About
Climate
Although Hong Kong lies in the tropics, its climate is seasonal. These seasons break down differently however, from those in Europe or North America:
Winter comprises just January and February. A typical winter’s day is cool – in the teens – with a light jacket needed. Most years see a couple of surges of cold air that drop temperatures below 10°C for a few days. When it does get cold though, it’s really cold – Hong Kong buildings are not heated, so heavier jackets and sweaters are needed.
In spring (March to May), temperatures are mild – usually hanging around in the low to mid-20s – but it’s frequently cloudy, foggy and humid. Most years, the rainy season really gets going in May.
Summer (June to September) is hot and very wet – it can rain off-and-on for days on end. There are sunny days, too, but wilting humidity is a constant. Daytime highs are typically in the low 30s, and night time temperatures drop only into the high 20s.
Autumn (October to December) is lovely, with clear days and lower humidity. Temperatures gradually drop from shirt-sleeve warmth in October to the crisp high teens in December.
Typhoons can strike Hong Kong anytime between April and November. Hong Kong’s concrete and steel buildings stand up well to typhoons, but the city shuts down –most people get off work and are strongly encouraged to remain at home – when conditions seriously deteriorate and a ‘number 8’ signal or higher is hoisted. There are also rainstorm warnings issued when rainfall is so heavy it impedes transport; these usually don’t last long enough to have much effect on day-to-day activities, but you might find yourself being delayed for an hour or two.
Winter comprises just January and February. A typical winter’s day is cool – in the teens – with a light jacket needed. Most years see a couple of surges of cold air that drop temperatures below 10°C for a few days. When it does get cold though, it’s really cold – Hong Kong buildings are not heated, so heavier jackets and sweaters are needed.
In spring (March to May), temperatures are mild – usually hanging around in the low to mid-20s – but it’s frequently cloudy, foggy and humid. Most years, the rainy season really gets going in May.
Summer (June to September) is hot and very wet – it can rain off-and-on for days on end. There are sunny days, too, but wilting humidity is a constant. Daytime highs are typically in the low 30s, and night time temperatures drop only into the high 20s.
Autumn (October to December) is lovely, with clear days and lower humidity. Temperatures gradually drop from shirt-sleeve warmth in October to the crisp high teens in December.
Typhoons can strike Hong Kong anytime between April and November. Hong Kong’s concrete and steel buildings stand up well to typhoons, but the city shuts down –most people get off work and are strongly encouraged to remain at home – when conditions seriously deteriorate and a ‘number 8’ signal or higher is hoisted. There are also rainstorm warnings issued when rainfall is so heavy it impedes transport; these usually don’t last long enough to have much effect on day-to-day activities, but you might find yourself being delayed for an hour or two.
