CLIMATE IN HONG KONG
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with temperatures ranging from 10˚C to 33˚C. The city enjoys a mild climate from the middle of September to the end of February, driest during the month of December and January. The weather from May to mid-September can be hot, wet and humid, with June and August being the wettest months.
Typhoon season begins in May and ends in November. When a typhoon is approaching, warnings are broadcast on television and radio. There are various degrees of warning signals issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, but when a level 8 signal is given, most businesses and shops are closed, and flights may be cancelled. There is a separate warning system for heavy rain. Waterspouts and hailstorms occur infrequently, while snow and tornadoes are rare.
Best time to visit Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a year-round destination. The best time to visit Hong Kong is from end September to December, when the weather is generally dry and sunny with comfortable temperatures. Nevertheless, Hong Kong has plenty of indoor attractions for you to enjoy even when it rains.
Seasonal Overview
Spring – March to May
Average Temperature: 18 – 27°C
Spring brings warm and humidity is rising, but the skies can be quite overcast, with average temperature of around 23°C. Evenings can be cool.There are rain, fog and occasional showers during these months.
Prepare long-sleeved shirts or a thin jacket for the evenings, and an umbrella or light rainwear for the occasional spring drizzle. Summer – June to August
Average Temperature: 25 – 35°C
Summer in Hong Kong is hot and more humid, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. June and August have the highest average rainfall of the year. There is usually a fine dry spell in July, which may possibly last for one to two weeks. The temperature often exceeds 31°C but high humidity levels can make it feel even hotter. Between July and September, Hong Kong is most likely to be affected by tropical cyclones, although gales are not unusual at any time between May and November.
Wear light and breathable clothing, but advisable to prepare jacket as air-conditioning may be strong in indoor areas such as shopping malls. Remember to bring an umbrella or light rain gear, as there may be monsoons in the summer. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also recommended for extended outdoor activities. Autumn – September to November
Average Temperature: 18 – 28°C
Autumn is an excellent time to travel to Hong Kong. There are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperature, ranging between 18 and 28°C. The skies are clear and humidity is low. You can expect sunny and mostly dry days, making it perfect to enjoy Hong Kong and its sightseeing attractions without too much sweat.
Dress in breathable clothing, but also prepare warmer clothing such as jackets for the cooler mornings and evenings. Moisturizer and sunscreen are also useful. Winter – December to February
Average Temperature: 14 – 19°C
Winter weather in Hong Kong is cool, dry and cloudy, with occasional cold fronts. The temperatures range between 14 and 19°C, and sometimes drop below 10°C in urban areas. The lowest temperature recorded at Hong Kong Observatory is 0°C, although sub-zero temperatures and frost occur at times on high ground and in the New Territories.
Pack warm garments such as wool sweaters and coats. Bring along a few pieces of thermal wear for extra layers if needed. Average Temperature and Precipitation
| HONG KONG | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
| Min Temp °C | 14 | 14 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 19 | 15 |
| Max Temp °C | 19 | 19 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 20 |
| Rainfall (mm) | 25 | 55 | 80 | 175 | 305 | 455 | 375 | 430 | 330 | 100 | 40 | 25 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
Geography
Both Hong Kong and Macau are considered two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of the People’s Republic of China. Hong Kong is located to the east of the Pearl River Estuary at the south-eastern tip of China, surrounded by the South China Sea. The former British colony Hong Kong covers an area of 1,106.66 Km2(427 mi2), consists of Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, including 262 Outlying Islands, many of them uninhabited.
Both Kowloon and the New Territories are connected to Mainland China, separated from Hong Kong Island by a narrow Victoria Harbour, one of the world’s most renowned deep-water harbours. Much of the developed land on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and in new towns throughout the New Territories (6% of the total land or about 25% of developed space in the territory) is reclaimed from the sea.
The highest peak in Hong Kong is Tai Mo Shan, located at the New Territories, 957 metres above sea level. Lantau Peak is the highest point on Lantau Island, with a height of 934 metres, famous for the sunrise scenery viewed from the summit. Kowloon Peak is a 602 metres mountain, tallest mountain in Kowloon side, while Victoria Peak, also known as The Peak, is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, with an elevation of 552 metres.
