Summer is here, baby! If you’re in Hong Kong during June, July, August, and September, you may want to find activities to escape the hot, humid, and sometimes unstable weather. Luckily, there are many cool things to do in the city. From visiting hidden waterfalls and rock pools to going on a junk boat or chilling by a luxury hotel pool, it’s time to chill out, relax, and make the most out of the weather!
Head to the Beaches
Nothing screams “summer vibe” more than beaches, and luckily, Hong Kong’s concrete jungle boasts a vast natural side, including beautiful beaches on Hong Kong Island, New Territories, and outlying islands. Public beaches managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), like the popular Repulse Bay, provide facilities such as changing rooms, showers, and BBQ pits. In contrast, more secluded, non-public beaches like Long Ke Wan, also known as the “Maldives of Hong Kong,” are harder to access but feature a natural setting. Many of these beaches are also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along!
Where: Read our guide for the best beaches to visit during summer in Hong Kong
Hike to Waterfalls
If getting lost in the green mountains is more your summer vibe, pack your backpack and hiking shoes and explore our waterfall picks in Hong Kong. With the city’s lush hills and tropical weather, you’ll find numerous natural hidden wonders across the city, from Silvermine Waterfall on Lantau Island to Sheung Luk Stream in Sai Kung. Don’t worry, not all of them require a strenuous hike; some are accessible via well-paved roads, making them super friendly to kids and pets.
Where: Read our guide for the top waterfalls in Hong Kong
Day Trip To Outlying Islands
Hong Kong is surrounded by a number of islands, 263 to be exact, where you can slow down and enjoy some peaceful time away from the chaos. Remote gems like Tung Ping Chau at UNESCO Global Geopark features unique rock formations, while popular destinations such as Lamma Island and Lantau Island are filled with stunning beaches and hiking trails showcasing some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Take a day trip to explore these island paradises.
Where: Read our guide for the best outlying islands to spend a day in Hong Kong
Chill by a Hotel Pool with a Day Pass
If your idea of summer activities involves chilling by a luxury swimming pool all day and sipping cocktails, consider splurging on a day pass at a hotel in the city! Hong Kong has a great line-up of hotels offering pool day passes, letting you enjoy the poolside without booking a staycation. Whether you’re after panoramic Victoria Harbour views or an artsy pool, these day passes allow you to pamper yourself a bit – or a lot!
Cost: From HK$110-750 per person, depending on the service provider
Check Out These Public Swimming Pools
Want to stay cool in Hong Kong this summer without breaking the bank? The city has plenty of public swimming pools you can visit at very affordable rates. For just HK$17 on weekdays and HK$19 on weekends, you can take a refreshing dip. Even better, there are discounted rates for seniors, students, children under 13, and individuals with disabilities (HK$8 on weekdays and HK$9 on weekends). Plus, little ones under 3 can splash around for free.
Where: 45 public pools across Hong Kong
Cost: The regular fee is HK$17 on weekdays and HK$19 on weekends. Concession rates are available, and entry is free for children under 3.
Discover a Natural Rock Pool
If public pools and luxury hotel pools aren’t your thing, how about a natural rock pool? Escape the city and explore these incredible rock pools in the countryside. The well-known Sheung Luk Stream in Sai Kung offers a large natural pool, and the coolest part is that you can head to Ham Tin Beach afterward for a romantic sunset. Many of these spots, like Ping Nam Stream and Tai Tam Mound Fall, are located at the base of waterfalls, where you can cool off in pristine waters and enjoy being surrounded by lush nature.
Where: Read our guide for the must-visit natural rock pools in Hong Kong
Visit an Island by Kayaking
One of the best ways to cool down during summer in Hong Kong is through water sports, and if you haven’t tried kayaking yet, we highly recommend giving it a go! This family-friendly activity will take you to beautiful, hidden spots that are hard to reach on foot, like Yan Chau Tong and Bluff Island in Sai Kung’s UNESCO Geopark. From Stanley Main Beach, you can also enjoy the scenic views from a different angle. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner, kayaking is a fantastic, eco-friendly way to explore.
