Hong Kong Climate by Region