Hong Kong in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Hong Kong

21°C (71°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

74 mm (2.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season weather - 17-21°C (63-71°F) is ideal for walking tours and outdoor markets without summer's oppressive heat
March marks the end of winter tourist season, meaning 30-40% fewer crowds at major attractions like Victoria Peak and Star Ferry
Hotel rates drop significantly after Chinese New Year rush - expect 25-35% savings compared to December-February pricing
This is prime hiking weather for Dragon's Back and Lion Rock - clear visibility on 70% of days with comfortable temperatures for climbs up to 495m (1,624 ft)

Considerations

March is Hong Kong's transition month with unpredictable weather - you'll experience everything from 16°C (61°F) mornings to 23°C (73°F) afternoons in the Easttimor day
Light drizzle occurs on roughly 10 days throughout the month, often lasting 1-3 hours and making outdoor photography challenging
High humidity (70%) combined with variable temperatures means you'll constantly be adjusting layers - not ideal for travelers who prefer consistent weather

Best Activities in March

Victoria Peak Hiking and Skyline Photography

March offers the clearest visibility of the year for Peak photography, with crisp 17-21°C (63-71°F) temperatures perfect for the 1.5-hour hike up Peak Circle Walk. The lower humidity compared to summer months means less haze obscuring the harbor views. Morning hikes (7-9am) offer the best light and fewer tourists.

Booking Tip: The Peak Tram runs every 15 minutes and costs HK$65-99 depending on package. For hiking, no booking required - just start early. Peak restaurants require reservations 3-7 days ahead during March's moderate tourist season.

Traditional Dim Sum and Wet Market Food Tours

March weather is perfect for walking food tours through traditional neighborhoods like Central and Sheung Wan. The mild temperatures mean you can comfortably spend 3-4 hours exploring without summer's exhausting heat. This is peak season for spring vegetables in dim sum, including fresh bamboo shoots and seasonal greens.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours typically cost HK$800-1,200 per person for 3-4 hours. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Morning tours (9am-1pm) offer the freshest market experience and avoid afternoon drizzle periods.

Star Ferry Harbor Crossing and Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

The iconic Star Ferry is most enjoyable in March's mild weather - you can sit on the open-air upper deck without freezing or sweating. Evening crossings around 6-7pm offer spectacular skyline views as the city lights come on, with comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F) temperatures for the 8-minute journey.

Booking Tip: Star Ferry costs just HK$2.70-3.40 per crossing, no booking required. The best photography light is during the 6:30-7:30pm golden hour. Symphony of Lights viewing from Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade at 8pm is free and less crowded in March.

Dragon's Back Trail Hiking

Consistently rated Asia's best urban hike, Dragon's Back is perfect in March with comfortable climbing temperatures and excellent visibility. The 8.5km (5.3-mile) trail to 284m (932 ft) elevation offers panoramic views of the South China Sea. March's lower humidity means less fatigue during the 3-4 hour trek.

Booking Tip: This is a free self-guided hike accessible by MTR to Shau Kei Wan then bus 9 to trailhead. No booking required, but start before 10am to avoid afternoon crowds and potential drizzle. Guided hiking tours cost HK$600-900 per person.

Temple Street Night Market and Street Food

March evenings are ideal for exploring Temple Street's outdoor market, with comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F) temperatures perfect for browsing stalls from 7pm-midnight. The cooler weather means street food vendors use less oil and food stays fresh longer. Fortune tellers and outdoor dai pai dong food stalls are most active.

Booking Tip: Entry is free - just arrive after 7pm when stalls fully open. Street food dishes cost HK$30-80. Guided this destination tours cost HK$400-600 and include food tastings. No advance booking needed, but tours help navigate language barriers.

Lantau Island Big Buddha and Cable Car

March offers ideal conditions for the 25-minute Ngong Ping Cable Car journey to this destination, with clear skies on 60% of days and minimal summer haze. The 5.7km (3.5-mile) cable car ride to 520m (1,706 ft) elevation provides impressive views. Walking around the monastery complex is comfortable in mild temperatures.

Booking Tip: Ngong Ping 360 cable car costs HK$235-315 for round trip depending on cabin type. Book online 1-3 days ahead for 10% discount. Crystal cabin upgrade (HK$100 extra) offers glass floor views and shorter queues during March's moderate tourist season.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Hong Kong Arts Festival

One of Asia's premier performing arts festivals featuring international orchestra, opera, theater and dance performances across multiple venues including Cultural Centre and City Hall. This month-long festival showcases both Western and Chinese performances with English subtitles available.

Mid to Late March

Art Basel Hong Kong

Asia's most important contemporary art fair, typically held at the Hong Kong Convention Centre. Features 250+ galleries from 40 countries, with special exhibitions, talks, and installations throughout the city. Advanced booking required for most events.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - March drizzle lasts 1-3 hours and comes without warning, making umbrellas inadequate for walking tours

Layering pieces (cardigan, light sweater) - temperatures swing 6°C (11°F) between morning and afternoon requiring constant adjustment

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - wet sidewalks from frequent drizzle become slippery, especially on Hong Kong's steep hills

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days due to reflection from harbor and buildings

Portable phone charger - you'll use GPS constantly navigating MTR and need battery for mobile payments (Octopus card alternatives)

Light cotton or linen shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable even in mild 21°C (71°F) temperatures

Small daypack with waterproof compartment - for protecting electronics during unexpected drizzle while hiking trails up to 500m (1,640 ft)

Breathable socks (merino wool or moisture-wicking) - high humidity causes foot moisture problems during long walking days

Compact umbrella as backup - while rain jacket is primary, umbrella helps during longer downpours when visiting outdoor markets

Insider Knowledge

March is when locals start their hiking season after winter - follow Hong Kong hiking groups on social media for real-time trail conditions and weather updates that tourists miss

Hotel rates drop dramatically after March 15th when business travel slows - if you can travel in the second half of March, you'll save 20-30% on accommodations

Use the Airport Express Octopus card return service - you can get your HK$50 deposit back at the airport, but only locals know you can also return it at Hung Hom or Kowloon stations to avoid airport queues

March is premium season for Cantonese spring vegetables - try seasonal dim sum like bamboo shoot dumplings and spring onion pancakes that aren't available year-round

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for mild weather without rain gear - March's unpredictable drizzle catches tourists unprepared, ruining outdoor plans and expensive electronics

Booking accommodations in Central or Admiralty expecting quiet nights - March construction projects restart after winter break, causing early morning noise in business districts

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm without backup plans - afternoon drizzle hits suddenly and can last 2-3 hours, stranding tourists at outdoor attractions