Seasons at a glance
- Autumn (October – December): the best time to visit — sunny, dry and comfortable at roughly 18–27°C
- Winter (January – February): cool and mostly dry, around 12–20°C; bring a light jacket
- Spring (March – May): warming up, humid and sometimes foggy, with occasional showers
- Summer (June – September): hot and very humid at 28–33°C, with heavy downpours and the peak of typhoon season
Typhoon signals explained
Typhoon season runs roughly from May to November. The Hong Kong Observatory issues numbered signals, and daily life adjusts to them:
- Signal No. 1 — a tropical cyclone is within 800 km; carry on as normal
- Signal No. 3 — strong winds; some outdoor activities and ferries may be affected
- Signal No. 8 or above — gale-force winds; offices, shops, attractions, most tours and ferries close, and public transport reduces service. Stay indoors
- Red and Black Rainstorm Warnings — very heavy rain; avoid hiking and low-lying areas
- Download the MyObservatory app for live warnings
Festivals and busy periods
Festivals are a great reason to visit, but hotel prices rise and attractions get crowded around them:
- Chinese New Year (January or February) — flower markets, fireworks and a night parade
- Cheung Chau Bun Festival (April or May) and the Dragon Boat Festival (June)
- Mid-Autumn Festival (September or October) — lanterns and mooncakes
- Mainland China's Golden Week (1–7 October) — very busy, with higher hotel rates
- Christmas and New Year's Eve fireworks over Victoria Harbour
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes and a folding umbrella for most of the year
- A light jacket or sweater — indoor air-conditioning is strong
- Comfortable walking shoes for hills, stairs and hiking trails
- Sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent in summer
This guide is general information and was last reviewed in September 2026. Rules and prices change — please check official sources before travelling.