The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking in Hong Kong 2025

How Do Seasonal Changes Impact Backpacking Trip Planning?

While I’ve extensively discussed the implications of summer and winter on your backpacking preparations, it’s equally important to consider the transitional seasons of Spring and Autumn. Even though these seasons are relatively short, accounting for around four months, they bring about significant changes in weather conditions that can impact your backpacking experience.

SPRING

Spring marks the transition from the relatively dry and cold weather of winter to a warm and extremely humid condition. The average humidity during Spring ranges from 90-95%. The monsoon winds from the South-China Sea bring in warm air laden with moisture. This results in foggy days with very low visibility, sometimes making it hard to see a companion just a few meters away. Drizzling rain throughout the day and night can dampen everything, making it challenging to start a fire. While the dawn and night can be cool or even cold, the daytime tends to be stuffy and humid.

While these conditions may not sound ideal for outdoor activities, there’s a silver lining. Spring is the blossoming time for most plants, and even a brief spell of sunlight can transform the natural surroundings into a scene straight out of Alice In Wonderland. Moreover, the average temperature is around 18-degree Celsius, which is quite conducive for outdoor activities.

AUTUMN

Autumn sees a rapid drop in temperature from the summer average of around 33-degree Celsius to about 20-degree Celsius in less than three weeks. This sudden change makes the weather more unpredictable, with cold rains and strong winds necessitating extra precautions for expedition trips. Generally, the temperature and humidity reach an equilibrium that is comfortable for the human body.

The residual heat from summer gradually dissipates, leading to a hot tent in the middle of the night. For most campers and hikers, Autumn is considered the best time for outdoor activities. However, it’s worth noting that Autumn has been changing over the years. It has become less noticeable in recent decades, with the transition time from summer to winter becoming shorter and the average temperatures for Autumn and Winter converging.