janisj

I'll be in Hong Kong 20-25 March. I've looked at various weather websites so I basically know what normal temps/rainfall are. But 70ºF one place can be a whole lot different than 70ºF someplace else. Just how humid will it be? Will I need a jacket in the evenings or will a light sweater be enough?

There is one very dressy evening so I'll have "issues" trying to figure out what on earth to take for that event. But right now I'm more concerned w/ being comfortable during the rest of my visit.

Cicerone

I live in Hong Kong. It will be fairly humid. March is when both temps and humidity start to rise, and we get a lot of fog consequently in March (and a lot of mold and mirrors don't uncloud all day at home). Relative humidity will be in the 75-85% range. It will actually feel more like a damp chill than summer humidity. (It's not the greatest month here to be honest.) I think you will find that 70F is a HIGH temp, it will be more in the mid 60s F for an average daytime temp, and we have had days when it is in the low 50s. Also, as virtually no building has central heating, you will find that the air conditioning is on to circulate air, and consequently it can be quite cool inside, esp. on public transport. Bring a sweater for this. Locals may be wearing heavier stuff, but that is because it's still winter for us. For evening and even for day, an unlined raincoat or light microfiber coat may be a good idea if you can fit that in. Overall however layers and a sweater should be OK if you don't want to bring more, a shawl always works and is easy to pack and use on the plane as a blanket. (I would not bring leather for March, too damp.)

For the evening, is this a formal event? Hong Kong can be very dressy, it's not unlike any major US city in that respect. It would depend on what the event is, there are events for which women wear gowns. Can you tell me more about the event. Otherwise a good cocktail dress is fine, or if it's a business event, a suit is fine. If you are just talking about a dinner out, then slacks are find too.

janisj

It won't be formal - Lounge suits for the men. But it is a wedding celebration at the Hong Kong Club. (the wedding was last Fall in SA)

janisj

oh - thanks for the info. That is a little cooler than I figured. Which makes me happy - I don't do heat/humidity that well.

Cicerone

OK that's helpful on the event. I would say a nice dress, suit or even a dressy slacks/top or pantsuit would be fine, although the Hong Kong Club is the old money of Hong Kong so you may see some dressed up women. Red is nice for good luck if you can do it. Bring good jewelry, a good purse and shoes, all those you will see for sure.

janisj

Thanks - that is sort of what I was thinking. I was a bit worried about it being too warm - but as cool as you say to expect, I think it will be easier to choose an outfit.

I do have a killer jade and gold pendant - but I am sort of reluctant to take it. Sort of "Coals to Newcastle-ish" if you know what I mean. But it is lovely.

Cicerone

I would bring it, you will probably get comments on it. May help with rheumatism from the dampness in March (this is a common belief here, although my jade bracelet does nothing for my tennis elbow...), will certainly bring you good luck for the trip.

janisj

This was so helpful - just one more -

I do plan on layers, but will I likely need a full blown rain coat, or will a light jacket/folding umbrella be enough?

Cicerone

As I mentioned, if you have an unlined raincoat or windbreaker that may be the best thing. You should not need the lining in March. Umbrella for sure. A jacket is fine as well, not sure if you mean like a wool blazer or a microfibre jacket, the latter may be better just because it is waterproof and for the dampness, but the wool blazer would work fine too if you don’t mind it getting a little damp possibly.

dlai

If you're lucky, it could also be warm and sunny! I can remember some really nice days in March-and February!