If your cruise is calling at Hong Kong in December, you are arriving during the city’s dry, cool season and its busiest festive stretch of the year. Explore our full range of Hong Kong shore excursions, or visit China Shore Excursions to see tours across every port we cover. This guide walks through the temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sea conditions you can expect for Hong Kong weather in December, along with what to pack and which sights make the most of the season.
Hong Kong Climate in December at a Glance
December marks the heart of Hong Kong’s winter, though winter here is mild rather than cold. Rainfall drops to some of the lowest levels of the year, humidity reaches its annual low, and skies stay clear and sunny for long stretches. This dry, comfortable stretch coincides with the city’s biggest holiday season, so cruise passengers calling this month get reliable weather alongside Christmas lights, harbourfront fireworks, and a citywide festive atmosphere.
Locals often treat December as the most sociable month of the year, with dinners, outdoor markets, and harbourfront gatherings taking full advantage of the dry, comfortable air. For visitors, that same weather window makes December a particularly easy month to combine sightseeing with the city’s holiday events, since there is little need to build a rain contingency into the day.
For a shore excursion, this means dependable conditions for outdoor sightseeing, crisp air well suited to a full day of walking, and some of the year’s most photogenic evenings once the city’s holiday lighting switches on.
Temperature in Hong Kong in December
Daytime highs in Hong Kong in December typically sit between 19°C and 21°C (66°F to 70°F), while overnight lows settle between 14°C and 16°C (57°F to 61°F). Conditions cool gradually through the month, and the final days of December can dip cooler still, particularly in the evenings and in elevated areas such as the New Territories.
This is the most noticeable seasonal shift of the year for cruise passengers, since December is genuinely the coolest month Hong Kong sees. Guests arriving from a warm summer climate should pack proper layers rather than the light clothing suited to Hong Kong’s other seasons.
Is Hong Kong Rainy in December?
December is one of the driest months of the year in Hong Kong. Average rainfall sits around 25 mm to 30 mm, spread across only 4 to 6 rainy days. Most of the month passes with clear or lightly clouded skies, and the odds of a shore excursion being disrupted by rain are very low.
With typhoon season long over and the wet season months behind, December offers some of the most predictable weather of the year, making it an easy month to plan a full day ashore without a heavy contingency plan.
Sea Temperature and Swimming Conditions
Sea temperature around Hong Kong in December cools steadily through the month, starting near 22°C (72°F) and easing toward 20°C (68°F) by the end of the month. Swimming becomes less appealing to most visitors at this temperature, and beach stops such as Repulse Bay are better suited to a walk along the sand than an extended swim. The cooler water is a clear marker that December belongs to Hong Kong’s dry season rather than its beach season.
Humidity, Wind, and Sunshine Hours
December holds the lowest average humidity of the year in Hong Kong, generally between 65% and 70%, making it the most comfortable month for extended time outdoors. It is also the windiest month of the year, with a steady breeze out of the northeast that can make the air feel cooler than the thermometer suggests, particularly along the harbourfront. Sunshine hours average around 6 hours per day, giving the month a good mix of bright, clear days for sightseeing.
What to Wear and Pack for Hong Kong in December
December calls for real layers rather than the light clothing suited to the rest of the year:
- A proper jacket or coat, since this is the coolest month Hong Kong sees, especially in the evenings
- A long sleeve shirt or sweater as a base layer for daytime sightseeing
- Comfortable walking shoes, since many of Hong Kong’s best sights involve significant time on foot
- A scarf or extra layer if your cruise call falls late in the month, when temperatures ease further and wind picks up
- A compact umbrella, useful on the rare day rain does appear, even though most of the month stays dry
- Smart casual clothing for an evening out, since December’s holiday events often draw a slightly dressier crowd
Hong Kong Weather in December Compared to November and January
Placing December between the months on either side shows how it fits into Hong Kong’s dry season. November still carries a touch more warmth and generally lower wind, while January brings the coolest temperatures of the year alongside the lowest humidity, often dipping a few degrees below December’s range.
December sits comfortably in the middle, cooler and windier than November but not yet at January’s chill. Combined with the festive season, this makes December one of the most popular single windows for a Hong Kong cruise call, balancing comfortable sightseeing weather with the city’s biggest calendar of events.
