Hong Kong begins its "winter" in mid-December, which should really be called its dry season, with dry and clear weather. Average low and high temperatures are 16 °C (61 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F).
December Weather Conditions in Hong Kong
Sunshine
Victoria Harbour, Hong KongYou can enjoy completely clear days in December. The sunshine is not very strong and ultraviolet radiation is reduced to its lowest level.
Sunscreen and sunglasses may not be needed.
Rain and Humidity
December is one of the driest months in Hong Kong. Around 30 mm of precipitation drops in around 4 days. The other 27 days are dry!
Waterproofs or umbrellas are rarely needed so you can pack/travel lighter.
Snow and Frost
Hong KongIn December, the temperature in low altitudes in Hong Kong can be cold but not freezing. There is no snowy or frosty weather.
At the end of December and in higher altitudes, such as the New Territories, a light frost is possible.
Allergen Warning
Be aware that the following flowers bloom in December in Hong Kong: pink powder puff, camellia, rainbow pink, poinsettia, and big marigold, among others. If needed, use a dust mask or take some medicine.
What to Wear and Prepare in Hong Kong in December
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong KongAutumn clothes in the daytime and winter clothes at night: Depending on your physical condition, some thicker shirts and sweaters might be required during the daytime. A coat is needed occasionally when it turns chilly. A warm hat can be unexpectedly helpful.
To combat dry skin, some skin care products, such as face cream and hand cream, are required. Take your own or buy some in Hong Kong.
Best Things to Do in Hong Kong in December
Many important festivals are celebrated in Hong Kong in late December:
- The Winter Solstice Festival
- Christmas
- New Year's Eve
Enjoy Christmas in Hong KongThere will be a series of events, celebrations, and discounts during the festivals.
If you have 3–4 days in Hong Kong, you can enjoy both the traditional Chinese Winter Solstice Festival and Christmas Eve there. This will let you experience the cultural integration of Hong Kong.
Getting to the Chinese Mainland from Hong Kong is very convenient. December is also a great time for a visit with fewer tourists and more affordable prices. Guilin, Yunnan, and Harbin are all good December destinations. See China Itineraries from Hong Kong for 1 Week to 3 Weeks
Enjoy a Winter Solstice Festival Dinner
The Winter Solstice Festival is one of the most important festivals in Chinese tradition. It falls on December 21st or 22nd, when the night is the longest and the day is the shortest.
Nowadays, during the night of the winter solstice, Hong Kong citizens have a special dinner with their families and friends. Many restaurants also offer special winter solstice menus. You can take advantage of the festival at these restaurants and literally have a taste of this Chinese festival.
Join in the Hong Kong Winter Festival
Winter celebrations in Hong KongHong Kong is a marvelous city to visit during the season of Advent and Christmas, and the Winter Festival is filled with stunning beauty, twinkling lights, old world tradition and the sound of carolers celebrating in the local fashion.
The Christmas celebration in Queen Square, Central, will last for the whole of December. You can take photos of the 18-meter-high Christmas trees, or write down your blessings on cards and hang them on the trees.
Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park Hong Kong also prepare special events for Christmas and New Year.
Enjoy New Year Celebrations
Hong Kong New Year firework showThe most spectacular New Year's Eve event in Hong Kong happens next to the IFC Towers along Victoria Harbor. Tens of thousands of people gather along the Avenue of Stars and near the building to join the countdown and see the midnight fireworks that stream off the IFC building itself.
You can also enjoy firework shows in these places:
- Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
- Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai
- Piers 9 and 10, Central
Enjoy Shopping
Shopping in Hong KongBecause of the holiday season sales around Christmas, December is one of the hottest months for shopping in Hong Kong. Learn more about Christmas shopping in Hong Kong.
Enjoy the Hong Kong Food Festival
The festival starts on December 24th or 25th every year in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and it lasts for 5 days. You can taste delicacies from all over the world and admire the exhibitions of famous food brands.
The ticket for the event is also valid for the Hong Kong Mega Showcase, which is hosted at the same time.
Visiting Hong Kong in December: Important Travel Tips and Popular Tours
December is in the peak season.
December is Hong Kong's high season, especially during the period of Christmas and Chinese New Year. Many tourists from Chinese mainland flock to this city. The prices of hotel and flight tickets are high. You need to book in advance to avoid sold-out.
Recommended Hong Kong Tours
- Half-Day Hong Kong Island Tour: This tour will allow you to visit the highlights in Hong Kong in a limited time, including Victoria Peak and Aberdeen.
- One-Day Lantau Island and Giant Buddha Tour: You will be escorted to explore a traditional fishing village and admire the Giant Buddha.
If you do not like the above tours, tell us what sort of accommodation, modes of travel, and sightseeing options you prefer, and we'll tailor-make a tour for you.
