Things to Do in Kowloon in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Kowloon
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temperature window for walking tours - 19-24°C (66-75°F) means you can comfortably explore street markets and temple complexes for hours without the oppressive summer heat. Locals call this the sweet spot before winter crowds arrive.
- Minimal rainfall with only 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) total and just 10 rainy days means outdoor activities rarely get disrupted. When rain does come, it's usually brief afternoon showers lasting 15-20 minutes, not the all-day monsoon situations you'd get in summer.
- November sits right in shoulder season territory - accommodation prices drop 20-30% compared to December peak season, and major attractions like Wong Tai Sin Temple and the Avenue of Stars have noticeably thinner crowds, especially on weekdays.
- Crystal-clear visibility for photography and harbor views. The lower humidity compared to summer months (70% versus 85%+) means you'll actually get those iconic skyline shots without the perpetual haze that frustrates photographers from June through September.
Considerations
- The 70% humidity combined with warm temperatures creates that sticky feeling where your clothes never quite feel dry. If you're sensitive to humidity, you'll notice it particularly when moving between air-conditioned MTR stations and outdoor markets.
- Variable weather conditions mean you're packing for multiple scenarios - mornings start cool at 19°C (66°F), afternoons hit 24°C (75°F), and those 10 rainy days are unpredictable. You'll need layers and a compact rain solution, which eats into luggage space.
- November catches the tail end of typhoon season - while rare, late-season storms can still develop through mid-November. The weather has been less predictable lately, so you'll want travel insurance that covers weather disruptions.
Best Activities in November
Victoria Peak hiking trails and viewpoint visits
November's 19-24°C (66-75°F) range makes this the ideal month for tackling the Peak Circle Walk or Morning Trail without overheating. The lower humidity means clearer views across Victoria Harbour - you'll actually see Lantau Island on most days, which is impossible during summer haze. Early morning ascents around 7-8am give you the best visibility before any afternoon cloud buildup. The crowds are manageable compared to December holiday rush, and you'll share the trails mostly with local hiking groups doing their weekly routines.
Kowloon street food market tours
November evenings are perfect for grazing through Temple Street Night Market and Mong Kok food stalls - the 19°C (66°F) evening temperatures mean you're comfortable standing around steaming woks without melting. The seafood stalls at Jordan area are particularly good right now as it's peak season for mantis shrimp and flower crabs. Locals pack these markets from 7pm onwards when temperatures drop, and the variable weather actually works in your favor - brief rain showers clear out tourists but locals just huddle under awnings and keep eating.
Outlying island day trips to Lamma and Cheung Chau
The calm seas and minimal rainfall make November excellent for ferry rides and coastal walks on Hong Kong's smaller islands. Lamma Island's Family Trail takes about 90 minutes with stunning coastal views, and at 24°C (75°F) you're comfortable hiking without the brutal summer sun. Cheung Chau's seafood restaurants set up outdoor tables this time of year - something they avoid during humid summer months. The ferries run reliably with minimal weather cancellations, unlike typhoon season when services get suspended.
Traditional tea house experiences in Sheung Wan
November's moderate temperatures make this the perfect month for spending 2-3 hours in traditional tea houses without feeling trapped indoors. The neighborhood's century-old shops along Hollywood Road and Tai Ping Shan Street are most comfortable now - these historic buildings lack modern air conditioning, so summer is miserable and winter gets chilly. Tea appreciation sessions pair beautifully with the variable weather - when those brief rain showers hit, you're already settled in for a proper gongfu tea ceremony.
Sai Kung waterfront seafood dining and coastal walks
November brings perfect conditions for the 45-minute journey out to Sai Kung - you'll want to arrive by 11am to walk the waterfront promenade before lunch. The UV index of 8 is still significant, but the 24°C (75°F) highs are manageable with proper sun protection. This is when locals head out for weekend seafood feasts, picking live fish from waterfront tanks. The variable weather keeps tourist crowds thinner than you'd expect, and restaurant prices run 15-20% lower than December peak season.
Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery contemplative visits
The comfortable November temperatures make this Tang Dynasty-style garden complex ideal for slow, meditative exploration. At 19°C (66°F) mornings, you can sit on the wooden pavilions overlooking the koi ponds without sweating through your clothes. The garden's design actually works better in variable weather - the covered corridors protect you during brief showers while maintaining open views. Weekday mornings around 9-10am see mostly local retirees practicing tai chi, giving you an authentic glimpse of how Kowloon residents use these spaces.
November Events & Festivals
Hong Kong International Races
Mid-November brings the biggest horse racing event of the year to Sha Tin Racecourse, drawing international jockeys and massive crowds. Even if you're not into racing, the atmosphere is worth experiencing - locals dress up, place bets, and the energy is electric. General admission runs around HKD 10, while premium packages go up to HKD 2,000+. The weather is typically perfect for a day at the outdoor tracks.
Hong Kong Cyclothon
This city-wide cycling event usually happens in early November, closing major roads including parts of Kowloon for amateur and professional races. Even if you're not participating, it's fascinating to see highways like the Cross-Harbour Tunnel completely car-free. The 50km challenge route and 30km ride both showcase Hong Kong from perspectives you'd never normally see. Registration typically opens months in advance and sells out quickly.