Hong Kong has many titles, among them the title of tourist Mecca is not the last. It is interesting and unique to everyone - from geographical location to rich history. Here you can admire the unique landscapes, ride the world's longest escalator and visit the largest sitting Buddha statue in this part of the world. Here you can feel an indescribable fusion of cultures - European and Eastern. Feel the business rhythm of the world's leading financial center. Or you can just relax on the numerous beaches.
Types of tourist seasons in Hong Kong
You can come to Hong Kong all year round, depending on the purpose of your visit. But there are times when it is best to visit Hong Kong.
High season
Beach lovers need to keep in mind that the swimming season here lasts from April to November. The so-called high season has almost no effect on prices, because the influx of guests to the business and financial center of Asia is constant throughout the year. Therefore, it is worth focusing only on the weather.
There are private and municipal beaches in Hong Kong. Regardless of their affiliation, all of them are perfectly equipped, shine with cleanliness and have full-time lifeguards. Municipal beaches are located in the immediate vicinity of the city, while they are also with clean sand and clear water. The coastline is made up of coves and bays that protect the beaches from the big waves. It is in demand among family tourists with children. There are places for young people, with beach parties and other trendy paraphernalia.
The ferry connects to Lamma Island. There, surrounded by hills with picturesque vegetation, there are two beautiful beaches with white sand. On the neighboring island of Lantau, there is also an incredibly beautiful and clean beach, and pink dolphins can be seen along the coast. The beach on the island of Po Toi is famous for its special atmosphere and obligatory cleanliness.
Most of Hong Kong's beaches are reliably protected from the winds by mountains, so you can swim in the wind season. The water temperature is suitable for swimming from April to October, in the pools you can swim until November.
Low season
It is conventionally considered from December to March. At this time, the water on the beaches and in the pools is quite cold, but the weather is comfortable for walking and exploring the city and the islands. This season can be considered an excursion season, because in such an unusual place there is something to see. Top attractions include:
- Alley of stars with sculptures of famous representatives of cinema and show business. This pedestrian promenade is also famous for its nightly laser show, the most unusual in the world.
- Victoria Peak with an observation deck from where you can admire the panorama of the unique city.
- The largest in Asia sculpture of a seated Buddha on the hill of Lantau Island, to which there are 268 steps.
- Ocean Park, a huge park for a small island with a dolphinarium, an aquarium and a zoo with pandas.
- Ngong Ping Cable Car for scenic views.
There is also a monastery of ten thousand Buddhas, founded in the middle of the last century. It is not active, but worth a visit: the spectacle of thousands of figures is mesmerizing. Hong Kong Disneyland is famous not only for its fireworks, but also for its wonderful festive atmosphere.
For bad weather, there are many interesting museums - from the horse racing museum to the medical science museum.
Diving season
It starts in March and has some peculiarities. The islands surrounded by Hong Kong are perfect for snorkeling. They, like the Hong Kong reefs, are full of marine animals and a variety of fish. But underwater visibility changes with tide and wind. It is better to contact dive centers, they organize day and night underwater trips. And for beginners, they conduct training in the pool.
All beaches in Hong Kong are protected by special shark nets. But divers need to avoid other marine life as well, such as sea snakes. The best option is organized underwater excursions that introduce the colorful marine life and do it safely.
Shopping season
Hong Kong is known as one of the world's shopping capitals. Almost all foreign goods (except cigarettes and wine) are tax-free and are significantly cheaper. Combined with the consistently helpful staff and thoughtful infrastructure, it's easy to explain why shopping here is becoming a way of life. The choice of goods is rich - from global to local brands.
What you should pay attention to:
- Perfumes and cosmetics in different price segments.
- Designer leather goods.
- Clothes from all famous brands, including Asian ones.
- Computers and other electronics: you can buy Russified gadgets before they appear in Russia.
- Watches and jewelry.
There are many places for shopping: shopping centers, street markets, specialty markets, small shops. In shopping malls boutiques of expensive brands coexist with shops of democratic brands. Here you can also sit in "food" establishments of any format - from cozy cafes to pretentious restaurants.
There are two seasons of sales. The first begins closer to the Christmas holidays and lasts until the Chinese New Year. During the rainy season, from July to September, there is a summer sale. Basically, this is valid for large shopping centers and department stores.
Climate in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong area is dominated by a tropical monsoon climate, with rainy, hot summers and warm winters. There is a joke that the British made it their colony precisely because of the rainy and foggy weather, reminiscent of London. Although the winter season is distinctly dry and comfortable. The word "dry" refers to the absence of rain, as the humidity remains high - around 60-70%.
Winter in Hong Kong
December here resembles a Russian Indian summer - sunny, with occasional rains and temperatures around 16-18 degrees Celsius. Sunny, cool weather is convenient for walking, exploring new places. The only thing to keep in mind is the lack of central heating. It is cool at night in the premises.
Europeans also feel comfortable in January, which Hong Kongers consider the coldest time. At night, the air temperature is about 14 degrees Celsius, during the day it can be up to +19. There is no rain, January is considered the driest month.
February begins with rain and fog. They are not yet protracted and do not interfere with the main Chinese holidays - the New Year and the equally famous holiday of lanterns. The average air temperature is kept at the level of January.
Spring in Hong Kong
As in the rest of the world, March brings spring to Hong Kong. Daytime temperatures rise significantly, but the water is still cold. Despite the constant fog in the mornings, there are equal numbers of rainy and sunny days. There is an opportunity to admire the fresh greenery and flowering trees in parks and gardens.
In April, the water is already warmed up for swimming - up to + 25 ° С. It rains less often, but stronger. Although there are days when it rains for several hours. The humidity of the air rises. In general, April can be considered a convenient month to visit Hong Kong.
But the most successful month for a beach holiday is May. It marks the beginning of summer. Water temperature - from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius, air - up to + 30 ° C and above. The only drawback will be high humidity. The rains, as in April, are short-term, but powerful - tropical.
Summer in Hong Kong
In June, a hot summer comes and the rainy season begins, and, in the second half of June, the typhoon period. The air heats up to + 32 ° С, and only in the evening it cools down to + 22 ° С. Warm water continues to delight fans of swimming and diving. And the covered pedestrian streets allow you to go shopping during the rains.
July is called the month of typhoons. There is more rainfall, the wind blows from the northeast or west, bringing hurricanes, for the most part, less destructive than in neighboring countries. The heat continues, so guests and residents of Hong Kong find salvation by the sea or in the pools.
There are almost no sunny days in August - the peak of the rainy season comes. The temperature of the air and water is still high, but tropical showers impede beach holidays and walks. Tourists are busy visiting museums and shopping.
Autumn in Hong Kong
September is characterized by a decrease in air temperature by several degrees, which, in conditions of high humidity, is insignificant. The number of showers is decreasing, but the risk of typhoons remains. Tourists return to the beach as the water remains warm - up to + 26 ° С.
October is considered the best month to visit Hong Kong. There is very little rain, although the humidity remains high - up to 70%. The air temperature is 23-28 degrees, the water temperature is 24-26 degrees. In the first half of the day there are fogs to which everyone is already used to it.
November is great for hiking, boat trips and sightseeing. The summer heat is replaced by comfortable warmth: during the day around + 25 ° С, at night + 18 ° С. Reminiscent of early European autumn, with occasional short rains and pleasant sunny weather.
