China (Hong Kong SAR), Asia

Hong Kong in September

Heat lingers and storms are still in play, but the Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns and Fire Dragon dance can land here.

TradeoffsStill hot, highs near 87F (31C), typhoons still possible

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

The straight answer

September is a month of real tradeoffs in Hong Kong. Heat lingers and storms are still in play, but the Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns and Fire Dragon dance can land here.

Weather: Still hot, highs near 87F (31C), typhoons still possible
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What September is like in Hong Kong

September is still hot, with highs near 87F (31C), and typhoons are still possible, but crowds and prices are below average. The heat lingers through the month. The big upside is the Mid-Autumn Festival, which in many years falls in September, with lantern displays in Victoria Park and the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance over three nights. Happy Valley racing returns early in the month.

It suits festival lovers and travelers chasing lower rates who can stay flexible about outdoor plans. Hikers should still start at dawn. If you want dry, comfortable weather, wait for the second half of October or November, which are the best months of the year.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Hong Kong this month.

Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns

When the festival lands in September, Victoria Park fills with lantern displays. Families love it.

Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance

Over three nights of the festival, a dragon studded with incense sticks winds through the Tai Hang streets.

Happy Valley races return

Wednesday night racing restarts in early September, with the skyscrapers towering over the track.

What to pack for September

Breathable summer clothes
A compact umbrella
A light layer for air-conditioning
Insect repellent for evening festivals in the parks

Our timing tip

Check the lunar calendar for the Mid-Autumn Festival date, and arrive in Tai Hang early on the dragon dance nights.

Book Hong Kong for September.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Hong Kong
Opens a hotel search for Hong Kong in September, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
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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 September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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What's on in September

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.

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 September, quick answers

Is September a good time to visit Hong Kong?

September is a month of real tradeoffs in Hong Kong. Heat lingers and storms are still in play, but the Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns and Fire Dragon dance can land here.

What is the weather like in Hong Kong in September?

Still hot, highs near 87F (31C), typhoons still possible.

Is Hong Kong crowded in September?

September is one of the quieter months in Hong Kong; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Hong Kong in September?

Mid-Autumn Festival (september or early october, on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month).