Macau Weather

Macau's weather follows the same broad pattern as Hong Kong and southern China, just across the Pearl River Delta — it sits on the border of the tropical and subtropical zones, giving it a humid subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters. Annual average temperature is around 22°C, average humidity runs 75–95% year-round, and annual rainfall is substantial at roughly 2,000mm, most of it falling between May and September. There are really three seasons that matter for travel planning: a hot, humid, rain-and-typhoon-prone summer (May–September), a mild, dry, comfortable winter (December–February), and two short shoulder periods that bracket them — of which autumn (October–November) is widely considered the best window of the year.

Month-by-month

Month	Avg. high / low	Conditions
January	~18°C / 13°C	Coolest month; dry, occasional cool snaps, comfortable for walking
February	~19°C / 14°C	Still cool and mostly dry; humidity starts creeping up late in the month
March	~22°C / 17°C	Mild but increasingly humid and foggy; some morning drizzle
April	~25°C / 20°C	Warm, humid, frequent mist reducing visibility over the Pearl River
May	~28°C / 24°C	Rainy season and typhoon season both begin (typhoon season officially starts 15 May)
June	~31°C / 25°C	Hot and humid; typically the wettest month, heavy afternoon storms common
July	~31°C / 25°C	Hottest month on average; peak humidity; typhoon risk significant
August	~31°C / 25°C	Historically the month with the most Signal 8 typhoon events
September	~30°C / 24°C	Still hot early on; typhoon risk eases from mid-month
October	~27°C / 22°C	Widely considered the most pleasant month — warm days, low humidity, little rain
November	~23°C / 18°C	Cooling further; windy, clear, comfortable — a local favourite
December	~19°C / 14°C	Driest month of the year; mild and comfortable

Figures are long-run averages and will vary year to year — treat them as a planning guide, not a forecast, and check a live forecast close to your travel dates.

Typhoon season, and how the signal system works

Macau uses a numbered typhoon signal system (Signal 1, 3, 8, 9, 10) shared in concept with Hong Kong, issued by the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) as storms approach. Typhoon season officially runs May through October, with the highest risk concentrated from July through September — August in particular has historically seen the most Signal 8 events, including major storms like Typhoon Hato (2017) and Typhoon Mangkhut (2018), both of which caused significant flooding and disruption.

A Signal 8 or higher is a genuine city-wide event: schools and most offices close, ferries and sometimes the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge suspend service, and residents are advised to stay indoors. Casino resorts and hotels themselves generally stay open and are one of the safest places to be during a storm, but sightseeing, ferries and some restaurants will not be operating as normal. If you're travelling anywhere in the May–October window, it's worth: building at least one flexible day into your itinerary, checking the SMG's forecasts in the days before and during your trip, and considering travel insurance that covers weather disruption. The vast majority of visitors in any given summer month do not experience a major typhoon, but the possibility is real enough to plan around rather than ignore.

What to pack

• Summer (May–Sep): light, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing, a compact umbrella or light rain jacket, strong sun protection (UV index regularly reaches 12+ on clear days) — and a light layer for indoors, since casino floors and malls run aggressively cold air conditioning that can be a jolt after the heat outside.
• Shoulder seasons (Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov): layers — mornings and evenings can be noticeably cooler than midday, especially in November.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): a light jacket or sweater; daytime is usually comfortable in long sleeves, though it can feel chillier than the thermometer suggests due to humidity and wind, and older/budget hotels aren't always well heated.
• Year-round: comfortable walking shoes — the calçada wave-pattern pavement in the old town looks great but can be genuinely slippery when wet.

FAQ

What is the rainy season in Macau?

Roughly May through September, with the heaviest rain and typhoon risk concentrated from June to September; June is typically the single wettest month.

Is Macau hot in summer?

Yes — expect daytime temperatures around 30–33°C with humidity that can push the "feels like" temperature well above 35°C.

Does it get cold in Macau?

Not by most standards — winter lows rarely drop below about 13°C, though high humidity and wind can make it feel chillier than the number suggests.

When is typhoon season in Macau?

Officially 15 May through October, with the highest risk from July to September. August has historically seen the most Signal 8-level events.

What happens during a Signal 8 typhoon in Macau?

Schools and most offices close, ferries and sometimes the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge suspend service, and residents are advised to stay indoors — hotels and casino resorts generally remain open.

Sources & further reading

• Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) — official forecasts and live typhoon signal status