WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HONG KONG AND MACAU?
Hong
Kong and Macau are year round destinations and have broadly similar climate
patterns, which follow the norms of the northern hemisphere with four distinct
seasons, though because of the ocean monsoon summer is not only hot, but also
wet. Winter visitors will need extra clothing, especially at night, while
summer visitors will need little more shorts, t-shirts and rainwear.
Winter,
from December through to February is the driest time, with little rainfall but
changeable temperatures.
On
fine days in winter, it
is perfectly possible to get highs of a reasonable 18-20⁰C with a night time temperatures a rather cool 10-16⁰C. However, when the wind direction changes, life can be
much colder, with daytime highs of around 10⁰C and overnight lows approaching
zero. It can be especially cold in the Northern New Territories of Hong Kong.
In
March, spring weather begins to prevail, with a gradual increase in
temperatures and humidity, but remains capable of significant fluctuations
depending on prevailing wind direction. Spring can also bring occasional fog,
which can disrupt ferry services.
During
April, rainfall begins to noticeably increase and daytime temperatures begin to
reach around 25⁰C, with milder nights, which average 21⁰C. In May, rainfall again increases significantly and
temperatures climb to highs of 28⁰C or more, with average lows at
around 24⁰C.
Throughout
the summer, rainfall remains high, with frequent thunderstorms and possible
typhoons, while temperatures and humidity soar with daytime temperatures in
excess of 30⁰ and warm nights of 25⁰C or more.
From
mid-September, the high rainfall of summer begins to reduce quite markedly as
autumn sets in, and temperatures fall slightly. By October, daytime
temperatures are at a pleasantly warm 28⁰C and the cooler nights average
around 24⁰C. Another dramatic decrease in rain is experienced in
November and temperature variances slip to between 18⁰C and 24⁰C.
Autumn
has the highest average sunshine hours and is widely considered the most
pleasant time of year to visit.
