Kowloon - Things to Do in Kowloon in November

Things to Do in Kowloon in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Kowloon

24°C (76°F) High Temp
20°C (68°F) Low Temp
0 mm (0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect post-monsoon weather with clear skies but manageable humidity at 70% - ideal for walking the dense street markets without feeling overwhelmed
  • Cooler evenings (20°C/68°F) make rooftop dining and night markets genuinely comfortable instead of sweltering
  • Minimal rainfall (0mm) means outdoor activities like hiking Lion Rock or exploring temple complexes won't be disrupted by sudden downpours
  • Pre-Christmas shoulder season keeps accommodation prices 30-40% lower than December peak while attractions remain less crowded

Considerations

  • UV index of 8 requires serious sun protection during midday temple visits and outdoor market browsing - locals retreat indoors 11am-3pm
  • 10 rainy days means unpredictable afternoon showers can still disrupt outdoor plans despite low total rainfall
  • Higher humidity (70%) makes air conditioning essential in accommodations and can feel oppressive when combined with urban heat island effect

Best Activities in November

Temple Complex Photography Tours

November's clear post-monsoon air creates exceptional visibility for capturing temple architecture and mountain backdrops. The 20°C (68°F) evening temperatures make golden hour shoots comfortable, while morning mist adds dramatic effect to temple courtyards. Perfect lighting conditions occur daily 6-8am and 5-7pm.

Booking Tip: Book temple tours 7-10 days ahead through certified cultural guides. Expect to pay HK$800-1,200 for half-day tours including transportation. Look for operators offering early morning or late afternoon timing to avoid midday heat. See current temple tour options in booking section below.

Rooftop Bar and Night Market Circuits

November evenings drop to a perfect 20°C (68°F), making rooftop venues genuinely comfortable instead of stifling. Night markets become pleasant to browse without excessive sweating, and the clear air offers better harbor views. Temple Street and Ladies' Market are at their most enjoyable during these cooler evening hours.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for night markets, but rooftop bars may require reservations on weekends. Budget HK$200-400 for drinks at sky bars, HK$50-150 for night market meals. Peak hours are 7-10pm when temperatures are most comfortable.

Harbor Ferry and Waterfront Walking Tours

Cool November mornings (20°C/68°F) and minimal rainfall make the Star Ferry crossing and waterfront promenades ideal. Clear post-monsoon skies offer unobstructed views of Hong Kong Island skyline. The Avenue of Stars and Cultural Centre area are perfect for extended walks without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Star Ferry runs every 6-12 minutes, no booking required (HK$3-5 per crossing). Walking tours cost HK$300-500 and should be booked for morning departure (8-11am) to avoid afternoon heat. See current harbor tour options in booking section below.

Dim Sum and Food Market Exploration

November's comfortable temperatures make indoor/outdoor food venues equally appealing. Traditional tea houses are less crowded than peak season, while wet markets and street food areas are more pleasant to navigate. Morning dim sum culture aligns perfectly with the cooler early hours.

Booking Tip: Most dim sum restaurants accept walk-ins, but premium venues require 2-3 days notice. Food tours run HK$600-900 for 3-4 hours including tastings. Book morning tours (9am-12pm) when temperatures are coolest and food is freshest.

Lion Rock and Hiking Trail Exploration

Post-monsoon clarity offers spectacular views from Lion Rock (495m/1,624ft) with minimal rain risk. November's lower humidity (70% vs 85% in summer) makes the steep ascent manageable. Clear skies provide perfect conditions for panoramic photography of Kowloon sprawl below.

Booking Tip: No booking required for trails, but guided hikes cost HK$400-600 for half-day excursions. Start early (7-9am) to complete ascent before midday heat. Bring 2L water minimum and SPF 50+ sunscreen due to UV index of 8. See current hiking tour options in booking section below.

Museum and Indoor Cultural Experiences

November's 10 rainy days make indoor attractions valuable backup plans. The cooler weather also makes transitioning between air-conditioned spaces more comfortable. Museums are less crowded than peak winter season while maintaining full programming schedules.

Booking Tip: Major museums offer online booking 1-2 weeks ahead for special exhibitions. General admission ranges HK$30-100. Plan indoor activities for rainy afternoons or midday heat breaks (11am-3pm). Many offer combined tickets for multiple venues.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Hong Kong International Film Festival Industry Showcase

Industry screenings and networking events throughout Kowloon cinemas. Offers insight into Asian cinema culture with English subtitles available for most films. More intimate than the spring festival with easier ticket access.

Early to Mid November

Diwali Celebrations in Chungking Mansions

Authentic celebrations in Kowloon's South Asian community hub. Street decorations, traditional sweets, and cultural performances. Less touristy than organized festivals - experience genuine community celebration.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or cotton blend layers - humidity at 70% makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable and sticky
SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index of 8 can cause burns within 15 minutes during midday temple visits
Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - 10 rainy days mean sudden afternoon showers despite minimal total rainfall
Comfortable walking shoes with breathable mesh - you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily on concrete and uneven surfaces
Portable battery pack - higher usage from photography in clear November weather drains phones faster
Light cotton scarf - for temple dress codes and air-conditioned spaces contrast with outdoor humidity
Electrolyte tablets or powder - sweating in 70% humidity requires more mineral replacement than expected
Quick-dry clothing for 1-2 outfit changes - humidity makes clothes feel damp even without rain
Insect repellent - post-monsoon conditions bring mosquitoes to outdoor night markets and temple grounds
Cash in small denominations - many street vendors and local transport still prefer HK$10-50 bills over cards

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid outdoor activities 11am-3pm in November despite cooler temperatures - follow their lead and plan indoor breaks during peak UV hours
November is prime apartment viewing season for expats, so quality short-term rentals book 3-4 weeks ahead as temporary housing for relocating families
Post-typhoon season infrastructure inspections mean some hiking trails and waterfront walkways may have temporary closures - check government websites day-of
November's clear air reveals pollution levels that summer humidity masks - sensitive individuals should monitor Air Quality Index and plan accordingly

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure because temperatures feel moderate - UV index of 8 still causes burns, especially reflected off harbor water and concrete
Packing only for dry weather despite 10 rainy days - sudden afternoon showers catch tourists without rain protection regularly
Scheduling too many outdoor activities midday when locals retreat indoors - morning and evening plans work better even in 'cooler' November weather

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