From the scorching heat of summer to the temperate winds of winter, the weather in Hong Kong makes for sizeable variations in temperature and humidity. With a sub-tropical climate and four seasons to boot, the only truly predictable weather phenomena which poses significant disruptions to planned activities in Hong Kong are typhoons and heavy rainstorms which generally occur between May and September. Our overview of Hong Kong weather will provide you with much needed insight to adapt to Hong Kong’s ever shifting weather conditions.
Spring
Spring in Hong Kong makes for a comfortable precursor to summer. With the average temperature ranging between 20°C – 26°C and humidity ranging between 83% - 87%, the months of March until May are generally pleasant for new arrivals to Hong Kong.
Balmy nights call for alfresco drinks with friends and though there is the occasional rain shower, these are usually in short spells though impressive in intensity. Keep an umbrella handy at all times as a precautionary measure. You will notice the gradual buildup of humidity as well as occasional foggy conditions towards May. In this sense, spring in Hong Kong presents the perfect acclimatization period before the encroaching typhoon season and accompanying adverse weather conditions descend en masse in summer.
Images of junk trips, beach hangouts and cowering under haphazard overhangs come to mind when thinking about summers in Hong Kong. With temperatures often exceeding 31°C during the day and stratospheric humidity levels at 87%, to say you feel like a steamed shrimp dumpling would not be a complete exaggeration of the truth. Expect sudden incursions of doom and gloom as frequent showers pelt you with heavy rain, expect opportune office and school closures when the Typhoon No.8 warning signal is hoisted and expect the flaring up of allergies due to the interplay of air-conditioners, pollution and humidity.
All said and done, the eternal days of sunshine and blue skies are perfect for watersports and exploring Hong Kong’s coveted coastline and beaches. Just make sure that you are properly hydrated and that you bring along a light jumper to combat the arctic air-conditioned indoor spaces.
Autumn
There is an unofficial consensus that autumn is the finest season. With light rainfall, lower humidity and a temperature averaging around 24°C, fall is the season to bask in the retreating summer rays. Lasting from October until early December and with the oppressive summer heat firmly behind you, it also presents the ideal opportunity to hike in Hong Kong’s country parks or ramp up your outdoor physical activity levels. With stable and consistent weather conditions, plans can be made in advance without much risk of disruption to your calendar.
Winter
‘A white Christmas’ is a misnomer for Hong Kong. Though frost does occur in high altitudes, snow is completely unheard of in Hong Kong, so if you are expecting genuinely icy temperatures - prepare to be genuinely disappointed. Lasting from mid-December until February, temperatures are within the “comfortable” range of 10°C - 17°C. Relatively mild in comparison to Nordic climes, it is important to keep in mind that indoor heating is not pervasive throughout Hong Kong nor are most residences heat insulated. For this reason alone, you may get rather chilly and may consider investing in a personal electric heater. January 2016 experienced some of HK’s coldest temperatures in 60 years, reaching a minimum of 3.3°C in urban areas.
Dry and cloudy, with humidity levels falling to around 76% and near to nonexistent rainfall, approach the New Year with the prospect of pleasantly cool, sunny days!
