Visiting Hong Kong in February 2025

Visiting Hong Kong in February is the ideal time of year for tourists who might otherwise be put off by Hong Kong’s hot and humid temperatures in the summer, want to take advantage of all outdoor activities the city has to offer, and want to experience one of Hong Kong’s biggest festivals – Chinese New Year. 

However, it is one of the most expensive months due to the coming of the Chinese New Year, which generally occurs anywhere from the end of January to mid-February. The Lunar New Year holiday also means ‘downtime’ on certain days, where residents spend the day and night with family, and shops, restaurants, and bars are closed.

It can be a somewhat tricky time of the year in Hong Kong to navigate but I assure you it’s well worth it – especially watching the Chinese New Year Day Parade with mesmerizing dragons, traditional Chinese dancers, and vibrant floats that weaves through Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) and the Chinese New Year fireworks in full display over Hong Kong’s iconic skyline and Victoria Harbor.  

Personally, February is one of my favorite months of the year, next to October and November. I have a feeling it might just be the perfect time for you to visit Hong Kong. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you want a breakdown of what traveling to Hong Kong at every point in the year looks like, make sure to check out my post ‘When is the Best Time to Visit Hong Kong?’.

Celebrating Chinese New Year in February in Hong Kong

Note: Chinese New Year this 2025 began January 29th, however, the Lantern Festival (along with Lantern Festival Carnival) will take place between February 7th and February 12th.

Depending on the year, Chinese New Year will fall at the end of January or early to mid-February, meaning that if you travel to Hong Kong in February, there is a high probability it will be the year of the [insert one of twelve animals used for Lunar New Year]. 

This is THE Hong Kong holiday that residents hold near and dear to their hearts. It’s also the holiday when residents have the longest holiday break, so that may be one of the driving factors. 

What you need to know is that, generally, on the first through third days of Chinese New Year, most businesses, restaurants, cafes, and shops are closed. This doesn’t typically apply to large international chains, shopping malls, (many) Western restaurants, and other shops located in central areas of the city.  

After the first three days of Chinese New Year, life has (almost) returned completely to normal, except for a small number of shops or restaurants. 

I was craving a burger one Lunar New Year so I didn’t get a great spot near the harbor for the fireworks (seen in between the buildings).

The lead-up to Chinese New Year also is ripe for visiting the technicolor flower markets, like the Mong Kok Flower Market, to select auspicious orchids, blossoms, and other plants to ring in the New Year. Even if you don’t buy any flowers, it’s a great glimpse into a celebrated cultural (and local) tradition. 

However, streets will feel relatively empty during the first two to three days of the Lunar New Year in Hong Kong, except near temples like Wong Tai Sin Temple or Man Mo Temple (pictured above) where Hong Kongers visit to give the ‘first incense offerings’ for luck and good omens. Offerings are also made on Chinese New Year’s Eve. 

While streets will be less hectic than usual during the day, nighttime is when everyone comes out to witness the legendary Lunar New Year Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui on the first night, and the Victoria Harbor fireworks show on the second night, typically themed and symbolizing whatever year it is (ex. Snakes for ‘Year of the Snake’). 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Curious about how much a trip to Hong Kong might run you per day? Don’t forget to read my comprehensive guide answering a common question I receive from readers, ‘Is Hong Kong Expensive to Visit?’. 

Happy Valley Racecourse is another hotspot to see the ponies. Horse-racing season runs from September through July.

What many people don’t know when visiting Hong Kong during February is that the third day of Chinese New Year is one of the biggest horse racing days. Residents and tourists flock to the Sha Tin Racecourse to test their luck for the year while ponies swiftly circle the track.  

Throughout Chinese New Year, head to Lam Tsuen (Tai Po area) and write your wishes for the new year on a piece of paper at one of the Wishing Trees. Many people attach small weights, like mandarin oranges, and gently toss them up into the tree. 

Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai is a popular spot to experience the Lantern Festival, which marks the 15th and final day of the Lunar New Year. You’ll see over 800 traditional Chinese lanterns illuminating the short tree-lined pedestrian walkway which generally is on display well before Chinese New Year begins and runs into the end of February/early March. 

The Hong Kong Cultural Center in Tsim Sha Tsui also hosts another large-scale lantern display every day for roughly one month, along with stage performances, dancing, and other lantern-oriented games!

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Looking to save some extra money while traveling to Hong Kong without skipping on luxury? I’ve got you covered. Check out my post breaking down the best affordable hotels in Hong Kong – all of which I’ve stayed at for more than several weeks each, so I make sure to give you my honest feedback. 

Hong Kong in February: Best Things to Do

If you’re like Grizzly Adams and want to feel the call of the wild, explore Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands, or just want to be able to comfortably stroll Hong Kong’s hectic streets and scenic harbor, without breaking into an uncontrollable sweat, then February is your month to visit. 

I’m currently looking at you all hikers (of all skill levels). So, I first recommend checking out my guide breaking down my top hikes in Hong Kong for those who want to get some fresh air over some of the most scenic views in the city. 

