Your Guide to Visiting Hong Kong in April 2025

April in Hong Kong is jam-packed with events, an undeniable energy, and palpable shifts in the weather. Spring in Hong Kong has finally arrived. 

It’s in full force. 

April is the ‘calm before the storm’ weather-wise (so to speak) in Hong Kong, meaning residents and tourists alike pack in as many activities (hiking and swimming for the win(, experiences, and meetups as they can before summer and its unbearable heat and humidity roll into town. 

Unlike March, April is a mix of liveliness and restfulness thanks to two national holidays, the first being the reflective Qing Ming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day), and the second being the one-two punch of Good Friday and Easter Monday. There are also several other festivals and major events in Hong Kong in April, which I’ll cover below. 

Finally, April is the tail end of cherry blossom and rhododendron season in Hong Kong. While not as universally known or as revered as Japan’s, both provide much-needed color to Hong Kong’s already beautiful natural landscapes and a ‘scavenger hunt’ blueprint to explore the city. 

For me, it’s one of my most social months in Hong Kong, and the perfect time to visit for anyone who doesn’t want a single experience off limits, as you can pretty much do it all. 

So that you maximize your trip to Asia’s World City and don’t miss out on anything, here is everything you need to know about visiting Hong Kong in April 2025. 

A Botanical Roadmap to Explore Hong Kong’s Nature in April

All I’ll say is that you wouldn’t expect this park to be in one of the densest areas of the city.

In April in Hong Kong, the name of the game is being as active as possible and making the most of the weather before you start entering into an all-consuming ‘heat and humidity’ biodome (sans Pauly Shore). 

As the ‘final countdown’ for tolerable weather in Hong Kong has officially begun, exploring the city’s vibrant and varying natural landscapes via its cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, blue jacarandas, and wildflowers is a fun and creative ‘scavenger hunt’.

Pale Ale Travel Tip: I highly recommend checking out this index created by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department which provides great insight into what flowers are in bloom and when, and where to see them!

Tai Po Waterfront Park – Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom

I know, I know, it’s not Yoshinoyama or Hirosaka Castle in Japan but Hong Kong still has a cherry blossom season worth turning into a day trip. After all, it’s not so much about seeing the cherry blossoms as it is using them as a vehicle to get out and about, exploring quirky and memorable pockets of the city. Or, maybe it is about the cherry blossoms. 

In that case, Tai Po Waterfront Park is the place to go to see the widest variety of cherry blossoms in Asia’s ‘World City’. 

Unlike Kadoorie Farm (another fantastic spot for cherry blossoms), Tai Po Waterfront Park sees three varieties of these soft pink and delicate white flowers bloom well into April. You’ll also find white-pink Yoshino cherry trees lining paths, creating an ethereal natural ‘tunnel’ as you stroll through the park. 

Tai Po Waterfront Park’s expansive greenery, vibrant gardens, cycling and walking paths, waterfront real estate, and 32-meter tall Spiral Lookout Tower, offer visitors a peaceful retreat with panoramic views of Hong Kong’s hanami flower viewing. And, it’s a great little day trip and a breather from the chaos in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. 

How to Get There: Take the MTR to Tai Po Market Station followed by a short taxi ride or 72A Citybus to the park. 

If Tai Po is a little too far out of the way, both Victoria Peak Garden and U Lam Terrace (Sheung Wan) are home to several types of cherry blossoms!

Sir Cecil’s Ride – Rhododendrons & Panoramic City Views

Located near one of Hong Kong’s most affluent neighborhoods, Braemar Hill, and a hop, skip, and a jump from the quaint little cafe neighborhood of Tai Hang, Sir Cecil’s Ride is a popular, moderately easy 8 km hike that’s lined with bursting pink and mauve rhododendrons in Spring. 

While I’m a huge proponent of taking in Hong Kong’s incredible skyline and Victoria Harbor from The Peak and High West, Sir Cecil’s is an all-time “urban” hike. And with views like the above, is there any question why?

It’s also a great excuse to explore the quirky shops, bakeries, and restaurants of Tai Hang, my personal favorites being Plum Cot Bakery for its croissants, oneday. for sourdough and coffee, and Man Shing Restaurant for 70-plus-year cha chaan teng (Hong Kong cafe) vibes and cuisine. 

How to Get There: Start at Fortress Hill or Tin Hau MTR, walk through Tai Hang, and make your way up to Sir Cecil’s Ride, or take the MTR to Quarry Bay or Tai Koo and walk towards the Mount Parker Green Trail. 

Alternatively, the Ma On Shan Family Walk is an easy, half-kilometer trail that highlights six species of rhododendrons and other colorful flora. 

