Month guide · Hong Kong · China
Hong Kong in January
What January is really like in Hong Kong: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Chong Fat, Public domain
Quick answer
January is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 19°C (66°F), lows of 15°C (59°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 10.9 hours of daylight. Cool, dry and often clear; one of the best months for hiking, though nights can feel chilly in unheated buildings.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 19°C (66°F) / 15°C (59°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 10.9 hours
- Sea temperature
- 19°C (66°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in January
January is the coolest month in Hong Kong: days average 19°C (66°F) against a yearly average high of 26°C (79°F), and nights fall to about 15°C (59°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with December (20°C (68°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 20°C (68°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 07:05
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 18:00
- Daylight
- About 10.9 hours
- Sea
- 19°C (66°F)
Winter (December–February). Cool, dry and sometimes grey, with festive lights in December and Lunar New Year celebrations in January or February.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 3 for crowds (the peak is February at 4) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in December). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in January
- Hong Kong Marathon (usually January or February)
- Lunar New Year flower fairs, parade and celebrations (January or February)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
.jpg){kind=link}
Viewpoint · The Peak
Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram
Go up an hour before sunset, walk Lugard Road as the lights come on, and return by bus 15 or taxi if the tram queue is long.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Couples
- After dark
- Photo spot
Experience · Victoria Harbour
Star Ferry
Green-and-white Star Ferry boats have crossed Victoria Harbour since the 19th century, linking Tsim Sha Tsui with Central in under ten minutes for a few Hong Kong dollars.
- Time needed
- 10 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
- After dark
Waterfront · Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Avenue of Stars
Combine the light show with a Star Ferry ride back to Central to see the lights from the water.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- After dark
- Views
- Photo spot
- Kids
Religious site · Lantau Island
Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
The 34-metre bronze Big Buddha sits on a hilltop at Ngong Ping on Lantau, reached by 268 steps beside the colourful Po Lin Monastery.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Views
- History
- Kids
- Outdoors
What to pack
For highs near 19°C, lows near 15°C and 6 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Hong Kong?
A shoulder-season month, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, October–December are better overall. Compare every month.
Hong Kong in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Hong Kong?
It is a shoulder-season month. Cool, dry and often clear; one of the best months for hiking, though nights can feel chilly in unheated buildings.
+How warm is Hong Kong in January?
Average highs are around 19°C (66°F) and lows around 15°C (59°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Hong Kong in January?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.