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What to wear in Hong Kong is different than most other countries in Asia and therefore demands savvy packing skills for the visiting traveler.
From the uneven, narrow sidewalks, to the oppressive summer heat, to the wet winter months, here’s everything you need to know to find your style in the “Fragrant Harbor” no matter the season and build your Hong Kong packing list!
What to Wear in Hong Kong
Written by: Lisa Kazmer
Table Of Contents
Watch this video to discover TFG editor’s travel capsule wardrobe must-haves. They are versatile, chic, and timeless.
What Should I Wear in Hong Kong?
The most important factors in planning and packing for Hong Kong are the activities you’ll be doing on your trip AND the weather.
Always, always, always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a capsule travel wardrobe, which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.
Rebecca Minkoff Backpack | Linen Shorts | Ballet Flats
Hong Kong Style
Hong Kong is one of the most cosmopolitan and high-tech cities in Asia. It is a center for business, information, finance, freight, and trade. A myriad of international companies have their Asia-Pacific corporate headquarters in Hong Kong and this brings with it a steady stream of international expats. Locals and expats alike set a high standard for clothing choices.
Because of the business culture, money is a huge driving force and wealth is a virtue. There are a plethora of designer labels found in glittering ultra-luxe malls. If you are in the market for luxury brands, Hong Kong is the place to shop for them–tax-free and authentic.
If the real thing is not in your budget and you don’t mind haggling, you might consider getting yourself a “handbag copy” at one of the many outdoor markets (Temple Street, Ladies Market, or Stanley Market) or for a better bargain and higher quality, venture north across the border to nearby Shenzhen.
From elaborate carvings of feng shui ornaments to simple pendants and thick bangles, you’ll see the glimmer of green jade everywhere in Hong Kong. Believed to carry with it the energy of luck, wisdom, good fortune, and strength, jade is the most beloved stone throughout Asia.
Jewelry stores will certainly have jade pieces but for the best selection, make your way over to the Jade Market in Kowloon. Quality will vary widely here, so either do your research ahead of time or bring along someone who knows fair pricing and what to look for. Don’t be afraid to bargain! You may want to keep your Hong Kong packing list light so you can shop!
Here are some tips on bargain shopping around the world!
Shop J Jill: Regular XS-XL | Petite XSP-XLP | Tall ST-XLT
If you are traveling for business, know that locals tend to dress fairly conservatively in both style and color, favoring black, white, navy, and gray tones, so follow suit for your Hong Kong packing list. Working female professionals will often opt for a dress suit with black flats or a modest heel. Her accent piece in the outfit is often a piece of jade or a designer handbag.
Be sure to carry plenty of “name cards” (business cards) as they are liberally exchanged and yet another expression of wealth and stature.
Young Hong Kongers tend to favor a classic form of dress but never without a pop of color or a touch of quirkiness. Vintage, cartoonish, or even hip-hop influenced designs show personality and self-expression. You’ll find young and old alike wearing graphic tees and small boutiques sprinkled about the city selling accessories and fashion of this nature well within any price range.
Dressing for the Seasons
Thermal Top | Longsleeve 1 | Longsleeve 2 | Turtleneck | Denim Shirt | Jeans 1 | Jeans 2 | Jeans 3 | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Cardigan | Jacket | Boots 1 | Boots 2 | Bag | Beanie
What to Wear in Hong Kong in Winter
Weather: Chilly with occasional rain. Average temperature: 17°C/63°F, humidity 72%. Northeast winter monsoon winds can drop the temperature as low as 10°C/50°F.
Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Boot
Hong Kong may be a sub-tropical climate, but leave your flip flops, shorts, and tank tops at home in favor of long sleeve shirts, jeans/long pants, and a jacket if you are visiting in the winter months. Add your fall boots or a pair of warm shoes to your Hong Kong packing list, too.
Although these temperatures may not seem too cold, bear in mind that the air is damp and buildings in HK are not constructed to hold in heat. Pack a scarf to use as both a practical and versatile accessory.
Longsleeves | Shirt | Tank | Blouse 1 | Blouse 2 | Jeans 1 | Skirt | Jeans 2 | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Jacket | Blazer | Shoes | Boots | Scarf | Crossbody
What to Wear in Hong Kong in Spring
Weather: Warm, wet, and unstable. Average temperature: 23°C/73°F, humidity 82%.
Quince Cashmere Cardigan | Sizes XS-XL
A lightweight jacket, cardigan, or sweater is a must for your Hong Kong packing list. Consider water-resistant shoes and quick-drying fabrics. Dressing in layers is a must as weather will very greatly day to day as well as throughout the day. Leave the umbrella at home and pick one up in town as needed.
Tank 1 | Tank 2 | Shirt 1 | Shirt 2 | Blouse | Skirt | Shorts | Jeans | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Cardigan | Scarf | Sandals | Shoes | Hat | Backpack
What to Wear in Hong Kong in Summer
Weather: Hot and humid! Average temperature: 28°C/82°F, humidity 80%. Temps may rise to 33°C/92°F with humidity up to 90%. Monsoon season is June, July, and August.
