Hong Kong in May

Are you planning to visit Hong Kong in May? Check out our guide to the month, including the best things to see and do, what to expect from the weather, and how to pack for it!

Including:

• Is May a good time to visit Hong Kong?
• Is May rainy season in Hong Kong?
• What is the cheapest month to travel Hong Kong?
• Hong Kong in May: Weather
• Hong Kong in May: What to pack
• May Events in Hong Kong
• The Best May Attractions in Hong Kong

Is May a good time to visit Hong Kong?

If you prefer your vacation to feature some sun and heat, then May is a great time to visit Hong Kong. The temperature gets a proper summer hike for the first time during the year, and you'll definitely get some sun if you play your cards right!

It's also the proper beginning of the city's rainy season, so it's worth bearing that in mind, too. More on that down below!

Is May rainy season in Hong Kong?

Yep, May is also the beginning of Hong Kong's rainy season, so pack accordingly. Don't worry - we cover all that and more down below!

What is the cheapest month to travel Hong Kong?

October is typically the cheapest month to visit Hong Kong, as it comes at the end of the city's warmest period. So, while you may have to wrap up, you'll also miss the city's rainy season.

Hong Kong in May: Weather

May is the official start of summer in Hong Kong, and you'll see a huge temperature spike compared to the month before. As such, highs often hit around 95 °F, with lows settling at around 64 °F. You'll also see more sun than in April, with UV levels demanding you bring sunblock and stay out of direct sunlight during peak hours.

And, yes, we do have to mention the rain. Summer is also the wettest season in Hong Kong, with an average of 15 rainy days, and 12 inches of rain, falling over May alone.

May is also the beginning of typhoon season, though the probability of experiencing one is relatively low until the peak summer months in July and August. Still, it's worth keeping that in mind. Of course, the Hong Kong of today is a far cry from the city of yesteryear. Where once typhoons would topple buildings and cause serious injury, today's buildings are well-equipped to shelter you safely. There's also a weather warning system that will notify you well ahead of time, so if you do experience one during your vacation, you can plan around it.

Hong Kong in May: What to pack

So, when the weather can be so hot yet wet, how do you pack? Well, start with packing super-light clothing - shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses, and sandals. If you're worried about getting cold on cooler nights, feel free to supplant all that with some trousers and a light jacket.

Also, make sure you pack sunblock and a sunhat for the sunnier periods - many travelers experience sun and heat stroke when they visit over the summer, so make sure you're not one of them! Pack a metal water bottle that'll keep your water cool throughout the day, and stay hydrated!

Finally, prepare for the rain with a light waterproof and/or a big umbrella. Ensure you're happy for the clothes you pack to get wet - it may be inevitable.

May Events in Hong Kong: MegaIce Hockey 5's

Another month, another sporting event! This one is for MegaIce Hockey 5's, the largest ice hockey tournament in Asia. Typically falling in May - though sometimes in April - it brings together around 90 teams and more than 1000 hockey players to take part each year.

So, if you love yourself a bit of ice hockey, or just want to attend a grand sporting event during your visit, go check it out!

May Events in Hong Kong: Cheung Chau Bun Festival

If you don't mind traveling out of Hong Kong for a stretch, you can also experience the Cheung Chau Bun Festival. Held on Cheung Chau, an island off the coast of Hong Kong, from the fifth to the ninth day of the fourth lunar calendar month, it's a treat for the whole family!

Highlights include the Piu Sik Parade, where children dress up as celebrities or gods and are carried through the streets on platforms that make them appear to float.

There's also the Bun Scrambling Competition, where competitors climb up bamboo towers to try and claim as many lucky buns as possible. It's all in good fun and quite a sight to see!

May Events in Hong Kong: Buddha's Birthday

Buddha's Birthday also falls on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, so you'll be in town for the big day. The festival is also called the Buddha Bathing Festival. On this day, believers gather at the temples to wash the Buddha statues in a symbolic gesture to erase any inner dirt and to purify the mind.

People also eat a type of bitter biscuit, which symbolizes overcoming hardships and welcoming a better future.

The Best May Attractions in Hong Kong: Ngong Ping

Go see a slice of history at Ngong Ping, a village untouched by time and surrounded by wonderful architecture and photo-friendly landmarks.

Take the cable car up to the village, snap as you go, and then reach the top and go exploring! Make sure to see the Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and Wisdom Path, then buy a souvenir from the village before taking the cable car back down to civilization!

The Best May Attractions in Hong Kong: World War 2 Walking Tour

Make the most of the sunshine and take a trip back in time with this walking tour of Hong Kong's World War 2 sights.

Your guide will let you know how the war played out here, showing you bunkers and pillboxes that helped the British defend Hong Kong from the Japanese, and how the intervening occupation changed Hong Kong forever.

And that's everything you need to know about visiting Hong Kong in May! If you want some more experiences to flesh out your itinerary, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!