If your cruise is calling at Hong Kong in November, you are arriving during a month many locals consider the most comfortable of the year. Explore our full range of Hong Kong shore excursions, or visit China Shore Excursions to see tours across every port we cover. This guide walks through the temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sea conditions you can expect for Hong Kong weather in November, along with what to pack and which sights make the most of the season.
Hong Kong Climate in November at a Glance
November sits firmly in Hong Kong’s dry, cool season, and it is often cited as the single most pleasant month to be outdoors in the city. Typhoon season has effectively ended, rainfall drops to some of the lowest totals of the year, and humidity falls well below the sticky levels of summer. Skies stay clear more often than not, and the combination of mild temperatures and low rain makes November a favorite for both hiking and sightseeing.
Many residents plan their own outdoor plans around November for exactly this reason, from weekend hikes along the New Territories trails to long harbourfront walks that would feel uncomfortable during the muggy summer months. For visitors, this local preference is a useful signal, since it points to a month when the city’s outdoor spaces are genuinely at their best rather than simply tolerable.
For a shore excursion, this translates into dependable conditions with little chance of a rain related disruption, comfortable walking weather at almost any hour, and some of the clearest harbour views of the year.
Temperature in Hong Kong in November
Daytime highs in Hong Kong in November typically sit between 24°C and 26°C (75°F to 79°F), with the first few days of the month sometimes reaching a warmer 27°C before temperatures settle into their more typical autumn range. Overnight lows fall between 18°C and 20°C (64°F to 68°F), and by the final week of the month the air can feel distinctly cooler, particularly after sunset.
This wider gap between day and night temperatures is one of November’s defining features, and it means packing a light layer for the evening is worthwhile even if the afternoon feels warm. Guests coming off a ship expecting Hong Kong’s summer humidity will notice the difference immediately, since November delivers a genuinely crisp, autumn feel rather than the region’s usual tropical warmth.
Is Hong Kong Rainy in November?
November is one of the driest months of the year in Hong Kong. Average rainfall sits around 25 mm to 40 mm, spread across only 5 to 6 rainy days, a steep drop from the wet season totals of summer. Most days pass with clear or partly cloudy skies, and when rain does appear, it tends to be light rather than the heavy downpours common earlier in the year.
Typhoon season is essentially over by November, so the risk of a storm disrupting a shore excursion is very low. This reliability is a major reason November ranks among the most popular months for cruise calls at Hong Kong, since itineraries can be planned with far less weather contingency than during the summer months.
Sea Temperature and Swimming Conditions
Sea temperature around Hong Kong in November cools steadily through the month, starting near 25°C (77°F) in the first few days and easing toward 23°C (73°F) by the end of the month. Swimming remains comfortable for most of November, particularly earlier in the month, though the water feels noticeably cooler than the warm bath like conditions of summer. Beaches such as Repulse Bay and Shek O stay open and pleasant for walking or a shorter dip rather than an extended swim.
Humidity, Wind, and Sunshine Hours
Humidity in November averages around 65% to 71%, a considerable improvement over the muggy conditions of the wet season, and it makes a full day of walking noticeably more comfortable. Wind picks up somewhat compared with earlier months, with a breezier feel becoming more common toward the end of November as northerly winds set in. Sunshine hours average around 6 hours per day, giving the month a good balance of clear skies and comfortable temperatures for outdoor sightseeing.
What to Wear and Pack for Hong Kong in November
Packing for a November shore excursion in Hong Kong is easy, with layers doing most of the work:
- A long sleeve shirt or light sweater for daytime wear, since afternoons stay mild rather than hot
- A light jacket for evenings, particularly toward the end of the month when temperatures dip further after sunset
- Comfortable walking shoes, since many of Hong Kong’s best sights involve significant time on foot
- A light scarf or extra layer if your cruise call falls in the final week, when breezier conditions can make the air feel cooler than the temperature alone suggests
- Sunscreen and sunglasses, since sunny days remain common throughout the month
- A compact umbrella, useful on the rare day rain does appear, even though most of the month stays dry
Hong Kong Weather in November Compared to October and December
Placing November between the months on either side highlights why it draws so many cruise calls. October still carries a touch of lingering summer warmth and a small residual chance of a late season typhoon, while December brings noticeably cooler temperatures and a sharper drop after sunset, particularly for anyone without a proper jacket.
