Hong Kong in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Hong Kong

20°C (68°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - cool 16-20°C (61-68°F) temperatures ideal for Dragon's Back trail and Lion Rock without overheating
Crystal clear air - December brings northerly winds that blow away summer humidity, offering spectacular Victoria Harbor views and perfect photography conditions
Peak dim sum season - cooler weather means locals flock to traditional tea houses, creating authentic atmosphere at Lin Heung Tea House and Maxim's Palace
Outdoor market prime time - Temple Street this destination and Ladies' Market are most comfortable to explore without summer's oppressive heat and crowds

Considerations

Hotel rates spike 40-60% during Christmas and New Year weeks - budget accommodations in Tsim Sha Tsui can jump from HK$800 to HK$1,400 per night
Unpredictable rain patterns - those 10 rainy days can strike suddenly, turning outdoor plans into indoor scrambles with limited museum options
Peak mainland Chinese tourist season - Expect 2-3 hour waits at Peak Tram and crowded MTR stations, especially during Christmas holidays

Best Activities in December

Hong Kong Island Hiking Trails

December's cool 16-20°C (61-68°F) temperatures make this the absolute best month for tackling Hong Kong's challenging hiking trails. Dragon's Back, consistently rated Asia's best urban hike, offers impressive coastal views without the summer's brutal humidity. The clear December air provides perfect visibility for photography, and you'll actually enjoy the 2-3 hour trek without overheating.

Booking Tip: No booking required for most trails, but guided hiking tours typically cost HK$400-800 per person. Download offline maps and start early (7-9am) to avoid afternoon rain. Check weather day-of as trails close during heavy rain for safety.

Victoria Harbor Evening Cruises

December's clear, cool air creates perfect conditions for harbor cruises, with minimal haze obscuring the skyline. The 8pm Symphony of Lights show is best viewed from the water, and you'll actually be comfortable on deck in December's mild temperatures. Sunset cruises around 6pm offer golden hour photography opportunities impossible during summer's muggy conditions.

Booking Tip: Traditional junk boat tours range HK$300-600 per person for 1-2 hour cruises. Book 3-5 days ahead during December peak season. Evening cruises fill up quickly during Christmas week, so reserve early through licensed operators.

Traditional Dim Sum Restaurant Hopping

December marks peak dim sum season when Hong Kong locals embrace the social tradition of long, leisurely tea sessions. Cooler weather means authentic tea houses are packed with families doing 'yum cha' on weekends, creating the most genuine cultural atmosphere of the year. You can comfortably spend 2-3 hours sampling dishes without summer's stifling restaurant conditions.

Booking Tip: Traditional dim sum costs HK$30-80 per dish at authentic spots. Arrive early (9-10am) on weekends for best selection and authentic atmosphere. Food tours covering multiple venues typically cost HK$800-1,200 per person.

Lantau Island Cable Car and Monastery

December's crystal-clear air transforms the Ngong Ping 360 cable car experience, offering unobstructed views of the South China Sea and surrounding islands. The 25-minute ride to Po Lin Monastery is most spectacular now, and exploring the outdoor this destination statue is comfortable in cool temperatures rather than summer's exhausting heat.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost HK$235-315 depending on cabin type. Skip-the-line packages through tour operators range HK$400-600. Book 2-3 days ahead during December peak season. Crystal cabin upgrades worth the extra cost for December's exceptional visibility.

Temple Street Night Market Experience

December transforms Temple Street into Hong Kong's most atmospheric this destination experience. Cool 16-18°C (61-64°F) evening temperatures make browsing the maze of fortune tellers, street food stalls, and electronics vendors genuinely enjoyable rather than a sweaty endurance test. The market reaches peak energy around 9-11pm when locals emerge for dinner.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, budget HK$200-400 for food and small purchases. Guided street food tours cost HK$600-900 per person and help navigate language barriers. Best experienced 8pm-midnight Tuesday through Saturday.

Peak Tram and Sky Terrace

December's clear atmospheric conditions offer the year's best visibility from Hong Kong's most famous viewpoint. The historic Peak Tram ride up at 27-degree inclines is more comfortable without summer crowds sweating in enclosed cars, and the Sky Terrace provides unobstructed harbor panoramas perfect for that iconic Hong Kong photo.

Booking Tip: Peak Tram tickets cost HK$99-150 depending on package. Expect 1-3 hour waits during December peak season. Fast-track options through tour operators cost HK$250-400 but save significant time. Early morning (before 10am) or evening visits have shorter lines.

December Events & Festivals

Early December through early January

Winterfest at Hong Kong Disneyland

Disney transforms the park with special Christmas decorations, seasonal shows, and limited-time holiday merchandise. The cooler December weather makes full-day park exploration much more comfortable than summer visits.

Mid-December through early January

WinterFest Street Decorations

Central District, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Causeway Bay feature elaborate Christmas light displays and decorations. The moderate temperatures make evening strolls through decorated shopping districts particularly enjoyable.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light layers (cotton long sleeves, light sweater) - December temperatures range 16-20°C (61-68°F) with significant day/night variation

Compact rain jacket or umbrella - those 10 rainy days bring sudden 20-30 minute showers that can soak you completely

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - marble floors in malls and temples become slippery when wet from humidity

High SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) - UV index of 8 means you'll burn quickly despite cool temperatures, especially on harbor cruises

Portable phone charger - you'll use maps and translation apps constantly, and air conditioning in December is minimal so batteries drain from camera use

Light scarf or wrap - indoor air conditioning can be aggressive while outdoor temperatures are mild, creating comfort gaps

Waterproof phone case - essential for harbor cruises and sudden rain showers that characterize December weather

Cash in small denominations - many street food vendors and traditional shops don't accept cards, budget HK$500-800 daily for local experiences

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - 70% humidity still requires moisture-wicking fabrics even in cooler temperatures

Lightweight day pack - you'll be doing lots of walking and need space for jackets as temperatures change throughout the day

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by mid-October for December travel - Christmas week prices can triple, and quality options in Central/Tsim Sha Tsui sell out completely by November

Use Octopus Card for everything including small street food purchases - locals tap for HK$10 milk tea and it saves fumbling with cash in crowded markets

Avoid Peak Tram on Sundays and public holidays - take bus 15 from Central or walk up Old Peak Road instead for the Easttimor views without 3-hour waits

December dim sum requires weekend reservations - call traditional tea houses Thursday/Friday for Saturday/Sunday tables, or arrive by 9am for walk-in seating

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December hotel costs - many visitors don't realize Christmas week rates can be 300% higher than November, budget accordingly or avoid December 20-January 5

Wearing heavy winter clothes from home - Hong Kong's December is mild 16-20°C (61-68°F), not freezing, and you'll overheat in thick sweaters or heavy coats

Not checking MTR service during holidays - Christmas Day and New Year's Day have reduced subway schedules that can strand you in distant districts