A Typical December Day in Hong Kong
Mornings in Hong Kong in December start cool and crisp, often the coolest part of the day, warming gradually into a mild, comfortable afternoon. Skies tend to stay clear, and wind is noticeably more present than in the milder months, particularly near open harbourfront areas. Evenings cool quickly once the sun sets, and this is when the city’s holiday lighting comes into its own, making an evening harbourfront walk one of the highlights of a December port day.
This pattern suits itineraries that front load outdoor sightseeing during the milder midday hours, saving an evening stop at the harbourfront or a festive market for after dark, when the Christmas lights and decorations are at their best.
Events and Festivals in December
December is Hong Kong’s busiest month for citywide events, and the timing of a cruise call can line up with several major highlights.
Hong Kong WinterFest. Running from mid November through early January, WinterFest transforms the city with a giant Christmas tree at Statue Square Gardens, an immersive light show in Central, and festive decorations across major shopping districts. Special dining and shopping offers run throughout the month as part of the celebration.
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day fireworks. A short harbourfront fireworks display typically lights up Victoria Harbour on the evenings of December 24, 25, and 26, giving cruise passengers in port on these dates a genuine festive spectacle without any ticket required.
New Year’s Eve countdown. Hong Kong’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display over Victoria Harbour is one of the signature events of the year, drawing large crowds to vantage points on both the Hong Kong Island and Kowloon sides at midnight on December 31.
Hong Kong International Races. This major event on the horse racing calendar takes place at Sha Tin racecourse in mid December, drawing an international field of horses and a lively race day atmosphere for visitors interested in the sport.
The Nutcracker and holiday performances. Hong Kong’s cultural venues host holiday classics such as The Nutcracker throughout December, offering an evening option for cruise passengers with more time in port.
AIA Carnival. This large outdoor carnival, typically running from late autumn into the new year, brings fairground rides, games, and food stalls to the harbourfront area, adding a family friendly counterpoint to the more formal WinterFest attractions nearby.
Best Things to Do in Hong Kong in December
Victoria Peak
December’s clear, dry air makes Victoria Peak one of the best viewpoints of the year for skyline photography, with visibility often at its sharpest thanks to low humidity. Evening visits are especially rewarding this month, since the city’s holiday lighting adds an extra layer of sparkle to the already impressive skyline view.
Big Buddha and Ngong Ping, Lantau Island
Cooler December temperatures make the outdoor climb to the Tian Tan Buddha considerably more comfortable than in the warmer months. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride and the surrounding Po Lin Monastery round out a half day that combines scenery with cultural sightseeing in comfortable, crisp conditions.
Star Ferry and Victoria Harbour
A Star Ferry crossing takes on extra appeal in December, when the harbourfront buildings on both sides light up with Christmas decorations in the evening. The nightly Symphony of Lights show is joined this month by additional holiday illuminations, making an evening harbour crossing one of the best low cost activities of the season.
Repulse Bay and Stanley Market
Repulse Bay offers a quieter beach walk rather than a swim in December’s cooler water, while nearby Stanley Market pairs well with the visit, offering casual shopping and waterfront dining with a distinctly festive touch this time of year.
Man Mo Temple and Old Town Central
Man Mo Temple and the surrounding lanes of Old Town Central are especially pleasant to explore in December’s mild, dry weather, with comfortable temperatures for an extended walk between temples, antique shops, and colonial era architecture.
Local Food to Try in Hong Kong in December
December’s cool evenings make hot pot one of the most popular dining choices of the month, alongside classic dishes such as roast goose, char siu, and dim sum served throughout the city’s restaurants and local eateries. The festive season also brings a wave of seasonal menus and Christmas dinners at many of Hong Kong’s top hotels and restaurants, giving visitors a chance to combine sightseeing with a proper holiday meal. Harbourfront dining is particularly appealing this month, since the cooler air and festive lighting make outdoor seating a genuine highlight rather than something to avoid.
