Weather in Hong Kong in December

How December compares

December is the 10th warmest month of the year in Hong Kong and ranks 54th of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Hong Kong is 12.3°C warmer by day and 12.1°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Hong Kong peaks at 20.0°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 23.3°C or more. Roughly 1 in 37 days top 25°C. Nights average 14.8°C; one night in ten drops to 10.2°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 26.8°C (2010-12-06) and the coldest night 3.3°C (1991-12-28).

Rain in December

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 4 days with 1 mm or more, 29 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 1994 with 106 mm, the driest 2004 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 69%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 20.3°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 19.6°C to 21.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (28.5°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 10.6 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:55 and sets about 17:42 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 48%.

Is December a good time to visit Hong Kong?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days. The best months for Hong Kong on our scoring are November, October, September; months averaging 25°C or more: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Warm enough for exploring, cool enough for layers

December suits travellers who prefer being out and about without intense midday heat. With average highs of 20°C, light clothing can work during the warmer part of the day, but pack a jumper and a jacket for evenings. The coldest nights can fall to 10°C or lower, so relying entirely on summer clothes would be a mistake. Days reaching 25°C account for just 3%, making this a poor choice if proper heat is your priority. Compared with London's average December high of around 8°C, though, Hong Kong should feel noticeably milder. Think comfortable daytime warmth rather than reliably hot weather.

Mostly dry plans, but not all-day sunshine

Rain is unlikely to dominate your plans, with about 4 rainy days during December, though a light waterproof is still sensible. There is enough dry-weather potential to keep your schedule focused outdoors without assuming every day will stay clear. Expect about 5.6 hours of sunshine within 10.6 hours of daylight: useful for daytime exploring, but not a promise of uninterrupted blue skies. Plan outdoor time around the daylight rather than expecting long, bright evenings. The sea averages 20.3°C, which is bracing rather than comfortably warm. Swimming may appeal if you tolerate cool water, but December makes more sense for travellers whose holiday does not depend on spending much time in the sea.