Weather in Hong Kong in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Hong Kong and ranks 54th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Hong Kong is 11.3°C warmer by day and 11.4°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Hong Kong peaks at 18.7°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 22.4°C or more. Roughly 1 in 333 days top 25°C. Nights average 13.6°C; one night in ten drops to 9.2°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 25.2°C (2002-01-16) and the coldest night 3.1°C (2016-01-25).

Rain in January

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 4 days with 1 mm or more, 24 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2016 with 208 mm, the driest 2014 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 73%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 18.9°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 17.4°C to 19.8°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (28.5°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.0 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 10.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:05 and sets about 18:00 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 54%.

Is January a good time to visit Hong Kong?

January is not the strongest month here: mild days. The best months for Hong Kong on our scoring are November, October, September; months averaging 25°C or more: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Comfortable days, but pack for cooler spells

January's mild afternoons suit spending time outside without planning your whole day around avoiding midday heat. A light top may be comfortable on warmer days, but layers are more useful than a suitcase packed only for summer. The warmest days can reach 22.4°C or more, while the coldest nights fall to 9.2°C or below. That makes a jumper and jacket sensible, especially if you expect to stay out into the evening. Think of this as comfortable exploring weather with a cool-weather catch, rather than reliable shorts-and-sandals warmth. If heat is the main reason for your trip, January is not the strongest choice.

Rain need not dominate your plans

With about 4 rainy days, January gives you a reasonable basis for planning time outdoors, though a dry trip is not guaranteed. Carry a compact umbrella or light rain layer and keep your plans flexible enough to swap an outdoor afternoon for time inside. Sunshine averages about 5.0 hours within 10.8 hours of daylight, so do not assume every daylight hour will be sunny. Put the outdoor parts of your day before evening, when temperatures also drop. Humidity averages 73%, but the mild temperatures mean that figure should not be mistaken for evidence of hot, tropical conditions.

The sea is the main compromise

The sea averages 18.9°C in January, which is bracing rather than comfortably warm for swimming. Its year-to-year range of 17°C to 20°C means you should not book on the assumption that the water will feel inviting. A swim may appeal if you already enjoy cool water, but this is not the month to choose for a holiday centred on long, relaxed dips. For a traveller arriving from a UK winter, the air can feel pleasantly mild while the sea still feels distinctly cool. Pack swimwear if you wish, but make swimming an optional part of the trip rather than its purpose.