One of the short hikes that I recommend everyone embark on is a short jaunt up The Peak via Conduit and Hatton Road. It ends with panoramic views of the city up at Peak Galleria and is a perfect way to work up a little sweat before taking the iconic Peak Tram down to Central. Or, simply take the Peak Tram up and down for views like this:

Casual strolls along Victoria Harbor by way of the Hong Kong Island side or Tsim Sha Tsui side (Avenue of the Stars for the win!) for incredible views of the best skyline in the world are a must – crisscrossing between both sides via the 19th-century founded steam-powered ‘Star Ferry’. My favorite activity in Hong Kong. 

Conquering your fear of heights and taking a ride on the AIA Hong Kong Observation Wheel after exiting the Star Ferry (at the Winter Carnival) is one of the best ways to see the city, especially at night. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: I don’t know why they don’t call it a ‘Ferris Wheel’. 

If the weather is less than stellar during your time in Hong Kong, consider hitting up one of the many museums like M+, Hong Kong Museum of History, or Hong Kong Science Museum (perfect for kids). Or, swing over to Sandbox Virtual Reality (it’s incredible), an ice rink like Lohas Park or Mega Ice, or the South China Athletic Association (SCAA) to whack some golf balls or bowl. 

Follow it up with a trip to the bustling cultural and shopping multi-purpose space on Hollywood Road, Tai Kwun, aka the former Central Police Station, former Central Magistracy, and Victoria Prison. Today, you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, exhibitions, and workshops (such as bamboo-weaving) – my favorites being Madame Fu-Grand Cafe Chinois, for contemporary Chinese and dim sum, and Armoury Terrace, for Aperol spritzes and drinks. 

Migrating over towards Sheung Wan and grabbing a coffee while you browse local exhibition spaces, studios, craft shops, and more at PMQ, the old Hollywood Road Police Married Quarters, is another personal favorite of mine. 

Cap your Sheung Wan trip off with a walk down Upper Lascar Street, also known as ‘Cat Street,’ a quirky, vibrant pedestrian street with antiques, Maoist relics, wooden mahjong sets, chinaware, records, and more. It’s also home to my number one cafe in Hong Kong, Halfway Coffee, which pays homage to the city’s history by serving all coffee in vintage Chinese porcelain cups. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: Hong Kong is the definition of East-meets-West in more ways than you can count, meaning that eating isn’t just for sustenance, it’s an experience in itself. Make sure you spend a morning or early afternoon at a traditional dim sum restaurant like Lin Heung Lau, Sun Hing Restaurant (3 AM to 4 PM), or Tuen Kee Chinese Restaurant (located on the base of Tai Mo Shan and my favorite dim sum experience). 

For families and millennials who are looking for a taste of nostalgia at the happiest place on earth, head out to the smallest Disneyland in the world. Or, if you’re more of a thrill seeker and looking for the best rollercoasters in Hong Kong (on top of a scenic cable car), consider heading to the south of Hong Kong Island to spend a day at Ocean Park. 

Walking either park in the summer can be flat-out unenjoyable with just how hot and humid it gets, so there’s no better time to suspend disbelief at one of these popular spots!

For those making a day trip to Disneyland, who want to kill several birds with one stone, I recommend taking the MTR to Tung Chung and riding the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, which overlooks Lantau Island. From there, take the bus to a traditional village of the Tanka people called ‘Tai O’ to photograph their unique stilt houses above water, try traditional snacks (fish balls, tofu pudding, shrimp and pork pastries) and fresh seafood, and even take a boat ride. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: For a less hurried trip, consider splitting up your itinerary and tackling Disneyland in one day and then Tai O/Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car on a separate day. 

The Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery combo is one of my top recommendations in Hong Kong.

Don’t sleep on the city’s vibrant gardens, monasteries, and temples, like the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery, and Wong Tai Sin Temple, each offering a (free) unique look into Hong Kong’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. They are also a great way to get your steps in.

Finally, one of the most underrated activities to do during the winter (and even at any point of the year) is venturing out to one of Hong Kong’s several Outlying Islands, such as Lamma Island, Peng Chau, or my favorite, Cheung Chau. Fresh seafood, picturesque walks along the beach, and relaxed living all await!

Pale Ale Travel Note: As a mid-thirties adult, I’ve been to Hong Kong Disneyland several times and have had a blast. It’s designed with Lantau’s unique backdrop in mind and incorporates a mix of exclusive and popular rides into its arsenal, making for a familiar yet unique Disney experience. 

Hong Kong Weather in February

Hikes like this (High West) are why you travel to Hong Kong in February.

Hong Kong weather in February is either fantastic or a threat to one’s existence, depending on the camp that you fall in. For me, I’m in the first camp. For many local Hong Kongers and tourists from warmer, more tropical climates, the latter resonates most with them. 

While February isn’t the coldest month of the year in Hong Kong (that award goes to the month of January), temperatures are still some of the lowest. February temperatures in Hong Kong sit only slightly above January’s, sporting an average high temperature of 18°C (65°F) and an average low temperature of 14°C (58°F). 

