Visiting Hong Kong in March 2025

March is one of the most happening months in Hong Kong. It’s when the city picks back up after the Chinese New Year holiday, ready to enter into the full swing of things once again. With no national holidays in March, cooler yet shifting temperatures, and the infamous (annual) Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, residents and tourists alike make the most of the final months before the city enters into heat and humidity lockdown mode. 

It’s one of my favorite months in Hong Kong. 

Unsurprisingly, March in Hong Kong is a transition month between winter and spring. In the first half of March, cooler temperatures, low humidity, and manageable rains mean that nearly every activity and inch of the city is your oyster, ripe for the picking.

It’s safe to say that March in Hong Kong is the city’s most artsy and creative month, as it plays home to numerous literary fairs, art exhibitions, music festivals, and other concerts. Most notably, the world-renowned contemporary and modern art fair, Art Basel, comes to town to highlight both international and Asia-Pacific works across a diverse range of galleries and museums. 

However, the end of March in Hong Kong is a crucial time of the month to pay attention to as travel becomes slightly more unpredictable and expensive thanks to the arrival of the Hong Kong Sevens (and hundreds of thousands of spectators), sneaky hot and rising temperatures, all-consuming humidity, and increased rainfall. 

As one of the busiest and most social months of the year, March is the perfect time to visit Hong Kong for those who love hiking and exploring the outdoors, enjoy world-class art, literature, and performances, and want to experience the apex of the city’s energy and joie de vivre. 

P.S. The feature image is from Sun Kwai Heung BBQ Food in Chai Wan – one of my favorite Cantonese BBQ (siu mei) spots in the city.

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you’re looking for a more seasonal breakdown of what you can expect when visiting Hong Kong, make sure to check out my comprehensive guide ‘When is the Best Time to Visit Hong Kong?’. 

Navigating the Rugby Sevens in March in Hong Kong

A look at the Kai Tak Sports Stadium courtesy of the Hong Kong Sevens’ Facebook page.

Let’s first get the biggest potential hurdle, source of excitement, and everything in between out of the way so that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into should you visit Hong Kong at the end of March. 

Since 1976, Hong Kong has operated as one of the premier stops along the beloved World Rugby Sevens Series competition tour. It spans 3 days, beginning on a Friday in late March or early April, and ending with the final (to crown the winner) on Sunday. 

Previously held at the legendary Hong Kong Stadium in Happy Valley (South Stand crew rise-up), this year sees the competition move out to the newly built Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon. 

The best way I can describe the Hong Kong Sevens is that it is a city-wide carnival, where spectators of all nationalities dress up in coordinated costumes, sing national anthems and conduct hilarious chants, party in the stands, and watch some of the world’s best rugby players pitch, fumble, and score (I still don’t really know the rules) in a fast-paced format. 

Maybe to keep things simple – it’s three days of non-stop rugby, drinking, rugby, drinking, and oh yeah, did I say “rugby” and “drinking?”

So, now that we’ve gotten a little bit about the Hong Kong Sevens out of the way, how does it affect your travel?

Besides Wan Chai, Lan Kwai Fong is another popular spot to keep the Hong Kong Sevens after-party going!

First, if you plan to attend, make sure to order your tickets online as soon as possible. Klook and Viagogo are the go-to Hong Kong Sevens ticketing platforms for single-day and 3-day tickets/packages. Tickets sell out fast and it isn’t uncommon for ‘black markets’ to pop up, commanding anywhere from face value up to 100% mark-up!

Second, hotels generally increase prices the week before and during the Hong Kong Sevens. However, many offer specific Hong Kong Sevens hotel packages, which are generally discounted for 3-night stays and include transportation to the stadium, welcome drinks, and even tickets to the tournament. 

Since the Hong Kong Sevens has moved to Kai Tak Sports Stadium in Kowloon this year, for those wanting easy metro access, I recommend staying close to Central on Hong Kong Island, such as in Central, Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun, Admiralty, or Wan Chai, or in Tsim Sha Tsui on Kowloon. Both locations enable you to easily access the stadium via the Tuen Mun Metro Line.  

Kai Tak and its surrounding area, like To Kwa Wan, Kowloon Bay, and Kwun Tong are home to countless 3 and 4-star hotels. 

