Hong Kong, located in southern China near urban areas like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, experiences diverse weather patterns throughout the year.
The wet season is marked by hot, oppressive, and overcast conditions, while the dry season is comfortable, windy, and mostly clear.
Over the year, temperatures generally range from 57°F to 89°F and rarely fall below 49°F or rise above 93°F.
The long summer months from June to September can be particularly challenging with high humidity and frequent heavy showers or thunderstorms.
Daytime temperatures during this period hover around 90°F, with the urban heat island effect making the heat feel more intense.
Moisture from the sea adds to the humidity, making the weather feel even hotter.
In contrast, the dry season brings much relief with clearer skies and more comfortable conditions.
This period is often characterized by milder temperatures and less humidity, offering a pleasant contrast to the humid summers.
Understanding these patterns can help visitors plan their trips better and enjoy what Hong Kong has to offer year-round.
For more in-depth details on the climate, you may refer to detailed climate information.
Average Temperature in Hong Kong, China
In Hong Kong, the average temperature varies throughout the year, making it important to recognize its fluctuating weather patterns.
Monthly Average Temperatures
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 62 | 52 |
| February | 63 | 53 |
| March | 68 | 58 |
| April | 74 | 64 |
| May | 79 | 71 |
| June | 85 | 77 |
| July | 89 | 82 |
| August | 88 | 81 |
| September | 85 | 78 |
| October | 80 | 72 |
| November | 72 | 62 |
| December | 66 | 56 |
Hot and Cool Seasons
Hong Kong’s hot season lasts from May to October. During this time, daily high temperatures exceed 85°F. July, known as the hottest month, experiences highs around 89°F.
The cooler season spans from December to March. During this period, the weather sees maximums dipping to the mid-60s°F.
Day and Night Variations
Night temperatures offer relief during Hong Kong’s peak heat. For instance, in July and August, the temperature can drop to about 81°F at night.
During the coolest months like January, nighttime lows can dip to around 52°F.
Year-Round Comfort
The average temperatures make some months more comfortable than others.
For instance, from December to February, temperatures are more manageable with highs around 62°F to 68°F. These months often bring clearer skies compared to the hot and humid summer months.
Average Precipitation in Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong receives significant rainfall throughout the year with wet and dry periods. Snow is rare due to the region’s warm climate.
Average Rainfall in Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong experiences high annual rainfall, averaging around 94.5 inches.
Rain is more frequent and heavier in the summer months, particularly from May to September. In this period, the city often sees intense rain and tropical storms.
| Month | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 1.4 |
| February | 2.0 |
| March | 2.4 |
| April | 5.5 |
| May | 12.4 |
| June | 15.1 |
| July | 14.6 |
| August | 15.3 |
| September | 12.7 |
| October | 4.8 |
| November | 1.5 |
| December | 1.0 |
The wettest months, such as August, can experience heavy rain almost daily. Even the driest month, December, sees some wet days. Rainfall patterns show a considerable amount of precipitation all year round. Find more climate data on Hong Kong.
Average Snow in Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong’s temperature rarely drops low enough for snow. The city’s subtropical climate keeps winters mild, with temperatures ranging from 57°F to 72°F.
Snowfall is almost non-existent. Occasionally, frost might appear in the coldest months, but significant snow has not been recorded. For more discussions on snow and ice, see related articles.
Rain alone dominates Hong Kong’s precipitation patterns, leaving no significant opportunity for snow events.
The rarity of snow makes it a notable, yet practically irrelevant, aspect of Hong Kong’s weather.
Average Sun in Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong experiences fluctuating sunlight and daylight throughout the year due to its geographical location and seasonal changes. Cloud cover can vary, affecting the amount of sunshine received.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Hong Kong, China
In Hong Kong, shortwave solar energy peaks in the summer months. Clear skies contribute to higher energy, while cloudier periods reduce it.
The city’s average daily solar energy varies, with a significant decrease in winter.
Monthly average shortwave solar energy:
| Month | Average Energy (kWh/m²) |
|---|---|
| January | 3.1 |
| February | 3.7 |
| March | 4.9 |
| April | 5.4 |
| May | 6.1 |
| June | 6.3 |
| July | 6.1 |
| August | 5.7 |
| September | 5.2 |
| October | 4.7 |
| November | 3.7 |
| December | 3.1 |
Sunrise and sunset times also impact the overall daylight hours.
