Best time to visit · Macau · China
The best time to visit Macau
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: J. Patrick Fischer, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Quick answer
The best time to visit Macau is October to December, when the weather is dry, sunny and warm without the summer humidity, though the first week of October and Grand Prix week are very busy. January is cool and quiet. From May to September it is hot and wet, and typhoons can suspend ferries. Avoid Lunar New Year and Golden Week if you want lower prices.
Key facts
- Best months
- October–December
- Shoulder season
- January and March–April
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 32°C (90°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 18°C (64°F))
- Rainiest month
- June (~18 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January, March–April, June and September
Seasons
Macau has a humid subtropical climate: mild, dry winters, a humid spring with fog and drizzle, and a long, hot, wet summer with typhoons possible from June to October. October to December is the most pleasant period.
March–May
Spring
Warm and humid with fog, drizzle and rising rainfall; temple festivals honour A-Ma and Tin Hau.
June–August
Summer
Hot, humid and wet with thunderstorms and typhoon risk; resorts and indoor malls are the main draw.
September–November
Autumn
Still hot in September, then dry and sunny; fireworks, the music festival and the Grand Prix fill the calendar.
December–February
Winter
Cool, dry and mostly sunny with festive lights, but Lunar New Year brings peak crowds and prices.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°C | 12°C | 5 | 18°C | 10.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| February | 18°C | 14°C | 8 | 18°C | 11.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| March | 21°C | 17°C | 12 | 19°C | 12 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 25°C | 21°C | 12 | 22°C | 12.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 29°C | 24°C | 15 | 25°C | 13.2 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 31°C | 26°C | 18 | 28°C | 13.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 32°C | 27°C | 17 | 29°C | 13.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 32°C | 26°C | 17 | 29°C | 12.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 31°C | 25°C | 13 | 28°C | 12.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 28°C | 23°C | 6 | 26°C | 11.6 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| November | 24°C | 18°C | 4 | 24°C | 11 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| December | 20°C | 14°C | 3 | 21°C | 10.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Lunar New Year — fireworks and parades (late January or February) |
| February | Lunar New Year fireworks over Nam Van Lake (around Lunar New Year); Lantern Festival (15th day of the lunar new year) |
| April | A-Ma Festival at the A-Ma Temple (23rd day of the third lunar month, usually April or May) |
| May | Macao Arts Festival (usually May); Feast of the Drunken Dragon (Buddha's Birthday, usually May) |
| June | Dragon Boat races on Nam Van Lake (late May or June) |
| September | Macao International Fireworks Display Contest (usually September to early October); Mid-Autumn Festival (September or early October) |
| October | National Day Golden Week (1–7 October); Macao International Music Festival (usually October–November) |
| November | Macau Grand Prix — street-circuit motor racing (usually mid-November); Macao Food Festival at Sai Van Lake (usually November) |
| December | Macao Light Festival — illuminations in the Historic Centre (usually December); Macao International Marathon (usually early December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January, March–April, June and September, and the sights are quietest in January, March–April, June and September.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Macau?
The best time to visit Macau is October to December, when the weather is dry, sunny and warm without the summer humidity, though the first week of October and Grand Prix week are very busy. January is cool and quiet. From May to September it is hot and wet, and typhoons can suspend ferries. Avoid Lunar New Year and Golden Week if you want lower prices.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Macau?
Usually in January, March–April, June and September. Cool, dry and often sunny; comfortable for walking, though evenings call for a jacket.
+What is the rainiest month in Macau?
June, with about 18 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Macau get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 27°C (81°F).