Kowloon Park – Blue Jacaranda & Tin Hau Temple

Yes, I did recently find myself in the middle of the 16th Asia Cup Koi Show in Kowloon Park. I had no scale in the game though. Zing.

Located smack-dab in the center of the highly dense, highly populated Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Park is a surprising bastion of tranquility and greenery – one that’s home to the delicate purple-blue jacaranda trees (aka ‘blue jacaranda’) in April. 

Contrasted with the surrounding urban landscape and skyline, it’s a much-welcomed reprieve that shows the duality of Hong Kong. It’s also home to a serene Chinese Garden and Bird Lake, packed with flamingos and other waterfowl. 

I also get a kick out of watching the turtles bask in the sun and wonder if my next life will see such splendor. 

After exploring the park, walk 20 minutes north to the Tin Hau Temple Complex in Yau Ma Tei, which consists of five Chinese temples dedicated to various deities, one being the goddess of the sea. 

Hard not to love a view like this.

It also sits just near the bustling Temple Street Night Market (pictured above), a fantastic spot to sample local street food and seafood from one of the many stalls and restaurants (opens at 2 PM!). You can’t go too wrong with most of the little stalls on the pedestrian night market street, which range from Turkish and Indian staples to Chinese curry fish balls (my favorite), custard buns, meat and vegetable skewers, and everything in between. 

I generally prefer to go later in the day/early night, when the dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls and restaurants) get into the full swing of things, and slug a few Blue Girl beers with the dawgz over plates of fried noodles, seafood, and fried oyster omelets (my go-to). 

How to Get There: Take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station and exit at A1. 

Dragon’s Back & Big Wave Bay – Wildflowers & a Swim

I’m always terrified yet envious of the people who paraglide above Dragon’s Back.

Other than The Peak, I don’t think there is any other hike in Hong Kong that I’ve done more than Dragon’s Back to Big Wave Bay. 

Often ranked as one of the city’s best and most accessible hikes, Dragon’s Back winds through ridges lined with wildflowers galore in Spring, providing a breathtaking juxtaposition to the cool blue coastal waters and views below. 

Once you make your way from Shau Kei Wan to To Tei Wan, via the 9 bus, and find yourself ‘atop’ the ridge of the ‘dragon’s back’, with views of Tai Tam Bay, Shek O Village, and even outlying islands (Lamma Island), you’ll know you’ve made the right choice. 

The best part yet? It ends with a swim at Big Wave Bay, a sandy, broad beach that also happens to be popular with surfers, thanks to its larger-than-average waves. Big Wave Bay is one of the sides of Hong Kong that many people who come to the city never see or even know exists. 

Don’t forget to post up at one of the several “jack-of-all-trades” restaurants along the water near the beach’s picnic area for a snack, beer, ice-cold Coca-Cola, or all three at the same time. 

How to Get There: Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan, then Bus 9 to To Tei Wan, and you’ll be at the start of the hike. In general, I don’t recommend hiking Dragon’s Back the other way around, from Big Wave Bay to To Tei Wan, as one of my favorite parts of the hike is grabbing a bite and taking a dip to celebrate its completion. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Curious about how much to budget per day in Hong Kong? Make sure to check out my daily breakdowns for travelers of all budgets in my post ‘Is Hong Kong Expensive to Visit?’. 

Hong Kong in April: Best Things to Do

The dawgz and I hiked Tiger’s Head during a T8, which was one of the craziest days ever.

April is one of those months in Hong Kong where you can feasibly tackle almost any Hong Kong activity, experience, or site that your heart desires. Swim, hike, and carve the city on foot! Just get out there and get active. 

Read my Hong Kong activity (and date) guides below for a breakdown of must-dos in the city:

• The Best Hikes in Hong Kong
• 21 Unforgettable Hong Kong Date Ideas
• 17 Rainy Day Activities in Hong Kong
• What My Perfect Day Looks Like in Hong Kong

I’ve written countless other activity guides and eating and drinking write-ups, all of which can be found on my ‘Everything Hong Kong’ page. Further, my month-specific posts provide even more activities, experiences, and things to do in the city. 

Without waxing poetic about every single thing you could do in Hong Kong in April, here are the key activities and experiences that I would prioritize (other than following my botanical blueprint above). 

Pale Ale Travel Note: Keep in mind that while the 2025 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens will take place at the end of March, the tournament’s dates vary depending on the year. It generally ranges from the end of March to early April, so make sure to keep an eye out for the dates for 2026 and beyond if you’re a rugby fiend!

