What's the Weather like in Hong Kong in December
Temperature
Hong Kong cools down considerably in December, though it's not the coldest month of the year. The coldest month is January, but it's only colder by a couple of degrees. The average monthly temperature for December is 17°C and you'll find locals bundled up quite a bit with that mild temperature. Daytime temperatures average 20°C and nights cool down to 14°C. It has been known to reach as high as 26°C and as low as 10°C in December.
Rain
December is one of the driest months of the year, together with November and January. December rainfall totals average 21mm, which is the same as January. It only rains for an average of four days during the month of December in Hong Kong.
The chances of a tropical cyclone hitting Hong Kong in December aren't quite zero, but they're so rare this month that it shouldn't be of concern.
Sunshine Hours
December has the shortest days of the year, at just less than 11 hours long. Chances of overcast or mostly cloudy skies average near 30% the entire month. With this you'll receive an average of six hours of sun per day in Hong Kong in December.
Humidity
December has the lowest humidity of the year, averaging 69% relative humidity. This makes December a great time to visit for those who can't stand sticky skin and thick, damp air. The beginning of the month may feel slightly more humid, but overall the entire month is very comfortable.
Wind
December is the windiest month of the year as far as historical data is concerned, averaging 5.9m/s for most of the month with a gradual tapering off towards January. Winds are predominately out of the northeast.
Dress Code
Take a look at the fourteen-day forecast before you start packing for a better idea of what to expect. In general, you're best off packing some comfortable long pants for city exploration, with something a bit nicer for dinners in Hong Kong's many fancy restaurants. You may want a light pullover or light coat for late in the evening when the air starts to cool. Some restaurants don't allow shorts or sandals.
Hong Kong Hotels in December
Disney's Hollywood Hotel
If visiting Hong Kong Disneyland is high on your list, you should look into staying at the Disney Hollywood Hotel. This beautiful four-star hotel on Lantau Island transfers the spirit of the park into the hotel. There are 600 comfortable rooms, some themed in décor the kids will love. The hotel itself is modeled after 1940s Hollywood. The architecture is of an old art-deco style, and classic cars of the period round out the atmosphere. The hotel features a swimming pool, gym, and an international buffet. Most of the rooms will treat you to views of the mountains, the ocean, or the park. The hotel offers discounted theme park tickets for guests.
JW Marriott
The five-star JW Marriott Hotel in the Admiralty district will give you some of the best views you can find in Hong Kong. The JW Marriott is situated near the harbor and above the enormous Pacific Place Mall and MTR station, perfectly located for exploring Hong Kong's attractions and restaurants. The JW Marriott features 602 modern rooms with large marble bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also features a heated outdoor swimming pool with bar, fitness center, and a total of eight restaurants and lounges. The on-site Chinese restaurant is amazing and the café is a perfect morning stopover.
The Langham
The five-star Langham Hong Kong is very popular for guests who come to Hong Kong and desire spa treatments at their hotel. The Langham's rooftop wellness center features a gym, outdoor pool, spa, and multiple treatment rooms. The Langham features 498 modern, air-conditioned rooms with amazing views of the harbor and Hong Kong skyline. There's also an incredible Chinese restaurant on site, T'ang Court, as well as other dining options. The Langham has a wonderful location near the Harbor City mall, many great restaurants & attractions, the Star Ferry, and the MTR.
City Garden Hotel Hong Kong
The affordable City Garden Hotel in the Causeway Bay district is a great hotel for travelers on a tighter budget. This four-star hotel features 613 comfortable rooms, some with great views though this isn't guaranteed. The hotel also features free Internet, complimentary smartphones, a fitness center, and a business center. There are three great restaurants at the City Garden Hotel, including the award-winning YUE restaurant. The City Garden Hotel is perfectly located near the Fortress Hill MTR station and numerous dining & shopping options. A complimentary shuttle is available to other parts of the city.
Bars and Restaurants
Pacific Coffee Café
If you just want a cozy little café to grab a cup of perfectly-roasted coffee and a plate of quiche, don't miss the Pacific Coffee Café. There are actually over 100 locations for this café in Hong Kong so you're never far from one. However, stepping into one of these shops and trying their coffee and breakfast dishes you'll forget that you're in a widespread coffee chain. Hours vary by location, but they're generally open all day and into the late evening hours. They also offer a lunch menu.
