Hong Kong in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Hong Kong

28°C (82°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

14 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

67% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Post-typhoon season comfort: October marks the end of typhoon season, with significantly reduced storm risk and more stable weather patterns for outdoor activities
Festival season peak: Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, Halloween events, and Wine & Dine Festival create unique cultural experiences unavailable other months
Optimal hiking conditions: Lower humidity (67% vs 80%+ in summer) and comfortable temperatures make October perfect for Dragon's Back, Lion Rock, and Peak trails
Shoulder season pricing: Hotel rates drop 25-40% from summer peaks while weather remains excellent, offering best value-to-comfort ratio of the year

Considerations

Unpredictable rain timing: Brief afternoon showers can interrupt outdoor plans, though they typically last only 15-20 minutes
Still quite humid for some: 67% humidity combined with 28°C (82°F) temperatures may feel uncomfortable for visitors from drier climates
Festival crowds at specific venues: Popular areas during Wine & Dine Festival and Halloween can become extremely crowded on weekends

Best Activities in October

Victoria Peak hiking and skyline viewing

October's clearer skies and comfortable temperatures make this the ideal month for Peak hiking. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) are perfect for the steep climb, while evening views showcase the city lights without summer haze. Avoid the tourist tram crowds by hiking up via Peak Circle Walk.

Booking Tip: Peak Tram tickets can be reserved online 1-7 days ahead for HK$99-140 ($12-18). For hiking, start before 9am to avoid crowds and heat. Evening sessions (5-7pm) offer impressive sunset views. Check current tram schedules and hiking route conditions in booking section below.

Star Ferry Harbor cruises and Symphony of Lights viewing

October evenings provide crystal-clear harbor views with minimal summer haze. The 8pm Symphony of Lights show is particularly spectacular in October's crisp air. Traditional Star Ferry rides cost only HK$3-4, while evening harbor cruises offer dinner options during comfortable outdoor seating weather.

Booking Tip: Basic Star Ferry rides need no booking, but dinner cruise packages typically range HK$300-800 ($38-100) and should be booked 3-5 days ahead during festival season. Evening cruises (7:30-9:30pm) align perfectly with Symphony of Lights timing.

Temple Street Night Market and street food tours

October's comfortable evening temperatures (around 26°C/79°F) make outdoor this destination exploration pleasant without the oppressive summer heat. Temple Street comes alive after 6pm with fortune tellers, street food, and local atmosphere. The cooler weather means food stalls maintain better freshness.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for independent visits, but guided food tours cost HK$400-700 ($50-90) and help navigate language barriers. Evening tours (6:30-9:30pm) capture the market at its liveliest. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Lantau Island cable car and Big Buddha visits

October's reduced humidity and clearer air provide exceptional views during the 25-minute Ngong Ping cable car journey. The 34m (112ft) Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery are comfortable to explore without summer's intense heat. Morning visits offer the clearest mountain and sea views.

Booking Tip: Ngong Ping 360 cable car tickets cost HK$235-315 ($30-40) for round-trip crystal cabin upgrades. Book 2-3 days ahead online for guaranteed time slots. Morning departures (9-11am) provide best weather and photo conditions before afternoon heat builds.

Dragon's Back trail hiking

Consistently rated Asia's best urban hike, Dragon's Back is perfect in October's moderate temperatures. The 8.5km (5.3-mile) trail offers impressive coastal views without summer's dangerous heat exposure. October's lower UV intensity and comfortable 24-28°C (75-82°F) range make the 3-4 hour hike enjoyable.

Booking Tip: This is a self-guided trail requiring no tour booking, but guided hiking groups cost HK$500-800 ($65-100) and include transportation from Central. Start between 8-9am for optimal conditions. Check current trail conditions and transportation options in booking section below.

Dim sum cooking classes and food tours

October's comfortable indoor-outdoor restaurant conditions make food tours more enjoyable. Traditional teahouses and street-side dim sum stalls are pleasant to visit without summer's sweltering heat. Cooking classes typically include market visits which are much more comfortable in October weather.

Booking Tip: Half-day cooking classes range HK$600-1200 ($75-150) including market tour and meal. Book 5-7 days ahead as October is popular for culinary tourism. Morning classes (9am-1pm) align with traditional dim sum timing and avoid afternoon heat.

October Events & Festivals

Late October

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival

Central Harbourfront transforms into an outdoor culinary great destination with over 400 food and wine stalls. October's comfortable evening weather makes outdoor dining and wine tasting perfect. Features international restaurants, local street food, and wine masterclasses.

Early October

Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations

Traditional lantern displays illuminate parks and shopping areas. Victoria Park hosts elaborate lantern exhibitions while families gather for mooncake sharing. Fire dragon dances in Tai Hang neighborhood provide spectacular cultural performances.

Late October

Halloween celebrations in Lan Kwai Fong

Hong Kong's party district transforms into Halloween central with elaborate decorations and costume parties. Ocean Park also hosts Halloween-themed attractions and haunted houses during October evenings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - brief afternoon showers occur 4 days in October but last only 15-20 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 requiring strong protection during outdoor activities

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which traps moisture in 67% humidity conditions

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - wet sidewalks after brief showers can be slippery, especially on steep Hong Kong hills

Light cardigan or long sleeves - air conditioning in malls and restaurants can be extremely cold (18-20°C/64-68°F)

Moisture-wicking socks - prevent blistering during extensive walking in humid conditions

Portable fan or cooling towel - helpful during crowded MTR rides and outdoor markets

Waterproof phone case - protect electronics during unexpected rain and humid conditions

Insect repellent - mosquitoes remain active in October, especially around parks and hiking trails

Electrolyte packets - prevent dehydration during outdoor activities in warm, humid conditions

Insider Knowledge

October is 'moving season' for expats, creating rental bargains and temporary restaurant closures in Central/Admiralty as businesses adjust to resident turnover

Typhoon shelter cuisine becomes popular in October as locals celebrate the end of storm season - try typhoon shelter crab at outdoor dai pai dong stalls

Many locals start their serious hiking season in October after summer heat breaks - join weekend hiking groups through Hong Kong Hiking Facebook groups for insider trail knowledge

October marks the beginning of 'hot pot season' despite warm weather - locals consider it the perfect time to start eating warming foods in preparation for cooler months ahead

Avoid These Mistakes

Overdressing for October weather - many visitors pack winter clothes expecting cool temperatures, but October remains quite warm at 24-28°C (75-82°F)

Skipping outdoor activities due to humidity concerns - October humidity (67%) is significantly more comfortable than summer months (80%+)

Not booking Wine & Dine Festival events early - popular masterclasses and restaurant specials sell out 2-3 weeks in advance during festival periods