Things to Do in Kowloon in December

December Weather in Kowloon

20°C (68°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for outdoor exploration - December brings Kowloon's most comfortable temperatures at 16-20°C (61-68°F) with low humidity, ideal for walking the dense street markets and temple districts without the oppressive summer heat
Peak festival season with authentic celebrations - Chinese Winter Solstice Festival and Christmas markets create a unique East-meets-West atmosphere, while locals celebrate with traditional glutinous rice balls and family gatherings you can witness in parks and temples
Clearest air quality of the year - Northeast monsoon winds blow away pollution, giving you crystal-clear views from Sky100 observation deck and Lion Rock hiking trails, perfect for photography with visibility extending to Lantau Island
Best shopping deals and night market conditions - Post-Christmas sales coincide with comfortable evening temperatures, making 4-hour night market crawls through Mong Kok and Temple Street actually enjoyable instead of sweat-soaked endurance tests

Considerations

Unpredictable rain patterns despite low total rainfall - Those 10 rainy days can strike without warning, turning outdoor temple visits into indoor mall sessions, and locals always carry umbrellas even on sunny mornings
Tourist surge from mainland China during winter holidays creates overwhelming crowds at Wong Tai Sin Temple and Avenue of Stars, with wait times for photos extending to 45+ minutes
Accommodation prices spike 40-60% during Christmas and New Year weeks, with budget guesthouses in Tsim Sha Tsui charging premium rates that rival mid-range hotels in other months

Best Activities in December

Temple District Walking Tours

December's cool temperatures make extended temple-hopping comfortable, while Winter Solstice Festival brings authentic ceremonies to Wong Tai Sin and Sik Sik Yuen temples. Witness locals preparing traditional offerings and participating in prayer rituals that peak during this season. Morning visits (7-9am) avoid tourist crowds while catching worshippers performing daily rituals.

Booking Tip: Book guided cultural tours 5-7 days ahead through certified operators. Group tours typically cost HK$300-500 per person. Look for tours that include temple etiquette instruction and festival context. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Rooftop Bar and Sky Lounge Experiences

December's clear skies and comfortable 16-20°C (61-68°F) evenings create perfect conditions for Kowloon's rooftop scene. Air quality reaches annual peak, offering unobstructed harbor views and dramatic sunset photography opportunities. The cool weather means outdoor terraces stay busy until midnight without the summer heat driving everyone indoors.

Booking Tip: Reserve rooftop venues 10-14 days ahead for December evenings. Expect to spend HK$150-300 per drink at premium locations. Book sunset timing slots (5:30-7pm) well in advance. See current rooftop experiences in booking section below.

Lion Rock and Eagle's Nest Hiking

December offers the year's best hiking conditions with cool temperatures and crystal-clear visibility extending to Hong Kong Island and beyond. The 2-3 hour Lion Rock trail becomes manageable without summer's brutal heat and humidity, while photographers capture stunning cityscapes with pollution-free air quality.

Booking Tip: Join guided hiking groups for safety and local insight, typically costing HK$400-600 including transport. Book 7-10 days ahead as December hiking groups fill quickly. Verify guide certification and emergency procedures. See current hiking tours in booking section below.

Traditional Night Market Food Tours

Cool December evenings transform night market exploration from survival test to culinary adventure. Temple Street and Ladies Market become comfortable for 3-4 hour food crawls, while winter seasonal specialties like hot pot ingredients and warming soups appear at street stalls. Locals emerge in larger numbers during comfortable weather.

Booking Tip: Book small group food tours (6-8 people maximum) 5-7 days ahead for HK$500-800 per person including tastings. Ensure tours cover both tourist spots and locals-only stalls. Evening tours starting 6-7pm work best. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Victoria Harbour Ferry and Waterfront Walks

December's stable weather patterns make ferry schedules reliable while cool temperatures keep outdoor deck seating comfortable throughout the journey. Clear skies enhance the famous Symphony of Lights show, and waterfront promenades become pleasant for extended walks rather than brief heat escapes.

Booking Tip: Star Ferry operates regular schedules - no advance booking needed for basic transport (HK$3-5). For sunset harbor cruises, book 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators, typically HK$200-400 per person. See current harbor cruise options in booking section below.

Christmas Market and Festival Experiences

December brings unique East-meets-West celebrations to Kowloon, with Christmas markets in shopping districts combining with traditional Chinese Winter Solstice celebrations. Outdoor markets and festival activities become enjoyable thanks to comfortable temperatures, while locals participate in seasonal traditions visible throughout the district.

Booking Tip: Most Christmas markets are free entry, but special events and workshops typically cost HK$100-300. Cultural festival tours explaining both traditions book 7-14 days ahead. See current festival experience options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Late December

Chinese Winter Solstice Festival

Major traditional celebration where families gather to make and eat glutinous rice balls (tangyuan). Witness authentic ceremonies at temples and family gatherings in public parks. Local restaurants serve special seasonal menus and markets sell traditional festival ingredients.

Mid to Late December

Christmas Markets and Light Displays

Western-style Christmas celebrations merge with local traditions throughout Kowloon's shopping districts. Elaborate light displays, outdoor markets, and special performances create unique cultural fusion experiences not found elsewhere in Asia.

Late December

New Year Countdown Preparations

While the main celebration is January 1st, December features extensive preparation activities, special shopping promotions, and preview events for the famous Victoria Harbour countdown. Local communities organize practice events and cultural performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight layers for 16-20°C (61-68°F) temperatures - cotton long sleeves for temples, light sweater for evening harbor walks

Compact umbrella essential - despite low rainfall totals, those 10 rainy days come without warning and local downpours can be intense

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - marble temple floors and wet market areas become slippery, even with minimal rain

SPF 50+ sunscreen for UV index 8 - December sun feels mild but clear skies mean strong UV exposure during outdoor activities

Portable phone charger - December's comfortable weather keeps you outdoors longer, draining batteries with constant photography and navigation

Light scarf or wrap for air-conditioned malls and restaurants - indoor spaces blast AC while outdoor temperatures don't require heavy clothing

Cash in small denominations (HK$10-50 notes) - street vendors and temple donations require cash, and December festivals increase small purchase frequency

Face masks for crowded areas - December tourist crowds at temples and markets create close contact situations

Lightweight backpack for shopping - December sales and comfortable weather encourage extended shopping sessions requiring hands-free carrying

Evening jacket for rooftop venues - temperatures can drop to 16°C (61°F) after sunset, making outdoor terraces chilly without light cover

Insider Knowledge

Visit Wong Tai Sin Temple before 8am during Winter Solstice week - locals perform special dawn prayers creating authentic ceremony experiences before tour groups arrive at 10am

December ferry schedules run extended evening services until midnight - take advantage of reliable weather for cheaper HK$3 Star Ferry rides instead of HK$200+ harbor cruises

Local families picnic in Kowloon Park during December weekends due to perfect weather - join them at food stalls selling seasonal specialties not available other months

Christmas shopping sales start December 15th at major malls - locals know to wait for deeper discounts rather than buying during early December 'pre-sales'

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming no rain gear needed because of low rainfall totals - those 10 rainy days can dump heavy downpours that soak unprepared tourists within minutes

Booking accommodations only for Christmas week - December 26-31 also has premium pricing but January 1-7 drops significantly with better availability

Overdressing for daytime temperatures then freezing during evening activities - 4°C (7°F) temperature swings require layering strategy rather than single outfit choice