What's the Weather like in Hong Kong in September
Temperature
September marks the end of summer and the rainy season in Hong Kong. Temperatures are still hot in the beginning of the month, but they'll cool down as September progresses into August. The overall average monthly temperature is 27°C, a 2-degree drop from August. Average daytime temperatures are 29°C and nighttime temperatures average 25°C.
Rain
As the rainy season wraps up in September, rainfall amounts drop significantly. September rainfall totals in Hong Kong average 166mm, almost half that of August. There are on average 14 days of rain in September.
With that said, there is a high probability for Hong Kong to be affected by a tropical cyclone in September, with an occurrence of 1.5 typhoons in Hong Kong in September. Rainfall amounts will dramatically increase and usually cause flooding.
Sunshine Hours
The days in Hong Kong average twelve hours long in September, with an average of six hours of sunshine every day. Cloud cover really starts to decrease as the month goes on. In the beginning of September there is a 75% chance of mostly cloudy to overcast skies, with that number falling to 56% by the end of September.
Humidity
Don't think that the slight drop in temperatures in September will relieve you of the unbearable humidity from August. The average relative humidity for the month does drop to 77%, but you'll be more comfortable at the end of the month. The beginning of September can certainly feel like summer as far as temperatures and humidity are concerned.
Wind
Winds start to pick up in September, averaging 4.4m/s for the month but picking up to 5.0m/s by the end of the month. In the beginning of September the winds will be a mix of southerly and easterly directions, with those easterly winds starting to settle in by the end of the month.
Dress Code
Because September can vary so much, be sure to check the fourteen-day forecast for a better idea of what you should pack. Generally, for the whole month, you're best off packing for summer. Consider loose, lightweight clothing to make the humidity more bearable. Wear comfortable clothes when exploring the city and outskirts, and shorts & sandals are just fine for this. You'll want to dress up more for going out to dinner or partaking in nightlife, so pants and a dress are a must. A light raincoat isn't a bad idea either.
Hong Kong Hotels in September
Burlington Hotel
One of Hong Kong's more affordable, quality hotels is the Burlington Hotel. This new, four-star hotel has a wonderful location in the Wan Chai district, perfect for utilizing as a base for all of the shopping, entertainment venues, and nightlife in the immediate vicinity. The Burlington Hotel has 163 modern, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, and the hotel provides complimentary smartphones during your stay. The rooms are on the small size, but the bathrooms are fortunately disproportionally large. The hotel is only a few minutes from the nearest MTR station.
JW Marriott
Some of the best views in Hong Kong are at the elegant JW Marriott Hotel in the Admiralty district. You'll have options for views of the mountains, the bustling harbor, or the soaring Hong Kong skyline. The JW Marriott boasts 602 rooms with large marble bathrooms and flat-screen TVs, and there is an indoor swimming pool and fitness center on-site. There are a number of dining options at the Marriott also, with a combined eight restaurants and lounges featuring a variety of cuisines. The JW Marriott is close to the sprawling Pacific Place Mall and many other dining and entertainment options.
The Langham
If you'd like to add some sophisticated spa treatments to your accommodations, check out the five-star Langham Hong Kong. The Langham has 498 modern, air-conditioned rooms with some stellar views. The hotel is located in the Tsim Sha Tsui district, close to the expansive Harbor City mall and many other shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. You'll find the Langham's renowned wellness center at the top. This wellness center has a gym, an outdoor pool, spa, and multiple treatment rooms. The Langham is home to the award-winning T'ang Court restaurant and a number of other dining options. The MTR station is immediately outside the front doors and the Star Ferry is just a little further.
Camlux Hotel
The Camlux Hotel is another budget-friendly hotel in Hong Kong, this one in Kowloon Bay. This hotel is unique in that it's a refurbished factory, and it's kept a lot of its history in the décor. The Camlux has 185 large, comfortable, boutique rooms and has earned some rave reviews since it's been open. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a gym, laundry, and an airport shuttle. This hotel is within walking distance of the Kowloon Bay MTR station and adjacent to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. There are a number of stellar restaurants surrounding the hotel, and there is also one restaurant within the hotel.
