Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit Macau

The best time to visit Macau is in the autumn when it's not as humid as the summers and the weather is still warm. Winters can be chilly and summers are hot and humid. Springs are nice, but can be drizzly. The annual average temperature is about 20°C with summers hovering around 30°C. The monsoon season is from May to November.

The city is the busiest during Chinese New Year, the Macau Grand Prix in November and Hong Kong's public holidays. Hotel rooms may be difficult to find at these times.

Language
The most common language is Cantonese although Mandarin, English, and Portuguese are spoken too.

Visa Requirements
Macau is now a Special Administrative Region of China under the One Country, Two Systems policy so the visa requirements are different from the Chinese mainland. Holders of passports from Canada, America, Australia, New Zealand and most Western European countries don't require visa for stays less than 20 days. Be aware that entering Macau from Chinese mainland invalidates your Chinese visa, unless it's a multiple entry visa, and you'll have to apply for a new visa to reenter Chinese mainland.

Macau Currency
Currency in Macau is the pataca (MOP), which is pegged to the Kong Kong dollar. Hong Kong dollars are also widely accepted in Macau, but RMB should be exchanged as lots of stores won't accept it.

Macanese Festivals
The Macanese festivals are colorful and loud affairs. Various festivals are held throughout the year showing off Macau's Portuguese and Chinese heritage. In March, July, October and December, the Kun Lam festival is held at the Kun Lam Temple. Worshippers head to the temple in droves and light up the incense and candles. Like every else in China, Chinese New Year is a riot of colors and noise. In February head to the Pou Tai Un Temple on Taipa Island for the Fest of the Earth God. In March is the Procession of Our Lord of Passion. The temples dedicated to A-Ma are alive during her festival days. June sees dragon boats and September and October have fireworks with the Grand Prix in November.