Linen & Luggage
Asia & Pacific · Best Oct–Dec

Hong Kong packing list for families

Hong Kong is a vertical city of stairs, escalators, and ferries, so how you carry little ones matters more than you'd think. The humid outdoors and chilly indoors also mean smart layering for the whole family.

Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline seen from Victoria Peak

Photo by Cheung Yin on Unsplash

Kristina's notes on Hong Kong

  1. Hong Kong is hilly and full of stairs, footbridges, and escalators. A carrier is easier for most outings, though a light stroller works fine along the harbourfront and in malls.
  2. Get an Octopus card for everyone. It works on the MTR, ferries, trams, and buses, and children's cards come with discounted fares.
  3. Air conditioning indoors is strong, even in summer. Pack a light sweater for kids for malls, restaurants, and the MTR.
Best timeOct–Dec
PlugsType G, bring an adapter
MoneyHong Kong dollar
PassportYes
Your packing edit

Hong Kong

This time of year

    Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.

    Carry-on8

    Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
    Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
    Kids' headphones, volume-limited
    Tablet with downloaded shows
    Snack box with dividers
    Reusable water bottles
    Change of clothes for each kid
    Car seat travel bag

    Clothing7

    Daytime outfits8 per person
    Pajamas2 per person
    One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
    Underwear and socks9 per person
    Light sweater for cold air conditioningOur pickIndoor spaces are chilly even when it's hot outside.
    Compact umbrellaSummer downpours are sudden and heavy.
    Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.

    Shoes1

    Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.

    Beach & pool1

    Mineral sunscreen

    Little ones5

    Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
    Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
    Travel blackout shades
    Favorite lovey, plus a backup
    Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerOur pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.

    Health & toiletries3

    Travel first-aid kit
    Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
    Hanging toiletry bag

    Documents & tech6

    Phone lanyard or crossbody case
    Portable phone chargerOur pick
    Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
    Lanyard card holder for transit cardsKids can tap their own Octopus card without losing it.
    Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
    Travel plug adapterOur pickType G, bring an adapter
    The outfit edit

    City neutrals

    Navy, cream, camel, olive

    For the grown-ups

    • A trench or chore jacket
    • White sneakers
    • One dinner outfit that packs flat

    For the kids

    • Cozy knits that layer
    • Navy or olive leggings and joggers
    • A raincoat with a hood

    For photos

    • Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
    • Overcast days flatter everyone
    Month by month

    Hong Kong weather and what's happening

    Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.

    MonthTypical highWhat it's likeDon't miss
    January66°F 19°CCool, dry, and mostly clear. Light jackets for evenings.Lunar New Year, with a night parade and fireworks over Victoria Harbour.
    February66°F 19°CCool, dry, and mostly clear. Light jackets for evenings.Lunar New Year, with a night parade and fireworks over Victoria Harbour.
    March71°F 22°CMild but humid, often foggy or hazy, with views that come and go.
    April77°F 25°CMild but humid, often foggy or hazy, with views that come and go.
    May83°F 28°CHot, humid, and rainy, with typhoon season peaking in late summer.
    June87°F 31°CHot, humid, and rainy, with typhoon season peaking in late summer.Dragon boat races, usually around June.
    July89°F 32°CHot, humid, and rainy, with typhoon season peaking in late summer.
    August89°F 32°CHot, humid, and rainy, with typhoon season peaking in late summer.
    September87°F 31°CHot, humid, and rainy, with typhoon season peaking in late summer.Mid-Autumn Festival lantern displays in parks around the city.
    October83°F 28°CSunny, dry, and comfortable. The best stretch for hiking and harbour views.
    November77°F 25°CSunny, dry, and comfortable. The best stretch for hiking and harbour views.
    December70°F 21°CCool, dry, and mostly clear. Light jackets for evenings.Holiday lights along the harbourfront and in the big malls.
    Questions families ask

    Hong Kong with kids, answered

    When is the best time to visit Hong Kong with kids?

    The best time is Oct–Dec. Sunny, dry, and comfortable. The best stretch for hiking and harbour views.

    What's the weather like in Hong Kong?

    Typical daytime highs range from about 66°F (19°C) in January to about 89°F (32°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.

    Do I need a passport for Hong Kong?

    Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.

    What kind of plug adapter do I need for Hong Kong?

    Type G, bring an adapter.

    What's your top tip for Hong Kong with kids?

    Hong Kong is hilly and full of stairs, footbridges, and escalators. A carrier is easier for most outings, though a light stroller works fine along the harbourfront and in malls.

    The packing edit, in your inbox

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    Want the whole trip handled?

    I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.

    As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.

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