Hong Kong Weather in December
“Winter” in Hong Kong begins in mid-December. You can pack light, as rain protection won’t be needed, and enjoy the dry season. The sky is clear and blue, and the weather is lovely and cool. Tourist season picks up again, thanks to Western New Years, Christmas, and sometimes Chinese New Year celebrations.
Averages for Hong Kong Weather in December
- Average Temperature: 17º Celsius (63º Fahrenheit)
- Average High Temperature: 20ºC (68ºF)
- Average Low Temperature: 14ºC (57ºF)
- Average Rainfall: 21 Millimeters
- Rainy Days: 4
- Hours of Direct Sunlight: 6
- Average Humidity: 68%
- Typhoons: None (not impossible, but none are on record)
What to wear in Hong Kong in December?
Visitors can usually pack light. Autumn clothes, no rain or sun protection, and a few light layers should be enough for the vast majority of tourists.
Comfortable Clothing
For those from a seasonal or temperate climate, anything comfortable should suffice. Long trousers or shorts, short sleeved shirts for the day with maybe one or two long-sleeved t-shirts to layer in the evening.
Special Considerations
As the typhoon season is over and the weather is still nice, many of Hong Kong’s subtropical flower species are in bloom, so those with allergies should take precautions.
Rain gear isn’t necessary - finally! Those visiting or passing through Hong Kong can pack light, as the rain level is at its lowest during the winter months.
The same goes for sun. The direct sunlight is much lower. Most people shouldn’t need sun protection unless they plan on spending long hours outdoors during the day.
Warm Clothing?
Visitors might notice the natives bundling up on coats, gloves, scarves, and the like, but most visitors to Hong Kong who don’t come from equatorial climates will be perfectly comfortable in autumn/summer clothing.
During the night a thicker shirt or layering might be necessary, but many people will be comfortable in trousers and a t-shirt, even during the daily lows in Hong Kong. Of course, those who plan on intense outdoors activities, like camping, should bring some layers, as the New Territories (in the northern part of the peninsula) have been known to get some light frost in the later days of December.
Is December a good time to visit Hong Kong?
Don’t forget to book any tickets or transportation in advance, as Hong Kong sees a renewal of tourism season in December. Westerners living in Asia flock to Hong Kong for the Christmas decorations and New Year Celebrations. Occasionally (depending on the lunar calender), Chinese New Year takes place in December, which brings an influx of Chinese tourists from the mainland.
Even if you are planning ahead, expect accommodation, transportation, and just about everything to be expensive in December.
Many choose to visit Hong Kong’s outdoors in December. The hiking, camping, sailing, and cycling possibilities are fantastic, albeit the ocean temperature drops a little too much to make for comfortable swimming in December.
Thanks to the Christmas season, shopping is another good option in December. Many retailers have sails and special offers of all kinds.
Holidays and Events in Hong Kong in December
Winter Solstice Festival Dinner
December 21 or 22
Citywide
The Winter Solstice Dinner is a Chinese tradition dating back to ancient times, denoting the time of the year when the day is shortest, and night is longest. Most Hong Kongers will have a special dinner with family and/or friends.
Many restaurants will also offer special menus on the winter solstice.
Hong Kong Winter Festival / Christmas Celebrations
Throughout December (especially in the days prior to and on Christmas)
Citywide and Queen Square Central
As Christmas comes, Hong Kong celebrates. There are Christmas lights, carolers, and a Christmas trees. With decorations everywhere, it’s hard not to fall into Hong Kong’s Holiday Spirit.
Hong Kong’s amusement parks, like Disneyland and Ocean Park also get in on the action, having their own spectacular Christmas celebrations.
The Hong Kong Food Festival also occurs around the 24thand 25thof December each year at the Hong Kong Exhibition Center. Lasting 5 days, visitors can taste food from all over the world.
New Year Celebrations
Western: December 31/Jan 1
Chinese: Varies According to Lunar Calendar
Where to see Fireworks:
- Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
- Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai
- Piers 9 and 10, Central
New Year’s celebrations, both Western and Chinese are massive festivities in Hong Kong. Visitors can expect to see brilliant fireworks displays, New Year’s Count Downs, and plenty of special offers from local restaurants, bars, and businesses.