Hong Kong is HOT and rainy for what seems like most of the year, but it’s actually only May to September. It’s hot, sticky and oppressive and there is lots of rain and the occasional typhoon. Thankfully October to March are cool, dry and bearable.

An added bonus of the rainy season is when a Black Rain or Typhoon Signal No. 8 is hoisted - this is when everyone can leave work immediately or even better not go to work at all. So if you get up and its a torrential downpour outside, check the TV for the latest weather warning and plan to spend the day in bed or watching some DVDs. Check your child's school for their policies for rainstorm and typhoon warnings.

 
For reliable weather updates try Dial-a-Weather (1878-066)
or Website www.info.gov.hk/hko

Rain Storm Warnings

“Red Rainstorm” warning (indicated by a red cloud symbol) means heavy rains are forecast.

“Black Rainstorm” warning means schools, offices and public transport will shut down until the rain has passed.

Typhoon Warnings
The typhoon season is May to November.

Typhoon Warning 1
Hoisted when a tropical cyclone is within a radius of 400 nautical miles of Hong Kong. Most activities and work continue as usual until there is an increase in the signal warning.

Typhoon Warning 8
Signal 8 is hoisted when the typhoon is close to hitting Hong Kong. Everything is about to shut down, so head home. Schools and offices close and within the hour almost all public transportation will cease and MTR either close or scale down their service. Ferry services are also halted.