During summer, days are longer, offering more sunlight. The shortest day usually occurs around December 21, with daylight lasting just over 10 hours.
Conversely, the longest day is around June 21, with over 13 hours of daylight.
Average Humidity in Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong experiences high humidity year-round. Humidity levels can make the air feel much warmer than the actual temperature.
The relative humidity usually stays above 70%, and it often exceeds 90% during the summer months. Winters are more comfortable but still quite humid compared to other regions.
Monthly Average Humidity Levels
| Month | Average Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 78% |
| February | 81% |
| March | 83% |
| April | 85% |
| May | 86% |
| June | 87% |
| July | 89% |
| August | 88% |
| September | 85% |
| October | 82% |
| November | 79% |
| December | 78% |
Due to the high humidity, the air often feels muggy and sticky, especially during the hot season from May to October. This can be uncomfortable for many people.
Rainy days contribute significantly to the humidity levels.
June is the wettest month, with the rain falling for about 19.1 days. This further increases the humidity, making it feel even warmer.
During the cooler months from December to March, the humidity remains high, but the temperatures are lower. This makes the climate more bearable even with elevated humidity levels.
Air conditioning is prevalent in Hong Kong to combat the muggy atmosphere.
Those visiting the city should prepare for the heavy moisture in the air, regardless of the season.
Average Wind in Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong experiences varying wind patterns throughout the year.
Winter Winds:
- The predominant wind direction is from the North or Northeast.
- The average wind speed is typically around 9 mph (15 km/h).
Summer Winds:
- The summer monsoon brings Southwest winds.
- During this period, the average wind speed can increase to about 11 mph (18 km/h).
Monthly Average Wind Speeds:
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 10 |
| February | 10 |
| March | 9 |
| April | 8 |
| May | 8 |
| June | 9 |
| July | 11 |
| August | 10 |
| September | 10 |
| October | 8 |
| November | 9 |
| December | 8 |
The strongest winds are often observed during tropical cyclones. These can reach speeds exceeding 60 mph (97 km/h).
Most of the year, the wind is moderate. This makes Hong Kong quite comfortable despite its humid climate.
Wind directions and speeds are greatly influenced by the landscape. The mountains and urban areas lead to variations in wind flow and intensity.
Average Air Quality in Hong Kong, China
Air quality in Hong Kong varies throughout the year. Many factors impact it, including weather patterns and human activities.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures levels of pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, and CO. In 2019, Hong Kong had an average AQI of 96, with PM2.5 levels at 33.5 µg/m³. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends PM2.5 levels be no higher than 10 µg/m³. For real-time data, the AQICN map of Hong Kong is useful.
Real-time pollution data is measured using laser particle sensors, capturing PM2.5 and PM10 levels. As of now, the AQI in Hong Kong stands at 26, considered a “Good” level, with PM2.5 at 12 µg/m³ (IQAir).
Average Monthly AQI and PM2.5 Levels
| Month | AQI (Avg) | PM2.5 (µg/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 80 | 25 |
| February | 85 | 27 |
| March | 90 | 28 |
| April | 92 | 30 |
| May | 95 | 33 |
| June | 97 | 34 |
| July | 94 | 31 |
| August | 91 | 29 |
| September | 89 | 27 |
| October | 88 | 26 |
| November | 87 | 25 |
| December | 85 | 24 |
Visibility in Hong Kong can be affected by air pollution, especially during high pollution days. Fog is also common in certain seasons, particularly in spring and autumn.
Understanding the air quality helps in planning outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups like people with respiratory issues. Sea temperatures and other weather factors also play a role in overall climate conditions, influencing air quality.
For more detailed air quality trends and statistics, the Hong Kong Air Pollution Statistics offers extensive data.
Topography of Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is a region located at 22.13672 – 22.56833 latitude in southern China, bordering the South China Sea. It features a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa), consistent with the broader climate of southern China.
The elevation varies significantly across the region. The average elevation of Hong Kong is about 154 feet, with the minimum being at -20 feet and the maximum reaching up to 3,077 feet. Another source indicates a slightly different range, with the average being 203 feet and the maximum at 3,100 feet.
