So, you’ve travelled all the way to Hong Kong ready for skyline selfies, epic hikes and sunny harbour strolls… only to be greeted by grey skies, drizzle or a December chill that feels suspiciously colder than the weather app promised. Welcome to Hong Kong’s winter and rainy season. It’s not Siberia, but it will make you question your decision to pack only shorts and optimism.
But fear not. Hong Kong is a master of indoor fun, cosy hideaways and weather-proof adventures that will keep you entertained, well-fed and blissfully dry. Grab your umbrella, your warmest jacket and maybe a hot Hong Kong–style milk tea and let’s dive into the top 10 things to do when the weather refuses to cooperate.
1. Go on a Dim Sum Marathon
🥟 Rain outside? Steam inside. Perfection.
There is no better way to spend a rainy day than hopping from one dim sum spot to another, devouring baskets of siu mai, har gow and char siu bao until you reach spiritual enlightenment.
💡 Hack: Start at a traditional tea house like Lin Heung or Luk Yu, then move to the modern stars. Your belly will forget the weather entirely.
2. Explore Hong Kong’s Stylish Cafés
☕ Rain is basically free permission to café-hop.
Hong Kong’s café scene is booming with cosy interiors, flat whites and pastries that look like they graduated from art school. Perfect for warming up or drying off.
💡 Hack: Head to Sheung Wan, Tsim Sha Tsui or Causeway Bay for the best clusters of indie cafés and Instagram-worthy corners.
3. Visit Museums That Make You Feel Cultured
🏛️ Avoid the rain and improve your brain.
Hong Kong’s museums are modern, fascinating and absolutely massive. Whether you’re into art, history, science or space, there’s something for you.
💡 Hack: M+ and the Museum of Art are perfect for a full day of wandering. Bonus points if you claim you came “for the culture” while secretly enjoying the air-con.
4. Shop Like a Pro in Mega Malls
🛍️ Hong Kong malls are practically indoor cities.
Festival Walk, Harbour City, IFC… these places are so huge you can get lost for hours and forget the weather exists. They’ve got shops, cinemas, food courts and the occasional ice rink.
💡 Hack: Wear comfy shoes. You think you’re strolling but you’re actually clocking ten thousand mall steps.
5. Ride the Star Ferry for Moody Harbour Views
⛴️ Rain makes everything cinematic.
A drizzly day turns Victoria Harbour into a dramatic, misty movie scene where the skyline glows against the clouds. And the ferry costs basically nothing.
💡 Hack: Sit on the upper deck and let the cool breeze make you feel like the main character.
6. Warm Up with a Hotpot Feast
🍲 Cold weather is a universal hotpot invitation.
Locals love hotpot in winter. It’s bubbling, comforting and dangerously addictive. You cook your own meats, veggies and noodles in boiling broth while making loud, happy slurping sounds.
💡 Hack: Try spicy Sichuan broth if you’re brave. Sweat guaranteed. Regret possible. Worth it.
7. Try an Indoor Escape Room or VR Arena
🕵️ Rainy days mean it’s time for chaos indoors.
Hong Kong has some of the world’s most elaborate escape rooms and VR games. You can battle zombies, solve mysteries or scream in terror while your friends laugh at you.
💡 Hack: Book ahead on weekends unless you enjoy disappointment.
8. See the City from Sky100 Indoors
🌆 Stay dry at the top of Hong Kong.
Sky100 is Hong Kong’s tallest indoor observation deck and offers panoramic views without the wind, rain or existential dread of getting soaked.
💡 Hack: Go just before sunset for a two-for-one view: daytime glow and nighttime neon magic.
9. Have a Spa and Sauna Day
💆 Rain is the universe telling you to relax.
Hong Kong has luxurious spas and traditional bathhouses where you can steam, soak, scrub and emerge looking like you slept for twelve hours.
💡 Hack: Try a local foot massage. It’s relaxing and slightly painful but in a “my soul needed that” way.
10. Wander Through Temple Streets and Indoor Markets
🛒 Markets are still fun even when it’s pouring.
Temple Street, Ladies’ Market and Jade Market all have sheltered areas where you can browse trinkets, souvenirs and questionable phone cases while staying dry(ish).
💡 Hack: Bring cash and negotiate confidently. Rainy days equal better deals.
Final Cloudy-Day Thoughts
Whether it’s raining, drizzling or the winter chill has turned your ears into ice cubes, Hong Kong still delivers non-stop fun. The city thrives indoors just as much as it dazzles outdoors and with these activities up your sleeve, you’ll stay well-fed, amused and warm even when the skies are being dramatic.
So pack your umbrella, embrace the vibes and enjoy Hong Kong in all its cosy, rainy, wintery glory. The city shines even on the cloudiest days.
