Hong Kong Weather Guide: Typhoons & Seasons

Hong Kong's climate is subtropical, shaped by its latitude of 22 degrees north and the influence of the South China Sea. The city experiences four loosely defined seasons, though the transition between them can be abrupt. Summers are hot and very humid; winters are mild and relatively dry by comparison.

Summer and Typhoon Season

May through September brings Hong Kong's hottest and most humid conditions, with temperatures regularly exceeding 32 degrees Celsius and relative humidity above 80 percent. This period coincides with typhoon season. The Hong Kong Observatory issues typhoon signals numbered 1 to 10; when a Signal 8 or above is raised, schools and many businesses close and the MTR service may be suspended. Residents are advised to monitor the Observatory's bulletins closely during the season.

Winter

October through March is the most comfortable period for outdoor activity. Temperatures from December to February average between 14 and 20 degrees Celsius, with cold fronts occasionally pushing temperatures below 10 degrees in the hills. Rainfall is low and skies are often clear, making this the preferred season for hiking Hong Kong's extensive network of country park trails.

Haze

Air quality in Hong Kong is influenced by regional pollution from the Pearl River Delta industrial zone. The Environmental Protection Department publishes a daily Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) that residents and visitors are advised to consult, particularly in spring when regional pollution levels tend to peak.

Sources: Hong Kong Observatory, Environmental Protection Department.

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