Hong Kong in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Hong Kong

18°C (65°F) High Temp

14°C (58°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with crisp 14-18°C (58-65°F) temperatures making Dragon's Back and Lion Rock comfortable all day without overheating
Chinese New Year festivities transform the city with flower markets, lion dances, and the spectacular fireworks display over Victoria Harbour (typically late January)
Clear, pollution-free days provide impressive skyline photography from Victoria Peak and Sky100 - visibility regularly exceeds 20 km (12.4 miles)
Hotel rates drop 30-40% after New Year's peak, with luxury harbour view rooms available for HK$800-1,200 versus HK$2,000+ in December

Considerations

Sudden cold snaps can drop temperatures to 8°C (46°F) with strong winds, catching tropical-climate visitors unprepared
Chinese New Year shutdown closes 60% of local restaurants and shops for 3-4 days, limiting authentic dining experiences
Outdoor swimming becomes uncomfortable as water temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) at beaches and hotel pools

Best Activities in January

Victoria Peak and Sky Terrace Visits

January's cool, clear air provides the year's best visibility for skyline photography. Morning visits (8-10am) offer crystal-clear harbour views before afternoon haze builds. Cool temperatures make the 45-minute walk up from Mid-Levels comfortable, though the tram remains popular.

Booking Tip: Book Sky Terrace tickets online 3-5 days ahead to skip queues. Fast Track combo tickets (typically HK$99-150) include tram and terrace access. Visit weekday mornings for smallest crowds and best photo conditions.

Dragon's Back and Lion Rock Hiking

Cool January weather transforms Hong Kong's hiking into pure pleasure. Dragon's Back offers 8.5 km (5.3 miles) of ridge walking with ocean views, while Lion Rock provides 360-degree city panoramas. Temperatures stay comfortable even during midday climbs.

Booking Tip: No booking required for trails, but guided hiking groups (typically HK$300-500) provide transport and local knowledge. Start early (7-8am) to catch sunrise views and avoid afternoon crowds on weekends.

Star Ferry and Harbour Island Hopping

January's cool breezes make ferry rides across Victoria Harbour delightfully refreshing rather than sweltering. The historic Star Ferry costs just HK$2.70-3.40 and provides million-dollar harbour views. Island hopping to Lamma or Cheung Chau becomes comfortable day trips.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for regular ferries. Island day trips with seafood lunches typically cost HK$400-600 through local operators. Check ferry schedules as some routes reduce frequency during Chinese New Year period.

Temple Street Night Market and Food Tours

Cool evening temperatures make street food exploration comfortable from 7pm-midnight. January specialties include hot pot ingredients, roasted chestnuts, and warming soups. The dry weather means fewer cancelled outdoor food stalls.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration costs HK$100-200 per person for full meal sampling. Guided food tours typically run HK$600-900 and include 6-8 tastings plus cultural context. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours.

Chinese New Year Festival Experiences

Late January brings Hong Kong's biggest celebration with flower markets in Victoria Park, traditional lion dances in shopping districts, and the spectacular fireworks over Victoria Harbour. Temples buzz with locals making New Year prayers.

Booking Tip: Festival events are mostly free, but premium harbour viewing areas for fireworks cost HK$200-800. Book restaurant reservations for New Year's Eve 2-3 weeks ahead. Many activities pause January 29-February 1 during family celebration days.

Outlying Islands Day Trips

Cool, dry January weather makes ferry rides to Lantau, Lamma, and Cheung Chau islands perfect for exploring beaches, hiking trails, and fishing villages. The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island offer spectacular mountain views in crisp air.

Booking Tip: Regular ferries cost HK$15-45 each way with no booking required. Guided island tours typically cost HK$500-800 including transport and lunch. Ngong Ping 360 cable car tickets (HK$235-315) should be booked online to avoid queues.

January Events & Festivals

Late January (January 29, 2025)

Chinese New Year Celebrations

The city's biggest festival features flower markets in Victoria Park, lion and dragon dances throughout shopping districts, temple fairs with traditional performances, and the spectacular fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. Local families visit temples for good luck prayers.

Mid January (typically second Sunday)

Hong Kong Marathon

One of Asia's premier running events draws 70,000+ participants through the city's iconic harbour crossings and scenic routes. Even non-runners enjoy the festive atmosphere and street food vendors supporting the race.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system: mornings start at 14°C (58°F) but afternoons reach 18°C (65°F) - pack removable cardigan or light jacket

Waterproof jacket with hood for 10 expected rainy days - showers are brief but intense in narrow streets

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - marble temple floors and wet harbour boardwalks become slippery

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite cool temperatures - UV index reaches 8 and reflects strongly off harbour water and glass buildings

Portable phone charger - cool weather drains batteries faster and you'll photograph constantly in clear conditions

Cash in small denominations - many traditional New Year food stalls don't accept cards, budget HK$200-300 daily for street food

Light scarf or pashmina for temple visits and upscale restaurants that require covered shoulders

Compact umbrella that fits in daypack - afternoon showers develop quickly between harbour buildings

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation on Hong Kong Island rather than Kowloon during Chinese New Year - you'll walk to celebrations instead of fighting crowds on Star Ferry

Download offline maps before Chinese New Year period when mobile networks become congested with 7+ million people celebrating simultaneously

January's cool weather makes rooftop bars like Ozone and Ce La Vie comfortable for evening drinks - locals flock here when summer heat breaks

Wet markets like Graham Street and Wan Chai offer winter specialties like lotus root soup ingredients and preserved vegetables that disappear by March

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all restaurants stay open during Chinese New Year - local family-run places close January 29-February 1, so research backup dining options in hotels and malls

Packing only summer clothes because it's 'tropical Asia' - January mornings can feel genuinely cold at 14°C (58°F) with harbour winds

Planning intensive sightseeing on Chinese New Year day itself - most attractions reduce hours and transportation becomes extremely crowded with family gatherings