Honestly, if you're standing on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade right now looking across at the Central skyline, you've probably noticed it feels a bit... crisp. Not the freezing, bone-chilling cold people expect from northern winters, but a very specific kind of dry.
Hong Kong is currently sitting under the influence of a dry northeast monsoon. It’s basically the "good hair day" weather for locals because that legendary 98% humidity has finally taken a back seat.
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Right now, the mercury is hovering around 69°F (about 20°C), but the "feels like" temperature is actually pushing higher, closer to 76°F if you’re out in the direct sun. It's that classic subtropical winter trick. You step into the shade and want a cardigan; you walk two blocks in the sun and you're ready to peel off layers.
What the numbers actually mean for your day
The humidity is currently sitting at a remarkably low 49%. For a city that usually feels like a warm sponge, this is a massive shift. The Hong Kong Observatory has noted that relative humidity across much of the territory dipped below 50% around noon today, Friday, January 16.
If you’re checking the weather at Hong Kong now, here’s the breakdown of the current conditions:
- Temperature: 69°F
- Sky: Sunny and mainly fine
- Wind: Southeast at 5 mph (pretty gentle, honestly)
- Precipitation: 0% chance of rain
Basically, it's a "dry" heat in the afternoon and a "sharp" cool at night. The high for today is expected to hit 72°F, while the overnight low will dip down to 58°F. That 14-degree swing is exactly why you see locals wearing light down vests with shorts.
The Nokaen factor: Is there a storm coming?
You might have heard whispers about Tropical Storm Nokaen.
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It's out there. At the moment, it's lingering east of the Philippines, roughly 2,050 km southeast of Hong Kong. The good news? It’s not an immediate threat. The Hong Kong Observatory is keeping an eye on it, but the current dry monsoon is acting like a giant invisible shield, keeping the tropical moisture away from the coast.
However, things are going to change by next Tuesday.
Experts are tracking an intense winter monsoon that’s scheduled to hit southern China early next week. This isn't just a "cool breeze." We’re talking about a significant drop. By Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures are predicted to plummet to around 12°C (about 54°F). If you’re visiting, enjoy the sun today because the "real" winter is currently packing its bags to head south.
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Air quality and the "haze"
You might notice the horizon looks a little soft today. There’s been some light haze reported earlier this afternoon. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is currently at a "Moderate" level, with some stations like Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po showing slightly higher readings due to traffic and the lack of wind to blow the particulates away.
If you have sensitive lungs, maybe skip the intense hike up Lion Rock today and stick to the coastal walks where the air is a bit fresher.
Survival tips for the current HK weather
Don't let the "sunny" icon on your phone fool you into thinking it's t-shirt weather all night.
- The Onion Method: Layers are your best friend. A light windbreaker or a denim jacket is the "gold standard" for Hong Kong in January.
- Hydrate your skin: This 49% humidity is basically "desert conditions" for Hong Kong. Your skin will feel it. Grab some moisturizer at a Mannings or Watsons if you didn't pack any.
- Sunscreen is still a thing: The UV index reached 5 today. Even if it feels cool, the winter sun at this latitude can still give you a sneaky burn if you’re out on a ferry for an hour.
What happens next?
The outlook for the next couple of days is "persistently fine." Saturday and Sunday look like carbon copies of today—sunny, dry, and warm in the afternoon.
The real shift happens Monday night into Tuesday. Winds will strengthen from the north, and that’s when you’ll want to dig out the heavy coats. We are looking at a "progressive" cold front, meaning it won't just hit once; it'll get colder day by day until the middle of next week.
Actionable Insight: If you have outdoor plans, specifically anything involving the Peak Tram or a Junk Boat trip, do it before Monday. The visibility is decent right now, and the lack of rain makes it the prime window for photography. Once the winter monsoon strengthens on Tuesday, we’ll likely see more cloud cover and a much more "grey" version of the city.