Hong Kong Weather in September
With average highs of 87F (30C) and average lows of 75F (25C), September in Hong Kong marks the end of the oppressive heat of the summer months. Consider this your last chance in the year to visit one of Hong Kong's beaches; this is as warm as the water gets.
The humidity in September remains relatively high, at 80%; the outdoors will certainly still feel muggy as all hell, but it’ll get better as the month advances. Towards the end of September, you'll be able to hike the great outdoors and enjoy the city streets without soaking your shirt in sweat.
The rains during September average about 11.8 inches (300 mm), with rain falling on an average of 12 days in the month. This means brighter, bluer skies that mark a break with the monsoon summer months, and contribute to September’s enjoyable weather.
Unfortunately, September lies right in the middle of Hong Kong's typhoon season (May to November), meaning these tropical storms are a definite possibility when you visit at this time. The severe typhoon Mangkhut hit Hong Kong in September 2018, raising Hurricane Signal No. 10 (the highest level warning signal in the area).
What to Pack for a September Trip
September’s split-personality weather calls for the following items to be placed in your packing list:
Summer clothes. Light cotton or moisture-wicking clothing will keep you cool in the heat and humidity. Wear clothes that allow your sweat to evaporate, instead of soaking it up – cotton, while cool, absorbs sweat and turns you into a sopping wet mess. Bring a light sweater for indoor (read: air-conditioned) activities.
Wear appropriate shoes – sneakers, flats or anything comfortable for walking, plus leather shoes if going to a luxury restaurant.
Sun/rain protection. September brings both surprise rains and bright blue skies. A small, foldable umbrella will handle both easily; Hong Kongers carry them to both ward off sunlight and stay dry in the rain. Wearing a raincoat in the Hong Kong humidity will only make you sweat.
If you’re planning to walk out in the open, handle UV rays with ultraviolet protection like sunglasses, sunscreen, and wide-brimmed headgear.
Liquids. Bring a water bottle when you walk about, so you can stay hydrated in Hong Kong’s heat.
Mosquito repellent. When venturing out to the New Territories, mosquito repellent is your friend.
Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong
One festival dominates Hong Kong’s calendar in September. The Mid-Autumn Festival – the biggest festival in the city after Chinese New Year – commemorates the Chinese expelling their Mongolian overlords.
Like most great Chinese festivals, it involves plenty of parades and the festival's signature fire dragon dance. You'll also be introduced to Mooncakes: hockey sized puck cakes with a salted egg in the middle. Mooncakes are sold all around the city during the festival, and a must-try if you are in town.
Mid-Autumn Festival lantern carnivals – featuring traditional Chinese lanterns of all sizes – can be found at Victoria Park and the waterfront of Tsim Sha Tsui.
To watch Hong Kong’s most raucous Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, go to Tai Hang Village in Causeway Bay on the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Tai Hang is the starting point for a 220-foot-long fire dragon that leads a procession from the village to Victoria Park.
Burning incense sticks cover the dragon from end to end – blazing a smokey, fragrant trail as hundreds of performers lead the dragon to the parade’s endpoint.