Hong Kong's heat is only half the problem. From May to October you'll walk out of humid 27°C (81°F) to 30°C (86°F) streets into MTR carriages and malls chilled hard by air-con, then into a downpour. Pack for sweat, cold and rain at once, and bring good shoes, because this city is steeper than it looks.
Hong Kong weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 19°C66°F | 20°C68°F | 22°C72°F | 26°C79°F | 27°C81°F | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F | 29°C84°F | 28°C82°F | 25°C77°F | 21°C70°F |
| Low | 12°C54°F | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 20°C68°F | 23°C73°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 22°C72°F | 18°C64°F | 14°C57°F |
| Rain days | 5 | 7 | 13 | 18 | 22 | 28 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 12 | 6 | 3 |
Season by season
Spring
March–MayWarm and getting sticky. Highs go from 22°C (72°F) in March to 27°C (81°F) in May, and rain days jump from 13 to 22. Fog and drizzle are common, so keep a shell in your bag and save Victoria Peak for a clear morning.
Summer
June–AugustHot, humid and wet. Highs of 29°C (84°F) to 30°C (86°F), lows of 25°C (77°F) to 26°C (79°F), and June has 28 rain days, the most of the year. Typhoon season is in full swing, so build some slack into your plans and pack clothes that dry overnight.
Autumn
September–NovemberThe best time to visit. September is still hot at 29°C (84°F) with 24 rain days, but October drops to 12 rain days and November to 6, with highs easing to 28°C (82°F) and then 25°C (77°F). It's prime hiking weather for Dragon's Back and Lantau.
Winter
December–FebruaryMild and dry. Highs of 19°C (66°F) to 21°C (70°F), lows of 12°C (54°F) to 14°C (57°F), and December has just 3 rain days. A light jacket and a sweater are enough, and you'll want them on the Star Ferry after dark.
What to bring to Hong Kong
0 of 21 packed- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Hong Kong uses UK-style type G sockets, not mainland China's, and this adapter's UK plug plus five USB ports charges your whole kit off one outlet.
June gets 28 rain days, and a shell that packs into its own pocket is a lot easier to carry through Central than a dripping umbrella.
A light, packable women's rain shell for Hong Kong's showers. Easy to keep in a day bag.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing on the main compartment and zippers keeps a laptop dry through the wet months from April to September.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Waiting at a tram stop in 30°C (86°F) humidity is miserable, and a handheld fan makes it bearable, just charge it nightly because the battery runs a few hours on high.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Picaridin is gentle on camera gear and synthetic clothes, which matters on humid trail days in the country parks, so decant it if you fly carry-on only.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
It keeps water cold for 24 hours, and you'll be refilling constantly on summer hikes and long walking days.
Clothing
- Quick-dry T-shirts · 4Humid 27–30°C May–October
- Light layer for air-con · 1MTR and malls run cold
- Lightweight trousers or shorts · 2
- Light jacket or sweater · 1Winter lows of 12–14°C
Footwear
- Grippy walking shoes · 1The city is steeper than it looks
- Sandals that handle rain · 1
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1June has 28 rain days
- Waterproof phone pouch · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Anti-chafe balm
Documents and money
- Passport
- Check typhoon warningsTyphoon season roughly May–November
Tech
- Phone power bank · 1
What shoes should you pack for Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is hills, stairs and footbridges. The Mid-Levels, Sheung Wan and the trails above the city all climb, and wet tiles at mall entrances and MTR exits get slick. Pack breathable sneakers with grip, plus trail shoes if you plan to hike.
What do people wear in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong dresses neat and modern, with a lot of smart casual in Central. Light, breathable fabrics are the norm in summer, and most people carry a thin layer for the air-con. Shorts are fine, but beachwear looks out of place away from the beaches.
What plugs does Hong Kong use?
Hong Kong uses type G plugs, the UK-style three-pin plug, at 220V. That's different from mainland China, so don't pack a China adapter. US visitors need an adapter, and most phone and laptop chargers handle 220V.
Tours and things to do in Hong Kong
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Hong Kong.
What should you leave at home for Hong Kong?
Leave the heavy coat at home, since December lows average 14°C (57°F). Skip cotton jeans in summer, because they stay damp all day in this humidity. Don't bother packing a big umbrella either, as cheap ones are sold everywhere the minute it rains.
Packing for Hong Kong: questions people ask
What should I wear in Hong Kong in summer?
Light, breathable clothes for 29°C (84°F) to 30°C (86°F) highs and heavy humidity, plus a thin layer for cold malls and the MTR. Pack a rain shell, since June has 28 rain days.
What is the best month to visit Hong Kong?
October and November are the sweet spot, with highs of 28°C (82°F) and 25°C (77°F) and only 12 and 6 rain days.
Does Hong Kong use the same plug as China?
No. Hong Kong uses the UK-style type G plug at 220V, while mainland China uses types A, C and I.
Do I need a jacket in Hong Kong in winter?
A light one. Highs are 19°C (66°F) to 21°C (70°F) and lows 12°C (54°F) to 14°C (57°F), so a light jacket and a sweater are enough.
When is typhoon season in Hong Kong?
Roughly May to November. Check the Hong Kong Observatory forecast before you go and keep summer plans flexible.
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