Originally Posted By Faith I've already decided that if I take a vacation this year, around early Sept is the best time for my schedule for a number of reasons. The main question I've been pondering is where to go. Recently, I was inspired with the idea of going to Hong Kong- not just for HKDL of course, though that is a bonus. Anyway, I've been reading guidebooks and stuff that are saying to avoid that time period because it is really hot and rainy. So now I'm second guessing myself. I'm just wondering how bad it is and I'm not really sure where else to ask. Thanks!
Originally Posted By SuperDry It is *oppressively* hot and humid in HK during that time of the year. I've been to HK in September twice, and both times were quite impressive as to how hot and humid it was. I have quite memorable experiences both at the bird market and climbing the stairs at the Temple of 1000 Buddhas. Perhaps LindsayC could chime in and tell us about his experience, especially when he was up in a "tower" of sorts on Sept 12, 2005? I never tire of hearing about that one. But to answer your question, if that's the only time when you can get away and visit HK, I would not let the weather stop you. The last time, it took me maybe a half day to forget even trying to stay cool and just resign myself to being uncomfortable, sticky, and damp the whole day. Once I got past that point mentally, it wasn't much of a problem. There was only one thing I actually decided not to do because it was too hot (and that was to visit the lake recreation area at HKDL resort). Other than that, I just did what I wanted to do, knowing that in the evening I'd be back at my hotel and could take a cool shower and change into clean clothes for the rest of the night.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney Yeah, it ain't gonna be pretty, let's get that out the way now . But, one of the cool things about Hong Kong is that all the stores are heavy on the air conditioning, so when you walk down the streets you are constantly being cooled down by the stores . But yeah, it WILL be hot and humid but don't let it stop you from going especially since if it's the only time you got.
Originally Posted By Faith Does anyone know how the climate compares to Disney World or Japan (Tokyo or Nagasaki/Kyushu region) at that time of year?
Originally Posted By Mr X Well, hot is hot. I've spent entire summers in both Orlando and Tokyo and I can tell you that when a heat wave moves in it is BRUTAL in both places. On the other hand, it's a LOT easier to duck into a cool shop or restaurant in the heat than to find a way to stay warm in winter! We took a cruise from Miami to Mexico in June last year, and yes it was stupid hot...but it didn't prevent us from enjoying our time. We did however duck OFTEN into said cool shops (and you can do the same in Hong Kong). I wouldn't let it stop you, like SD said.
Originally Posted By katsmom Yesterday was 90 degrees which was nice, the humidity is what kills you though. Worse than FL IMHO. We have a copious waste of airconditioning here, so walking down the street can be very cool. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water with you EVERYWHERE you go and drink often. Keeps the heatstroke at bay. (I'm speaking from experience here.) Don't let the weather put you off though. Showers in the morning and at night help. And PLEASE, don't forget the deodorant!
Originally Posted By Loomis I went in September last year (10 through 17 I think), and I never found it too hot. It was humid, I'll grant you, but the rain was pretty heavy at times. Tropically heavy. It depends I guess. September will be cooler I'd imagine than July/August, but it depends. If you go a little later, you run the risk of running into typhoon season. It's an each-way bet... I always just find April/May and September are pretty good times to travel to most places in the world. Mild for the most part. Then again, Hong Kong is almost equatorial...
Originally Posted By Mr X >>Then again, Hong Kong is almost equatorial...<< Wow...didn't realize that! No wonder it's so hot. What other cities are around the same zone as Hong Kong (sorry, latitude? longitude? which is it? I can never remember!)?
Originally Posted By Mr X Looking at this awsome wiki map I'm seeing Bangladesh, Havana, and Honolulu all being similar to Hong Kong, sitting right below the Tropic of Cancer. <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/World_map_with_equator.jpg" target="_blank">http://upload.wikimedia.org/wi kipedia/commons/f/f8/World_map_with_equator.jpg</a> Neat. (I'm such a geek) I can understand why it's so bloody hot then! (and really glad I went at Christmastime lol)
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo On the same latitude (roughly) is Bombay, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, the Sudan, Dakar, Haiti, Cuba, Cancun.
Originally Posted By Faith OK, I won't let weather bother me. But I still need to decide if I really want to spend that $$$$ on airfare. *sigh* Sometimes it sucks to have so many expensive hobbies. (travel being one of them)
Originally Posted By jlghk I would like to make a few points here. July or Aug is the hottest month in HK. The highest temperature will be around 93F(34C), but usually it will not last more than two days. So in Sept, the temperature will be around 86F to 89F. I have been to WDW in late Sept. My impression is Orlando is hotter than HK in Sept. The best time to visit HK is Oct or Nov, the autumn.
Originally Posted By jlghk <<<<need to decide if I really want to spend that $$$$ on airfare. >>>>> Have you ever heard about a list called `50 places to see before you die'? HK is ranked 22nd. Try google `50 places to see before you die' you'll find out more.
Originally Posted By Mr X Interesting list... But I have to wonder WHY the heck Florida is #3?? I mean, I like Florida and all, and sure DisneyWorld is a big highlight as far as destinations are concerned, but geez...I'd put Hong Kong on the list above Florida! And a lot of other places.
Originally Posted By Loomis I think I found the right list, there were a few after all, but it was nice to see Sydney made the Top 10 (at #8). I've only been to about 10 of those listed there, but I'll be adding another 2 next year (New York and Florida, in addition to revisiting Vegas). I hope to be getting back to Hong Kong as well. Speaking of Vegas, I've stayed at the Luxor there, but I guess that doesn't count for the purposes of #34. Anyways, this is insanely off topic. I still maintain that September, at least last September, was relatively mild. Sure, it was quite hot the day I arrived at Sunny Bay, but no hotter than an Australian summer. The humidity is what kills most people (fogged up my camera more than once).