If you aren’t planning on attending the matches, it may be best to book your trip for the beginning to mid-March. Book hotels early as a precaution to avoid any sudden price spikes. Or, if your trip lines up with the dates of the Hong Kong Sevens, consider substituting activities, accommodation, and dining in major areas like Wan Chai, Lan Kwai Fong, and, of course, Kai Tak for spots like Kennedy Town, Tai Hang, and Mong Kok. 

Finally, if you, like me, plan to continue the after-party well into the wee morning, don’t forget to head to Wan Chai for libations, lechery, and camaraderie. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: Since it’s Hong Kong Sevens’ first year at the Kai Tak Sports Stadium, I’m unsure of what exactly the vibe is going to be after the game and if there are enough bars in the surrounding area that can absorb some of the spillover. If I were a betting man (oh wait, I am), I’d still bank on the after-party ending up in Wan Chai and even Lan Kwai Fong. 

Hong Kong in March: Best Things to Do

A view from The Peak in March.

I could go on and on and on about all the things you can do in March in Hong Kong. But for the sake of this post, I’ll keep it to several must-dos. I recommend checking out my other posts on Hong Kong for more inspiration, including:

• The Best Date Ideas in Hong Kong
• The Best Winter Date Ideas in Hong Kong
• The Best Hikes in Hong Kong
• Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Hong Kong
• The Top Things to Do on Hong Kong Island

All of the above will provide you with a fantastic baseline of where to start and how to maximize your time in Hong Kong. 

For me, March is about three things: (1) Hong Kong Sevens, (2) Art fairs, concerts, festivals, and literary workshops/performances, and (3) Hikes and outdoor adventuring. It’s a little bit of this, a little bit of that, a little bit of sunshine and warmth, a little bit of rain and cool temps. 

As I already covered the Hong Kong Sevens, let’s take a look at the other two. 

Art Fairs, Festivals, and Literary Workshops, Oh My!

A fantastic ska show at The Fringe Club Dairy.

The first week of March 2025 (1st-8th) begins with a bang thanks to the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, where over 100 international and local Hong Kong writers, readers, and artists congregate at venues across the city for panel discussions, book talks, lunches and dinners, readings, workshops, and more. 

Popular venues include the Hong Kong Jockey Club Studio Theater, The Fringe Club, and Wyndham Social. 

In 2024, there were nearly 200 total events, so it doesn’t get any bigger than this when it comes to creative excellence in the city…or does it?

An exhibit at M+ from many moons ago.

I love nothing more than tossing on a turtleneck, blazer, and a pair of reading glasses while sternly stroking my chin mid-conversation in front of a modern art installation I don’t exactly get the meaning or purpose of. You can do that too at one of many creative spaces or events held in Hong Kong in March. Whether you’re a visual arts aficionado, literature fiend, or live performance enthusiast, the city has you covered. 

The end of March (28th-30th) sees the rollout of the illustrious international art fair Art Basel and its 240 world-class galleries. 

Spanning countless market segments, such as 20th-century paint slingers, to revered contemporary artists, futuristic installations, digital art, and Asia-Pacific thematic works, the cultural dynamism of the region (and host city) is on full display at Hong Kong institutions like M+, Tai Kwun, and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. 

From the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, swing over via the promenade to Central Harbourfront to Art Central, a cornerstone event of Hong Kong Art Week showcasing top contemporary talent from Asia’s most eclectic and cutting-edge galleries along with distinguished international artists and creators. 

For a more subdued and self-guided “art tour” of the city, specifically the Central and Western districts, HKwalls should definitely be on your radar in the final week of March. HKwalls is an annual street art and mural festival that sees the city center, its back streets, and buildings transformed into vibrant, quirky, and expressive canvases for high-quality street art, murals, and graffiti. 

Central Harbourfront and the promenade – where many events, performances, and festivals are held.

Unfortunately, the legendary electronic dance festival Creamfields will not be happening this year – a breaking development that has many ravers Charlie Brown walking around town.

To soothe and recalibrate the eyes, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s annual Hong Kong Flower Show is sure to catapult you into the ‘floral Cosmos’ (the theme flower of this year). Intricately crafted and organized flower displays, landscape designs, and potted plants, encompassing all colors of the Skittles rainbow (and then some) shine bright in Victoria Park, along with handicraft workshops and activities, live music, and even a photo competition. 

