What's the Weather like in Hong Kong in January
Temperature
January is one of the mildest months in Hong Kong. It's also the coldest, but it's not even that cold. Average temperatures don't fluctuate very much, and that will make packing for your stay much easier. The average temperature is 16°C, with daytime highs averaging 18°C and nighttime lows averaging 13°C. The coldest days will be towards the middle of the month.
Hong Kong has been experiencing some extreme temperature swings though. The observatory in Hong Kong recorded -1°C at the end of January 2018. One year prior, in 2017, Hong Kong recorded a record high temperature of a warm 25°C.
Rain
In addition to being the coldest month, January is also the driest month. This makes January perfect for exploring all of Hong Kong's outdoor attractions. You'll be able to leave all of your heavy raingear at home. There are on average six days of precipitation in January, with rainfall totals averaging just 21mm. The rains are rarely heavy. Precipitation does start to pick up towards the end of the month and going into February.
The last time it snowed in Hong Kong was 1975.
Sunshine Hours
Hong Kong sees an average of five hours of sunlight per day in January. Frontal systems start to come in during this time of year, so the chances of cloud cover increase as the month goes on. The beginning of the month is often the clearest, with clear to partly cloudy skies 72% of that time. That number decreases to 66% by the end of the month. Daylight lasts for, on average, 11 hours during January.
Humidity
January is the end of the "dry season" in Hong Kong. Relative humidity averages 73% for the month of January. It is usually drier in the beginning of the month, around 69%, and more humid towards the end of the month, up to 80%. If you don't like sticky skin, January is the best time to visit Hong Kong. Stay away from August.
Wind
The wind remains a fairly constant 5.5m/s throughout the month of January, coming from the east-northeast. Gusts are rare. Average winds are stronger in the beginning of the month and drop off towards the end of the month, but the differences are so insignificant that they're not worth noting.
Dress Code
January is a great time to visit Hong Kong. You'll want to bring long pants and long-sleeve shirts for the day, and a coat for night. Check the weather before you go, as Hong Kong has recently had some drastic temperature swings during the month of January. It's always a good idea to have raingear with you, but you won't need anything heavy with the normally dry days seen in January.
Hong Kong Hotels in January
The Disney Hollywood Hotel
The Disney Hollywood Hotel is a four-star hotel that will take you directly to the golden days of Hollywood. You'll be surrounded by Art-Deco buildings, classic cars, and the landmarks that make Hollywood famous, but on Lantau Island. Many different types of rooms are available, including themed rooms that the kids will love. This hotel has a swimming pool, international buffet, complimentary Wi-Fi, and business center if you need to take care of some work while you're there. Some of the best rooms are those looking over the ocean and the lush gardens surrounding the hotel. Hotel guests will receive priority admission to the theme park.
JW Marriott Hotel
It's all about views and location at the elegant JW Marriott Hotel. Located in the Admiralty district, this hotel is right in the middle of what's going on in Hong Kong. There are 602 rooms and suites in this hotel, and those on higher floors will treat you to beautiful views of the Hong Kong skyline, the harbor, and mountains beyond. All rooms feature marble bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. You won't run out of dining options with the eight different restaurants, which include Chinese and classic dining options. The Marriott is collocated with the expansive Pacific Place Mall and within walking distance of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. You can unwind in their indoor pool or impressive gym facility.
The Four Seasons
One of the highest-rated hotels in Hong Kong is the Four Seasons five-star hotel. You definitely get what you pay for here. The towering luxury accommodation, made up of 399 guest rooms, is located right on the waterfront. Two world-renowned restaurants, Caprice and Lung King Heen, make their home at the Four Seasons. You can find everything from standard rooms to spacious suites, a spa, and fitness center. The Four Seasons is right in the middle of the International Financial Centre and steps away from the infamous Star Ferry.
Mira Hong Kong
The stylish Mira Hong Kong near Kowloon Park has that edgy feel that often appeals to younger crowds, but travelers of all ages will feel at home here. The 492-room hotel features some of the best award-winning restaurants in all of Hong Kong. In fact, there are six total restaurants and bars, including the Cuisine Center and WHISK. If you're wondering which rooms will give you the best views, we've got bad news for you they all do. Take your pick of amazing views of either the park or the city. The Mira is known for its exceptional customer service.
