High and Low Season

The busiest times of the year for Hong Kong are during Chinese New Year or one of its major festivals, during the two peak vacation periods for mainland Chinese (the so-called “Golden Weeks” at the beginning of May and October) and during major conventions and trade fairs, which are big business in Hong Kong and are held mainly in March, April, October and November. You’ll want to make reservations far in advance if traveling during these times. Check the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s website for a calendar of events and festivals.

Weather and Climate

Hong Kong’s subtropical climate gives it mild winter temperatures, but also makes its summers very hot and humid and deluges it with 89 inches/2.3m of rain a year.

Typhoons

Its most inclement weather conditions are typhoons (called hurricanes in the West), which can hit any time from May to November but are most prevalent in September. Approaching storms are tracked and rated, with constant TV and radio broadcasts and posted signage alerting you to the latest conditions.