As summer begins, the rainfall increases greatly and the warm weather turns hot. About half of the month is rainy and wet. May is also the start of the typhoon season. The average low and high temperatures are 18 °C (64 °F) and 35 °C (95 °F).
Although the rain may cause some disadvantages, May is still a good time to visit Hong Kong, and you have the chance to attend a lively festival during this month. Read on for tips on what to notice and what can be expected in May.
May Weather Conditions in Hong Kong
Rain and Humidity
There are about 15 rainy days in May, with a very high rainfall of over 300 mm (12 inches). May is also one of the most humid months in Hong Kong.
There are increased showers and occasional thunderstorms or typhoons. In severe weather, your touring plan might be interrupted.
Typhoons
May is the beginning of the typhoon season in Hong Kong. The good news is that the probability of a typhoon approaching is relatively low in May.
Hong Kong is well prepared for typhoons. There is a warning system telling you what to do, and the buildings to shelter in can also withstand strong typhoons.
If you are traveling with us, your tour guide will stay in contact with you, help you to modify your visiting plan, and advise you on other things to do.
Check these traveling tips for Hong Kong's typhoon season.
Sunshine
As well as rainy days, the rest of May will be filled with sunny and hot weather.
The ultraviolet radiation is strong on sunny days. Prepare sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses in advance, or buy some in Hong Kong.
In the hot and humid weather, there is a higher possibility to get heatstroke. Try to avoid the sun when walking outside and drink more water.
Allergen Warning
Be aware that many flowers bloom in May in Hong Kong, such as glaucous climbing bauhinia, bleeding heart vine, flame tree, and lotus flowers. If needed, please prepare a mask or take some medicine.
What to Wear and Prepare in Hong Kong in May
Light summer clothes are recommended: Wear summer clothes, such as shorts, shirts, and skirts. Take a thin jacket or coat to cope with the occasional cool day. A peak cap or sun hat and sunglasses are cool and helpful in May.
An umbrella is useful on both sunny and rainy days.
Best Things to Do in Hong Kong in May
Hit the Beach
Repulse Bay BeachMay is a great time to hit the beach in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has a variety of beaches. Repulse Bay Beach, with clean water and good public facilities, is one of Hong Kong's most popular free public beaches.
Explore the Botanical Gardens
If you prefer flora and fauna, you can go to Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden.
It has extensive gardens and lots of flowers to see in May. You can hike up the mountain trails in the northern part of Hong Kong, see the animals, and taste organic goods at its organic farm.
Take a Sampan Trip Around Aberdeen Harbor
On a warm summer night, it is enjoyable to take a ride in a sampan around Aberdeen Harbor. Aberdeen is a world-famous travel spot because of its floating village and floating seafood restaurants.
You can get a close-up look at a fishing village and enjoy some fresh seafood or dim sum at Jumbo Floating Restaurant.
Hong Kong Events and Festivals in May
MegaIce Hockey 5's
Hong Kong's MegaIce Hockey 5's has been held at the end of April or beginning of May since it was founded in 2008. Today, the event has grown to become the largest ice hockey competition in Asia, with nearly 90 teams and over 1,000 players taking part.
The Cheung Chau Bun Festival (長洲太平清醮)
Hong Kong festivalThe Cheung Chau Bun Festival is a unique festival in Hong Kong, which is celebrated from the fifth to the ninth day of the fourth lunar month (middle or late May). The lively festival is hosted in Cheung Chau, an offshore island to the southwest of Hong Kong Island.
The must-see highlights of the festival are the Piu Sik (Floating Colours) Parade and the Bun Scrambling Competition.
- The Piu Sik Parade: Children of 5 to 6 years old are dressed as gods or famous people and stand on a special shelf that makes them appear as if they are floating above the crowds. Then they are carried in a parade through the streets and alleys.
- The Bun Scrambling Competition: Over 9,000 "lucky" buns are studded on a 14-meter-high bamboo tower. Competitors climb up the tower and try to collect as many buns as they can.
Buddha's Birthday
Hong Kong Big BuddhaBuddha's Birthday is on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month (beginning to middle of May). 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.
Note: The hosting times of the events mentioned above are different in different years and you can confirm the actual time with us.
Visiting Hong Kong in May: Important Travel Tips and Popular Tours
May is in the shoulder season.
May is not a busy month, except for the first week. Many tourists from Chinese go to Hong Kong during the Labor Day holiday around May 1st. The prices of hotel rooms and flights rise significantly.
It is advisable to book in advance. Let us help you purchase your tickets and accommodation, and we might be able to find you a discount.
Recommended Hong Kong Tours
- Half-Day Hong Kong Island Tour - covering the highlights of Hong Kong Island, such as Victoria Peak, Aberdeen, and Repulse Bay
- One-Day Lantau Island and Giant Buddha Tour - taking you to explore the best attractions of Lantau Island