Hong Kong in May

In May, Hong Kong averages 28°C (82°F) during the day and 23°C (73°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (295 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

May offers comfortable temperatures in Hong Kong, with some rain to plan around.

28°C
Avg high
23°C
Avg low
15
Rain days
295 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Hong Kong

5th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
13%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
13 h 12 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Hong Kong (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (25°C). May runs 3°C warmer than April (25°C) and warms a further 2°C into June (30°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Hong Kong

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:43 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:55 PM
Day length
13 h 12 min

Times shown for Hong Kong local time (Asia/Hong_Kong), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Hong Kong — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Hong Kong's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:43 AM – 5:23 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:23 AM – 6:23 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:15 PM – 7:55 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Hong Kong.

📅 When to book — Hong Kong in May

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Hong Kong's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — May in Hong Kong

Shoulder

Hong Kong is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Hong Kong

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
13
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Hong Kong — May

26.3°C (79°F)
bath-warm
tropical and comfortable for hours

Across the year Hong Kong's sea swings from 18.6°C (January) to 29.3°C (July) — May sits at 26.3°C.

Hong Kong in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 18°C / 64°F 14°C / 57°F 25 mm 5
February 19°C / 66°F 15°C / 59°F 55 mm 9
March 21°C / 70°F 17°C / 63°F 85 mm 11
April 25°C / 77°F 20°C / 68°F 165 mm 12
May 28°C / 82°F 23°C / 73°F 295 mm 15
June 30°C / 86°F 26°C / 79°F 395 mm 19
July 31°C / 88°F 26°C / 79°F 375 mm 17
August 31°C / 88°F 26°C / 79°F 450 mm 17
September 30°C / 86°F 25°C / 77°F 325 mm 14
October 28°C / 82°F 22°C / 72°F 100 mm 7
November 24°C / 75°F 18°C / 64°F 40 mm 5
December 20°C / 68°F 15°C / 59°F 25 mm 4

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Hong Kong in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Hong Kong in May?

In May, Hong Kong averages a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 23°C (73°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Hong Kong in May?

May is quite rainy in Hong Kong, with about 15 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Hong Kong?

May is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Hong Kong in May?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Hong Kong for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Hong Kong on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.