Spring in Hong Kong marks a shift from the cool, dry winter into a warm and humid season. Temperatures rise, rainfall gets heavier, and clouds often fill the sky.
Daily highs climb from the upper 60s °F in March to the mid-80s °F by late May. Humidity and rain chances ramp up fast as the season goes on.
This mix of warmth, moisture, and changing skies gives Hong Kong a totally different vibe than autumn or winter.
March usually feels mild and comfortable. By April and May, things get muggy, showers pop up more often, and foggy mornings become common.
The days stretch out, so you get more daylight to explore, though the sun likes to hide behind clouds. Coastal breezes help a bit, but honestly, the air can feel heavy as summer draws near.
If you’re planning a visit, it’s smart to know what to expect. Temperature swings and bursts of rain can really shape your sightseeing plans and what you throw in your suitcase.
Spring in Hong Kong delivers a dynamic climate, and you’ll feel it whether you’re out exploring or just deciding what to wear.
Overview of Spring Weather in Hong Kong
Spring brings warmer temperatures, higher humidity, and more rainfall. Winds change direction, clouds roll in, and the weather just feels different day to day.
Key Characteristics of Spring
From March through May, daily highs go from about 69°F (20°C) in early March to 86°F (30°C) by late May. Nights warm up too, rising from around 61°F (16°C) to 78°F (25°C).
Humidity jumps quickly. Muggy days grow from about 16% in March to over 90% in May. You’ll probably feel sticky and warm, especially as spring edges closer to summer.
Rain picks up fast. Average monthly totals move from 1.7 inches in March to more than 9 inches in May. Showers and thunderstorms start popping up more often.
Fog and drizzle can cut visibility, especially in March and April. Sometimes that even messes with ferry or flight schedules.
Daylight stretches from about 11 hours and 40 minutes in early March to 13 hours and 20 minutes by late May. You get more time outside, even if the weather isn’t always perfect.
Transition From Winter to Spring
You’ll notice the shift from winter to spring, but it doesn’t happen overnight. Early March still feels mild, with cooler evenings and not much humidity.
You might want a light jacket at night, especially when it dips close to 60°F (16°C). Winds in March and early April mostly blow in from the east, bringing cooler air off the sea.
By late April and May, winds swing around from the south, dragging in warm and moist tropical air. That’s when you really feel the difference.
Skies that are partly clear in early March get cloudier by late May. Most days end up overcast.
The combo of more clouds and rising humidity makes late spring feel heavier and less comfortable than the start of the season.
Spring Weather Patterns
Spring weather in Hong Kong follows a pretty clear pattern: it gets warmer, wetter, and cloudier. The chance of a rainy day climbs from about 14% in March to over 50% by May.
You should expect frequent showers. The sea warms up fast too, from 67°F (19°C) in March to about 80°F (27°C) by May.
That warming sea adds to the humidity and helps thunderstorms develop later in spring. Winds slow down a bit, from an average of 11.6 mph in March to about 10 mph in May.
But honestly, the wind’s direction matters more than its speed. When southern winds take over in late spring, they bring in more moisture, which explains the big jump in rainfall and humidity.
By the end of May, the weather starts to feel like summer—hot, humid, and wet days become the new normal.
Monthly Breakdown: March, April, and May
Spring in Hong Kong means rising temperatures, more rain, and higher humidity. Each month brings its own changes that affect how comfortable you feel and what you can do outside.
March Weather Overview
March kicks off spring with a noticeable warm-up after winter. Average lows hover around 17°C (63°F), and highs reach about 21°C (70°F).
Clouds show up more often, and fog can roll in, especially in the mornings or up in the hills.
Rainfall starts to increase compared to February, averaging around 70–80 mm.
Showers tend to be light but can happen several times a week. Humidity creeps up, often between 75% and 80%, so the air feels damp even if it’s not raining.
Daylight stretches out, giving you more time to wander. But visibility can drop on misty or hazy days.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, keep your schedule flexible—sudden showers might show up.
