By Andrew Thompson
Spring is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit Hong Kong. There are dozens of things to do in Hong Kong throughout the year, but it’s in the months of March, April and May that the days become mostly dry and sunny, and the city starts to come to life as it gears up for the warmer summer months. The city is also known for its cultural events, and many of these fall over the spring months. These are often among the best things to do in Hong Kong at night, and they offer fascinating insight into the life and culture of the people who live there throughout. Regardless of your interests, though, if you’re wondering what to do in Hong Kong in spring, then these things to do should have you covered.
Things to do in Hong kong in March 2019
Weather in Hong Kong can be surprisingly good in the month of March, with beautiful blue skies and warm days, but it’s also not uncommon for there to be torrential downfalls. But the best part about the weather at this time of the year is that the city’s notoriously humid weather has yet to arrive, and without the unbearable heat there are several relaxing things to do in Hong Kong. If you’re looking to sample some local delicacies, you might still be able to enjoy one of the city’s best wintertime foods - clay pot rice. These are mainly served during winter, and dining with locals in a night market like the Temple Street Night Market in Yau Ma Tei is one of the best non touristy things to do in Hong Kong. A visit to this market is also the best way to start your trip to Hong Kong.
If you’re looking for things to do in Hong Kong in March, you’re also just in time to catch the last month of Freespace Fest. This is a free festival of arts that takes place from September to March at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade. You can expect garden poetry readings, various market stalls selling produce and arts and crafts, and live musical performances. These performances are often among one of the best things to do in Hong Kong at night, and they make for fascinating insight into local culture. You might also be lucky enough to catch the culmination of the Chinese New Year celebrations in the form of the annual Spring Lantern Festival. It’s a thrilling display of firecrackers, dragons and dancing lions. Immediately following this is the Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair, which features stunning dance performances.
Things to do in Hong Kong in April
April in Hong Kong is still pleasant - the weather is mild, but starting to climb, and there are days when it’ll become apparent that summer is on the way. There are also several fantastic things to do in Hong Kong in April, starting off with the Ching Ming Festival, which is on April 5th. It’s one of the largest events on the lunar calendar, and offers a unique look into some of the Hong Kong’s important ancient traditions.
If you’re more a fan of sporting events than cultural, you’re also in time for the famous Hong Kong Sevens. This annual tournament is one of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong for 3 days. The weekend of revelry, mixed in with some rugby, is a world-famous event that sells out months in advance. In 2019 the event will take place from April 5th to April 7th, and it’s easily one of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong each year. Hong Kong nightlife is legendary throughout the year, but as if to piggyback off the Sevens event April is often a rowdy time after dark. If you’re wondering what to do in Hong Kong at night, head into Lan Kwai Fong. Also known as LKF, this small square is a hive of activity with more than 100 restaurants, bars and clubs crammed in amongst each other. It’s not for the faint of heart, but worth a visit even if you’re not intending to party all night long.
Things to do in Hong Kong in May
May in Hong Kong is hotter than most other spring months, and it’s common to have days when humidity ticks up to uncomfortable levels. As such, some things to do in Hong Kong in May lean towards the indoors, but it’s still a great time to visit - it’s a common time for many international acts and musicians to visit, and there is also a selection of popular traditional festivals. In mid-May is the Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival, which includes a dramatic race and post-event celebrations, including a beach party on May 13th. If you’re a fan of cultural festivals, May is also the month of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, which has been celebrated for hundreds of years. Traditional bamboo structures, set up near Pak Tai Temple, lion dances, parades, and various other rituals all pop up for this festival. That’s not all for traditional festivals, though.
This is also the birthday month of Tam Kung, one of the protectors of the fishermen and seas. In 2019 it’s celebrated on May 12th, and you can expect colourful dragon parades, lion dances, acrobats, floats, and plenty of drumming. If you happen to be in Hong Kong for 48 hours during this busy month, and wondering what to do in Hong kong in 2 days, a visit to the heart of one of these festivals is essential.
May is also a great time to track down some iconic photographs of key locations in Hong Kong before it becomes too hot to explore the city for lengthy days and evenings on foot. This is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong alone, and a photography trip around the city will leave you with dozens of shots of the city’s most recognisable elements.
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