Where: Popular spots in Hong Kong are Sai Kung, Stanley, Lower Cheung Sha beach and Plover Cove in Tai Po
Cost: From HK$70 per hour, depending on the type of kayak, length of rental, location, and gears required
Go Wakesurfing & Wakeboarding
Two other popular water sports in Hong Kong are wakesurfing and wakeboarding. The biggest difference between the two lies in the boards themselves: wakeboards have straps for your feet for tricks and jumps, whereas skim boards that used for wakesurfing, don’t. From Sai Kung and Tai Po in New Territories, Tai Tam and Repulse Bay on Hong Kong island, to Tung Chung on Lantau island, most boat drivers are experienced in teaching beginners how to get started. Once you get the hang of it, it’s super fun, and you’ll want to keep going back – it’s a great way to spend a few hours enjoying the sea and sun!
Where: Sai Kung, Tai Po, Tai Tam, Repulse Bay, Tung Chung
Cost: From HK$700-1,800 per hour, depending on the boat
Try Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Hong Kong and scuba diving might not exactly be synonymous, but you’ll be surprised by the beautiful dive spots you can find here, especially around the remote islands off the coast of Sai Kung! It might not be as iconic as the Philippines or the Maldives, but you will find interesting sights include diverse aquatic life and even some mysterious shipwrecks. To give it a try this summer, several local diving companies offer PADI courses and fun dives.
Where: Most diving spots in Hong Kong are located around Sai Kung
Cost: From HK$500, depending on the number of dives, gear required, location, and service provider
Head to Water World
Located at Ocean Park, Water World is Hong Kong’s first year-round water park. With 27 attractions, including Horizon Cove, a wave pool with realistic wave patterns, thrilling slides with straight free-fall drops, and various other pools and slides, it guarantees a good time for everyone. Toddlers can also enjoy a dedicated water play area.
Where: 33 Ocean Drive, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Cost: From HK$ 168 on Klook
Grab an Ice Cream
When the temperatures tip over 30 degrees, ice cream becomes a necessity. Whether you’re in the mood for gourmet Italian gelato from Messina, Japanese matcha ice cream from Via Tokyo, or just a simple soft serve from the classic Mobile Softee ice cream truck to relive your childhood memories, summer in Hong Kong is the best opportunity to grab a delicious scoop (or two)!
Where: Read our guide for the top ice cream shops in Hong Kong
Shop Cute Swimsuits
Before heading to the beach or pool this summer, updating your swimsuit and beachwear is a must to make sure you look good. Shop online or locally in Hong Kong for everyone in the family, so you can show off your personal style or even get matchy-matchy with your kids.
Where: Read our guide for the top places to buy swimwear in Hong Kong
Join a Concert & Music Festival
Hong Kong welcomes international superstars as well as indie artists to perform all year round, and there’s no better way to enjoy the hot weather than with a concert or good ol’ festival! While two of the most water-filled festivals – Waterbomb and S2O have already passed, this summer, we can expect more K-pop stars like IVE, aespa, and (G)I-DLE hitting the city, as well as festivals like Ultra Hong Kong.
Where: Read our guide for the upcoming concerts and festivals in Hong Kong
Sip Happy Hour Drinks
What could be better than a cold draft beer or an Aperol Spritz on a hot summer day? Enjoying them with happy hour deals! From rooftop cocktail bars, hidden bars to casual dive bars, there’s something for every occasion in Hong Kong that will definitely help wash away those workday blues.
Where: Read our guide for the latest Happy Hour deals in Hong Kong
Watch Paris Olympics 2024 at a Sports Bar
2024 is a big year for sports, with UEFA Euro 2024 running until mid-July and the Paris Olympic Games following right after! Sure, you could watch it at home alone, but it’s much more fun to head to a sports bar in town, like The Globe in Soho and Inn Side Out in Causeway Bay. To fully immerse into the sporting spirit, grab a drink and cheer your team on with your mates!
