You've probably heard it a thousand times from locals and frequent flyers alike: November is the absolute sweet spot for visiting Hong Kong. They aren't lying. But if you're expecting a consistent, tropical autumn, you might be in for a rude awakening. Hong Kong in November is a season of weird transitions. One day you’re sweating in a t-shirt near the Star Ferry, and the next, a dry monsoon wind from the north has you scrambling for a fleece.
It's a fickle month. Honestly, the Hong Kong november temperature is less about a single number and more about a battle between the lingering humidity of summer and the sharp, dry arrivals of the northeast monsoon.
The Real Numbers (Not the Travel Brochure Version)
Most websites will give you a tidy average. They’ll say it’s $22^{\circ}C$ ($72^{\circ}F$). While technically true, that number is a bit of a ghost. In reality, the month usually starts with afternoon highs hitting $27^{\circ}C$ ($81^{\circ}F$) or even $29^{\circ}C$ ($84^{\circ}F$). If you’re hiking Dragon’s Back on November 5th, you will sweat. Profusely.
Then the "replenishments" happen. That’s the fancy term the Hong Kong Observatory uses for those surges of cool air.
Take a look at what actually happened in 2025. The month was exceptionally dry. On November 19th, the temperature at the Observatory in Tsim Sha Tsui plummeted to a minimum of $13.2^{\circ}C$ ($56^{\circ}F$). That is a massive swing from the $28.9^{\circ}C$ ($84^{\circ}F$) high recorded just ten days earlier.
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What most people ignore: Humidity and "Real Feel"
Humidity in Hong Kong is a beast. In November, it finally starts to take a back seat, but it doesn't disappear. The average relative humidity usually hovers around 70%. However, 2025 saw a record-breaking dry spell where humidity dropped to a bone-dry 16% on November 27th.
When the humidity is low and the wind is up, $15^{\circ}C$ feels like $10^{\circ}C$.
- Early November: Expect "Warm & Humid-lite."
- Mid-to-Late November: Expect "Cool & Crispy."
- The Indoor Factor: This is the big one. Hong Kong malls and buses are notorious for "Arctic" air conditioning. Even if it's a beautiful $24^{\circ}C$ outside, you’ll be shivering inside an IFC mall cinema.
Why the Hong Kong November Temperature Makes it the Best Hiking Month
If you try to hike Lantau Peak in August, you’re basically asking for heatstroke. In November, the air is finally clear. The "northeast monsoon" sounds intimidating, but it’s actually a traveler’s best friend. It pushes away the haze and smog, leaving the sky a deep, piercing blue.
Visibility is often at its peak this month. You can actually see the outlying islands from Victoria Peak without that persistent gray curtain of humidity.
But here’s the kicker: the sun is still strong. Even with a lower Hong Kong november temperature, the UV index remains surprisingly high. I’ve seen plenty of tourists get a "monsoon sunburn" because they thought the cool breeze meant they didn't need sunscreen.
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The Typhoon Wildcard
Wait, typhoons in November? Yeah, it happens.
Most people think typhoon season ends in September. History says otherwise. In November 2024, Hong Kong was hit by three successive tropical cyclones—Yinxing, Toraji, and Man-yi. It was the first time since 1946 that the city had to issue three separate typhoon signals in November.
It made the month way wetter and gloomier than usual. Instead of the typical dry sunshine, the city saw over 194mm of rain, which is about five times the normal amount. So, while the Hong Kong november temperature usually stays mild, a late-season storm can turn your "perfect autumn trip" into a week of gray drizzle and "T3" wind warnings.
A Note on the Sea
If you’re a swimmer, the water is actually still decent. The sea temperature usually hangs around $24^{\circ}C$ to $25^{\circ}C$. It’s often warmer than the air in the early mornings. Repulse Bay and Big Wave Bay are still very much "active" in November, though the crowds thin out significantly once the locals decide it’s "winter" (which, to a local, is anything under $20^{\circ}C$).
The Expert Packing List (The "Layer Cake" Method)
Forget bringing a heavy parka. You’ll look ridiculous and you’ll be miserable. Instead, pack like you’re going to three different climates in one day.
- The Base: Breathable cotton or tech-fabric t-shirts.
- The Mid: A light hoodie or a "Uniqlo-style" ultra-light down vest. This is the HK uniform.
- The Shell: A windbreaker. The wind coming off the harbor at Tsim Sha Tsui or on the Star Ferry is sharp.
- The "Hidden" Essential: Lip balm and heavy moisturizer. When that dry monsoon hits, your skin will crack faster than a fortune cookie.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Watch the "Replenishments": Check the Hong Kong Observatory app. If they mention a "cold front reaching the coast of Guangdong," expect the temperature to drop 5-8 degrees within a few hours.
- Go High: November is the time to visit Tai Mo Shan (the highest peak). The temperature there will be about $5^{\circ}C$ to $7^{\circ}C$ lower than in the city. If the city is $20^{\circ}C$, the peak is $13^{\circ}C$. Plan accordingly.
- The Wine & Dine Factor: Usually held late October or early November, this is the best time to eat outdoors. The Hong Kong november temperature makes sitting in Central Harbourfront with a glass of Bordeaux actually pleasant rather than a sweat-fest.
- Stay in the Sun: In the shade, the November wind feels cold. In the sun, it feels like paradise. Choose the sunny side of the street.
The reality of November in Hong Kong is that it's the most "livable" month. It’s when the city finally exhales. You get the benefits of a tropical location without the suffocating weight of the summer "sauna" effect. Just don't let the "average" numbers fool you—pack a windbreaker and keep an eye on the north.
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Track the 9-day forecast on the HKO website specifically for "Minimum Temperature" trends. If you see a "V" shape in the graph, that’s your cue that a monsoon surge is hitting. Book your outdoor rooftop bars for the days before the surge hits for the maximum warmth, or after the surge for the clearest views of the skyline.