Eyelet-Front Dolman-Sleeve Top
Your Hong Kong packing list should include loose fitting t-shirts and tanks made of breathable fabrics like cotton. Avoid lighter colors as you may get caught in summer monsoon rains. Opt for leggings rather than skirts or shorts as the humidity is very high. Alternatively, invest in some athletic chafe guard to save your inner thighs from the effects of humidity.
Know that if you hand wash your laundry, it may take a few days to dry completely; adjust your Hong Kong packing list accordingly.
Tank 1 | Shirt | Tank 2 | Blouse | Tank 3 | Short | Skirt 1 | Skirt 2 | Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Cardigan | Scarf | Shoes | Sandals | Hat | Crossbody
What to Wear in Hong Kong in Autumn
Weather: Warm and pleasant with clear, sunny days. Average temperature: 23°C/73°F, humidity 72%.
Autumn is the best time to visit Hong Kong since the cooler days will allow you to embrace the city on foot with ease. Wear shorts or long pants depending on your preference, paired with light, layered tops.
Here are some tips on how to dress for transitional seasons!
Hong Kong Geography and Climate
Victoria Harbor is a big reason Hong Kong has evolved from a sleepy fishing village to the famous city we know today. Like the deep waters that surround Manhattan, ships easily navigate this stretch of water and tourists can witness firsthand one of the most active ports in the world.
The harbor is flanked by the northern shore of Hong Kong Island and the southern coast of Kowloon, often referred to locally as the “Hong Kong side” and “Kowloon side”. This forms the lively “downtown” or core urban area of Hong Kong, which you will most likely spend a fair amount of time exploring as a visitor.
Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack
Hong Kong is compact and crowded, so keep it simple when it comes to what you plan to carry with you. Add to your Hong Kong packing list a messenger-style bag or one of these cute backpacks that will allow you to go hands-free.
Don’t forget to carry a small packet of tissues with you, as toilet paper is often absent in many public restrooms. This can easily be picked up from a corner convenience store upon arrival.
Here are a few other purse essentials for traveling in Asia!
Skechers Go Walk 4 Charcoal Comfortable Sneakers
Due to limited flatland in Hong Kong, prepare yourself for verticality. Your Hong Kong packing list should include supportive flat shoes that hug your feet comfortably to navigate the narrow, uneven, and sloping sidewalks with grace.
If you are visiting during the wet season, consider shoes and clothing that can endure downpours. Take advantage of escalators and overhead walkways when walking uphill (from the harbor toward the peak) as spacious cafes are harder to find here compared to other big cities.
We’ve got a list of cute walking shoes for sightseeing!
Dress in layers because the temperature can vary greatly between heavily air conditioned indoors and the hot weather outside. If you plan on visiting temples, show respect by avoiding shorts or sleeveless shirts, or bring a scarf to throw over your shoulders.
In Hong Kong—as in much of Asia—keep in mind that it’s quite difficult to find sizes larger than a US size 8. If you fit into this category, be mindful to pack what you will need.
This goes for shoes as well, especially wider sizes. If you need more options, the UK department store, Marks and Spencer, stocks larger sizes for both women and men.
Here are a few ideas on how to dress stylishly modest!
Because of the humidity and heat, locals prefer umbrellas instead of raincoats. When it’s not raining, the umbrella can be used to block the sun and will cool you down significantly. You’ll even notice older people preferring a tall umbrella with a rubber stopper at the end rather than a cane for walking assistance.
Save space and don’t pack an umbrella; you can easily pick up an inexpensive, decent one from Circle K, 711, or Watsons.
How to Pack Your Clothes
Packing cubes will change the way you travel. You can use them for your personal items and keep your belongings organized for your journey. We’ve designed our own brand of slim cubes with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything, including your jacket!
Watch the packing tutorial here or on our YouTube Channel!
We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
Do you have any additional tips on what to wear in Hong Kong? Comment below!
For more Asia packing lists, please read:
- 10-Step Packing Guide for Southeast Asia
- Thailand Packing List
- Packing List for Japan: Tokyo
- What to Wear in Singapore
Suggested Travel Resources:
I hope you enjoyed this post on what to wear in Hong Kong. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Author Bio: Lisa Kazmer is a yoga teacher, birth doula, writer, and traveler. After living in New York City for seven years, she relocated to Hong Kong with her husband in 2013; in 2014 they relocated once again to Singapore. Follow her travels on her blog: Lisa Devi Adventures.
I lived in Hong Kong for 7 years and this list is spot on. I would also encourage visitors to consider HK hiking trails and pack athletic gear for a walk in wood.
Hi, I am visiting HK end of April
What kind of clothes shall I bring?
Hi Min, April is during the spring season in Hong Kong, so have a read of the What to Wear in Spring section of this article for tips to help with what clothes to pack. Hope this helps answer your question. Have an amazing trip! 🙂
hello there!!
i’ll be in hk in aug.7 how’s the weather condition/what to wear? thanks..
Will be going on dec. 25! Can you suggest what to wear?
