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Hong Kong isn’t so much a city as it is an experience. One that has to be lived over and over again. What used to be a farming and fishing village in another lifetime is now a glittering expanse of buildings and is now considered to be one of the world’s most important financial centres. Hong Kong perpetually… read more
Hong Kong is the kind of city that you can visit any time of the year and still have a wonderful trip with some fantastic memories. The best time to visit Hong Kong is March to April and October to November. Summers are generally hot and humid, while winters are cool and dry. Hong Kong locals brave the city’s erratic weather and are known to carry on with their work, no matter what is happening outside. The springtime (March - April) sees cool pleasant evenings. While you might not be as intrepid as the Hong Kong-ers, you’re bound to have a wonderful time taking in the amazing sights, visiting the fantastic amusement parks, or just chilling in the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade or Kowloon Park.
Hong Kong is considered to be a year-round destination because each season has its own distinct attractive features. The weather might tend to become a little extreme during peak summer or peak winter but apart from that, it’s almost always tolerable. What makes it more than just tolerable is that there’s an exciting and full social calendar throughout the year, so no matter when you visit, you’re bound to come across something interesting happening here. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to know what to expect in terms of weather when you travel to Hong Kong.
Peak Season – Autumn to early spring
Shoulder Season – Early summer
Low Season – Late summer
| Travel Season | Min./Max. Temperature | Season |
| March - May | 17-29°C | Pleasant |
| June - August | 27-31°C | Humid And Hot |
| September - November | 24-30°C | Pleasant and Comfortable |
| December - February | 16-20°C | Quite Cool |
Temperature – During spring, Hong Kong sees temperatures ranging from lows of 17°C to highs of 26 to 29°C.
Weather – The weather during this time can be a little warm but it is usually comfortable. Sometimes, if it rains, it can get a little humid. As the spring season begins in March, the weather is just oscillating between the chill of winter and welcoming the bright spring sunshine. During mornings, you might find mist wrapped around the tall buildings but usually there’s not much heavy rainfall.
Significance – During the spring months, the bauhinia flowers which are Hong Kong’s emblem are in bloom everywhere. It makes for a cheerful and delightful sight indeed. The city sees numerous exciting events during this time of the year and every day feels like a fun adventure as you explore the many attractions that the city has to offer. Outdoor destinations like Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland are quite wonderful during this time of the year.
Why you should visit now – Numerous interesting events take place in the city at this time and with the weather being so perfect, it’s the icing on the cake indeed. The Hong Kong International Film Festival and the famed Hong Kong Rugby Sevens event take place during this time. Spring also sees the Taste of Hong Kong festival at the Central Harbourfront along with several international pop acts and events, temple fairs, a dragon boat festival and other such things you should surely not miss.
Things to know before the visit – Since this is peak tourist season, you will find that ticket prices and hotel bookings are quite expensive. People from all over the world converge here to enjoy the equable climate, the many different fun events, or simply to have a wonderful vacation with their family. There are crowds everywhere you go, although this is something that’s intrinsic to Hong Kong, no matter when you go there.
Tips – Although temperatures are quite moderate during this time, it’s good to be prepared as evenings can get a bit cold although days are quite warm. Light jackets should help you cope with chilly weather and it’s always a good idea to carry an umbrella with you to protect from the rain or even the sun.
Temperature – Summertime temperatures can go up quite a bit and there’s not much difference between the highs and the lows which often range between 27 to 31°C.
Weather – Hong Kong summers tend to be a little intense and hot for those who are not used to hot weather especially. It can also be quite humid, and Hong Kong’s famous typhoons also make their appearance during this time of the year. Sunny days between storms can also bring in a welcome change of weather when you can visit the beach or rock pools and splash around.
Significance – Summertime sees an excessive use of air conditioning almost everywhere you go, and you’ll find yourself sighing in relief when you step inside a mall or any building for that matter. Hong Kong summers are legendary because of the heat spells and the typhoons that they sometimes bring which create a complete dramatic change in weather. But nevertheless, summer is the best time to enjoy the many carnivals and events that are scheduled for this time of the year.
Why you should visit now – Although Hong Kong might be facing blistering heat, this time of the year has some entrancing events such as the adrenaline inducing Dragon Boat Festival, Lan Kwai Fong Beer and Music Festival, and Hong Kong Bakery Carnival to name just a few. Victoria Peak during this time can offer some splendid views, especially just after the rains when the air is clear and fresh. One of the reasons why you should visit now is that many locals head out of the city to escape the heat, so you will find lesser crowds everywhere.
Things to know before the visit – Although this is the shoulder to low season, Hong Kong during summer doesn’t see much difference in ticket rates. Hong Kong is one of those perennial destinations that is always in demand and if you want to save money on flight bookings, you’d best do it well in advance to make sure you get some discounts.
Tips – The sun is unavoidable if you’re travelling to Hong Kong in summer. But avoid getting roasted in the heat by choosing to explore indoor events or activities and if it’s imperative that you head out, make sure you slather yourself in sunscreen and carry an umbrella (not just for the sun but to escape the sudden rains as well).
Temperature – During autumn, the temperature is mostly comfortable and can range from 26 to 30 °C.