Key Details:
- Minimum Elevation: -20 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 3,077 – 3,100 ft
- Average Elevation: 154 – 203 ft
Hong Kong’s terrain is characterized by steep hills and mountains. The highest peak, Tai Mo Shan, stands at 3,100 feet, making it the tallest point in the region. The geography is marked by rugged peaks and dense forests, contributing to its dramatic landscape.
The region’s northern hemisphere location means it experiences a temperate to subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid with common thunderstorms. The humidity is high due to frequent rainfall, especially during typhoon season, which can lead to occasional flooding. This moisture significantly impacts the local subtropical flora and fauna.
Hong Kong also has several islands, adding to its diverse topography. The combination of mountainous landscapes and coastal bounds creates unique ecological niches across the region. The steep and rugged terrain presents challenges but also offers beautiful scenic views, making it a notable feature of this vibrant city.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong experiences a range of extreme weather events throughout the year. These events include typhoons, thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, and cold fronts.
Typhoon Season
Hong Kong’s typhoon season runs from May to November. Typhoons, which are intense tropical cyclones, can bring heavy rains and strong winds. These powerful storms can cause significant damage, particularly during the peak months of July to September.
Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones are a regular feature in Hong Kong’s weather. They can bring intense rainfall and lead to flooding. Records show that extreme precipitation events have become more frequent in recent years, leading to concerns about their impact on the city.
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are common in summer. They often occur with heavy downpours and lightning. These storms are short-lived but can cause localized flooding and disrupt daily activities.
Cold Fronts
During winter, cold fronts can sweep through Hong Kong. These cold fronts bring sudden temperature drops and can cause chilly conditions. While Hong Kong generally has mild winters, cold fronts can make temperatures dip significantly.
Monthly Data
| Month | Average Rainfall (inches) | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.1 | 66 | 57 |
| July | 14.7 | 88 | 79 |
| November | 1.2 | 77 | 68 |
Best Time of the Year to Visit Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is a lively city with different weather experiences throughout the year. Each season offers unique conditions, including warm temperatures, comfortable autumn days, and mild winters.
What is Hong Kong, China Like in Spring
Spring in Hong Kong, from March to May, is warm with increasing humidity. March and April experience average temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. By May, temperatures can reach up to 82°F. Spring also sees an increase in rainfall, with about 3 inches in March rising to about 8 inches in May.
| Month | Temperature (°F) | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 60 – 71 | 3.1 |
| April | 64 – 75 | 4.7 |
| May | 71 – 82 | 8.5 |
Spring is a great time for outdoor activities and flower festivals, but visitors should be prepared for occasional showers.
What is Hong Kong, China Like in Summer
Summer in Hong Kong, from June to August, is hot, humid, and rainy. Average temperatures range from 77°F to 88°F, with the hottest days in July and August. Rainfall is high, averaging about 14 inches per month, and typhoons are a possibility.
| Month | Temperature (°F) | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 77 – 86 | 14.3 |
| July | 79 – 88 | 14.0 |
| August | 77 – 88 | 14.6 |
What is Hong Kong, China Like in Fall
Fall, from September to November, is considered the best time to visit Hong Kong.
Temperatures are milder, ranging from 70°F to 81°F, and humidity decreases.
Rainfall also lessens, making it a comfortable season for tourism.
| Month | Temperature (°F) | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 75 – 86 | 12.8 |
| October | 70 – 81 | 4.3 |
| November | 63 – 75 | 1.9 |
Autumn months have fewer rainy days and clear skies, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor events.
What is Hong Kong, China Like in Winter
Winter in Hong Kong, from December to February, is mild and dry.
The temperatures range from around 57°F to 68°F.
Rainfall is minimal, usually around 1 inch per month, making it a dry season.
| Month | Temperature (°F) | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 57 – 68 | 1.3 |
| January | 55 – 64 | 1.0 |
| February | 57 – 66 | 1.7 |
The mild and dry winter is suitable for exploring the city without the discomfort of heat or heavy rain.
Sweaters and jackets are recommended, especially in the evenings when it gets cooler.