Things to do in Hong Kong in May

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

May is a less popular time to visit Hong Kong. The weather is usually very warm with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 78—82°F (25—28°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Hong Kong during this time. Some of our top recommendations: attend the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, explore the street art of Central and Sheung Wan, visit the Hong Kong Museum of History, and more!

Hong Kong has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Hong Kong. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Hong Kong in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Hong Kong? See our Hong Kong Trip Planner.
I'll never travel to Hong Kong without this trip planner again
Learn more
Don't take our word for it
Slide 1 of 6

Best events and things to do in Hong Kong in May

Top experiences in May
Attend the Cheung Chau Bun Festival
This annual event takes place on the island of Cheung Chau and is a celebration of Chinese culture and tradition. The festival features colorful parades, traditional lion dances, and the famous bun scrambling competition, where participants scramble up a bamboo tower to grab as many buns as they can. It's a unique and lively experience that offers a glimpse into Hong Kong's rich cultural heritage.
Explore the street art of Central and Sheung Wan
May is a great time to take a walking tour of the vibrant street art scene in the neighborhoods of Central and Sheung Wan. These areas are home to a diverse range of murals, graffiti, and public art installations, created by local and international artists. It's a unique way to experience the creative energy of Hong Kong and discover some hidden gems off the beaten path.
Visit the Hong Kong Museum of History
This museum offers a fascinating look at the history and culture of Hong Kong, with a wide range of exhibits covering everything from ancient artifacts to modern-day developments. In May, the museum often hosts special events and exhibitions that highlight different aspects of Hong Kong's history, making it a great time to visit and learn more about the city's heritage.
Take a day trip to Lantau Island
May is a great time to visit Lantau Island, where you can explore the beautiful natural landscapes, visit the famous Tian Tan Buddha statue, and take a ride on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. The island offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and relaxation.
Explore the markets of Mong Kok
May is a great time to visit the bustling markets of Mong Kok, where you can find everything from traditional Chinese goods to trendy fashion items. The markets are a vibrant and colorful place to explore, with a lively atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts.
Take a boat tour of Victoria Harbour
May is a great time to take a leisurely boat tour of Victoria Harbour, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and the iconic Hong Kong skyline. Many tour operators offer special sunset cruises in May, allowing you to take in the breathtaking views as the sun sets over the harbor.
Hike the Dragon's Back Trail
May is the perfect time to explore this scenic hiking trail, which offers stunning views of the coastline and surrounding islands. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels, making it a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Hong Kong while getting some exercise.
I'll never travel to Hong Kong without this trip planner again
Learn more
Holidays in Hong Kong in May
May
  • Labour Day (May 14)
  • Youth Day (May 4)
  • Labour Day Holiday (May 5)
Other notable holidays
I'll never travel to Hong Kong without this trip planner again
Learn more

Weather in Hong Kong in May

Temperatures on an average day in Hong Kong in May

The average temperature in Hong Kong in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 82°F (28°C) to a low of 78°F (25°C). Some would describe it as very warm with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Hong Kong, August, has days with highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 82°F (28°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 66°F (19°C) and lows of 58°F (14°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Hong Kong in May based on historical data.

Visiting Hong Kong? See our Hong Kong Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in May
82°F
highs
78°F
lows

General weather summary

Very warm with a gentle breeze
Feels like
48%
Chance of rain
0.241 in
Amount
12.2 mph
Wind speed
86%
Humidity
13.2 hrs
Daylight length
5:44 AM
Sunrise
6:55 PM
Sunset
28%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 82°F (28°C) and a low of 78°F (25°C), it generally feels very warm with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt and remember to bring an umbrella
I'll never travel to Hong Kong without this trip planner again
Learn more

Best attractions for Hong Kong in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Hong Kong has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Hong Kong that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Hong Kong for May.
Victoria Peak
1. Victoria Peak
4.6
(3784)
Mountain peak
Sights & Landmarks
Mountain on Hong Kong island (elevation 1,181 feet) known for its skyline & waterfront views.
Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier
2. Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier
4.5
(1202)
Ferry terminal
Transportation
Hong Kong Disneyland
3. Hong Kong Disneyland
4.4
(53643)
Theme park
Water & Amusement Parks
Famous theme park complex featuring 7 areas with rides, shows and welcoming costumed characters.
Tian Tan Buddha
4. Tian Tan Buddha
4.6
(15914)
Monument
Sights & Landmarks
Over 260 steps lead to this immense bronze Buddha, with a carved bell, museum & relics beneath it.
Whitty Street
5. Whitty Street
3.3
(3)
Tram stop
Transportation
Ocean Park
6. Ocean Park
4.3
(30354)
Amusement park
Zoos & Aquariums
Theme park with rollercoasters & water rides, a cable car & a marine park with animal enclosures.
昂坪360纜車站
7. 昂坪360纜車站
4.4
(1144)
Mountain cable car
Sights & Landmarks
Victoria Harbour
8. Victoria Harbour
4.6
(4139)
Nature & Parks
Marinas
Bustling harbour area with waterfront scenery & popular nighttime light & firework displays.
Lantau Island
9. Lantau Island
4.4
(500)
Island
Nature & Parks
Hong Kong’s largest outlying island includes Buddhist architecture, a sandy beach & shopping mall.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
10. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
Town square
Sights & Landmarks
Harbor & city-skyline views attract visitors to this modern waterfront path with a vibrant feel.
Nan Lian Garden
11. Nan Lian Garden
4.5
(1795)
City park
Nature & Parks
Tang Dynasty-style garden park featuring tranquil walking paths, waterfalls, koi ponds & a cafe.
Hong Kong Museum of History
12. Hong Kong Museum of History
4.4
(7729)
Local history museum
Museums
Large museum showcasing the history & culture of Hong Kong from prehistoric to modern times.
Chi Lin Nunnery
13. Chi Lin Nunnery
Building
Sights & Landmarks
Large Buddhist temple complex begun in 1934, open to the public with gardens, vegetarian eats & tea.
Mong Kok
14. Mong Kok
Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Mong Kok is a buzzing maze of narrow streets, known for shopping. Stalls with clothes and knick-knacks cram the vast Ladies’ Market, plants and colorful blooms fill the Flower Market, while Fa Yuen Street is full of sneaker and sports stores. Nearby, the Temple Street Night Market is a mix of curios, fortune tellers and food stands. Foodies explore the area's street food stalls, tea houses and casual eateries.
Hong Kong Park
15. Hong Kong Park
4.5
(1698)
Park
Nature & Parks
Park offering verdant gardens with water features, a conservatory, a playground & a squash facility.
Stanley
16. Stanley
Shopping
Historic Walking Areas
Stanley is a seaside village with a laid-back vibe, popular for day trips. Casual eateries and cafes line the promenade, on Stanley Bay. Nearby, Murray House is a restored 19th-century former barracks overlooking the water, with restaurants serving global fare. Vendors selling clothes, ornaments and souvenirs line the winding lanes of Stanley Market.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Hong Kong?

Get inspired for your trip to Hong Kong with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Planning a trip to Hong Kong?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play