Hong Kong in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Hong Kong

28°C (83°F) High Temp

24°C (76°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Post-Easter shoulder season means 30-40% lower hotel rates compared to December-March peak, with luxury harbor view rooms averaging HK$1,200-1,800 versus HK$2,500+ in peak
Comfortable outdoor exploring weather - mornings and evenings stay around 24°C (76°F), perfect for hiking trails like Dragon's Back or Victoria Peak without the winter crowds
Outdoor dining season begins - rooftop bars and street-side dim sum stalls become pleasant again after the cooler months, with harbour breezes making evenings enjoyable
Traditional festival season with authentic local celebrations like Cheung Chau Bun Festival and Buddha's Birthday, offering genuine cultural experiences before summer tourist influx

Considerations

Humidity climbs to 70% with frequent afternoon thunderstorms - expect 20-30 minute downpours on 10+ days that can disrupt outdoor plans between 2-5pm
Air conditioning costs surge in accommodations as buildings transition from winter heating, and some budget guesthouses become uncomfortably muggy
Visibility issues for Victoria Peak and Sky100 - humidity and haze reduce clear photography days to about 40% of the month, disappointing for iconic skyline shots

Best Activities in May

Victoria Peak Sunrise Hikes

May mornings offer the clearest visibility before daily haze builds up. Start at 5:30am to reach the summit by sunrise at 6:10am, enjoying 24°C (76°F) comfortable temperatures and impressive harbor views. Tourist crowds don't arrive until 9am, giving you peaceful photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for hiking routes, but Peak Tram tickets should be reserved 3-5 days ahead online to avoid 90-minute queues. Early morning tram runs start at 7am. See current tram options in booking section below.

Traditional Junk Boat Harbor Tours

Perfect sailing conditions in May with gentle harbor breezes and minimal typhoon risk. Evening cruises (6-8pm) avoid afternoon storms while capturing golden hour light on the skyline. Water temperatures reach 22°C (72°F), comfortable for swimming stops.

Booking Tip: Book authentic wooden junks 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators, typically HK$400-800 per person for 2-3 hour tours including drinks. Avoid plastic replica boats. See current sailing options in booking section below.

Lantau Island Temple Cycling

May's moderate humidity makes cycling comfortable on Lantau's coastal paths and mountain trails. Morning rides (7-11am) avoid afternoon storms and offer cooler temperatures around temple complexes. this destination area has 30% fewer tour buses compared to peak season.

Booking Tip: Rent mountain bikes near Tung Chung MTR station, typically HK$150-250 per day. Self-guided routes work well, or join small group tours departing 8am daily. Book 2-3 days ahead during May. See current cycling tours in booking section below.

Authentic Dim Sum Market Tours

Morning market visits (6-10am) showcase Hong Kong's food culture before heat builds. May brings seasonal spring vegetables to traditional tea houses, and outdoor wet markets are comfortable to explore. Local aunties are more patient with visitors during off-peak season.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost HK$300-600 per person for 3-4 hour experiences including tastings. Book with local food specialists 5-7 days ahead. Markets close by noon, so morning tours essential. See current food tours in booking section below.

Sai Kung Peninsula Coastal Hikes

May offers ideal conditions for Hong Kong's most scenic coastal trails before summer heat. MacLehose Trail sections provide impressive views with comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures. Beaches are uncrowded, and seafood restaurants in fishing villages aren't yet busy.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking works well with proper maps, or join small group tours departing Central/Tsim Sha Tsui around 8am. Full day tours cost HK$500-900 including transport and lunch. Book 4-6 days ahead. See current hiking options in booking section below.

Star Ferry Heritage Routes

Classic harbor crossings become magical in May's golden light, especially the 6-7pm sailings when office buildings illuminate. At just HK$2-3 per ride, it's Hong Kong's best value scenic experience. Less crowded than peak season but still operating full schedules.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for regular ferries, but private charter options for groups of 8+ should be arranged 3-5 days ahead, typically HK$800-1,500 per hour. Evening timing crucial for best photography. See current ferry tours in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Cheung Chau Bun Festival

Hong Kong's most spectacular traditional festival features tower climbing competitions, lion dances, and thousands of steamed buns. The island transforms into a car-free celebration zone with floating children parades and authentic Cantonese opera performances.

Early May

Buddha's Birthday Festival

Public holiday celebration at Po Lin Monastery and Wong Tai Sin Temple with free vegetarian meals, dragon boat races at Aberdeen Harbor, and traditional flower offerings. Less commercialized than other festivals with genuine local participation.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - afternoon storms in May are intense but brief, lasting 20-30 minutes with heavy downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days due to harbor reflection

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, which becomes uncomfortable quickly

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - marble temple steps and wet market floors become slippery during rain

Compact umbrella that fits in daypack - essential for sudden downpours between 2-5pm daily

Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces - shopping malls and restaurants blast AC, creating 10°C (18°F) temperature differences

Moisture-wicking undergarments - humidity makes cotton underwear uncomfortable for active sightseeing

Portable phone charger - humid air drains batteries faster, and you'll use GPS extensively for navigation

Anti-bacterial wipes - street food exploration requires hand cleaning, and public restrooms vary in cleanliness

Insect repellent for hiking trails - May warmth brings out mosquitos on Lantau and New Territories paths

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Mid-Levels or Peak areas for natural cooling - harbor-level hotels become stuffy in May humidity, while elevated properties catch cooling breezes and save on AC costs

Use Octopus Card for everything including parking meters and temple donations - locals rarely carry cash, and tourist areas now charge 3-5% extra for credit cards due to processing fees

Time indoor attractions (museums, shopping) for 2-5pm storm windows - locals duck into IFC Mall or PMQ during daily downpours, making it social time rather than tourist avoidance

Eat dinner after 7:30pm like locals - restaurants offer better service post-rush hour, and evening harbor breezes make outdoor dining comfortable again after day's humidity

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities for 2-5pm when thunderstorms are most likely - plan temple visits, hiking, and harbor tours for morning or early evening instead

Overdressing for air conditioning - bringing heavy layers for shopping malls while wearing too little for humid outdoor exploration creates constant discomfort

Booking harbor view dining for lunch instead of dinner - May haze reduces visibility during day, but evening lights create the iconic Hong Kong skyline experience visitors expect