Hungry Ghost Month 2023 is from 16 August to 14 September, with the Hungry Ghost Festival falling on 30 August 2023.

As to why it starts so late, you might want to watch this video to the end:

The Hungry Ghost Festival is like the Halloween of the East, but with a twist. Imagine the gates of Hell swinging open, and spirits, both good and bad, coming out for a visit. Sounds like a ghostly reunion, right?