December is arguably the best month to visit Hong Kong. The heat and humidity that define the summer months are completely gone, the air quality is better than at any other time of year, and the city's Christmas decorations are a genuine spectacle: shopping malls compete with each other on the illuminations front, and the harbour light show adds its own layer. Early December is quieter and slightly cheaper. Christmas week and New Year draw visitors and prices rise, but nothing on the scale of peak summer.

Weather

The most comfortable weather Hong Kong offers. December temperatures sit around 15°C to 20°C during the day, dropping to 12°C at night. No humidity worth mentioning, clear skies on many days, and genuinely pleasant conditions for walking the city. The hikes in the New Territories and on Lantau Island that are miserable in summer become very enjoyable. A light jacket for evenings is enough. December is the month the city actually suits being outside.

Crowds and Prices

Flights from the UK and Europe to Hong Kong are long and not cheap at any time of year, but December fares are competitive with the rest of the year. Hotels are priced at a reasonable rate in early December. The city absorbs its visitors well due to its size: even busy areas like Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay feel manageable. The shopping malls in the run-up to Christmas are an experience in themselves, with some of the most ambitious Christmas decorations in Asia. Christmas Day and New Year's Eve see the hotel prices spike and the harbour area get crowded for the fireworks display.

What's On

The Harbour City and Times Square malls are known for their Christmas installations, which draw visitors specifically to photograph them. The Symphony of Lights harbour show runs nightly from the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. Victoria Peak in December, with clear air and comfortable temperatures, is at its best for the panoramic views. The winter hiking trails on Lantau and the Dragon's Back ridge are excellent in December. New Year's Eve fireworks from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront are impressive, though the area fills up from mid-evening.

One Thing to Watch

Hong Kong's Nathan Road and the shopping districts can be very busy on December weekends. The MTR runs efficiently and handles the crowds well, but street-level pedestrian traffic in Mong Kok and central Kowloon can be slow. Use the MTR rather than taxis when time matters.