Hi Yana, thank you for your question! To get you as much feedback as possible, I have gone ahead and scheduled your question on TFG’s facebook page. Our readers have the best packing tips, so please keep an eye out for their replies from Wednesday: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/ Hope you have an amazing trip!
Hi. We will be in HK one week from now. What should I wear? How about the weather next week? Thank you!
Hi Meann, thank you for your question! The best tip is to monitor the forecast for your specific trip dates to ensure that you have the most appropriate clothing, you can check the forecast at weather.com! Once you have a general idea of what the weather will be like then have a look at the article for some tips for what to pack for! Have an awesome trip!
Hi, I and my husband booked a trip to HK next year of June. But reading this makes me feel bad. Knowing that June is not that good month to visit. Can we still go to Disneyland and ocean park?
Hi Aireen, thank you for your question! Let me look into this for you! 🙂
Okay, I hope you can help me out where other destinations we can visit for the month of June.
Absolutely fantastic blog, I like to read such blogs, this is an informative blog and now I know what kind of clothes I can wear during several seasons in Hong Kong. I will be on my business trip to HK this year and this will certainly help me for sure. Thanks to the author for sharing this.
Hi Amanda, thank you for your lovely feedback, so glad you found the article helpful!! Have a fantastic time in Hong Kong! 🙂
I am usually too warm, especially in a humid climate. I am wondering if lighter colors are acceptable for mid-late October. I have a mint green top and another in blues with some white. Both are pretty much impervious to wrinkles and wash easily. Do those colors seem all right?
Hi Patricia, thank you for your comment! If you normally wear lighter colours and you are comfortable wearing them, then you should be fine in late October! Have an excellent trip! 🙂
Wewill be there on the month of may, what should i wear then? What is the weather on the month of may normally ?
Hi Chelsea, thank you for your comment. Check the weather forecast just before you go at https://weather.com/. Also have a look at this article: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/packing-for-southeast-asia/ it may help you to start planning. Safe travels! 🙂
Will be travelling to Hong Kong this year and these tips are so useful. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Kim, thank you so much for your feedback! Glad you liked it. Have a great trip 🙂
Thanks for the information!
Very helpful:)
Hi Siby, thank you so much for your feedback! Glad you found it helpful 🙂
What about leggings are those a thing in HK?
Hi there, thank you for reaching out. Leggings are a great option particularly when the humidity is very high. You can learn them under a tunic top, dress or loose fitting t-shirts and tanks made of breathable fabrics. While sightseeing in other parts of Southeast Asia I wore a short cotton dress to stay cool and comfortable, but when it was time to visit a temple I threw on my leggings and wore my dress as a tunic with pants. Hope this helps. Have an amazing time! ?
I like different dress that suits in every occation
This was very helpful. Thank you!
Thanks Jody!
Hi Alex!
Useful article. Will be flying to HK on this Thursday.Keep writing yeah!
Thanks! Enjoy your trip!
I love most of your articles, but I have to quibble a bit with this one. Hong Kong is beastly hot and humid. I’m from Florida so I was pretty smug when I planned to move here. “No problem,” I said. “I’m used to the heat,” I said. I had no idea.
Your winter recommendation is good but the rest of the year, most of the outfits you show would induce heat stroke. The people you see on the street here in suits are dashing out of their air conditioned office to grab lunch. The rest of us wear skirts and sleeveless or cap sleeve tops or lightweight dresses, all in breathable fabrics. We carry large scarves in our bags because most restaurants and shops keep the temperature so cold.
I also carry a fan and a handkerchief to mop perspiration and hand sanitizer or baby wipes. I carry tissues, but mostly for my hands. Most toilets here have paper. The Mainland is another story.
For shoes, flats are good but they have to have padding and a good arch. We walk A LOT. Sadly, heels or cute shoes that aren’t super comfortable won’t do..
Just my $.02. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for your feedback Sharon! It’s hard to find the right photos online to convey all tips but we’ll do a better job next time 🙂
Yes I agree, Sharon, having lived in HK for nearly 3 years, the winter and spring advice is spot on. But in summer the heat and most important , humidity is relentless. You will sweat. And I mean sweat. No antiperspirant will hold it back and it will run down your back wearing those outfits. Yuk.
Cotton or breathable underwear is essential. And it will get wet. You will want to change them frequently. They will dry as you sit in air con but you will feel odd.
There’s no point in straightening irons either if your hair has a tendency to curl as the humidity will have it back to curly in no time. Either tie it up if long (and it keeps it off your neck so cooler) or embrace the curl!
HK is my absolute favourite place in the world. But you need to know how to cope with that humidity!
Thanks for the feedback Delyth!
Very helpful article as I am planning my holiday there in March. Is it still too hot in March or should I prepare for cold weather as well?
Hi Chuma, we always encourage you to check the weather forecast on weather.com for the most accurate information. Enjoy your trip!
What a great guide! I think I’m going to Hong Kong for a visa run from Vietnam in May and I can’t wait! This will be super helpful when I pack!
Best,
Sarah
Thanks Sarah!