While Hong Kong's sub-tropical climate does not offer the extremes endured by regions to the north and south, there is a definite seasonal variation that should be taken into account.
Spring
Temperature: 18oC (64oF) to 27oC (80oF) Humidity: Around 82% Prevailing conditions: Occasional mist and rain showers. What to wear: Have sweaters and showerproof jackets ready.
Summer
Temperature: 26oC (79oF) to 33oC (91oF) Humidity: 80% plus Prevailing conditions: Normally sunny, but during the typhoon season (July-September) there can be heavy rain. What to wear: Short sleeves for outdoor wear on sunny days. Light weight sweater for indoors as restaurants tend to turn up the air-conditioning.
Autumn
Temperature: 18oC (64oF) to 28oC (82oF) Humidity: Around 72% Prevailing conditions: Sunny and clear, ideal walking weather What to wear: Light clothing for the day, and sweaters and light jackets for the evenings.
Winter
Temperature: 14oC (57oF) to 20oC (68oF) Humidity: Around 72% Prevailing conditions: Sunny, bright and coolish. What to wear: Have woollens and overcoats ready.
Weather
Hong Kong thrives on efficient air-conditioning (and cool-season heating) systems. Railways, both surface and underground, are fully air-conditioned, as are many enclosed pedestrian walkways, all taxis and some bus services. At some times of the year, visitors may find a chill in the indoor air; carry a light sweater for comfort. Out of the office, smart casual wear is the rule rather than the exception in fashion-conscious Hong Kong. However, business wear is fairly conservative: jackets and ties for men and business-like suits for women are the norm. Most first-class restaurants and bars prefer customers to dress discreetly: at a minimum,that means shoes, shirts and long trousers, and dresses for ladies. Visitors wearing flip-flop sandals, sleeveless T-shirts and, sometimes, shorts are likely to be refused admission. A few first-class restaurants have a firm jacket-and-tie dress code for dinner; enquire when making reservations. Details here.
About Health
Upon arrival, you will have your temperature taken when you pass through immigration.
These measures enable visitors to have an enjoyable and healthy stay in Hong Kong. Join hands to create a healthy and hygienic environment.
Like many international cities, Hong Kong has world-class hospitals providing outstanding care. Visitors are required to pay $570 if they use the Accident and Emergency services in Hong Kong public hospitals. The Hong Kong Government assures visitors they will receive the emergency care they require. People who cannot pay immediately will be billed later. For more details please click on the Hospital Authority's website.
Vaccination certificates are usually not required. Check with your local carriers because requirements can change.
For more health advice, visit the Department of Health website.
A Smoke-free Hong Kong
Smoking is prohibited in most enclosed public places, including restaurants, karaokes, malls and some bars as well as some outdoor areas (public beaches and swimming pools, transport interchanges and outside escalators, etc). Click here for a list of no-smoking locations.
Click here for a list of no-smoking restaurants.
The following establishments have been allowed to defer their non-smoking classification until 1 July 2009.
Weather Signal
Hong Kong, with its sub-tropical climate, can sometimes be affected by extreme weather. The government has issued a simple but effective warning system: there are five grades of Typhoon Warnings (signals 1, 3, 8, 9 and 10) and four grades of Rainstorm Warnings (green, amber, red, black). However, typhoons rarely pass directly over the territory. Radio and TV broadcasts keep the public informed of all storm movements and if any action need be taken. The Warning System and the sophisticated forecasting bureau ensure any storm disruption to the territory is minimised.
Link to Hong Kong Observatory.
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Health & Safety |
Medical Service
Most hotels have a medical clinic, with registered nurses. Qualified doctors are on duty at specified hours, and on call 24-hours-a-day for emergency treatment. There are also many government and private hospitals with 24-hour emergency and out-patient departments.
Hong Kong's medical facilities are among the finest in the world, and many of the territory's registered doctors and dentists were trained or have undergone postgraduate training overseas. Pharmacists, too, are registered; their dispensing hours are usually 9am to 6pm or 8pm. All hotels have lists of recommended medical services; alternatively, contact your consulate for assistance.
Water
The government-run water supply more than satisfies United Nations World Health Organization standards. Care is necessary only in some rural and island areas where water is still drawn from wells. Bottled water is widely available in hotels, restaurants and convenience stores.
Safety & Security
Hong Kong is generally considered a very safe city both at night and during the day. As everywhere, however, protect yourself from pickpockets and carry as little cash and as few valuables as possible; travellers' cheques and credit cards are widely accepted. The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) has stations and reporting centres throughout the territory. The staff at the HKPF reporting centre in Kowloon at the Star Ferry Concourse, for example - is accustomed to helping visitors. |
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