Bars and Restaurants
One Dim Sum
One Dim Sum is a popular Chinese restaurant in the Mong Kok area, offering some of the best dim sum in Hong Kong. You may end up waiting for a table though, as popular as it is. It's well worth the wait, and also very affordable if you're tired of spending a lot of money dining out. You do have all day to enjoy this restaurant; they close at 12:30AM every night and open at 10AM on the weekends and 10:30AM on weekdays. They're vegetarian friendly and offer an array of traditional Chinese dishes, but their specialty is dim sum dumplings, as the name implies.
Charlie Brown Cafe
No, the name of the Charlie Brown Café isn't a coincidence. This eclectic restaurant is all things Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Woodstock. The fun atmosphere makes the food that much more enjoyable. Stop in for just a cup of coffee, or stay for a breakfast of pancakes, macaroons, or croissant sandwiches. Breakfast is served all day; you can also choose from a number of sandwiches and burgers. Prices are reasonably moderate, and the kids will love it this is one of the most family-friendly restaurants in all of Hong Kong. They open at 9AM on the weekends and 9:30AM on weekdays, and close at 10:00PM, except Friday and Saturday night when they close at 10:30PM.
Braza Churrascaria
Hong Kong is more well-known for their international cuisine rather than their local food, and the Braza Churrascaria is one example. This traditional Brazilian steakhouse in central Hong Kong will definitely leave you satisfied, and full. They're known for their all-you-can eat menu at very reasonable prices until you start adding alcohol, then the tab can really start to add up. When the coaster on your table is green, wait staff will come by with swords full of meat ready to slide on to your plate. Flip the coaster to red to let them know you're getting full. Don't forget to try the picanha. They're most popular for dinner starting at 6:00PM, but they are open for lunch hours as well from 12:00-3:00PM
The Kowloon Taproom
The Kowloon Taproom is a fun pub featuring an enormous number of both local and international draft beer, and a large selection of bottled beer as well. Food is traditional pub fare like wings and sandwiches, and a favorite dish among visitors is their fish and chips. The Taproom is ideally situated in the colorful Kowloon district with exceptional people-watching opportunities outside on the busy streets. Hours are from 1:00PM to 2:00AM daily.
Things to do in Hong Kong in January
Kowloon Park
January is a great time to stroll through massive 33-acre Kowloon Park, thanks to the moderate temperatures, low humidity, and dry skies. Meander through manicured gardens, watch the flamingos, explore the aviaries, or just watch the koi in the many ponds throughout the park. History buffs will enjoy the historic military barracks preserved on-site. This is a peaceful way to spend an afternoon, centrally located in Hong Kong.
Ocean Park
Ocean Park theme park is in the top ten of all theme parks in the world, and it's easy to believe once you see it. Like the name says, you'll see a variety of marine creatures like penguins, sharks, and dolphins. But there are also exhibits with other rare animals such as red pandas, giant pandas, Asian otters, and koalas. When you want to take a break from animal watching, check out some of the rides at Thrill Mountain and the other amusement parks located within Ocean Park. They open daily at 10:00AM and close at 7:00PM weekdays, and 9:00PM weekends.
Po Lin Monastery
The largest bronze Buddha in the world is seated at Po Lin Monastery at the top of Lantau. Don't worry, you won't have to walk up the mountain to get to it. One of Hong Kong's other big attractions, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, will take you to the top and drop you off close to the statue. Take a stroll among the beautiful grounds and admire the shrines. When you're hungry there are a number of great food options, as well as small shops for souvenirs. The monastery, founded in 1906, features three large Buddha statues representing past, present, and future.
Victoria Peak Tower
Trams are Hong Kong's oldest method of public transport, and you can take one of these historic rides to Victoria Peak Tower. Here you'll get the most amazing views possible of Hong Kong. This is a must-do activity in January when the skies are usually clear and the air is crisp. The lines to use the tram can be long, but it's worth it. Only 600 people took the tram on opening day in 1888; today that number is closer to 17,000. Try going before sunset so you can watch it go down. The tram hours are from 7:00AM to 12:00AM daily.
