Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Central and Western Hong Kong is classified as Cwa under the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by a humid subtropical climate. Temperatures showcase a notable range, with minimum values dipping to 7°C (45°F) in February and peaking at 34°C (93°F) in August. The area enjoys an average temperature of around 24°C (75°F), providing a warm and humid environment conducive to diverse ecosystems and urban life. This climatic backdrop influences both the socio-economic activities and the natural landscape of the region, underscoring the dynamic interplay between weather patterns and urban development.
Central and Western Hong Kong experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and February, exhibit mild temperatures, with minimums averaging 7°C to 8°C (45°F to 46°F) and highs around 24°C (75°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, reaching daytime highs of 27°C (80°F) and 29°C (85°F) respectively, while nighttime lows increase to 12°C and 14°C. The onset of summer in May marks a significant temperature shift, with averages soaring to 26°C (79°F) and maximums hitting 33°C (92°F), maintaining this warmth through July and August, when temperatures peak at 34°C (93°F). The transition to fall brings a slight cooling in September and October, while November and December usher in cooler nights with temperatures dropping to 10°C (49°F). This overall cycle reflects the region's humid subtropical climate, marked by a blend of warm summers and mild winters.
The climate in Central, Hong Kong, features a minimum temperature of 7°C (45°F) in February and a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in August, mirroring the overall weather patterns in Hong Kong itself. For more detailed monthly temperatures, you can refer to the links: monthly temperatures in Central and monthly temperatures in Hong Kong.
Precipitation in Central and Western Hong Kong showcases a distinct seasonal pattern characterized by a significant increase during the summer months. January and February are relatively dry, with rainfall measuring 21 mm (0.8 in) and 52 mm (2.0 in) respectively, and an average of only four to seven rainy days per month. As the region transitions into spring, March and April witness a gradual rise in rain levels, with March receiving 60 mm (2.4 in) and April reaching 93 mm (3.7 in). This trend sets the stage for the summer season, when precipitation sharply escalates.
The peak of the rainy season occurs in June and August, with June experiencing a staggering 325 mm (12.8 in) and August at 384 mm (15.1 in)—marks that account for a significant portion of the annual rainfall. Notably, both months feature around 24 to 25 rainy days, making them the wettest periods of the year. Following this peak, September also remains notably wet with 223 mm (8.8 in) of rainfall, while October and November see considerable drops, yielding 189 mm (7.4 in) and 36 mm (1.4 in) respectively. Overall, the precipitation profile highlights the region's tropical nature, underpinned by substantial summer rainfall and shorter, drier winters.
In Central and Western Hong Kong, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with increasing hours of sunlight from winter through to summer. The year begins with 216 hours of sunshine in January, gradually rising to 251 hours in February and 274 hours by March. April sees a slight dip to 263 hours, but as spring transitions into summer, the city experiences a notable uptick, peaking in May with 301 hours of bright sunshine. This accumulation of sunlight sets the stage for even sunnier months ahead.
The summer months truly shine, with July recording the highest sunshine duration at 323 hours. Although August slightly decreases to 280 hours, the warm days continue into September, which retains 288 hours of sunshine. As the year progresses into autumn and winter, sunshine hours gradually decline, with October and November averaging 280 and 262 hours, respectively, before stabilizing at 264 hours in December. These patterns highlight the region's transition from the ample warmth of summer to the cooler, yet still sunny, months of fall and winter, making Central and Western Hong Kong an appealing destination for sunseekers throughout much of the year.
The UV Index in Central and Western Hong Kong demonstrates significant variability throughout the year, reflecting the region's subtropical climate. January begins with a UV Index of 7, categorized as high, necessitating a burn time of 25 minutes. As February approaches, this index escalates to 10, classified as very high, and the required burn time decreases to a mere 15 minutes. March marks a turning point, with the UV Index climbing to an extreme level of 12 that persists through April and May, demanding caution as the burn time is trimmed to just 10 minutes.
Summer months further intensify UV exposure, maintaining an extreme UV Index of 13 from June to August, which continues to call for vigilant sun protection due to a consistent burn time of 10 minutes. As fall arrives, the UV levels gradually taper, with September and October still registering at 12 and 11, respectively, while November sees a slight dip to 9, classified as very high, reverting to a burn time of 15 minutes. December rounds out the year with a return to a UV Index of 7, signifying again a high exposure risk. This seasonal fluctuation reinforces the need for residents and visitors to be mindful of sun safety particularly during the summer months when UV radiation is at its highest.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Central and Western Hong Kong reflects a consistent seasonal pattern that aligns with the geographic positioning of the region. In January, the day lasts for 10 hours, gradually increasing to 11 hours in February. March ushers in a notable transition with 12 hours of daylight, which is sustained through April, before extending further to 13 hours in both May and June. This increase signifies the shift into the summer months, where longer days provide ample opportunity for outdoor activities and exploration.
As summer peaks, July maintains the 13-hour daylight mark, but by August, sunlight hours start to decrease once again, returning to 12 hours. This trend continues into September and October, where daylight remains stable at 12 and then 11 hours, respectively. November follows suit with another 11-hour duration, while December marks the return to 10 hours of daylight as the winter solstice approaches. This cyclical pattern underscores the region's subtropical climate, influencing both lifestyle and cultural activities throughout the year, with longer days in summer and shorter daylight periods during the winter months.
Central, Hong Kong experiences a subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) in February to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in August, with average monthly temperatures peaking around 28°C (83°F) in summer. The region receives significant rainfall, particularly from May to August, with August being the wettest month at 384 mm (15.1 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially in July with 323 hours, contributing to the overall warm and humid conditions. For more details, visit Central climate.
Hong Kong experiences a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. From January to March, temperatures range from 7°C to 27°C (45°F to 80°F), while summer months (June to August) see highs up to 34°C (93°F). Rainfall peaks in May and August, with June receiving the most precipitation at 325 mm (12.8 in), while January is relatively dry with only 21 mm (0.8 in). The city enjoys considerable sunshine, especially in summer, with July boasting 323 hours of sun. For more details, visit Hong Kong climate.
In summary, Central and Western Hong Kong experiences a dynamic interplay of climate factors throughout the year, characterized by distinct seasonal changes in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The region's humid subtropical climate results in hot, humid summers with significant rainfall, while winter months offer milder temperatures and shorter days. As sunshine peaks during the summer, so too does the UV index, highlighting the importance of sun safety during this period. The length of daylight varies seasonally, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, particularly in the extended daylight of spring and summer. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for making informed decisions about outdoor activities, health, and tourism in this vibrant region.