Hikes, Day Trips, & Nature Conservation

While Hong Kong isn’t known for its cherry blossoms to the degree that Japan is, there are still more than a handful of places in the New Territories and on outlying islands to see small but vibrant displays of blooming sakura. 

February to April is the golden window, especially at Rotary Park in Tai Mo Shan Country Park, Tin Shui Wai Park, Lai Chi Kok Park, Shing Mun Riverside, Tai Po Waterfront Park, and the Kwan Kung Pavilion (Cheung Chau).

Just remember that different types of cherry blossoms will bloom at varying times. 

Another popular cherry blossom haven, albeit typically in February, is at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden in the New Territories. 

The 148-hectare farm and conservation haven on the northwestern slopes of Tai Mo Shan, built in a valley with woodlands, streams, vegetable terraces, and other organic agriculture boasts 8km of self-guided walking trails, environmental and sustainability education stations, themed viewpoints, flora and fauna exhibits (like the famous Pui Pui the crocodile), and other natural heritage sites. 

Kadoorie Farm is the perfect escape from the dense, hectic city center and a one-of-a-kind site that reveals a lesser-seen side of Hong Kong. 

A view out on Cheung Chau – near the Po Tsai Pirate Cave.

Pleasant yet not overbearing weather, on either end of the spectrum, makes day trips to one of Hong Kong’s five major outlying islands for walks, fresh seafood, and geological formation exploration a must-do.

Cheung Chau is by far my favorite island thanks to the Po Tsai Pirate Cave and iconic New Baccarat Seafood Restaurant along its ‘seafood street’ (near the ferry terminal). However, both Lamma Island and Peng Chau provide distinct, relaxed (Bohemian), and off-the-beaten-track vibes that will keep you exploring the entire day. 

And while not technically an outlying island, Tai O Fishing Village (and promenade) on Lantau Island is an anachronistic time capsule of traditional fare and snacks, sustenance, and lifestyle – exemplified best by its stilted houses and 1902 constructed Heritage Hotel. 

Don’t forget to head up the scenic Fu Shan Viewing Point along the Tai O Country Trail for sunset views. 

To make it a whole day trip, first head to Tung Chung where you can take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car to the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha). Panoramic views, a 112-foot-tall bronze Buddha statue, and a tranquil, colorful Buddhist monastery make for an extremely memorable day. 

I’m a regular out in Sai Kung as my Old Man has lived there for the last 10 years or so.

Finally, work up a sweat by hiking at one of the city’s 24 country parks or other countless trails. Roughly 80% of the land in Hong Kong is uninhabitable, meaning the city isn’t the concrete jungle you probably expected (to some degree). 

Hikes like The Peak (including High West), The Twins (including Violet Hill), Lion Rock, Sunset Peak, Buffalo Hill, and Dragon’s Back never disappoint. I break it all down for you in this post on my top hikes in Hong Kong. 

Trips out to Sai Kung, Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail, and the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir (aka the Thousands Islands Lake) all have family-friendly, leisurely hikes, and walks with picturesque water views.

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Curious how much your trip to Hong Kong might cost? Make sure to check out my post answering a common question I receive, ‘Is Hong Kong Expensive to Visit?’. I break down daily and weekly expenses for everything under the sun. 

Hong Kong Weather in March

Ap Lei Pai is one of those hikes that you can’t do any other time of the year except in winter and the beginning of Spring.

In Hong Kong in March, that’s when you’ll start to get a glimpse of the warmer months to come, especially at the end of the month when Spring officially begins. 

Year after year, March in Hong Kong continues to get hotter and hotter, with average March highs typically clocking in anywhere from 21°C (70°F) to 25°C (77°F). The end of the month can see highs soar up to 28°C or even higher. 

In 2024, Hong Kong saw record highs, never before experienced in the city in March, reaching 31°C (88°F) on its hottest day. Yikes. Humidity is usually a non-factor though, except for occasional spells as it gets closer to April. 