Bars and Restaurants
Man Wah
Man Wah Mandarin Oriental is one of Hong Kong's fancier Cantonese restaurants, featuring a hypnotizing décor and incredible views from the high-rise. Man Wah, in Central Hong Kong and close to the Central MTR station, is one of the many restaurants in Hong Kong to claim a Michelin rating. Their skilled chefs using only the freshest, finest ingredients to create some of the most flavorful Cantonese dishes you'll ever have. Dinner is served from 6:30PM-10PM. They also open for a dim sum lunch from 12PM-2:30PM Monday thru Friday and 11:30AM-3PM on the weekends. Please note that only children age six and up are welcome during the weekdays, and the managers ask guests refrain from wearing shorts.
MO Bar, Landmark Mandarin Oriental
The stylish MO Bar, inside the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Central Hong Kong, has an awesome vibe from morning until the latest hours of the night. They serve up one of the area's best breakfast buffets starting at 7AM, featuring European and Asian cuisine. The lunch and dinner menus have some outstanding contemporary dishes of the same flavor, served all the way until 11PM. As night falls the MO Bar turns into a swanky cocktail lounge, serving up some amazing specialty handcrafted cocktails by some wonderful bartenders. The bar is open until 1AM Monday thru Wednesday, 1:30AM Thursday thru Saturday, and 11:30PM on Sunday.
Mr. & Mrs. Fox
Mr. & Mrs. Fox is a fun, themed restaurant in Quarry Bay. Three different floors take you on a culinary journey of Mr. and Mrs. Fox in a casual, whimsical setting also reflected in their menu. The first floor features an immense bar with some of the best specialty cocktails in the neighborhood. The upper two floors offer some spectacular dining, with dishes of American and European influence made up of only premium ingredients. Everything on the menu is worth a try, though they're most known for their steaks. You can also find vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu. Mr. & Mrs. Fox is opens at 12PM Monday thru Friday and at 11AM on weekends. They close at midnight on weekends and at 11PM Sunday through Thursday.
Fishsteria Seafood Place
If you love seafood, you'll have to set aside a night for Fishsteria. This chic restaurant in Wan Chai is perhaps most popular for their oyster happy hour, served up fresh, tasty, and at great prices. The rest of their menu is of Mediterranean flavors, with amazing dishes such as paella, lobster spaghetti, and pastas topped with fresh octopus and shrimp. Fishsteria has a great drink selection too, serving up some surprisingly amazing craft drinks and a phenomenal wine selection. Opening hours are easy to remember, they're open every day from noon until midnight.
Things to do in Hong Kong in September
Mid-Autumn Festival
One of Hong Kong's most memorable festivals is the Mid-Autumn Festival, also sometimes called the Moon Festival. This festival takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which most often happens in September but can also occur in October. The festival has its roots in celebrating the end of the harvest season during the full moon, dating back to the Tang dynasty of the 7th-10th centuries A.D. Highlights of the Mid-Autumn Festival include fire dragon dances, carnival attractions, lantern displays, and the all-important mooncake pastries.
Happy Valley Racecourse
Happy Valley Racecourse opens up again in September they're closed during the rainy season and that means it's time for Happy Wednesdays. Happy Valley Racecourse is the site of the biggest party on Wednesday nights, featuring horse racing, live entertainment, thrilling games, and a great food & drink menu. The track is located near Causeway Bay and also permits gambling, with all proceeds going towards local charities. Happy Valley Racecourse is open from 6PM-11PM on Wednesdays. You'd be best off getting there early for a good seat, as it can fill up quickly.
Victoria Peak Tram
Clearing skies in September mean that it's a great time to head to Victoria Peak Tower and take in some of the best views of Hong Kong. Victoria Peak Tower is memorable, but perhaps even more memorable is the ride up in Hong Kong's oldest tram, built in the 19th century. Many people head up to the tower for the sunsets, so if you do that you may want to get there early because there's often a long queue. Once you're at the top the panoramic views will leave you breathless. The tram runs from 7:00AM to 12:00AM daily.
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Cooler days make walking through the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens fairly enjoyable. Despite the "zoo" in the name, this park isn't a zoo in the conventional sense. The animals that it does have monkeys, flamingos, fish, and other small birds and mammals are spread out among the beautiful gardens. The aviaries are a favorite for visitors. This park is located in Central Hong Kong and is free to all visitors. Hours are from 6AM-10PM. Considering the park is free, the landscaping is very pristine and rather stunning.
