Hong Kong records warmest winter in history as seasonal temperatures climb two degrees above normal

Hong Kong Observatory confirms 2025-2026 was the warmest winter on record, with mean temperatures 2.0°C above normal and only five cold days.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 6, 2026, 10:36 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Earth.Org

Historical Temperature Anomalies

Hong Kong’s meteorological records, which date back to 1884, were surpassed this year as the city concluded its hottest winter season. Data published by the Hong Kong Observatory on Wednesday indicates that the mean temperature for the three month period between December 2025 and February 2026 reached 19.3°C, which is 2.0°C higher than the historical average. This record breaking warmth was characterized by a mean maximum temperature of 21.9°C, the highest ever recorded for this period. Additionally, the mean minimum temperature of 17.3°C was the second highest on record, highlighting a significant lack of cold weather throughout the season.

Extreme Heat and Lack of Cold Days

The winter season saw a drastic reduction in the frequency of cold weather. The observatory recorded only five "cold days," which are defined as days where the minimum temperature drops to 12°C or below. This represents the third lowest count of cold days in the city's history. February served as a primary driver for these statistics, experiencing weather described by officials as unseasonably warm. During this month, mean temperatures were 3°C above normal levels, effectively cementing the season's status as the warmest on record after following an already warmer than usual January and a well above normal December.

Long Term Warming Trends

The record winter follows a year of extreme climate activity in Hong Kong. In 2025, which was the city’s sixth hottest year overall, every single month experienced temperatures that were higher than historical norms. Throughout that year, the city recorded 20 separate record breaking weather and temperature events. Significant milestones included an absolute maximum temperature of 35.6°C in June, a record daily rainfall of 398.9 mm in August, and a monthly mean temperature for October that reached 25.6°C. These cumulative figures suggest a consistent rise in local temperatures that aligns with broader global climate trends.