The best time to visit Hong Kong is October through December, when humidity drops, skies clear, and typhoon season has passed, unlike the hot, humid summer of May-September or the outside chance of a cold snap in January-February.
Hong Kong’s Subtropical Climate: A City of Two Very Different Halves
Hong Kong sits just south of the Tropic of Cancer, giving it a subtropical climate that swings between a mild, relatively dry winter and a hot, humid, typhoon-exposed summer, one of the biggest seasonal contrasts of any major city in Asia. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in the warmer months, with roughly 80% of the annual total falling between May and September.
Hong Kong Weather by Month
The chart below shows average high and low temperatures and monthly rainfall for every month, based on Hong Kong Observatory long-term normals (1991-2020).
Jan
(66°/59°F)
4 rainy days
Feb
(66°/59°F)
7 rainy days
Mar
(70°/63°F)
9 rainy days
Apr
(77°/70°F)
11 rainy days
May
(82°/75°F)
14 rainy days
Jun
(86°/79°F)
17 rainy days
Jul
(88°/79°F)
16 rainy days
Aug
(88°/79°F)
16 rainy days
Sep
(86°/79°F)
13 rainy days
Oct
(82°/73°F)
7 rainy days
Nov
(75°/68°F)
4 rainy days
Dec
(68°/61°F)
4 rainy days
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Rainfall | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19°C / 66°F | 15°C / 59°F | 25 mm | 4 |
| Feb | 19°C / 66°F | 15°C / 59°F | 55 mm | 7 |
| Mar | 21°C / 70°F | 17°C / 63°F | 82 mm | 9 |
| Apr | 25°C / 77°F | 21°C / 70°F | 173 mm | 11 |
| May | 28°C / 82°F | 24°C / 75°F | 304 mm | 14 |
| Jun | 30°C / 86°F | 26°C / 79°F | 397 mm | 17 |
| Jul | 31°C / 88°F | 26°C / 79°F | 374 mm | 16 |
| Aug | 31°C / 88°F | 26°C / 79°F | 391 mm | 16 |
| Sep | 30°C / 86°F | 26°C / 79°F | 288 mm | 13 |
| Oct | 28°C / 82°F | 23°C / 73°F | 145 mm | 7 |
| Nov | 24°C / 75°F | 20°C / 68°F | 33 mm | 4 |
| Dec | 20°C / 68°F | 16°C / 61°F | 27 mm | 4 |
Best Season (October-December): Clear Skies, Comfortable Heat
Once typhoon season tapers off, autumn brings Hong Kong’s most pleasant weather: lower humidity, warm but not oppressive days in the mid-20s Celsius (upper 70s Fahrenheit), and cool, comfortable evenings. It’s the best window for hiking the Dragon’s Back trail, harbour views from Victoria Peak, and outdoor dining, and unsurprisingly the busiest tourist season, so book hotels ahead.
Summer (May-September): Heat, Humidity, and Typhoon Season
Summer brings consistent highs of 30-31C (86-88F) with humidity that regularly exceeds 80%, making the heat feel far more intense than the numbers suggest. This is also when roughly 80% of Hong Kong’s annual rainfall falls, June through August each average around 370-400mm, alongside the year’s typhoon risk.
Hong Kong’s Real Hazard: The Typhoon Signal System
Hong Kong’s typhoon season runs roughly May through November, with the highest risk from July through September. The Hong Kong Observatory uses a numbered Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal system, from T1 (standby) up through T3, then T8, T9, and T10, to communicate escalating danger. T8, indicating gale-force winds of 63-117km/h, is hoisted on average once or twice a year and triggers the closure of schools, most offices, and public transport. T10, the highest signal indicating hurricane-force winds, is far rarer, it has been raised only 17 times since 1946.
If a T8 or higher signal is raised during your trip, the standard advice is simple: stay indoors, away from windows, until the signal is lowered. Flights, ferries, and the Peak Tram are typically suspended well before the storm’s closest approach, so travellers with connecting flights should build in a buffer day during peak typhoon months. Checking a live rain map or the live rain radar for Hong Kong alongside the Observatory’s signal updates is a genuinely useful habit when a typhoon is approaching.
Winter (January-February): Hong Kong’s Coolest, Driest Stretch
Winter is mild by most standards, with highs around 19C (66F), but cold snaps driven by continental air from mainland China can occasionally push temperatures into the low single digits for a few days. January and February are also among the driest months of the year, alongside November and December.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Hong Kong?
October and November are generally best, combining comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal typhoon or rain risk after the summer wet season ends.
Does Hong Kong get typhoons?
Yes. Typhoon season runs roughly May through November, peaking July to September, and the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 is hoisted on average once or twice a year, closing schools and most businesses.
What do the T1-T10 typhoon signals mean?
They indicate escalating danger from the Hong Kong Observatory: T8 means gale-force winds and triggers citywide closures, while T10, the most severe, signals hurricane-force winds and has been raised only 17 times since 1946.
What is the rainiest month in Hong Kong?
June is typically the wettest month, averaging around 397mm of rain across 17 rainy days, as the wet season and early typhoon activity set in.
Is Hong Kong cold in winter?
Relatively mild, with highs averaging around 19C (66F), though occasional cold snaps from mainland China can push temperatures down to the low single digits for a few days at a time.
Is Hong Kong very humid?
Yes, especially from March through September, when humidity often exceeds 80%, making the summer heat feel considerably more intense than the temperature alone suggests.
In Conclusion
For the most comfortable trip, aim for October through December. If you’re visiting during typhoon season, keep an eye on the Hong Kong Observatory’s signal number, once a T8 goes up, the safest plan is simply to stay put until it comes back down.
