Hong Kong Weather & Climate Guide: Seasons, Typhoons & Humidity

Hong Kong's climate is classified as humid subtropical, characterized by four distinct seasons: a foggy and humid spring, a hot and rainy summer, a pleasant and sunny autumn, and a cool, dry winter. Because of its location in the South China Sea, the city is heavily influenced by the seasonal monsoon system and is a frequent path for tropical cyclones.

Seasonal Climate Dynamics

Spring (March – May)

Spring is the most unpredictable season in Hong Kong. As the cool air from the north meets the incoming warm, humid air from the south, the city often becomes blanketed in low clouds and thick fog. Humidity frequently reaches 100%, causing walls and floors to "sweat" with condensation. Temperatures typically range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F–77°F), but the high moisture levels can make the air feel heavy and damp.

Summer (June – August)

Summer is defined by intense heat and frequent rainfall. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 31°C (88°F), but the high humidity creates a "real feel" index that can push toward 40°C (104°F). This is the wettest time of year, featuring heavy thunderstorms and the peak of the typhoon season. Rain often comes in short, violent bursts known locally as "skit-scat" rain, which can clear as quickly as it arrives.

Autumn (September – November)

Widely considered the best time to visit, autumn brings a significant drop in humidity and plenty of sunshine. Dry breezes move in from the north, and temperatures hover between 19°C and 30°C (66°F–86°F). The air feels crisp and visibility is at its peak, making it the ideal season for hiking and rooftop dining.

Winter (December – February)

Winter is generally mild but can be punctured by sudden cold fronts. These "cold surges" from Siberia can cause temperatures to drop from a pleasant 20°C (68°F) to below 10°C (50°F) in a single day. While it never snows in the city, frost is occasionally reported on high peaks like Tai Mo Shan. Most days are dry and gray, though the lack of indoor heating in many buildings means the cold can feel quite piercing.

Local Phenomena and Microclimates

• The Typhoon System: Hong Kong has a sophisticated warning system (T1, T3, T8, T9, T10). When a T8 signal is issued, the city effectively shuts down—public transport stops, and businesses close—as gale-force winds are imminent.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: In dense districts like Mong Kok and Causeway Bay, the "wall effect" of skyscrapers traps heat and blocks sea breezes. These urban canyons can stay 3°C to 5°C warmer at night than rural areas in the New Territories.
• Tai Mo Shan Microclimate: The territory’s highest peak often experiences temperatures 5°C to 10°C lower than the coastal areas, along with significantly higher rainfall and near-permanent mist.

Historical Context & Local Adaptation

The Hong Kong Observatory, established in 1884, is the heart of local life. Locals are highly attuned to weather alerts; many use the Observatory's app to track real-time rain radar. Historically, the city has been shaped by devastating storms like Typhoon Wanda (1962). This history is reflected in the city's infrastructure, which features massive underground flood storage tanks and strict building codes for hurricane-proof glass.