However, you aren’t out of the weeds just yet when it comes to the cold, as temperatures can still drop down to less-than-ideal lows, especially in the early morning and late night. Average March lows in Hong Kong range from 16°C (60°F)  to 19°C (66°F), with some nights even getting down to as low as 12°C (55°F).   

March’s dynamic weather in Hong Kong is no better summed up than by saying that the previous year’s record March high came just one week after its coldest start to the month in roughly 10 years. 

Rain isn’t a major concern in March. But it’s also not NOT a concern. Double negative? March is the tail end of the dry season in Hong Kong, so the first several weeks of the month generally see no more than 1 or 2 inches of rain, while the latter half picks up considerably. 

The good news is your vacation won’t be ruined as ‘Typhoon Season’ doesn’t officially begin until May. There is, however, a glaring lingering of fog and mist, so views from atop The Peak and other mountains may not be “views” at all. Rather, it may look like something out of Steven King’s The Mist. 

So, as you can tell, things ebb and flow. 

With the latter half of March leading to occasional unpredictable or “rained out” days, don’t forget to read my post tackling my top rainy day activities in Hong Kong. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Looking for a little Hong Kong travel inspiration? I gotchu covered, fam. Check out my post breaking down 30+ fun and surprising facts about Hong Kong. Number 5 and number 29 are my favorites. 

What to Wear in Hong Kong in March

Another one of my favorite hikes is Buffalo Hill.

Pack clothes for every and all types of weather in March in Hong Kong.

That means t-shirts, athletic shorts, casual shorts, blouses, dresses, skirts, dress shoes, hiking shoes, and everything in between. Layers will be your best friend. 

You’ll notice many locals still walking around bundled up, so if you’re from a subtropical or tropical climate, you may want to double down on comfortable, warm clothes. 

Oh, and rain gear. Just in case. A tried and tested rain jacket and rainboots can go a long way toward turning a “Let’s stay inside” type of day into one of adventure. 

Not only will you experience an eclectic mix of activities, events, and shenanigans in March in Hong Kong, but you’ll also get to experience the weather equivalent – especially in the second half of the month. 

A hill that I will die on is that I am colder in Hong Kong during the winter months (including some transition months) than I am in my hometown located in the northeast of the U.S. And it simply boils down to the fact that heat rarely (if ever) exists in buildings in Hong Kong, while in my hometown, the heat is almost always on. The only times I’m ever cold in the northeast is for the brief moments I step outside. 

The problem with Hong Kong during the colder months is that indoor and outdoor temperatures can vary greatly, with the former getting quite uncomfortable. To avoid feeling like a prisoner to your accommodation and its potentially cold(er) temperatures, I recommend bringing a sweatshirt, a pair or two of sweatpants or leggings (or pajama pants), and several long-sleeve shirts. 

Don’t worry though. Most 4 to 5-star hotels will have heat. Some 3-star hotels and other accommodations will have heat as well but unless you are staying at a higher-end property, I would cover your bases by packing as if your hotel doesn’t have heat.  

Pale Ale Travel Tip: I’ve traveled to and back to Hong Kong more than a handful of times and forgotten every major accessory under the sun. So you don’t end up being a huge bozo like me, make sure to check out my ultimate Hong Kong packing list. 

Is March a Good Time to Visit Hong Kong?

In my humble opinion, March is one of the best times to visit Hong Kong because it allows you to “run the full gamut” of everything the city has to offer experience-wise. Anything you want to do, you’ll almost certainly be able to accomplish it. And you won’t find yourself choking on the heat and humidity found come summer.

Just make sure to keep the dates of the Rugby Sevens in mind when booking accommodation, as this can considerably drive up costs or be a nuisance if you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of thousands of drunk Brits, Australians, and French.  

If you bring layers and pack for unpredictable weather, I don’t foresee much (if anything) derailing your trip. 

For breakdowns of all other months in Hong Kong, you can find them here:

• Visiting Hong Kong in February
• Visiting Hong Kong in April
• Visiting Hong Kong in May

If you have any questions about traveling to Hong Kong, including where to stay, what to eat and drink, and how to maximize your time in the city, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at info@palealetravel.com. 

I also provide customized Hong Kong itineraries based on what you’re looking to get out of your trip, so reach out for pricing if this is something that interests you. 

Travel well everyone,

Big Body