Hong Kong in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Hong Kong

19°C (66°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

30 mm (1.2 inches) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - cool 15-19°C (59-66°F) temperatures make Dragon's Back and Lion Rock trails comfortable all day, while summer heat makes them unbearable after 9am
Chinese New Year festivities (February 10-16, 2025) bring spectacular fireworks displays over Victoria Harbour, traditional markets in Wong Tai Sin, and the world's largest floating lantern display
Lowest humidity of the year at 68% means clear skyline views from Victoria Peak - visibility often exceeds 30 km (18.6 miles) compared to summer's 5 km (3.1 miles)
Hotel rates drop 40-50% after New Year peak - luxury harbour-view rooms that cost HK$3,500 in December fall to HK$1,800-2,200 in late February

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from 12°C to 25°C (54-77°F) within 48 hours due to cold fronts - locals call it 'four seasons in one week'
Many local restaurants close 3-5 days during Chinese New Year week, especially traditional dim sum places and street food stalls
Occasional cold snaps require actual jackets - temperatures can drop to 8°C (46°F) overnight, catching tropical-climate visitors unprepared

Best Activities in February

Victoria Peak and Mid-Levels hiking trails

February's cool, dry air creates perfect conditions for Hong Kong's famous hiking trails. The 15-19°C (59-66°F) temperatures mean you can tackle the full Dragon's Back trail (8.5 km/5.3 miles) without the exhausting heat that makes summer hiking dangerous. Clear skies offer spectacular views across the South China Sea, often extending 25+ km (15.5+ miles) to Lantau Island.

Booking Tip: No booking required for trails, but guided hiking tours cost HK$350-500 and provide historical context about wartime tunnels and colonial landmarks. Peak Tram tickets (HK$99) can be pre-booked to skip 45-minute queues. See current tour options in booking section below.

Traditional markets and temple visits

Chinese New Year period transforms Hong Kong's temples into busy cultural experiences. Wong Tai Sin Temple sees 100,000+ visitors seeking blessings, while Flower Markets in Mong Kok burst with peach blossoms and kumquat trees. Cool weather makes walking through crowded Temple Street this destination comfortable - summer's 32°C (90°F) plus crowds is miserable.

Booking Tip: Temple entry is free, but cultural walking tours typically cost HK$280-450 for 3-4 hours. Book food-focused temple district tours 5-7 days ahead during New Year week. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Outlying Islands day trips

February's moderate temperatures and lower humidity make island hopping ideal. Lantau Island's Ngong Ping cable car (25 minutes, 5.7 km/3.5 miles) offers clear mountain views impossible during summer's hazy conditions. Cheung Chau's seafood restaurants have outdoor seating comfortable in February's mild evenings.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets (HK$15-35) don't need advance booking except New Year week. Private island tours cost HK$800-1,200 per person and include temple visits, hiking, and seafood lunch. Book 7-10 days ahead during February. See current island tour options in booking section below.

Street food and night market exploration

Cool February evenings make Temple Street and Ladies' Market visits comfortable - you can browse for hours without summer's oppressive heat. Chinese New Year brings special festival foods like nian gao (sticky rice cake) and traditional hot pot that's perfect for cooler weather. Outdoor food stalls operate longer hours when it's not swelteringly hot.

Booking Tip: Street food costs HK$15-40 per dish. Guided food tours run HK$450-650 for 3-4 hours and help navigate language barriers. Book food tours 3-5 days ahead as they're popular during comfortable weather months. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Harbour cruises and waterfront walks

February's clear skies create perfect conditions for Victoria Harbour activities. The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade walk (2 km/1.2 miles) is comfortable in cool temperatures, while summer heat makes it unbearable after 10am. Symphony of Lights shows are clearer when humidity doesn't obscure the laser displays across the harbour.

Booking Tip: Public ferries cost HK$3-8, while dinner cruises range HK$380-800. Chinese New Year fireworks cruises (February 12-14) cost HK$450-950 and book out weeks ahead. Regular harbour tours need 1-2 days advance booking. See current cruise options in booking section below.

Shopping districts and indoor markets

February sales continue after New Year, with 30-50% discounts in Causeway Bay and Central shopping districts. Cool weather makes walking between malls comfortable - Harbour City to Times Square covers 3 km (1.9 miles) and is pleasant in February but exhausting in summer heat. Traditional markets like Stanley Market have comfortable outdoor browsing.

Booking Tip: No booking required for shopping areas. Personal shopping tours cost HK$500-800 for half-day and help navigate best deals and authentic vs. tourist trap locations. Book shopping tours 2-3 days ahead. See current shopping tour options in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

February 10-16, 2025

Chinese New Year Festival

Hong Kong's most spectacular celebration features the internationally acclaimed New Year Parade, massive fireworks displays over Victoria Harbour, and traditional lion dances throughout the city. The floating lantern display in Victoria Park showcases over 10,000 handcrafted lanterns

Mid to Late February

Hong Kong Arts Festival

Annual international arts festival featuring opera, classical music, and contemporary performances at Cultural Centre and City Hall. February showcases visiting orchestras from Europe and renowned Chinese opera productions

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - start with t-shirt, add light sweater, bring packable down jacket for 8-12°C (46-54°F) cold fronts that hit without warning

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - February's perfect hiking weather means you'll walk 15,000+ steps daily on uneven temple stairs and mountain trails

Light rain jacket or umbrella - 6 rainy days average, but showers are brief (20-30 minutes) and you'll want to keep exploring

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 plus reflection off harbour water can cause burns during 3-4 hour outdoor activities

Portable charger - cool weather means more outdoor time and photography, draining phone batteries faster with GPS and camera use

Cash in small bills - street food vendors and temple donations require HK$10-50 notes, ATMs often dispense HK$500 notes

Breathable cotton or linen pants - 68% humidity still requires air circulation, synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable during market walks

Light scarf or wrap - useful for temple visits (modest dress required) and sudden temperature drops on ferries and cable cars

Insect repellent for hiking - February's mild weather brings out mosquitoes on forested trails like Dragon's Back

Hand sanitizer - crowded New Year celebrations and street food sampling require frequent cleaning

Insider Knowledge

Book restaurants for February 8-16 by January 15th - many close during Chinese New Year week, and open ones fill up with locals celebrating family gatherings

Use Octopus Card for everything - taxis, MTR, ferries, and most food stalls. Load HK$500 minimum as you'll use transport constantly in comfortable weather

Avoid Central and Admiralty areas February 12-14 during fireworks - 500,000+ people crowd Victoria Harbour waterfront, making movement nearly impossible

February's cool weather brings out locals for hiking - start Dragon's Back and Lion Rock trails before 9am to avoid crowds and secure parking spots

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - February cold fronts can drop temperatures to 8°C (46°F), leaving tropical-climate visitors freezing in shorts and t-shirts

Not booking Chinese New Year restaurant reservations early - popular dim sum places and rooftop restaurants fill up 3-4 weeks ahead for New Year period

Underestimating walking distances - cool weather makes Hong Kong's hilly terrain feel easy, but Tsim Sha Tsui to Central via waterfront is still 4 km (2.5 miles)