Month guide · Hong Kong · China
Hong Kong in December
What December is really like in Hong Kong: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Baycrest, CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Hong Kong. Expect average highs of 20°C (68°F), lows of 16°C (61°F), about 4 rainy days and roughly 10.8 hours of daylight. Cool, dry and clear with festive lights; hotel prices rise around Christmas and New Year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 20°C (68°F) / 16°C (61°F)
- Rainy days
- About 4
- Daylight
- About 10.8 hours
- Sea temperature
- 21°C (70°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the 11th-warmest month in Hong Kong: days average 20°C (68°F) against a yearly average high of 26°C (79°F), and nights fall to about 16°C (61°F). Rain falls on roughly 4 of its 31 days. Compared with November (24°C (75°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 19°C (66°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:56
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:42
- Daylight
- About 10.8 hours
- Sea
- 21°C (70°F)
Winter (December–February). Cool, dry and sometimes grey, with festive lights in December and Lunar New Year celebrations in January or February.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is February at 4) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in December). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Christmas lights along the harbourfront and in malls (December)
- New Year's Eve countdown fireworks over Victoria Harbour (31 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Theme park · Lantau Island
Hong Kong Disneyland
The most compact of the Disney parks sits on Lantau with its own MTR line from Sunny Bay.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- After dark
Historic site · Lantau Island
Tai O fishing village
Pair it with the Big Buddha: bus 21 links Ngong Ping and Tai O in about 20 minutes.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
- Off the beaten path
- Food
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Viewpoint · The Peak
Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram
The Peak Tram has hauled passengers up a steep track from Garden Road since 1888, arriving at the Peak Tower about 400 metres above the harbour.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Couples
- After dark
- Photo spot
Experience · Victoria Harbour
Star Ferry
Sit on the upper deck on the side facing the skyline; the Tsim Sha Tsui-bound trip has the best view of Hong Kong Island.
- Time needed
- 10 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
- After dark
The sea averages 21°C (70°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Hong Kong.
What to pack
For highs near 20°C, lows near 16°C and 4 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Hong Kong?
One of the best months to visit Hong Kong, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are October–November. Compare every month.
Hong Kong in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Hong Kong?
It is one of the best months to visit Hong Kong. Cool, dry and clear with festive lights; hotel prices rise around Christmas and New Year.
+How warm is Hong Kong in December?
Average highs are around 20°C (68°F) and lows around 16°C (61°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Hong Kong in December?
Expect rain on about 4 days of the month, so it is usually dry.