The climate of Hong Kong
Under the Köppen climate classification,
Hong Kong is described as having a humid subtropical climate with a notable season of dry winter. This south-eastern city has a latitude that places it within the tropics; therefore it experiences considerable amounts of heat and precipitation throughout the year.
Precipitation fluctuates remarkably across different months, with the peak occurring between
May and
September, while the minimum levels are experienced from
November to
January. Annual rainfall ranges from 25mm (0.98") in January to as high as 456mm (17.95") in
June. The number of days with rainfall also follows this trend, January has only an average of 5.4 days of rainfall, while June has up to 19.1 days.
Relative humidity in Hong Kong persists at generally high levels throughout the year, between 69% and 83%, maintaining a humid environment regardless of the season. Temperature fluctuations are notable, with the lowest average minimum temperature being 14.5°C (58.1°F) in January and the highest average maximum temperature peaking at 31.4°C (88.5°F) in
July. Regarding sunlight, the average daylight hours span from 10.8 hours in
December to 13.5 hours in June. Nevertheless, sunshine hours range between 2.9 hours in
March and 6.8 hours in July. The UV index fluctuates from 7 in the less sunny months to 12 during the sunnier period, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
The best time to visit Hong Kong
The optimal time to visit
Hong Kong is dictated by the visitor's weather preference. For those who favor mild temperatures, it is advisable to consider the period between
October and
December. During these months, temperature ranges from 20.2°C (68.4°F) to 27.8°C (82°F), and the rainfall is relatively low, averaging between 27mm (1.06") to 101mm (3.98"). The number of rainfall days is also fewer, averaging between 4.5 and 7.4 days.
The worst time to visit Hong Kong
The months to be avoided for a visit to
Hong Kong largely depend on one's tolerance for high rainfall levels, tropical storm risks, and hot temperatures. These conditions are common during the summer monsoon season between
May and
September. This period experiences heavy rains, with monthly rainfall averages ranging from 305mm (12.01") and 456mm (17.95"). The temperature during this time is relatively high, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 31.4°C (88.5°F) which can make the weather uncomfortably humid.
Spring weather in Hong Kong
The spring in
Hong Kong, which occurs between
February and
April, is distinguished by gradually warming temperatures along with a consistent rise in humidity and precipitation. Average high temperatures during this period range from 18.9°C (66°F) in February to 25°C (77°F) in April, while average low temperatures increase from 15°C (59°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F). This period also marks the start of the rainy season with an increase in monthly average rainfall from 54mm (2.13") in February to 175mm (6.89") in April.
Summer weather in Hong Kong
Summer in
Hong Kong, from
May to
August, is marked by hot, humid, and rainy conditions due to the monsoon influence. The high temperature averages from 28.4°C (83.1°F) to 31.4°C (88.5°F), and the low averages 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F). This season is characterized by the highest amount of rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation seen in
June at 456mm (17.95"). The month of August is particularly notable because of the high temperature and humidity combined with high levels of rainfall, a total of 432mm (17.01") on average.
Autumn weather in Hong Kong
The autumn months,
September to
November, represent relief from the sweltering summer heat. The high temperature averages decrease from 30.1°C (86.2°F) in September to 24.1°C (75.4°F) in November, while the low averages similarly decrease from 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 19.8°C (67.6°F). Even though the first autumn month experiences substantial rainfall, the remaining months witness a significant reduction, with only 38mm (1.5") in November.
Winter weather in Hong Kong
Winter in
Hong Kong, spanning
December and
January, is typically marked by cooler and drier conditions. While the average high temperature drops to 18.6°C (65.5°F) by January, the lowest average drops to 14.5°C (58.1°F). With a range of 25mm (0.98") to 27mm (1.06"), rainfall stays relatively low, contributing to the characteristic dry winter. December sees the fewest daylight hours of the year, averaging 10.8 hours. However, sunshine duration increases to 5.6 hours.
Weather in January
Taking into account the variation in the weather parameters of
Hong Kong, the start of a new year is characterized by mild daily temperatures. The average high in
January hovers at about 18.6°C (65.5°F), making it one of the cooler months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
With the arrival of
February, an uptick in the overall humidity levels is registered. The gradual warming trend leads to a slight increase in the average temperature from
January to February. However, it is the increased precipitation, marked by a substantial leap from 25mm (0.98") to 54mm (2.13") that distinguishes this month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings along the transition from winter to spring in
Hong Kong. A discernible change in the weather pattern is perceived through longer daylight hours and a rise in the daily temperature. Despite the higher daily temperatures, nocturnal conditions retain a certain level of coolness.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signifies the onset of a significantly warmer phase in
Hong Kong’s annual weather cycle. Alongside the noticeable warmth, the levels of precipitation experience a steep surge taking a jump from 82mm (3.23") in
March to a substantial 175mm (6.89").
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
May introduces the early phase of summer, the city of
Hong Kong gears up for prolonged sunshine and increased heat. The characteristic traits of May include longer daylight hours and a significant rise in both daily and nightly temperatures.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Hong Kong signals the full arrival of the hot summer season. Marked by longer daylight hours and higher temperatures, the weather takes on the distinct characteristics of tropical summer. The striking feature of June is the maximum rainfall recorded for any month, peaking at a staggering 456mm (17.95").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The middle of the year in
Hong Kong observes the peak of summer with
July being one of the hottest months. Throughout the month, the city experiences an increased duration of daylight and high nocturnal temperatures. However, it isn’t all clear skies and sunshine.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Hong Kong carries the essence of summer warmth and high humidity. As the city navigates through this tropical month, the daily temperatures oscillate between moderately hot to high levels. One can also observe an uptick in the levels of rainfall recorded.
Weather in August » Weather in September
With the onset of
September,
Hong Kong begins to witness a noticeable retraction from the extreme summer conditions. Although the arrival of autumn is greeted with much-needed relief from the sweltering heat, the weather predominantly remains warm.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks a distinct tempering of
Hong Kong’s weather conditions. A visible drop in temperature and humidity denotes the commencement of the autumn season. With rainfall levels significantly reduced to 101mm (3.98"), the climatic conditions are markedly drier than the preceding months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The weather in
Hong Kong in
November is characterized by the declining intensity of sunlight and a notch down in rainfall activity. The decreased rainfall amount of 38mm (1.5") favors more predictable weather and less cloudy skies.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December depicts the onset of winter in
Hong Kong. Although devoid of snowfall, the city sees a drop in temperature, an increase in relative humidity than
November, and a significant reduction in rainfall to just 27mm (1.06").
Weather in December »