November sits comfortably in between, with rainfall at its lowest point of the year, humidity well under control, and daytime temperatures mild enough for a t-shirt while evenings call for just one extra layer. This balance of dryness, comfort, and low weather risk makes November one of the most reliable single day windows for a Hong Kong shore excursion.
A Typical November Day in Hong Kong
Mornings in Hong Kong in November tend to start crisp and clear, with comfortable temperatures that make an early departure toward Victoria Peak or a hiking trail particularly appealing. Afternoons warm slightly but rarely become uncomfortable, and skies generally stay clear well into the evening. As the sun sets, temperatures drop more noticeably than in October, so an evening harbourfront walk or dinner is best enjoyed with a light layer on hand.
This pattern suits itineraries that make full use of the mild daytime hours for walking heavy stops, saving a warmer indoor activity or a harbourfront dinner for the cooler evening.
Events and Festivals in November
November is one of Hong Kong’s busiest months for events, giving cruise passengers an extra reason to plan around a specific call date.
Taste Around Town. Running through November as an extension of the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, Taste Around Town features special menus, tastings, and discounts at hundreds of restaurants and bars across the city, making it easy to build a food focused evening into any port day.
Clockenflap. Hong Kong’s largest music and arts festival typically lands in late November or early December at the Central Harbourfront, drawing international acts alongside a strong lineup of Asian artists. Cruise passengers whose call overlaps with the festival dates can often catch daytime activity around the harbourfront even without attending the ticketed event.
Hong Kong International Boat Show. Held toward the end of November, this waterfront event showcases yachts and marine leisure products and adds an extra point of interest for travelers walking the Central Harbourfront.
Oxfam Trailwalker. A well known charity trekking event along the MacLehose Trail typically takes place in mid November, bringing extra foot traffic to Hong Kong’s country parks and hiking trails. Travelers planning a hike around this date may want to check the event schedule in advance.
Early Christmas illuminations. Toward the very end of November, Hong Kong begins switching on its Christmas lights and decorations across Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and several major malls. Cruise passengers calling in the final days of the month sometimes catch the first stretch of the city’s festive display, well ahead of the busier December crowds.
Best Things to Do in Hong Kong in November
Victoria Peak and Autumn Hiking Trails
November’s dry, clear air makes it one of the best months of the year for the view from Victoria Peak, with visibility often at its sharpest thanks to low humidity and minimal cloud cover. The cooler temperatures also make Hong Kong’s network of hiking trails, including Dragon’s Back and sections of the MacLehose Trail, considerably more comfortable than during the hotter months.
Big Buddha and Ngong Ping, Lantau Island
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car and the Tian Tan Buddha benefit from November’s mild, dry conditions, with the outdoor climb to the Buddha noticeably easier in the cooler air. Po Lin Monastery and the surrounding Ngong Ping village round out a half day that pairs scenery with cultural sightseeing.
Star Ferry and Victoria Harbour
A crossing of Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry remains one of the best value experiences in the city, and November’s clear skies make for excellent skyline photography. The nightly Symphony of Lights show over the harbour is another easy addition for cruise passengers with an evening in port.
Repulse Bay and Stanley Market
Repulse Bay offers a quieter, more relaxed stop on Hong Kong Island’s south side, with sea conditions still comfortable for a shorter swim earlier in the month. Nearby Stanley Market pairs well with a beach visit, offering casual shopping and waterfront dining a short distance away.
Man Mo Temple and Old Town Central
Man Mo Temple and the surrounding lanes of Old Town Central make for a comfortable half day of walking in November’s mild weather, taking in antique shops, colonial era architecture, and one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most atmospheric temples.
Local Food to Try in Hong Kong in November
November’s cooler evenings make it an especially good month for Hong Kong’s food scene, and Taste Around Town adds an extra layer of variety throughout the month. Hot pot becomes a popular choice as temperatures ease, alongside classic dishes such as roast goose, char siu, and dim sum found across the city’s restaurants and local eateries. Harbourfront dining is particularly appealing this time of year, since the cooler air makes outdoor seating far more comfortable than during the humid summer months. Travelers with limited time in port can combine a dim sum lunch with a walk through a local market for a quick, memorable introduction to the city’s food culture.