In my opinion, the hike and beach combo in April in Hong Kong is still unparalleled. Besides Dragon’s Back and Big Wave Bay (mentioned above), my favorite hikes and beaches include:

• Lion Rock: a moderately challenging 5 km to 7 km hike with a steep ascent to one of the best views of all of Hong Kong. I’m not sure there is any single hike in the city that symbolizes the ‘Hong Kong spirit’ better than this.’ 
• Buffalo Hill: a difficult 7 km-plus hike of covered and uncovered ridges and grassy hills that form the shape of a buffalo (duh!) and ends with panoramic views of Sai Kung (and the water). 
• Sunset Peak: not for the faint of heart, Hong Kong’s third-highest peak (and 9 km-plus trek) offers otherworldly views of the ocean, surrounding islands and beaches, and silver grass hillsides. You just need to make it up its neverending ‘Stairway to Heaven’. 
• Tiger’s Head (Lo Fu Tau): a 10 km intermediate route that stretches from the small rural town of Mui Wo to Discovery Bay, perfect for views of rolling hills, cool blue water, and even Hong Kong Airport.
• Chung Hom Kok Beach: my go-to beach on the south side of Hong Kong Island that is relatively untrodden by mass groups of beachgoers and ideal for sunset swims. 
• Ham Tin Beach: accessible via an easy, several-kilometer hike, Ham Tin is one of four beaches along the Tai Long Wan Hiking Trail. It’s also one of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong thanks to its crystal clear waters and surrounding mountains. Just remember to catch the speedboat out of there (which takes you back to Sai Kung Pier).
• Shek O Beach: a great swimming and family beach, built for BBQs and picnics, that feels the most similar to beaches I’ve swam at in North America. 
• Cheung Sha Beach (Upper and Lower): a remote, powdery white sand beach on Lantau that’s also home to laid-back restaurants/bars, watersports, and camping. 

A jaunt or tram ride up Victoria Peak is also mandatory and one of the most recommended activities (which I agree with). Just make sure it’s a (relatively) clear day so that you aren’t staring out into a wall of mist or fog. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: Many people mix in trips to Macau for a day or two in their Hong Kong itineraries. However, Spring is one of the muggiest times to go, so I generally recommend visiting Macau between October and February! Then again, if you’re planning to gamble the whole time, you’ll be in the comfort of air conditioning and it won’t matter when you go. 

Man Mo Temple is a must-visit in Hong Kong.

April 4th is the introspective, commemorative Qing Ming Festival, known as Tomb Sweeping Day. It’s a time of the year when residents pay tribute to their ancestors by visiting their graves to present offerings, burn incense papers, and, of course, sweep the graves (as a show of respect). 

While the Qing Ming Festival is primarily a day for locals to visit cemeteries, clean graves, and spend time with family, and is not generally one that tourists can actively participate in, visiting temples like Wong Tai Sin Temple, Man Mo Temple, and Che Kung Temple may be a way to sneak a glimpse into what it’s about. 

Out of respect for those observing this holiday, I don’t recommend visiting cemeteries or columbariums in Hong Kong during this time.

If you’re seeking out a more lively celebration and festival, consider scheduling your trip for the end of April/early May to get a taste of the colorful and hectic 3-day Cheung Chau Bun Festival. 

Taking place May 3rd to May 6th, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival blends Taoist ceremonies and parades with an unusual ‘bun scrambling competition’ – where participants scramble up a tower of buns in an attempt to grab as many buns as possible! 

Good Friday through Easter Monday, April 18th to April 21st, is a popular time for residents of the city to travel elsewhere, so you may notice a somewhat diluted energy in the city during this time. However, April 19th sees the famous Ma Wan Easter Egg Hunt take place. This series of eight 10-minute easter egg hunting sessions on the open beach is perfect for families – especially those with young children – who want a true taste of the holiday. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Comfortable and convenient Hong Kong hotels can be snagged on a budget. How do I know? I’ve been so fortunate as to test the waters multiple times over. Make sure to read my post breaking down what I consider to be the top affordable hotels in Hong Kong – which don’t sacrifice comfort. 

The popular, watersoaked, Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) also fills out the month of April and includes everything from a parade to a Thai street food market, Muay Thai demonstrations, and water fights. Dates have yet to be finalized but I will update them as soon as I get the word. 

If the heat and humidity are already too much, engross yourself in the world of cinema at one of Asia’s oldest, largest, and most respected film festivals – the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF). Running from April 10th to April 21st, the HKIFF’s 2025 schedule will see more than 200 films hit countless cultural venues across Hong Kong. 

The theme this year is ‘Dialogue – Conversations of Film’, and will showcase multi-national films acclaimed for classic dialogue and memorable soundtracks. It also includes a spotlight on ten works of the influential Hong Kong actor, singer, and producer, Louis Koo, along with a face-to-face Q&A. 