Little Bao
One of Hong Kong's more unique and memorable dining options is Little Bao restaurant in the Sheung Wan neighborhood. The prices are often considered to be on the high side, but the experience is just as good as the food. Little Bao has an open kitchen, and the cooks, who also take your orders, will entertain you as they cook. The atmosphere is very fun and the sandwiches are delightful, though the restaurant is small. Popular favorites include the fried chicken bao, pork belly bao, truffle fries, and ice cream baos. Little Bao is open daily from 6PM-11PM, and also serves lunch on the weekends from 12PM-4PM.
Employees Only Hong Kong
Employees Only Hong Kong in the bustling Lan Kwai Fong square is a new extension of the trendy bar & restaurant in New York City. The menu features amazing American & international dishes, such as fresh steaks, seafood, pastas, and delicious desserts. The casual, laid-back atmosphere is similar to other New York speakeasies and is a great place to just hang out and enjoy one of their specialty cocktails. After dinner, Employees Only turns into one of the busiest bars in LKF. Hours are from 6PM-4AM Monday thru Saturday and 8PM-4AM on Sunday. Dinner reservations are recommended.
Man Wah
Man Wah Mandarin Oriental in Central Hong Kong will definitely leave you satisfied with their servings of delectable Cantonese cuisine. The décor works in concert with the food for an amazing experience, also presenting you with wonderful city views from this high-rise restaurant. The chefs at Man Wah have earned this restaurant a Michelin rating; you can be assured that they use only the finest, freshest ingredients in their flavorful & elegant dishes. Man Wah is open for a dim sum lunch from 12PM-2:30PM Monday thru Friday and 11:30AM-3PM on weekends. Dinner hours are from 6:30PM-10PM daily. If you will be bringing children younger than six, the managers ask that you only come during the week. They also ask that guests refrain from wearing shorts.
Things to do in Hong Kong in December
Victoria Peak Tram
The clear skies in December make it a great month to visit Victoria Peak Tower. The 19th-century Victoria Peak Tram is the best way to get to the top. This historic funicular now serves thousands of riders daily, so you may expect to wait in a queue, especially on weekends and holidays. There are restaurants and shops on top of Victoria Peak, and sunset is a great time to visit. The tram runs from 7AM to 12AM every day.
Hong Kong Museum of History
The history lovers will want to spend at least a half-day in the expansive Hong Kong Museum of History. This free museum in the Tsim Sha Tsui district takes you on a journey of Hong Kong's history, from prehistoric days to modern times. The exhibits are life-size mockups that you can walk through, enhancing your understanding of the exhibit and making this a unique museum experience. All exhibits and time periods are neatly arranged to keep you from spending unnecessary time hunting for what you want to see. Weekday hours are from 10AM-6PM and weekends are from 10AM-7PM. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Tsz Shan Monastery
There are a number of monasteries in the region, some of them crowded with tourists, but not the Tsz Shan Monastery. This spiritual location on the outskirts of Hong Kong has a daily visitor limit, and visitation appointments must be booked in advance. The monastery is very strict in enforcing the appointments, so make sure you're on time they often won't let you in early or late. Once inside you'll be immediately captivated by the beautiful buildings, lush gardens, and impressive views of the mountains beyond. It will only be you, a few other tourists, and the Buddhist monks. Visiting Tsz Shan Monastery can be a very spiritual experience for many tourists. You'll have to take a combination of MTR and bus to visit Tsz Shan if you're relying on public transport.
Hong Kong Disneyland
The cool, clear days of December make it ideal for spending a day at Hong Kong Disneyland. This park isn't as large as other Disney parks around the world, but it has the same attractions you and your children will be hoping for when visiting. Walk through Sleeping Beauty Castle, get your thrills in the runaway mine cars in Grizzly Gulch, visit Hyperspace Mountain, and take flight with Dumbo. Don't forget the camera for pictures with Mickey Mouse and Cinderella. Hong Kong Disneyland is open daily from 10:30AM until 8:30PM.
