Sea temperature in Hong Kong
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 5 beaches on the Hong Kong coast.
Best time to swim in Hong Kong
The sea in Hong Kong peaks in May, when the water averages around 29°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 26°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Hong Kong sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Hong Kong shows an annual mean sea temperature of 28°C, ranging from 26°C in winter to 29°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 3°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Hong Kong, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Hong Kong sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Hong Kong?
May is the warmest month in Hong Kong, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Hong Kong?
The coldest month in Hong Kong is typically January, when the water averages around 26°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Hong Kong without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Hong Kong runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.
What is the average sea temperature in Hong Kong?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Hong Kong is about 28°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Hong Kong?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Hong Kong, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Warmest beaches in Hong Kong right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repulse Bay | Hong Kong Island | — | — |
| Big Wave Bay | Hong Kong Island | — | — |
| Repulse Bay | Southern | — | — |
| Shek O Beach | Southern | — | — |
| Big Wave Bay | Eastern | — | — |