Planning a city break to the Pearl of the Orient? Whether you’re heading to Hong Kong for the sightseeing, shopping or famous festivals, there’s a perfect time to travel. Here’s our guide on when to visit Hong Kong…
Best for…weather
Hong Kong’s subtropical climate means that temperatures stay relatively mild all year round, and never dip too low. But, the summers are hot, humid and wet. Rain falls, on average, four out of every seven days in the peak of summer, and temperatures hit highs of 35 degrees. If you want the perfect warm, dry weather, plan your trip to Hong Kong between October and early December. January to April is also warm and dry, but the weather can be a little more changeable and a lot of fog.
If you can handle the heat, don’t be put off by travelling in rainy season. Heavy rainfall rarely lasts all day, and during that time there are plenty of indoor attractions and activities to keep you busy.
Best for…shopping
Hong Kong is one of the best places in the world to shop. It’s got huge mega malls packed with high street and luxury stores, and street markets where you can pick up souvenirs and local handicrafts. There’s even a New York-themed mall aptly named ‘Times Square’ which boasts 230 stores and its own New Year’s Eve countdown.
To take advantage of huge discounts on designer clothes, watches, jewellery and electronics, head to Hong Kong between July and September. This is when retailers offer discounts on luxury goods to lure shoppers away from the city beaches and back to the malls. You’ll also find great sales just after Christmas and around Chinese New Year – although it can be more expensive to travel to the city during this time.
Best for…festivals
Want your trip to coincide with a cultural event or festival? Plan your holiday to Hong Kong in January or February and you’ll be able to take part in the Chinese New Year celebrations. The event usually lasts for two weeks and includes fireworks displays over the Victoria Harbour, dragon and lion dances, and a huge lantern parade through the streets. You’ll also find special Chinese New Year menus and dining deals at the city’s best restaurants.
If you’re planning on visiting the city in summer, pick late May to early June to coincide with the Dragon Boat Festival. Watch the elaborately-decorated boats racing down the Shing Mun River and enjoy live music, traditional Chinese entertainment, and a food festival.
Best for…low prices
If you want to bag a deal on flights and accommodation, travel to Hong Kong during the peak summer months or when there are no big holidays and events. May and June is when the weather starts to get hot and humid in the city, and there are no major festivals, so you’ll find better travel deals during this time. November and December can also be cheaper for travel after October’s influx of tourists for Hong Kong National Day, so look out for some great deals then.
Best for…sightseeing
There’s no bad time to sightsee in Hong Kong, with a huge variety of indoor and outdoor sights and attractions. If you want to hike up Victoria Peak and get the best views of the city, pick November to February for the dry and mild weather conditions, and lack of cloud and fog for getting the best views from the top. If you fancy visiting Hong Kong Disneyland, try visiting in early November to avoid the hot weather and crowds, or in April when the temperatures start to heat up but the crowds are significantly less. If you’re travelling during the summer months when its hot and humid, make the most of the indoor shopping malls and museums. And, swap Victoria Peak for the Sky100 observation deck where you’ll get spectacular panoramic views across the city.
Sky100 Observation Deck Tickets
Excited to see Hong Kong’s best bits? Whatever time of year you decide to visit this vibrant city, there’s always something to see and do. Check out our Hong Kong bus routes for even more inspiration.
