If you’re in Hong Kong in the summer, then our apologies. It’s hot, it’s humid, and you sweat pretty much 24/7. The air sits on you like a wet cloud. People walk around constantly fanning themselves, and you’ll find yourself wanting to bathe twice a day because your clothes stick to you like glue.
Summer is so sticky that people take solace in any place that is air conditioned — malls, supermarkets, libraries, even IKEA, which has become a popular place for people to “try out” couches and recliners, often for hours at a time.
What to do in Hong Kong in summer
However, there are ways to escape the heat, at least temporarily, without squatting in IKEA. If you’re just visiting, use this as a handy list of Hong Kong summer activities. And if you live in Hong Kong, this can be a time to catch up on your bucket list of things that you’ve been meaning to go do, but never got around to.
1. Join a junk trip
Summer and junk trips go hand in hand in Hong Kong, with boat loads of people ready to get the cool wind in their hair and some ice-cold beers down the hatch. People usually gather up a group of friends and charter a junk, but if you’re a tourist, what do you do? Thankfully, on sites like Meetup.com, there are regular junk boat trips that anyone can join. The boats typically head east to park up in pretty bays where you can swim and cool down in the South China Sea.
2. Go squid fishing
HK$295.00Book here
From April to September is peak squid fishing season. This means you can hop on a boat, blow away the heat of the day in the sea breeze whilst enjoying some freshly cooked squid that you caught yourself. Numerous companies offer squid fishing trips that typically include pick up from a pier (locations differ depending on the company), all equipment and an offer to cook any squid caught that night. No bait is used, but rather light sticks which attract the squid’s prey so it’s a fun experience regardless of whether you’re a fishing fan or not.
3. Embrace some rooftop views
Cool off from the inside out with refreshing cocktails while enjoying spectacular rooftop views. Check out our guides for the best rooftop bars and patios in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island. There are plenty of air-conditioned indoor options as well as outdoor patio recommendations if you want to soak in some vitamin D.
4. Take a cooking class
From dim sum to cakes and pies, cooking classes are a popular way to stay in the air-con, with more popping up all the time. To make something quintessentially local, you can try a small group cooking class that focuses on Chinese dishes or a dumpling making class — both of which include market walks. For something sweet, try out a egg tart baking class.
5. Try scuba diving
So it’s no comparison to, say, a liveaboard in Palau, but Hong Kong still does offer some decent diving, especially in the far-eastern waters of Sai Kung and beyond. If you’re certified already, then you’re all set. If not, this is a great opportunity to get dive ready. Luker Sports Club offers a 4-day PADI Open Water Diver Junior Certificate to help get you started.
6. Check out the museums
And there are a lot of them! Cool off at the expansive Museum of History, Museum of Science, or Space Museum, all conveniently located in Tsim Sha Tsui. Or head a bit farther out of town, to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin.
Hong Kong has a long list of interesting museums, so read more at our Guide to Hong Kong’s Best and most Unique Museums to decide which one to visit.
7. Cool down at a public pool
Public pools might not sound glamorous, but you’d be surprised to learn that Hong Kong has some pretty awesome public pools which they do keep impeccably clean. Some are straightforward lap pools, while some are family-friendly with splash pads and kids areas. Kennedy Town Pool is especially scenic with views of Victoria Harbour, while the Kowloon Park Pool has waterfalls linking the outdoor pools together.
All public pools have showers, change rooms, and amenities. You can even pay the entry fee with your Octopus Card and costs are very reasonable (typically around HK$20.00).
8. Go chasing waterfalls
HK has plenty of beaches, but don’t forget nature’s other refreshing offering — waterfalls. Thanks to its hilly terrain, there are numerous waterfalls to explore on both Hong Kong and Kowloon side, with some requiring more effort to get to than others. Silvermine Waterfall is located close by to Mui Wo, on Lantau island (a perfect excuse to check out some more of Lantau afterwards). It’s about a 20-minute walk to the waterfall from the start of the trail, but bear in mind the waterfall may not be very impressive if there hasn’t been much rain.
Sheung Luk Stream, on the other hand, has a large rockpool that makes for perfect swimming regardless of rainfall. Located on Sai Wan Beach in Sai Kung, you can either hike here (free, but more effort) or pick up a boat from Sai Kung Pier (around HK$180.00 but easy).
9. Hit the beaches
Pools or hiking not your thing? No worries, because Hong Kong has loads and loads of beaches to choose from. From the popular Repulse Bay and Stanley Beach, and farther to the more remote and untouched hidden bays around Tai Long Wan, a day trip to the beach can be as easy as a bus or taxi ride.
Pro tip: Make the most of your beach day with this Sai Kung Wild Beaches Adventure tour.
10. Learn to surf
HK beaches are beautiful, but they aren’t typically renowned for their surf. The best waves tend to occur in the cooler months or when a typhoon is on the horizon. Now, there is the option to surf all year round and in much safer conditions thanks to the folks behind Groundswell, HK’s first indoor simulated surf environment.
Using the latest Flowrider technology to create the perfect sheet wave, Groundswell is perfect for beginners looking to catch their first wave or advanced riders looking for decent surf without having to catch a flight. Refuel after an exhausting session at the on site restaurant, serving up delicious Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese flavors from the surf spots of Asia.
If you’d rather learn to surf on a real beach, you can book a private surfing lesson on Lantau Island.
11. Taste a local brew
Nothing beats the heat like a cold, cold beer, and there are many noteworthy local craft beers in Hong Kong. Tour guide company Humid with a Chance of Fishballs is one of the companies that runs a craft brew tour, where you visit three different breweries and get to taste more than a dozen different beers. Light snacks are also provided at each stop to make sure you don’t overdo it.
12. Party from dusk til dawn
Hong Kong has an incredible nightlife scene, including live music. Head out in the evening when the temperature dips (just a tiny bit) to find the city’s best jazz, reggae, rock, and more.
Dusk till Dawn and The Wanch, both in Wan Chai, are long-time patrons of the local band scene, with a raucous all-night party vibe.
The Fringe Club in Central is a bit more laid back or check out Dragon Fly if you want a fancier cocktail with your live tunes.
13. Visit the Outlying Islands
Whether for a day or a night, Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands are a great break from the sweltering, crowded city. A 30-minute ferry ride can get you to the likes of Lantau, Lamma, Cheung Chau or Peng Chau, all of which have quaint B&Bs, sandy beaches, and interesting villages.
Stay overnight at a hotel with an outdoor pool, such as Silvermine Beach Resort in Mui Wo, The Auberge in Discovery Bay, the Warwick Hotel on Cheung Chau, or the Novotel in Tung Chung.
14. Get wet at Water World
Buy your tickets hereNestled between the sea and the foot of the lush rolling hills of the south side, Water World is a thrilling water park that is perfect for beating the heat and entertaining kids and adults alike. With fives zones and 27 attractions sprawled out over almost 14 acres, the park has been beautifully designed to be environmentally-conscious and mirror the surrounding scenery.
The park puts on an annual summer party event which typically features special competitions, games, live events, and entertainment so it’s a great time of year to visit.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in July 2019. Last updated: July 2024.
