When to go and for how long
The best time to visit Macau is during autumn, between October and December, when the weather is warm and the sky is usually clear.
Winter is also a very good season, stretching from the end of December to the end of March. It is characterized by very low precipitation and cool weather. The nights, however, might be slightly chilly during this season.
Spring starts at the end of March and ends at the end of April / beginning of May. It is not a bad season but temperatures start to escalate and so does humidity.
Summer (end of May to end of September) can be unbearably hot and humid. The highest rainfall occurs in summer and thunderstorms, as well as typhoons, can hit the city occasionally... If you must travel on these months, you'll better plan an itinerary that includes a lot of indoors activities, such as museums, shopping malls and the likes...
Personally, I would suggest to spend at least three days in Macau...
This lovely city has so much to offer that obviously three days are not going to be enough to cover it all. However, it will leave you enough time to see and experience the major attractions.
What to wear
That depends, first and foremost, on the season at which you are planning to visit the city.
In American and European standards, Macau's weather is never too cold... Temperatures on a cold winter day will rarely drop below 13 degrees centigrade and that means that heavy coats, thick jerseys, woolen scarves and gloves can be left at home.
Summer months are extremely hot and humid so clothing, accordingly, should include light and comfortable outfits from cotton and silk.
During the day, there shouldn't be a problem to hang around the city with short cloths like Bermudas and T-shirts, or Polo shirts. During the evening, however, many places will require a more formal dress code and while it may be acceptable to go to local eateries and cafés with short outfits, most of the more expensive restaurants and clubs (not to mention casinos) will expect you to wear something "slightly" more decent...
Cotton trousers (or even a decent looking Jeans) and a blouse or an elegant Polo shirt, will probably do the job. Women can wear a light summer dress.
A small number of high class establishments might insist on a strict dress code, such as a tie and suit for men and an evening dress for ladies.
Swim suits and bikinis are for beaches and swimming pools only. It is neither common, nor acceptable to walk around the hotel (not to mention the city streets), wearing a swim suit...
Generaly speaking: Macau, just like many other cities, has eased up on dress codes in recent years. Which means you can dress casual to most venues... Just make sure you don't look too shabby...
What should you bring along and what can you buy there
Neighboring Hong Kong, Macau is a great place for shopping. Bring as little as possible and you'll have plenty of room left in your luggage to carry your shopping back home...
Generally speaking, Macau's shops stock everything you can think of... Other than specific prescription medicines or the likes, there is nothing that can not be bought here. The supply is endless and there is a vast array of qualities, from cheap Chinese imitations to the world's most exclusive brand names. For specific details, visit our Macau Shopping Guide or Hong Kong Shopping Guide
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You may also want to read about...
Customs and Immigration
Visiting China and Hong Kong
Money, Communications, Time and other small daily stuff
Emergency - what to do in case of a problem
Health & Hygiene