Sample One Day Hong Kong Itinerary for Cruise Passengers
A typical November day for cruise passengers might begin with an early trip to Victoria Peak, taking advantage of the month’s clearest morning visibility before the day warms further. From there, a Star Ferry crossing connects easily to Tsim Sha Tsui, where the harbourfront promenade offers an easy, scenic walk. Lunch built around dim sum in Central or Sheung Wan works well before an afternoon exploring Man Mo Temple and Old Town Central. Guests with a full day available sometimes head out to Lantau Island to see the Big Buddha, since November’s cooler air makes the outdoor walk especially comfortable. An evening stop at the harbourfront for dinner, timed around the Symphony of Lights show, rounds out a day that makes full use of November’s mild, dry weather.
Choosing the Right Hong Kong Excursion for Your November Port Call
With low rainfall and mild temperatures across the board, November opens up more flexibility than most other months for a Hong Kong shore excursion. Travelers who want sweeping views and clear photography should prioritize Victoria Peak or a hiking trail, since November’s low humidity and minimal cloud cover deliver some of the best visibility of the year. Culture focused travelers tend to favor a half day around Man Mo Temple and Old Town Central, where mild temperatures make extended walking comfortable at almost any hour.
Travelers who want a quieter pace often choose Repulse Bay or Stanley Market, both offering a relaxed alternative to the busier city center stops. Food focused travelers benefit from timing their visit around Taste Around Town, since the cooler evenings and citywide promotions make November one of the best months to build a shore excursion around a memorable meal. Whatever the priority, November’s dry, mild conditions remove most of the planning risk that comes with a single day port call.
Tips for a Hong Kong Shore Excursion in November
- Book outdoor stops such as Victoria Peak or a hiking trail earlier in the day, when visibility tends to be at its clearest
- Pack a light jacket for the evening, since temperatures drop more noticeably after sunset than earlier in the year
- Check event dates such as Clockenflap or the Hong Kong International Boat Show against your call date, since these can affect crowds around the Central Harbourfront
- Take advantage of Taste Around Town if your itinerary includes an evening in port, since many restaurants run special menus throughout the month
- Confirm your ship’s all aboard time before booking a full day itinerary, and build in a reasonable buffer for the return transfer
Frequently Asked Questions about Hong Kong Weather in November
Does it rain in Hong Kong in November?
Rarely. November is one of the driest months of the year, with average rainfall around 25 mm to 40 mm across just 5 to 6 rainy days.
What is the average temperature in Hong Kong in November?
Daytime highs typically reach 24°C to 26°C, with overnight lows around 18°C to 20°C, cooling further toward the end of the month.
Is November a good time to visit Hong Kong on a cruise?
Yes. Low rainfall, mild temperatures, and clear skies make November one of the most reliable and comfortable months for a full day of sightseeing on a shore excursion.
Is it humid in Hong Kong in November?
No. Humidity averages around 65% to 71%, a significant improvement over the muggy conditions of summer, making outdoor activity noticeably more comfortable.
Can I swim in Hong Kong in November?
Yes, though the water cools through the month. Sea temperature starts near 25°C and eases toward 23°C by late November, comfortable for a swim rather than a warm bath like dip.
Is there still typhoon risk in Hong Kong in November?
No. Typhoon season is effectively over by November, making it one of the lowest risk months of the year for weather related disruptions to a shore excursion.
What should I pack for Hong Kong in November?
A long sleeve shirt or light sweater for daytime, a light jacket for the evening, comfortable walking shoes, and a compact umbrella for the rare rainy day.
Hong Kong weather in November combines low rainfall, mild temperatures, and clear skies into what many consider the city’s most comfortable month, ideal for everything from a Victoria Peak hike to a harbourfront dinner during Taste Around Town. With typhoon season over and humidity at some of its lowest levels of the year, November removes much of the uncertainty that comes with planning a single day shore excursion.
If your ship is calling at Hong Kong, browse our Hong Kong shore excursions to find tours and private options built around your schedule.