MileHacker Logo
Best Time to Visit Hong Kong

Health Preparations

Protect your health by ensuring your vaccinations are up-to-date. No specific vaccinations are generally required for entry to Hong Kong special administrative region from most countries.

Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well prior to your trip for tailored guidance. Routine vaccinations (MMR, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella, Polio, Flu) are current. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are often recommended for most travelers to Hong Kong special administrative region. Depending on your activities, your doctor could also suggest Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccinations.

Common Health Concerns

  • Heat Exhaustion/Stroke: A concern in summer due to high temperatures and humidity. Stay well-hydrated, seek shade, wear light clothing, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Air Pollution: Atmospheric quality can sometimes be a concern, especially in winter. Check the air quality index (AQI). On days with high pollution, consider wearing a mask.
  • Food and Waterborne Illnesses: The risk from tap water in Hong Kong is generally low. If you have a sensitive stomach, drink Bottled water. Eat at reputable establishments.
  • Mosquito-borne Illnesses: A mosquito-borne tropical disease outbreaks can occur, specifically in summer. Protect yourself by using Insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.

Access to Healthcare and Emergency Services

Hong Kong special administrative region offers high-quality medical facilities. It boasts a high standard of medical care, with both public and private hospitals. Private hospitals generally offer shorter queue times and more personalized services but come with significantly increased expenses. Public hospitals provide excellent care but can have longer wait times for non-emergency situations. In any emergency, dial TRIPLE nine for police, ambulance, or fire services. Operators connect you to English-speaking assistance. Clearly state your location and the nature of the emergency.

Tap water in Hong Kong is generally safe to drink, meeting World Health Organization standards. However, many local people and visitors have a preference for drink filtered or bottled water. Hong Kong generally upholds high food hygiene standards. Street food vendors are regulated, and restaurants adhere to health codes.

Emergency Services

Call 999 for police, fire, or ambulance.

Local Hospitals Public

Queen Mary Hospital (Hong Kong special administrative region Island), Princess Margaret Hospital (Kowloon).

Local Hospitals Private

Adventist Hospital, Matilda International Hospital, Canossa Hospital (all on Hong Kong Island).

Crime Rate

Very low crime rate.

Common Crime

Petty crime, like pickpocketing or bag snatching, might happen in busy tourist spots like Mong Kok, Causeway Bay, or Tsim Sha Tsui. Be alert.

Neighborhood Concerns

No specific neighborhoods are generally unsafe for tourists. Apply standard urban precautions everywhere.

Natural Disaster Risks

Main risk is typhoons.

Typhoons

From May to November. The Hong Kong special administrative region Observatory issues warnings. During Signal 8 or higher, businesses and public transportation cease operations.

Landslides/Flooding

Heavy rainfall during typhoon season can lead to landslides. Low-lying areas experience flash flooding during extremely heavy downpours.

Travel Insurance for Your Journey

Why Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is highly recommended for any trip to Hong Kong. It provides coverage for unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies, cancelled trips or interruptions, lost luggage, and liability for personal injury. Given the high cost of private healthcare, robust medical coverage is notably useful. Consider options like World Nomads for adventurous trips or SafetyWing for digital nomads.

Flight Delay Compensation

If your flights face delays or cancellations, you may have rights to compensation. Services like AirHelp specialize in helping passengers receive compensation, potentially up to €600, for disrupted flights. Keeping records of your flight details is smart.

Coverage Areas

  • Medical Emergencies:

    Covers time spent in a hospital, doctor visits, and emergency medical treatment.

  • Trip Interruptions:

    Reimbursement for non-refundable expenses if your trip is cut short.

  • Lost or Delayed Luggage:

    Financial support for replacement items or compensation for lost bags.

  • Personal Liability:

    Coverage in case you cause accidental injury or damage to property.

  • Emergency Evacuation:

    Fees for medical evacuation if needed.

Emergency Contact Information

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 999.
  • Local Hospitals: Queen Mary Hospital (Public), Adventist Hospital (Private).
  • Consulate/Embassy: Note down the contact details for your country's consulate or embassy in Hong Kong. Store these contacts both digitally and as a physical copy.

Helpful Tip

Consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival. This provides easy access to navigation, local information, and emergency contacts, promoting both convenience and safety.

Hong Kong Weather Calendar

Hong Kong offers varied experiences throughout the year, with each season presenting its own characteristics. From the comfortable autumns to the hot, humid summers, the climate influences activities and packing choices.

Peak Travel Periods

Autumn (October up To december) is widely considered the best time to visit Hong Kong. The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and low humidity, ideal for outdoor exploration.

Activities during Peak Seasons

  • Enjoy extensive hiking trails and country parks.
  • City exploration and sightseeing are comfortable.
  • Attend Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year festivities.
  • Minimal rainfall during these months.

Off-Peak & Shoulder Seasons

Summer (June to August) is the low season, offering lower prices but challenging weather. Spring (March-May) and September are shoulder seasons with fewer crowds.

Considerations for Off-Peak Seasons

  • Lower prices for accommodation and flights.
  • High humidity and frequent heavy rain, especially in summer.
  • Typhoon risk from May to November, highest in July-September.
  • Foggy conditions in spring can obscure views.

Seasonal Temperature Guide °C / °F

Average Daytime Temperatures

  • Autumn (Sept-Dec): 20-28°C / 68-82°F
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 14-20°C / 57-68°F
  • Spring (Mar-May): 20-26°C / 68-79°F
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 28-33°C / 82-91°F

Humidity Levels Average %

  • Autumn (Sept-Dec): 70-80%
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): 60-75%
  • Spring (Mar-May): 80-90%
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): 85-95%

Typhoon Signal System

  • Signal 1: A typhoon is within 800 km of Hong Kong.
  • Signal 3: Strong wind expected, typically 40-62 km/h.
  • Signal 8: Gale or storm force wind expected, typically 63-117 km/h. Businesses and public transport usually suspend operations.
  • Signal 9/10: Severe gale or hurricane force wind, indicating very high danger.

Average Monthly Rainfall mm

Rainfall varies significantly throughout the year, with summer months seeing the most precipitation.

Dryer Months

  • January: ~25 mm
  • February: ~50 mm
  • October: ~100 mm
  • November: ~35 mm

Wetter Months

  • June: ~450 mm
  • July: ~380 mm
  • August: ~380 mm
  • September: ~250 mm

Additional Weather Information

Hong Kong special administrative region's geographical location means it faces specific weather phenomena. Always monitor local weather reports from the Hong Kong special administrative region Observatory for the most current information and adjust plans accordingly. Hotels often provide guidance during severe weather events.
Best Time to Visit Hong Kong. Weather, Seasons, Climate