Population
The current population of the Hong Kong is 7,513,166 as of October 2020, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data. It is equivalent to 0.1% of the total world population, ranking it 104th in the world for population. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world and has a population density of 7,140 people per square kilometre (18,492 people per square mile). The median age in Hong Kong is 44.8 years.
93.6% of Hong Kong’s population consists of ethnic Chinese. Most are Taishanese, Chiu Chow, other Cantonese people and Hakka. Most Han people in Hong Kong are from the Taishan and Guangzhou regions. Foreign domestic helpers, mostly come from the Philippines and Indonesia, make up 4% of Hong Kong’s population. Other non-ethnic Chinese in Hong Kong includes Americans, Indians, Nepalese, Pakistanis and other Asians.
A Symphony of Lights
A Symphony of Lights, the world’s largest permanent lighting and music show, combines interactive lights of 39 buildings and three attractions on both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with musical effects to showcase the vibrancy and glamorous night vista of Victoria Harbour. This multi-media show has always been the signature icon for Hong Kong, symbolising its dynamic energy and contrasting culture. The show lasts for about 10 minutes and it would be staged on both sides of the Victoria Harbour, starting at 8:00pm every night.
The music of the show and the best viewing locations are at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Avenue of Stars and the promenade at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wanchai. You can also enjoy the show onboard sightseeing ferries in the Victoria Harbour (own expenses). | Address: | Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre / Avenue of Stars |
| Time: | 8pm nightly. The show lasts for about 10 minutes. |
| MTR: | Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit E) or East Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit J) |
| Address: | The promenade at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wanchai |
| Time: | 8pm nightly. The show lasts for about 10 minutes. |
| MTR: | Wanchai Station (Exit A5) |
| Note: | The show is free for public enjoyment and no admission ticket is required. |
| Remarks: | When Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No.3 or above or Red/Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued at or after 3:00pm on the show day, the Show will be cancelled. No show will be staged even if the signal is removed before 8:00pm on that day. |
Lantau Island – Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car
| Address: | Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal |
| Opening Hours: | 10:00am – 6:00pm (Weekdays) 10:00am – 6:00pm (Weekends and Public Holidays) |
| MTR: | Tung Chung Station (Exit B) |
The opening hours of Ngong Ping cable car service is between 10:00am and 6:00pm daily.
‘Walking with Buddha’ and ‘Motion 360’ will remain closed.
*The Big Buddha is currently undergoing renovations and areas in the vicinity of the Big Buddha statue will be closed to the public during the maintenance period*
All other religious ceremonies and events will continue as usual and visitors and tourists are welcome.
Theme Parks Opening Hours
| Address: | Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Lantau Island, Hong Kong |
| Park Hours: | 10:30am – 7:30pm (Closed on Tuesday and Thursday – Except public holidays and designated days) |
| MTR: | Disneyland Resort Station |
Ocean Park (Resume operations on 18 September 2020)
| Address: | Ocean Park Hong Kong, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong |
| Park Hours: | 10:00am – 6:00pm (Weekdays) 10:00am – 7:00pm (Weekends and Public Holidays) |
| MTR: | Ocean Park Station |
Hong Kong’s Official Business Hours
Opening hours vary from business to business, but here is a rough guide:
- Most offices will open from 9am to 6pm or longer from Monday to Friday, depending on the type of business. Many will also open from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
- Major banks open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
- Retail shops generally open from 10am to 7pm daily, although those in popular shopping areas such as Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui will stay open until 9:30pm or even later, especially on weekends. Many shops in Hong Kong remain open every day, except the first two days of Chinese New Year.
- Restaurants tend to stay open until around 11pm, while bars, clubs, and some fast food outlets will close in the wee hours, with plenty of them operating all night, particularly in popular nightlife hubs such as Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai.
Summer Sales / Winter Sales Seasons in Hong Kong
The best time for shopping in Hong Kong is during the two sales seasons:
Summer sales run from July to September and winter sales from December to February (especially around Christmas and Chinese New Year). However, the exact sales period may vary from shop to shop