Based on my last several years in Hong Kong, I’ve found that temperatures have dropped down even more than what the averages state above, meaning it isn’t uncommon to go to bed or wake up with temperatures around 10°C (50°F). 

But don’t worry! There is almost a zero percent chance it snows. 

Find out the last time it happened in the city in my post breaking down 30+ fun and surprising facts about Hong Kong. 

A gorgeous night along the Central Promenade from February 2024.

Further, humidity in February is still relatively high, averaging roughly 80%, which can make temperatures feel colder than they actually are. Simply put, the wetter you feel, the colder you’ll feel. 

However, on the flip side, February is one of Hong Kong’s driest months when it comes to rainfall, averaging only 33mm (1.3 inches) to 43mm (1.7 inches) of rain across six to nine days during the month – increasing as the month progresses. 

While Hong Kong sees roughly 1700 hours of sunshine per year, February isn’t the best example of this, as most days are relatively overcast and cloudy. Only those with extremely fair skin, like myself, should be concerned about ultraviolet radiation and liberally applying sunscreen. 

The beauty of February being both colder and drier is that it makes for the perfect weather to hike and explore Hong Kong’s natural landscapes. That’s right. No spiders, no overbearing sun, no Death Valley temperatures, and no need for 3 showers per day. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you’re looking for more ideas of things to do both inside and outside during February, make sure to check out my posts breaking down the best date ideas in Hong Kong and the best winter date ideas in Hong Kong. These can, of course, be done with a friend or family member – requited love is not necessary.

What to Wear in Hong Kong in February

Pictured above: The Peninsula Hotel during winter. Dress for functionality, coziness, and exercise when visiting in February.

For everyday outdoor sightseeing adventures in Hong Kong in February, it’s (almost) undoubtedly long pants and long-sleeve weather, including a light jacket. Layers will be your best friend during February. 

For tourists who, like myself, come from a colder temperature (like New England), a light fleece or sweatshirt will be more than enough. For tourists who come from a tropical or subtropical climate (or another warm region of the world), you may want to bring a winter jacket, scarf, winter hat, and even (light) gloves just in case. 

Many Hong Kongers walk the streets in February fully decked out in winter garb that you’d see people wearing before hopping onto a ski lift in North America or Europe. Because your trip will (likely) coincide with the Lunar New Year, make sure to pack a few red garments, for festive aesthetics and good fortune!

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, it is getting colder and colder each year in Hong Kong. However, I wouldn’t say that this is felt too harshly outdoors, rather if you are staying in a hotel or Airbnb that doesn’t have heat. 

Hint: many apartments and even some hotels in Hong Kong don’t have heating. This rings especially true for budget hotels in the city. If you’re staying at a 4 or 5-star hotel then there is a high probability it will have heat. 

Further, temperatures can drop significantly at night and many buildings in Hong Kong are poorly insulated. Tack on unparalleled humidity, and it’s no surprise why winters in Hong Kong can feel harsher than you’d initially expect. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: My Hong Kong packing list covers the core essentials I wouldn’t travel to Asia’s World City without and includes some recommendations of brands/products that have served me well over the years!

Oftentimes, I find myself bundled up and shivering in my apartment, only to walk outside and feel that it’s significantly warmer than inside. With that in mind, you will also want to pack for warmer weather as well, including shorts, skirts, t-shirts, polos, and other ‘warm weather apparel’. 

Hong Kong’s weather can be more capricious and angsty than this Big Body when he was 14 years old and heavily into Taking Back Sunday and Hawthorne Heights – so make sure to cover all of your ‘clothing bases’.   

Finally, while February in Hong Kong is considered a dry month and several months out from the beginning of typhoon season, it isn’t unheard of for the city to experience torrential downpours (or just standard rainy days), so I always recommend packing a rain jacket. 

Is February a Good Time to Visit Hong Kong?

Find this view over at Ink Seafood Cafe & Bar in Tsim Sha Tsui.

While February is (typically) at the tail end of Chinese New Year and is a less lively month in Hong Kong due to many residents leaving the city or sequestering at home to spend time with family, it is the most palatable of Hong Kong’s months for weather thanks to considerably cooler and drier temperatures.  

This makes it the perfect month for those who want to tick off a healthy chunk of outdoor activities such as hiking, trips to Disneyland, exploring vibrant gardens and monasteries, or simply strolling along the harborfront without sweating buckets. However, February in Hong Kong is one of the more expensive months of the year due to the Chinese New Year holiday demand and the post-Christmas/New Year surge in tourism. 

Should you decide to take a trip to Hong Kong in February, double-check to make sure restaurants, bars, cafes, and even museums you want to visit are open on the specific days you want to go, book accommodation well in advance to save on costs, and make sure to adequately pack for cooler temperatures (as each year seems to be getting colder and colder)! 

If you have any questions about traveling to Hong Kong and would like help developing an itinerary that works for you and your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at info@palealetravel.com. 

Travel well everyone,

Big Body