China (Hong Kong SAR), Asia

Hong Kong in October

The switch flips mid month. The early October National Day holiday brings mainland crowds; aim for the second half.

BestTurning dry, highs near 82F (28C), clearer skies

Victoria Harbour Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong SAR) — Hong KongPhoto: Wilfredor, CC0

The straight answer

October is one of the best months of the year to visit Hong Kong. The switch flips mid month. The early October National Day holiday brings mainland crowds; aim for the second half.

Weather: Turning dry, highs near 82F (28C), clearer skies
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What October is like in Hong Kong

October is when the switch flips. Highs are near 82F (28C), the air turns drier, and skies clear, especially from mid month. The early October National Day holiday brings mainland crowds to the Peak, Disneyland and Ocean Park, and prices are high overall. The Mid-Autumn Festival can land in early October, and the Wine and Dine Festival sometimes arrives late in the month.

It suits nearly everyone, from families to hikers and food lovers, as long as you aim for the second half of the month. Avoid the first week if you want short lines at the big attractions. If you want the most reliable clear, cool weather, November is even better.

Make the most of October

What is especially good about Hong Kong this month.

The start of hiking season

Drier air makes the Dragon's Back and the country park trails a pleasure again, especially later in the month.

Clear views return

The Peak and the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to the Tian Tan Buddha are worth doing now that fog and haze clear.

Mid-Autumn Festival in some years

When the lunar date lands in early October, lanterns fill Victoria Park and the Fire Dragon winds through Tai Hang.

Wine and Dine Festival

In some years it arrives late in the month, with harborfront food and wine stalls.

What to pack for October

Light summer clothes for warm days
Hiking shoes and a daypack
A small umbrella for the odd early-month shower
Sunscreen and sunglasses

Our timing tip

Book for the second half of October to skip the National Day holiday crowds in the first week and catch the drier air.

Book Hong Kong for October.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Hong Kong
Opens a hotel search for Hong Kong in October, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for October
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Vacation rentals in Hong Kong
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets in Hong Kong
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Hong Kong for October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in October

Mid-Autumn Festival

September or early October, on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month

Lantern displays in Victoria Park and the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance over three nights.

Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival

Usually late October or November

Harborfront food and wine stalls during the best weather of the year.

Things to do in Hong Kong

Full guide

Victoria Peak

Go up on a clear, dry day (so October to December) and time it for late afternoon so you see the city in daylight and then lit up. The tram line gets long by late morning.

Tickets and tours →

Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour

The Tsim Sha Tsui to Central crossing takes under ten minutes and is the cheapest great view in Asia. Ride it at dusk.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Tian Tan Buddha via Ngong Ping 360

The cable car over Lantau is spectacular in clear weather and pointless in fog. Weekday mornings avoid the queues.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

M+ museum

Asia's big museum of visual culture on the West Kowloon waterfront. A perfect rainy-day or typhoon-season fallback.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Dragon's Back and the country parks

The classic ridge hike ends at Big Wave Bay beach. Best from October to March; in summer start at dawn and carry more water than you think.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Happy Valley races

Wednesday night racing under the lights with the skyscrapers towering over the track. The season runs roughly September to mid July.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid the mainland Golden Week holidays (roughly May 1 to 5 and October 1 to 7): Tsim Sha Tsui, the Peak, and Disneyland are at their most crowded.
Take the Peak up on a weekday right after opening, or walk up the Old Peak Road, and skip the tram queue entirely.
Do the big hikes on weekdays. Weekend trailheads on the Dragon's Back and Lion Rock have lines for the bus and the photo spots.
Dim sum halls are calmest right when they open (often 7am to 9am) and slammed at weekend lunch. Go early and eat like a local.

Know before you go

Chinese New Year: the first two to three days close many independent restaurants, market stalls, and small shops. Malls, hotels, and major attractions mostly stay open.
Typhoon Signal 8 or higher and Black Rainstorm warnings close offices and many attractions, suspend ferries and most buses, and cancel the Ngong Ping cable car. The underground MTR usually keeps running.
Ngong Ping 360 runs periodic maintenance closures and suspends in high wind; check before you trek out to Lantau.
Happy Valley and Sha Tin racing pause in the summer off-season, roughly mid July to early September.

Hong Kong in October, quick answers

Is October a good time to visit Hong Kong?

October is one of the best months of the year to visit Hong Kong. The switch flips mid month. The early October National Day holiday brings mainland crowds; aim for the second half.

What is the weather like in Hong Kong in October?

Turning dry, highs near 82F (28C), clearer skies.

Is Hong Kong crowded in October?

Hong Kong is busy in October, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Hong Kong in October?

Mid-Autumn Festival (september or early october, on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month); Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival (usually late october or november).