Where: Read our guide on the best sports bars in Hong Kong
Join a Kids’ Summer Camp
Summer school holidays are just around the corner, so why not make sure your little ones have a fun-filled break with summer camps? From music and sports to arts and STEM, there are many choices in Hong Kong to suit your children’s interests. Let your kids learn something new and make new friends, giving you, as parents, some time for yourselves. Plan ahead!
Where: Read our guide on the best summer camps for kids in Hong Kong
Take Your Little Ones to DB Summer Splashtopia
Great news for parents! This summer, Kiztopia will bring first Splashtopia to Hong Kong, turning Discovery Bay’s Tai Pak Beach into a massive inflatable water park. With 9 play zones featuring water slides, rolling wheels, ball pits, and various water games, your kids are in for a treat. Don’t worry about comfort – changing rooms and covered seating are provided on-site, so you can relax while your little ones have a blast. Limited spots available.
When: July 13-September 1, 2024
Where: Tai Pak Beach, Discovery Bay, Lantau
Costs: From HK$258. Buy tickets on Klook
Read our guide about upcoming family-friendly events this summer in Hong Kong
Head to Summer Splash 2024 at Ocean Park
As one of Hong Kong’s hottest summer activities, Summer Splash is back at Ocean Park once again with over 90 thrilling experiences, from world-class stunt performances to water zones and action-packed obstacle courses. As night falls, an immersive multimedia show will light up the park, featuring new pyro effects that blaze across the night sky. It’s guaranteed non-stop fun for everyone.
When: July 6-August 25, 2024
Where: Ocean Park, Aberdeen
Costs: From HK$398 for adults and HK$239 for child (age 3-11 years old). Buy tickets on website
Read our guide about exciting events for all this summer in Hong Kong
Visit 100% Doraemon & Friends
Attention Doraemon fans! Get ready for a summer treat as the 100% Doraemon & Friends exhibition takes over the Avenue of Stars and Tsim Sha Tsui Harbourfront from July 13 to August 4. As one of the world’s largest Doraemon exhibitions, this event also celebrates the 90th anniversary of creator Fujiko F Fujio. You will find a comprehensive collection of manga art, movies, and never-before-seen life-sized sculptures. As a special bonus, catch an original animated short film created just for Hong Kong!
When: July 13-August 4, 2024
Where: Avenue of Stars and Tsim Sha Tsui Harbourfront
Costs: Free-entry zone available and general admission tickets from HK$120. Buy tickets on Klook
Read our guide about the 100% Doraemon & Friends exhibition
Stay Cool at Ice Rinks
Missing the winter chills? Ice skating could be an ideal family-friendly activity for summer. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skater, these rinks welcome everyone to cool off and perfect their twirls together. The best part? Conveniently located at large-scale shopping malls across the city, such as Festival Walk, Cityplaza, and Elements, these ice rinks are available for a spin even when the weather outside is unpredictable.
Where: Read our guide about the best ice rinks across Hong Kong
Enjoy Fun Indoor Activities
Summer in Hong Kong often means unstable weather, but fear not, we have plenty of indoor entertainment in town. When the humidity and heat make it difficult to enjoy the outdoors, these awesome indoor activities have got you covered, ranging from indoor sports like bouldering, surfing, and golfing, to art jamming and tufting workshops.
Where: Read our guide on the top indoor activities in Hong Kong
Looking for more summer activities in the city? Take a look at the following guides:
- The best things to do in Hong Kong
- The best free things to do in Hong Kong
- The best things to do at night in Hong Kong
- The best tourist attractions in Hong Kong
- The most beautiful places to visit in Hong Kong
Header image credits: Treasure Island, rheins via WikiCommons, Denys Gromov via Canva, Ultra Hong Kong
