Summer Months Are Hot, Humid, and Rainy
The summer months of June through August are considered one of the worst times for visiting Hong Kong by many travelers. Summer brings hot, humid, and wet weather to Hong Kong.
Temperatures typically reach over 90°F with humidity levels frequently over 75%, making for an intensely hot and muggy combination. With all that heat and humidity also comes heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and the threat of typhoons. Hong Kong gets over 80% of its annual rainfall during the summer months alone.
The extreme heat and humidity, threat of torrential rain, and potential typhoon risks make summer an uncomfortable and unpredictable time for being outdoors and sightseeing in Hong Kong.
Chinese New Year Brings Massive Crowds
Chinese New Year, which occurs between mid-January to mid-February depending on the year, is celebrated widely and vigorously throughout Hong Kong. This major holiday period means Hong Kong draws very large crowds of locals and visitors, all wanting to join in the festive celebrations.
All of Hong Kong’s major attractions like Victoria Peak, the Star Ferry, Ladies Market and more will be swarmed with huge holiday crowds. Long lines to get in everywhere, crowded public transit, congested streets, and other inconveniences related to crowds should be expected if visiting Hong Kong during Chinese New Year.
Hotel rates and airfares also surge significantly due to high-season demand over Chinese New Year. Unless joining in the celebrations is a top priority, dealing with the crowds, hassles and inflated pricing make it one of the most hectic and difficult times for leisure travel in Hong Kong.
October Through Early December Can Have Rain
The fall months of October through early December coincides with Hong Kong’s second rainy season. While not as hot and humid as summer, this seasonal rain period still sees consistent rain showers and the threat of typhoons.
Most days have rain showers ranging from scattered lighter showers to occasional heavy downpours with thunderstorms mixed in as well. Between the frequent rain and cloudiness, this means fewer sunny days and opportunities for clear views from Victoria Peak and other top attractions in Hong Kong.
The fall rainy season has the potential to dampen certain sightseeing plans. While rainfall averages are still less than summer, wet weather is likely to occur at some point on a visit to Hong Kong during the second rainy reason span between October and early December.
Avoid Major Hong Kong Public Holidays
In additional to Chinese New Year, other Chinese public holidays celebrated in Hong Kong also mean larger crowds at top attractions and popular tourism spots in the city.
Avoiding visiting Hong Kong over the other major Chinese public holiday periods will steer clear of the most hectic and crowded conditions all around the city:
- Chinese New Year (January/February)
- Ching Ming Festival (April)
- Easter Holiday (April)
- Labor Day (May)
- Buddha’s Birthday (May)
- Tuen Ng Festival (June)
- Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October)
- National Day (October)
- Chung Yeung Festival (October)
- Christmas Week (December)
Planning a Hong Kong vacation to not coincide with these crowded Chinese holiday dates will help maximize the enjoyment and ease of sightseeing.
March and December Weather Can Be Unpleasant
The shoulder seasons of March and December see cooler temperatures but frequently cold rains, wind, dampness, and overcast skies. These off-peak months make for rather dreary weather not well-suited to every traveler.
March still holds the tail end of Hong Kong’s winter chill with average highs of 61°F and nighttime lows into the mid 50s. December kicks off the winter coolness heading into January and February. With little chance for sunshine in either month and the damp chill, outdoor comfort can prove marginal.
Those hoping for a true warm weather break may be disappointed planning a trip to Hong Kong in March or December. These shoulder seasonal transition months lack reliable comfortable weather compared to the sunny and dry conditions more common over April through September.
In summary, between hot and humid summers, major holiday crowds, frequent rainfall in spring and fall, plus chilly winter transitions in March and December – all can make for less than ideal conditions to visiting Hong Kong. Planning around these high seasons, difficult weather patterns, and crowded holiday dates is key to maximizing the enjoyment and smoothness of visiting one of Asia’s most popular city destinations. Checking forecasts and expectations before finalizing vacation dates can help avoid the worst times to visit fantastic Hong Kong.