April Weather Overview
April gets warmer and stickier. Average temperatures rise to 20°C (68°F) at night and 25°C (77°F) during the day.
Humidity often tops 80%, so you’ll feel it. Rainfall jumps to about 150 mm for the month, and showers get heavier and more frequent.
Thunderstorms can happen, mostly in the afternoons, though not as often as in summer. Fog still causes problems, especially near the coast and in the hills.
This can mess with views from places like Victoria Peak. On clearer days, though, the weather feels nice for sightseeing, hiking, or taking a ferry.
Light clothes and a waterproof layer usually work best.
May Weather Overview
May signals that summer is almost here. Average lows reach 24°C (75°F), and highs climb to about 28°C (82°F).
Days often feel hot and sticky, with humidity close to 85% or higher. Rainfall really takes off, averaging 250–300 mm for the month.
Heavy showers and occasional thunderstorms are common, sometimes dumping a lot of rain in a short time. These storms can mess up outdoor plans, so be ready to change things up.
The sea warms to around 26°C (79°F), which makes the beach tempting. Still, sudden weather changes can happen, so stay alert.
May is also when tropical weather systems start to have an influence, though big typhoons usually hold off until later in summer.
Temperature Trends During Spring
Spring in Hong Kong means temperatures climb steadily, both during the day and at night. The season shifts from mild and comfy in early March to hot and humid by late May.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During spring, daily highs move from about 21°C (69°F) in early March to around 30°C (86°F) by late May.
You’ll really notice the change in the afternoons as the air gets warmer and stickier.
Nighttime lows also rise fast, from about 16°C (61°F) to 26°C (79°F). Evenings that feel cool and pleasant in March can turn warm and muggy by late May.
Just for comparison:
- Coldest period (January): 14–19°C (57–66°F)
- Hottest period (July): 28–32°C (82–90°F)
These swings show how spring bridges Hong Kong’s mild winter and its hot, rainy summer.
Temperature Fluctuations and Extremes
Spring temperatures in Hong Kong rarely dip below 12°C (54°F) or rise above 33°C (91°F), but the weather can still surprise you.
Cold fronts in March sometimes cause quick drops, while late-season heat waves in May push things toward summer levels.
Humidity plays a big role in how warm it actually feels. By the end of spring, muggy weather becomes the norm, making even moderate temperatures feel hotter.
You’ll probably run into foggy mornings and drizzly days in early spring, which can make travel unpredictable.
Late spring often feels more oppressive because of higher dew points and little relief at night.
If you’re planning to be outside, keep in mind that comfort levels can shift fast depending on the time of day and month.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels
Spring in Hong Kong brings more rain and rising humidity. You’ll notice wetter weather as the season rolls on, and the air shifts from winter’s dryness to a humid, subtropical feel.
Spring Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall increases quickly after winter. In February, precipitation averages around 54 mm. By March, it climbs to about 82 mm.
April brings a bigger jump, with rainfall averaging 175 mm. This marks the start of the wet season, which peaks in summer.
Showers become more frequent in April, often showing up as short but heavy bursts. Rainy days go from about 5–6 days in February to nearly 10 days in April.
Thunderstorms aren’t as common as in summer, but they start to appear in late spring.
If you’re planning something outdoors, try to do it earlier in the day—showers often develop in the afternoon or evening.
Humidity Changes Through the Season
Humidity climbs steadily through spring. In February, relative humidity averages around 75%, but by April it often hits 80% or higher.
That makes the air feel warmer than the temperature, especially in the afternoons.
Mornings can be damp, with mist or low clouds more common in March and April.
You might notice laundry takes longer to dry and indoor spaces get stuffy without good airflow.
By late spring, the combo of rising humidity and more rain sets the stage for the summer monsoon.
If you’re not used to humid weather, pack lighter clothes and remember to stay hydrated.
