You're standing on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. The sun is out, but it doesn't bite. There is this crisp, dry breeze coming off the Victoria Harbour that makes you realize—finally—the soul-crushing humidity of a South China summer has died a quiet death. Honestly, if you ask any local when the city actually becomes livable, they’ll point to right now. The temperature Hong Kong November offers is the city's best-kept secret, though the secret is definitely getting out.
It is perfection. Seriously.
While the rest of the Northern Hemisphere is starting to dig out heavy wool coats and bracing for slush, Hong Kong is settling into a sweet spot. We're talking about a transition period where the monsoon winds shift. The sweaty, sticky air of August is replaced by something much more civilized. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to walk from Central to Causeway Bay just because you can, without needing a shower the moment you arrive.
What the numbers actually say about temperature Hong Kong November
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of the data. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the mean temperature for November usually hovers around 21.8°C (71.2°F). But averages are kinda lying to you. They don't tell the whole story.
Early in the month, you’ll still see daytime highs hitting 25°C or 26°C. It feels like a premium version of summer. By the time late November rolls around, a "cold" front (by HK standards, anyway) might dip the mercury down to 15°C at night. It's rare to see it drop much lower than that unless a particularly aggressive polar outbreak decides to visit from Siberia.
The real winner isn't just the heat—or lack thereof—but the humidity.
Humidity levels plummet. We go from a suffocating 90% in the summer months down to a comfortable 70% or even 60%. This is massive. It means your skin doesn't feel like it's covered in a layer of thin syrup the moment you step outside. It also means the sky is actually blue. Most people think Hong Kong is just naturally grey or smoggy, but that’s often just trapped moisture. In November, the visibility is incredible. You can actually see the peaks of Lantau Island from the city center.
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Why the "Feel Like" temperature matters more than the thermometer
You’ve probably experienced this before: the forecast says 22°C, but you’re freezing. Or it says 22°C and you’re roasting. In Hong Kong, the tall buildings create wind tunnels.
Walk down Nathan Road and the breeze might feel refreshing. Stand in a narrow alleyway in Mong Kok and the heat from the air conditioning units above will make it feel five degrees warmer. But generally, the temperature Hong Kong November brings is exceptionally stable. You don't get those wild swings where it’s 30°C at noon and 5°C at 6 PM. It’s consistent. It’s reliable. It’s the friend who always shows up on time.
The Microclimates of the New Territories
If you're heading out to the New Territories or climbing Tai Mo Shan (the highest peak in the territory), subtract about 5°C from the city center forecast. It gets chilly up there. I’ve seen hikers head up in shorts and T-shirts only to find themselves shivering near the weather station because they underestimated the lapse rate.
- The Peak: Expect a 2-3 degree drop from Central.
- Lantau Island: Coastal breezes make it feel cooler, especially after sunset.
- Indoor areas: This is the weird part. MTR stations and malls still blast the AC like it's 35°C outside. You will be colder in a movie theater in November than you will be on the street.
What to pack (And why everyone gets it wrong)
People see "22 degrees" and pack for a California spring. Big mistake.
The Hong Kong "look" in November is all about layers. You’ll see locals wearing light down vests (Uniqlo's bread and butter) over hoodies, while tourists are still in tank tops. Who’s right? Honestly, both. But if you’re out all day, you need flexibility.
A light windbreaker or a denim jacket is your best friend. You want something you can stuff into a backpack when you’re hiking the Dragon's Back, but can throw on when you step into a frigid 19°C shopping mall. Also, leave the umbrella at home. November is statistically one of the driest months in Hong Kong. We're talking maybe 30mm of rain for the entire month. Compare that to the 450mm you might get in June. It’s a dry heat, then a dry cool.
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The Hiking Season officially kicks off
When the temperature Hong Kong November arrives, the trails explode with people. This is the peak of the hiking season for a reason.
If you tried to hike the MacLehose Trail in July, you’d be risking heatstroke. In November? It’s a dream. The air is dry, the ground is solid, and the views are sharp. This is when the silver grass on Sunset Peak starts to turn gold. It is a legitimate "Instagram moment," but more importantly, it’s just a stunning natural phenomenon that only happens when the temperature and light hit a specific threshold.
Surprising facts about the November heat
Did you know that November can occasionally throw a curveball? While rare, tropical cyclones can still hang around. Usually, they don't hit the city directly this late in the year, but they can "draw in" cooler air or, conversely, create a sinking motion in the atmosphere that makes the city feel strangely hot and stagnant for a day or two.
But mostly, it's just sunshine.
The sun stays out for about 180 hours throughout the month. That’s a lot of Vitamin D. It’s also the month where the "AIA Carnival" or various outdoor music festivals usually start setting up because organizers know the weather won't ruin the equipment or melt the patrons.
Dining and the outdoor shift
Because the temperature Hong Kong November is so pleasant, the city’s dining scene moves outside.
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Dai Pai Dongs (open-air food stalls) become the hottest tickets in town. Sitting on a plastic stool in Sham Shui Po eating stir-fried clams with black bean sauce is a totally different experience when you aren't sweating into your beer. Rooftop bars in Soho and Wan Chai stop being "too hot" and start being the only place anyone wants to be.
- Late Afternoon: Aim for a rooftop around 4:30 PM. The golden hour in November is soft and long.
- Evening: The temperature settles around 19°C. Perfect for hot pot.
- Night: A light sweater is usually enough for a walk along the harbour.
Practical next steps for your trip
If you are planning to visit or are currently looking at the forecast, here is the move.
Stop checking the rain radar; you won't need it. Instead, monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). Because the air is drier and the winds often come from the north, sometimes pollutants from the Pearl River Delta can linger. It’s rarely a dealbreaker, but for those with asthma, it’s a more important metric than the temperature itself.
Book your outdoor activities—junk boats, hiking tours, and outdoor markets—for mid-week if possible. Everyone in the city knows November is the best month, so the popular trails like Lion Rock get incredibly crowded on Saturdays and Sundays.
Invest in a good pair of walking shoes. With the humidity gone, you will end up walking 20,000 steps without even realizing it. The city is vertical, and November is the only time of year when you can tackle those mid-level escalators and steep stairs without looking like you just finished a marathon.
Check the Hong Kong Observatory website daily. They have a "9-day forecast" that is freakishly accurate. If you see a "Cold Weather Warning" (which usually triggers if temperatures are expected to drop below 12°C), that's your cue to find a shop in Mong Kok and buy a heavier fleece. Otherwise, enjoy the blue skies. You've picked the absolute best time to see what this city is actually about.