Weather in Hong Kong

About Hong Kong

Hong Kong's skyline seen from Victoria Peak at night or from the Star Ferry crossing the harbour is one of the great urban spectacles. The city is extraordinarily dense, layered, and endlessly interesting. The dim sum alone justifies the visit.

Country

China SAR

Best months to visit

October, November, December

Currency

HKD

Language

Cantonese / English

Things to do in Hong Kong

Victoria Peak Star Ferry Dim sum breakfast Temple Street night market Lantau Island and Big Buddha Lamma Island seafood

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

19C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

February

19C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

March

22C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

April

25C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

May

27C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

June

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

July

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

August

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

September

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

Recommended

October

27C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

Recommended

November

24C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

December

20C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Hong Kong is the world's most vertical city — a dazzling architectural drama of skyscrapers on impossible hillsides, the Star Ferry crossing the harbour between two of the most spectacular urban waterfronts in existence, and a food culture (Cantonese dim sum, roast goose, wonton noodle soup) that is simply one of the world's greatest. It operates at a speed and density that is exhilarating rather than oppressive, and the contrast between the neon of Mong Kok and the green hills of the New Territories is a reminder that Hong Kong is also — quietly, magnificently — a hiking destination.

Best areas to stay in Hong Kong

Central & The Peak

The financial heart of Hong Kong Island — HSBC and Bank of China towers, the tram up Victoria Peak, and the Mid-Levels escalator through the city's most atmospheric hillside neighbourhood.

Mong Kok (Kowloon)

The most densely populated urban area on earth — electronics markets, the Ladies' Market, flower market, goldfish market, and an overwhelming street food scene.

Wan Chai & Causeway Bay

Hong Kong's most local retail and restaurant district — street markets, the best dim sum options, and the Typhoon Shelter seafood restaurants.

Lantau Island

Hong Kong's largest island — the Giant Buddha at Po Lin Monastery, the cable car from Tung Chung, and Tai O fishing village, a beautiful glimpse of old coastal Hong Kong.

Getting to Hong Kong

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Flights

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is served from London Heathrow by Cathay Pacific (direct, ~12 hours) and British Airways; also via connecting hubs with most major Asian and Middle Eastern carriers.

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From London

~12 hours direct from London

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Getting around

The MTR (metro) is one of the world's most reliable and affordable urban transport systems — an Octopus card covers all MTR, bus, tram, and ferry journeys. The Airport Express takes 24 minutes from the airport to Hong Kong station.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Hong Kong?

October to December is the finest season — mild, clear, and low humidity. January to March is cooler and also excellent. April to September brings increasing heat and humidity, with typhoon season running June–September (most typhoons pass through without major disruption).

Do UK citizens need a visa for Hong Kong?

No — UK citizens can visit Hong Kong visa-free for up to 180 days. Note that Hong Kong SAR has different immigration rules from mainland China — a separate visa is required for mainland entry.

What is the best dim sum restaurant in Hong Kong?

Tim Ho Wan (cheapest Michelin star in the world, multiple locations), Luk Yu Tea House (historic 1930s setting), and Dim Sum Square in Wan Chai are all revered. Go for Sunday yum cha at any local teahouse for the real community experience.

How do I get the best view of the Hong Kong skyline?

The Peak Tram to Victoria Peak gives the classic panoramic view; the Star Ferry crossing at night from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central is equally spectacular and free with an Octopus card; the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade for the nightly Symphony of Lights show.

Is Hong Kong safe for tourists?

Hong Kong is one of Asia's safest cities for tourists — very low violent crime, excellent infrastructure, and easy to navigate. Check the FCDO travel advice for current political guidance before departure and stay informed during your visit.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Hong Kong is unlike anywhere else on earth — the energy, the skyline, the food at every level from Michelin starred to HK$30 noodles in a dai pai dong. Crossing on the Star Ferry at night with the light show was simply breathtaking.

Kevin L. · November 2024

★★★★★

The Dragon's Back hike in October was extraordinary — a mountain ridge walk above the South China Sea with Hong Kong's towers visible on the far skyline. Nobody told me Hong Kong had world-class hiking within 40 minutes of Central.

Cindy T. · October 2023

★★★★☆

Tim Ho Wan for breakfast was everything — fresh char siu bao and turnip cake for almost nothing with the most good-humoured dining chaos I've encountered. Hong Kong's Cantonese food scene is in a completely different league from anywhere in the world.

Peter W. · March 2024