Sunshine, Cloud Cover, and Fog
Spring in Hong Kong brings longer days, but you won’t always see the sun. Heavy cloud cover and frequent fog limit sunshine, and conditions can change quickly.
Clear skies are more common at the start of the season, but overcast days and humidity take over as summer approaches.
Average Sunshine Hours
Daylight increases steadily from early March through late May. The day gets about 1 hour and 40 minutes longer, stretching from roughly 11 hours 40 minutes in early March to over 13 hours 20 minutes by late May.
Still, actual sunshine hours stay pretty modest. March brings more bright moments, but by April and May, thick clouds block out much of the sun.
On average, you might only get a few hours of direct sun per day in spring.
Rising humidity and cloud cover scatter sunlight, even if skies aren’t totally overcast.
Mornings tend to be clearer, but afternoons often turn hazy.
Cloudiness and Overcast Days
Cloud cover ramps up as spring goes on. In early March, skies are partly clear most of the time, with about 37% of days mostly cloudy or overcast.
By late May, that number jumps to over 80%, so clear skies get rare.
April is when you’ll really notice more gray days.
You might still catch a break in the clouds here and there, but long sunny stretches are uncommon.
Late spring brings the cloudiest weather, as warm, moist air from the south dominates.
This pattern often brings dull, hazy days that limit views across Victoria Harbour and the islands.
Fog and Drizzle Frequency
Fog is a regular part of Hong Kong’s spring, especially from March into April.
When warm, moist air meets cooler sea breezes, you’ll often see dense morning fog that cuts visibility for air and ferry travel.
Drizzle happens a lot too. It usually comes as light rain or mist, not heavy downpours, but it can last for hours.
By May, fog fades a bit, but humidity-driven haze and light showers are still common.
Travelers should prepare for damp conditions, especially in the mornings and evenings when fog and drizzle show up most often.
Travel Tips for Visiting Hong Kong in Spring
Spring in Hong Kong brings mild temperatures, light humidity, and a mix of sunshine with occasional rain.
You can enjoy outdoor activities comfortably, but be ready for quick weather changes and seasonal festivals that draw both locals and visitors.
What to Pack for Spring Weather
Spring in Hong Kong usually sits between 18°C and 25°C (64°F–77°F). The air feels comfortable, but sometimes the humidity sneaks up, and you might get caught in a light rain.
Bring light layers like cotton shirts, a thin sweater, or maybe a light jacket for those cooler evenings. Toss in a compact umbrella or a light raincoat since sudden showers can show up out of nowhere.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes because you’ll probably spend hours wandering markets, parks, and those pretty waterfront spots. Make sure your shoes can handle wet streets if it rains.
Don’t forget sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a hat for when the sun decides to come out. Planning to hike? Grab some moisture-wicking clothes and a small backpack for your water and snacks.
Outdoor Activities and Festivals
Spring feels like the perfect time to get outside in Hong Kong. Mild weather really opens up hiking trails like Dragon’s Back, Victoria Peak, and Lantau Island.
You can wander through parks such as Kowloon Walled City Park. The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens also make for a nice afternoon.
Festivals bring a different energy to the city. The Hong Kong Flower Show in March fills Victoria Park with huge, colorful displays.
In May, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival gets lively with parades, lion dances, and that wild bun tower climbing contest.
Walking by the water on Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade or hopping on a ferry across Victoria Harbour feels pretty great this time of year. You can soak in the city’s skyline without sweating through the summer heat.
Best Time to Visit Hong Kong in Spring
Most people find March through early May the most comfortable months. The air feels fresh, and you don’t have to deal with summer’s heavy humidity yet. Early March can get a bit chilly, but by late April and May, warmer days start showing up, along with more showers.
If you want to explore outdoors with fewer crowds, try visiting in March or April. You’ll probably get clearer skies, which is great if you’re into photography or just enjoy long walks.
May gets busier because of local festivals. Still, that buzz makes the city feel alive and full of energy. If you plan around these events, you can catch some cool cultural moments without giving up too much comfort.