Weather – Hong Kong in autumn sees quite some rainfall and this results in humidity. Rains can also be a little relentless during this time and thus, even though temperatures are high, the weather is quite cool. As the brief autumn comes to an end though, the humidity also lowers, making it perfect to go sightseeing and visiting the parks.
Significance – Autumn season is quite well-known because of the mid-autumn festival which takes place during mid-September. People come together and celebrate this lovely festival with their families, bringing moon cakes and they participate in the Tai Hang Fire Dance. Many people love Hong Kong’s ability to balance the East and the West perfectly, in all aspects, whether it’s the food, clothing or culture. This is because when Halloween comes, the city celebrates with a number of themed festivities and one in Ocean Park which is said to be quite spectacular.
Why you should visit now – Hong Kong weather apart, this is the time when the mid-autumn festival brings a wondrous show of lanterns, lights, parades, dances and acrobatic processions. But even if you miss out on that, this is a great time to visit the New Territories and explore the islands or enjoy events such as the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, Chung Yeung Festival, or the International Jazz Festival. Autumn is also the best time to visit parks like Tai Tong Ecopark where you can see the beautiful autumn foliage or even the lovely Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
Things to know before the visit – The mid-autumn festival is a favourite time for families to get together and celebrate. Also, with Halloween parties being quite de rigueur at this time, ghostly apparitions and events seem to populate the city and it’s all quite exciting and eventful but also crowded.
Tips – Summer wear should be sufficient but don’t forget your sunscreen or your umbrella. Towards evening, the weather can get a little cooler than usual, so a light jacket should be good.
Temperature – The temperatures during winter in Hong Kong range between 15 to 21°C typically.
Weather – In December, the weather is comfortably cool but becomes colder as January approaches. The skies are clear, and the weather stays dry with hardly any rain, making it perfect to walk around and enjoy the warm, toasty winter sunshine. In January, the weather becomes a little colder, and evenings tend to be quite chilly with cloudy skies. Rains are not completely ruled out but chances are less.
Significance – Winter is filled with festivals, both Western and Chinese and people just need an excuse to celebrate. There are throngs everywhere, as people crowd inside malls or squares where events take place. The festive mood is contagious and if you’re lucky enough to be here during the New Year on 31st December, you’ll get to see a gorgeous sight of fireworks lighting up the sky in brilliant explosions of colour. To get the best views, make sure you’re at Victoria Harbour or at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Why you should visit now – Winter is a fun and festive time in Hong Kong. The malls are packed, and the storefronts feature jaw-dropping decorations and there’s a lilt in the air. There are festivals and parties and retail stores and malls have sales which is perfect for shopaholics who will snag the best deals at this time. From flower shows to horse racing events, Christmas and New Year celebrations to the fantastical Chinese New Year celebrations, winter is indeed an amazing time to be in Hong Kong.
Things to know before the visit – Winter is a popular time for visitors in Hong Kong and the crowds can be overwhelming for those who are not used to seeing so many people together at the same time. Also, flight tickets can be quite expensive and hotel rooms are almost always unavailable. You’ll do well to book in advance.
Tips – Come prepared for winter in Hong Kong. Although there’s no snow, it does tend to get quite cold, especially in January. Make sure you have enough warm clothes, socks, mittens and caps to cover your head. A sweater and jacket should be enough mostly. Make sure you’re carrying appropriate medicines because the sudden change in weather could lead to people falling sick.
If you have decided the best time to visit Hong Kong, then do pick from one of Thomas Cook’s exciting Hong Kong Tour Packages. Hong Kong’s diversity and multicultural beauty will bring a smile to your face and will delight your family endlessly.
The most commonly used and convenient way to reach Hong Kong is by air. Chek Lap Kok Airport is a huge international airport that has been in use since 1998. As one of the world’s busiest airports, it sees millions of passengers go through its portals every year. Located north of Lantau Island, the airport has numerous direct flights from almost every continent and several major countries of the world. Some of the airlines that serve this airport are Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Aeroflot, Air Asia, Air India, American Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, IndiGo, Qantas and Thai Airways to name just a few. The extensive list notwithstanding, there are direct flights from several Indian cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai.
Chep Lap Kok is an extremely efficient airport although there can be a few delays because of typhoons or inclement weather. Travelling from the airport to the city is possible using the Airport Express train, and there’s a discount if you’re travelling with a group of people. Cheaper ways to reach the city from the airport or vice versa are by buses which will take you through quite a scenic route into the city. Airport taxis are also available but quite expensive and will cost you $250-350 along with toll fees as well.
There are several intercity passenger trains that allow you to travel to Hong Kong from Guanzhou, Dongguan, Foshan and Zhaoqing in China. If you are coming from Shanghai or Beijing, be prepared to spend at least 20 hours on the train. Tickets can be bought at the railway station but if you are travelling at peak times, then it’s best to book ahead to ensure you get a seat. The new high-speed rail has direct trains to various destinations to and from China.
Travelling to Hong Kong by water can be an exciting experience. Star Cruises from the Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the major operators. There are other cruise companies as well that connect you to other South East Asian cities such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Mainland China, Taiwan and Macau.
If you are travelling to Hong Kong from China, then it’s quite easy and comfortable if you take a bus. Shenzhen is the border city and there are several bus services that allow you to come into Hong Kong. There are also bus services that connect Hong Kong with Zhuhai and Macau through the new bridge.