Hong Kong Weather in April

This tree is one of my favorite parts of the hike up or down Victoria Peak (besides the panoramic city views, of course).

You should start your April trip to Hong Kong by first saying “goodbye” to the comfortable, dry, and predictable weather that winter provides. It just isn’t in the cards anymore. But don’t worry, barring select rainy days, it’s still one of the better months weather-wise to visit Hong Kong. 

April temperatures in Hong Kong are where you begin to know you aren’t in Kansas anymore, with the average high temperature sitting around 26°C (79°F) and the average low temperature clocking in at 21°C (70°F). 

As the month progresses, it’s not unheard of to see daily averages hit 28°C (83°F), something I think will become more common as the years progress. 2024 saw the hottest April in over 140 years, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself melting and having your beautiful wickedness destroyed. 

The beauty of the higher temperatures is that classic Hong Kong beach days are the norm in April. They also aren’t so hot as to be prohibitive to hiking or exploring outdoors either (for the most part). For me, it is the humidity that gets me, so it can be tough seeing early April go from 45% humidity to over 80% by the end of the month – which some weather sites classify as ‘oppressive’ and ‘miserable’. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Once you land in Hong Kong, you might have some extra money that you want to change. I know this can make or break a trip, especially if you get ripped off. Here is my go-to spot to exchange money in Hong Kong – expect incredibly reasonable and fair rates!

The month of April in Hong Kong sees over 11 rainy days, with average rainfall accumulated over a sliding 31-day scale starting the month at 3.9 inches and ending at 6.2 inches. Simply put, the later in April it is, the higher the chance it will rain and the higher the chance it will rain more. 

In 2024, April experienced two strong monsoon signals, six rainstorm warning signals, and roughly 15 thunderstorm warnings. April can be just dandy. Until it isn’t. But you rarely enter into ‘have my plans rained out’ territory, which is why I’m a big advocate of visiting this month. 

Once again, don’t forget to read my guide on the best rainy day activities in Hong Kong to ensure you don’t miss a beat.

What to Wear in April in Hong Kong

Because it’s so exposed, April is the last month (until October) I recommend hiking Sharp Peak.

If you’re anything like me and from a colder climate, then April might be ‘spicy’ by your standards, so it’s important to pack for both hot and cold temperatures. 

For example, April in North America and April in Hong Kong are two different beasts. In my home state of New Hampshire, it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary to get hit with a rogue snow day in April. In Hong Kong, no one would bat an eyelash on a day that soars well into the mid-to-high 80s. 

Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, skirts, long sleeves, and light breathable clothing, mixed in with a ‘light’ jacket or sweatshirt will be your best friend in April in Hong Kong. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, as it’s the best time of the year to get your steps in (and hike). 

It’s the first month of the year where I thank God every day that I don’t have to wear a suit to work, as I’m not sure I’d be alive writing this. 

Finally, a rain jacket isn’t a suggestion. It’s required. The end of April is when rainfall begins to ramp up, as May through September is when Hong Kong’s ‘wet season’ rolls into town. 

You can pick up an umbrella or poncho from any convenience store in Hong Kong, so don’t stress about packing either!

Pale Ale Travel Tip: I’ve forgotten everything under the sun that someone could need when visiting and moving back to Hong Kong. So, that you don’t make the same mistake I did, here is my complete Hong Kong packing list. Luckily, you can purchase most things at local retail or department stores but it’s still better to be safe than sorry. 

Is April a Good Time to Visit Hong Kong?

A pineapple bun always makes it a great time to visit Hong Kong (this one from Fu Wah Cafe).

April is undeniably a fantastic time to visit Hong Kong for anyone seeking more comfortable temperatures, a sociable atmosphere, lush greenery and blooming flowers, and the chance to tick off nearly every activity on your Hong Kong bucket list (hiking and beach days especially). 

April also happens to be one of the more affordable months to travel to Hong Kong thanks to being considered a ‘shoulder season’, so keep an eye out for sizable flight and accommodation discounts!

Just make sure that you pack appropriately – for both the ‘best’ and ‘worst’ weather and you will be able to skirt through the month without any major hiccups. 

For a complete list of monthly guides to visiting Hong Kong, make sure to check these out:

• Visiting Hong Kong in February
• Visiting Hong Kong in March
• The Best Time to Visit Hong Kong

If you have any questions about traveling to Hong Kong in April or any other time of the year, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

I also provide customizable Hong Kong itineraries for travelers of all budgets, so please inquire about pricing if that sounds like something up your alley.

Travel well everyone,

Big Body