Sample One Day Hong Kong Itinerary for Cruise Passengers
A typical December day for cruise passengers might begin with a morning trip to Victoria Peak, taking advantage of clear visibility before the afternoon haze, if any, sets in. A Star Ferry crossing connects easily to Tsim Sha Tsui, where the harbourfront promenade makes an easy walk with skyline views on both sides. Lunch built around dim sum or hot pot works well before an afternoon exploring Man Mo Temple and Old Town Central. Guests with a full day available sometimes head out to Lantau Island for the Big Buddha, since December’s cool, dry air makes the outdoor walk especially pleasant. An evening return to the harbourfront, timed around the Christmas lights and the Symphony of Lights show, rounds out a day that captures both Hong Kong’s sightseeing highlights and its festive season atmosphere.
Choosing the Right Hong Kong Excursion for Your December Port Call
With low rainfall and clear skies across the board, December opens up flexibility similar to November, with the added draw of the city’s holiday season. Travelers who want sweeping views should prioritize Victoria Peak, especially in the evening once the Christmas lighting is underway, since December delivers some of the year’s clearest skyline photography. Culture focused travelers tend to favor a half day around Man Mo Temple and Old Town Central, where mild temperatures make extended walking comfortable throughout the day.
Travelers who want a quieter pace often choose Repulse Bay or Stanley Market, both offering a relaxed alternative to the busier city center stops. Guests whose call date lines up with December 24, 25, 26, or 31 have the added option of building an evening around the city’s fireworks displays, one of the most memorable ways to experience Hong Kong during a cruise call. Travelers interested in horse racing can time a visit around the Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin, a genuinely local event that most visitors never think to add to a shore excursion. Whatever the priority, December’s dry, mild conditions combined with its festive calendar make it one of the most rewarding months to be ashore.
Tips for a Hong Kong Shore Excursion in December
- Pack a proper jacket rather than a light layer, since December is the coolest month Hong Kong sees all year
- Check your call date against the Christmas and New Year fireworks schedule, since crowds around the harbourfront can be significant on those evenings
- Book outdoor stops such as Victoria Peak or Lantau Island earlier in the day, when visibility tends to be at its clearest
- Consider an evening harbourfront stop if your ship departs later in the day, since the WinterFest lighting is one of the best free experiences of the month
- Confirm your ship’s all aboard time before booking a full day itinerary, and build in a reasonable buffer for the return transfer
Frequently Asked Questions about Hong Kong Weather in December
Does it rain in Hong Kong in December?
Rarely. December is one of the driest months of the year, with average rainfall around 25 mm to 30 mm across just 4 to 6 rainy days.
What is the average temperature in Hong Kong in December?
Daytime highs typically reach 19°C to 21°C, with overnight lows around 14°C to 16°C, cooling further toward the end of the month.
Is December a good time to visit Hong Kong on a cruise?
Yes. Low rainfall, clear skies, and the city’s festive season combine to make December one of the most popular and rewarding months for a shore excursion.
Is it humid in Hong Kong in December?
No. Humidity averages around 65% to 70%, the lowest of the year, making outdoor activity especially comfortable.
Can I swim in Hong Kong in December?
Not comfortably for most visitors. Sea temperature drops to around 20°C to 22°C, cool enough that a beach visit works better as a walk than a swim.
Is it cold in Hong Kong in December?
Cool rather than cold. There is no snow or frost at low elevations, and a proper jacket is generally enough, though light frost is occasionally possible in higher areas of the New Territories late in the month.
What should I pack for Hong Kong in December?
A proper jacket or coat, a long sleeve shirt or sweater, comfortable walking shoes, and a compact umbrella for the rare rainy day.
Is Hong Kong busy with tourists in December?
Yes. December is one of the peak months for tourism, driven largely by the holiday season, so popular sights and restaurants can be busier than in the quieter shoulder months.
Hong Kong weather in December combines the driest, most comfortable air of the year with the city’s biggest festive season, from WinterFest lighting to harbourfront fireworks on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The cooler temperatures call for proper layers, but the payoff is some of the clearest skies and most photogenic evenings of the entire year, making December a genuinely rewarding month to be ashore.
If your ship is calling at Hong Kong, browse our Hong Kong shore excursions to find tours and private options built around your schedule.