Travel Preparation Guide for Hong Kong's Rainy Season and Typhoon Season

Hong Kong's rainy season (May to September) and typhoon season (June to September) may have some impact on travel. However, as long as you prepare in advance, you can still enjoy a safe and comfortable journey. Below are professional recommendations for these two seasons:

1. Understand Weather Characteristics

1. Characteristics of the Rainy Season:
2. Frequent Heavy Rainfall: Short-term heavy rainfall is common, which may cause localized flooding or traffic delays.
3. High Temperature and Humidity: Average temperature 28-32°C, humidity over 80%, feeling hot and humid.
4. Characteristics of the Typhoon Season:
5. Strong Winds and Heavy Rain: Typhoons may lead to flight cancellations, attraction closures, and public transportation interruptions.
6. Warning Signals: The Hong Kong Observatory will issue typhoon signals from No. 1 to No. 10 and rainstorm warnings (Yellow, Red, Black), requiring close attention.

2. Essential Items List

1. Rain Gear and Waterproof Equipment:
2. Foldable Umbrella/Raincoat: It is recommended to carry a light raincoat to avoid umbrella inversion in strong winds.
3. Waterproof Shoe Covers/Anti-slip Shoes: To deal with waterlogged roads and prevent slipping.
4. Waterproof Backpack or Sealed Bag: To protect electronic devices, documents, and cash.
5. Clothing Selection:
6. Quick-drying Materials Clothing: Prepare extra clothes to cope with humid weather.
7. Light Jacket: Strong indoor air conditioning can prevent discomfort due to temperature differences.
8. Other Useful Items:
9. Phone Waterproof Bag: Protect your phone when taking photos or navigating in the rain.
10. Portable Power Bank: In extreme weather, you may need to stay longer.
11. Common Medicines: Cold medicine, anti-diarrheal medicine, band-aids, mosquito repellent spray.

3. Transportation Recommendations

1. Flights and Airport:
2. Confirm Flight Dynamics in Advance: Typhoons may cause flight cancellations or delays. It is recommended to check through the airline APP or Hong Kong International Airport website (www.hongkongairport.com).
3. Reserve Flexible Time: It is recommended to arrive at the airport 4 hours in advance.
4. City Transportation:
5. Subway (MTR): The most reliable mode of transportation, less affected by weather, real-time information can be queried through the MTR Mobile APP.
6. Bus/Ferry: May stop operating when the typhoon signal reaches No. 8 or above, avoid relying on open-air transportation.
7. Taxi: Demand surges during heavy rain, use APPs (such as HKTaxi) to book in advance.
8. High-speed Rail and Cross-border Transportation:
9. West Kowloon Station: High-speed rail may stop operating during typhoons, it is recommended to confirm in advance through the 12306 website or station announcements.

4. Safety Guidelines

1. Typhoon Warning Response:
2. Signal No. 1: Normal activities, but keep an eye on weather changes.
3. Signal No. 3: Reinforce doors and windows, avoid approaching the coast.
4. Signal No. 8 or Above: All shopping malls, attractions, and public transportation are suspended, stay indoors.
5. Rainstorm Warning Response:
6. Yellow Warning: Reduce unnecessary outings, avoid low-lying areas.
7. Red/Black Warning: Immediately find a safe place to take shelter from the rain, avoid using elevators.
8. Outdoor Activity Precautions:
9. Mountainous Areas/Beaches: Avoid places like Victoria Peak and Lamma Island before typhoons where landslides or large waves may occur.
10. Thunderstorm Weather: Stay away from open highlands, turn off electronic devices.

5. Accommodation and Itinerary Planning

1. Hotel Selection:
2. Prioritize Downtown Hotels: Such as Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, convenient transportation and complete emergency facilities.
3. Confirm Emergency Measures: Ask the hotel in advance if it has generators and flood prevention equipment.
4. Flexible Itinerary Adjustment:
5. Indoor Attraction Options: Such as the Hong Kong Palace Museum, K11 Musea, IFC Mall.
6. Real-time Inquiry of Attraction Status: Disneyland, Ocean Park may close on typhoon days, confirm through the official website.

6. Emergency Contacts

1. General Emergency Numbers:
2. Police/Emergency/Medical: 999 (universal emergency number in Hong Kong)
3. Hong Kong Tourism Board Hotline: +852 2508 1234
4. Recommended Useful Apps:
5. MyObservatory: Official app of the Hong Kong Observatory, providing real-time weather warnings.
6. Citymapper: A transportation navigation tool that integrates subway, bus, and walking routes.

7. Insurance and Health Security

1. Travel Insurance:
2. Required Clauses: Covering itinerary changes, flight delays, medical rescue caused by weather.
3. Recommended Companies: AIG, Allianz and other international insurance companies.
4. Medical Resources:
5. Public Hospitals: Such as Queen Mary Hospital, lower emergency costs.
6. Private Clinics: Providing English services, need to make appointments in advance.

8. Mindset Adjustment and Backup Plans

• Maintain Schedule Flexibility: On rainy days, experience Hong Kong tea restaurants, street snacks (such as pineapple buns, silk stockings milk tea) or indoor cultural activities.
• Take Advantage of Rain Discounts: Some malls or SPA centers offer discounts on rainy days, check in advance.