| Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, tending towards temperate for nearly half the year. During November and December there are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Many people regard these as the best months of the year. January and February are cloudier, with occasional cold fronts followed by dry northerly winds. It is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below 10 Degree C in urban areas. Sub-zero temperatures and frost also occur at times on high ground and in the New Territories. 
March and April are milder although there are occasional spells of high humidity. Air traffic and ferry services are occasionally disrupted because of reduced visibility under drizzle and foggy weather. May to August are hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the mornings. Afternoon temperatures often exceed 31 Degree C whereas at night, temperatures generally remain around 26 Degree C with high humidity. There is usually a fine dry spell in July which may possibly last for one to two weeks, or for even longer in some years. May to November are the months during which tropical cyclones of different intensities may strike Hong Kong, while July to September are the most likely months with tropical cyclones affecting Hong Kong.
On average, about30 tropical cyclones form in the western North Pacific or China Seas every year, and about half of them reach typhoon strength (maximum winds of 118 kilometres per hour or more). When a tropical cyclone is about 700 to 1000 kilometres southeast of Hong Kong, the weather is usually fine and exceptionally hot, but isolated thunderstorms sometimes occur in the evenings. If the centre comes closer to Hong Kong, winds will increase and rain can become heavy and widespread. Heavy rain from tropical cyclones may last for a few days and subsequent landslips and flooding sometimes cause considerably more damage than the winds. The mean annual rainfall ranges from about 1400 millimetres at Ping Chau to more than 3000 millimetres in the vicinity of Tai Mo Shan. About 80 percent of the rain falls between May and September. June and August are usually the wettest months while January and December are usually the driestmonths.
Average annual rainfall distribution in Hong Kong between 1991-2020
Severe weather phenomena that can affect Hong Kong include tropical cyclones, strong winter and summer monsoon, monsoon troughs, and thunderstorms with associated squalls that are most frequent from April to September. Waterspouts and hailstorms occur infrequently, while snow and tornadoes are rare. Information of the climate change in Hong Kong can be found at "Climate Change" webpage. |
FAQs
Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate typical of southern China with hot, humid summers and mild, drier winters.
What is the climate in Hong Kong right now? ›
At 5 p.m. at Hong Kong Observatory : Air Temperature : 31 degrees Celsius Relative Humidity : 68 per cent Weather Cartoon : No.
What climate zone is Hong Kong in? ›
Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, tending towards temperate for nearly half the year. During November and December there are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Many people regard these as the best months of the year.
What is the climate of Hong Kong for kids? ›
Located at the northern edge of the tropics, Hong Kong has high temperatures most of the year and a short, mild winter. The average annual rainfall amounts to about 88 inches (224 centimeters), more than half of which falls during the summer months of June, July, and August.
What is the climate target in Hong Kong? ›
We have set an ambitious carbon intensity target of 65% to 70% by 2030 using 2005 as the base, which is equivalent to 26% to 36% absolute reduction and a reduction to 3.3-3.8 tonnes on a per capita basis. after 2080.
Does Hong Kong have all 4 seasons? ›
This electrifying city boasts four unique seasons, each bursting with hidden gems, local flavors, and a variety of Hong Kong attractions. Ditch the tourist traps and discover a whole new Hong Kong itinerary – whatever time of year you visit, there's plenty of things to do in Hong Kong!
What is the climate action in Hong Kong? ›
In 2021, the Government announced Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050, which outlined four major decarbonisation strategies, namely “net-zero electricity generation”, “energy saving and green buildings”, “green transport” and “waste reduction”, that would lead Hong Kong towards the goal of carbon neutrality before ...
What is the best weather in Hong Kong? ›
March - April and October - November: These are the best times of the year to visit Hong Kong. The spring time (March - April) sees cool evenings. The months of October and November are agreeable too.
Does Hong Kong have extreme weather? ›
Extreme precipitation events have become more frequent. The hourly rainfall record at the Hong Kong Observatory Headquarters used to be broken once every few decades in the past. However, the record has been broken several times in the recent few decades.
What is Hong Kong most famous for? ›
Originally a sparsely populated area of farming and fishing villages, the territory is now one of the world's most significant financial centres and commercial ports. Hong Kong is the world's fourth-ranked global financial centre, ninth-largest exporter, and eighth-largest importer.
Hong Kong lies at the northern fringe of the tropical zone. Its monsoonal (wet-dry) seasonal changes are well marked, however, with hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters. The climate is largely controlled by the atmospheric pressure systems over the adjacent great Asian landmass and ocean surface.
Does it rain a lot in Hong Kong? ›
It enjoys a mild climate from the middle of September to the end of February, as well as warm and humid weather from May to mid-September. It's worth bearing in mind that 80% of Hong Kong's annual rainfall occurs between May and September, with August typically the wettest month of the year.
What month is the weather best in Hong Kong? ›
Hong Kong is the kind of city that you can visit any time of the year and still have a wonderful trip with some fantastic memories. The best time to visit Hong Kong is March to April and October to November. Summers are generally hot and humid, while winters are cool and dry.
Has it ever snowed in Hong Kong? ›
Snow was detected once on February 2, 1967 at Cape Collinson. All remaining occurrences were reported at Tai Mo Shan on December 13, 1967, January 29, 1971, and December 14, 1975. Tai Mo Shan is the highest peak in subtropical Hong Kong.
Does Hong Kong get snow? ›
February: Cool, dry
Therefore, winter in Hong Kong does not have snow or frost.
Why does Hong Kong feel so cold? ›
'It's not humidity – it's the wind'
The HKO explains that water vapour in the air actually conducts less heat than dry air, challenging the belief that humidity always makes Hong Kong's weather more insufferable. Instead, the wind chill factor is the most influential contributor to how cold one feels.
What is the main climate type in China? ›
China is located in several climate zones. Mainly, it has equatorial, tropical, subtropical and moderate climates. A peculiar feature of the China's climate is its monsoon nature. Winds from north in winter and from south in summer are prevailing there, a sharp change of seasons are quite typical for the country.
Why is Hong Kong tropical? ›
Hong Kong is located at the southern tip of China, near the Tropic of Cancer. However, the Tropic of Cancer is not a hard and fast boundary between tropical and subtropical climates. The climates of coastal areas are also affected by ocean currents, and Hong Kong is located near the warm Kuroshio Current.
