Things to Do in Xiamen in December

December Weather in Xiamen

23°C (73°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect walking weather - comfortable 15-23°C (59-73°F) range ideal for exploring Gulangyu Island and mountain hiking without overheating
Clearest visibility of the year - December's dry air offers stunning views of Taiwan across the strait and crystal-clear sunrise shots from Sunlight Rock
Peak seafood season - winter catches include the prized Xiamen razor clams and local pomfret, with fishing boats bringing daily fresh hauls to Eighth Market
Lowest rainfall year-round with only 4 rainy days - outdoor plans rarely get disrupted, unlike summer's daily downpours

Considerations

Strong northeastern winds averaging 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) can make ferry rides to Gulangyu choppy and beach activities less comfortable
Early sunsets at 5:45 PM limit daylight sightseeing time - popular spots like Zhongshan Road pedestrian street are best visited in early afternoon
Peak domestic tourism season drives accommodation prices up 40-60% compared to summer months, requiring booking 6-8 weeks ahead

Best Activities in December

Gulangyu Island Cultural Walking Tours

December's cool, dry weather makes this UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for extended walking. The 15-23°C (59-73°F) temperatures are ideal for climbing Sunlight Rock's 92.7 m (304 ft) summit and exploring colonial architecture without the summer heat exhaustion. Clear winter air provides exceptional views of Xiamen's skyline across the 600 m (1,970 ft) strait.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 days ahead through licensed cultural tour operators. Half-day tours typically cost ¥180-280 ($25-39). Ferry tickets (¥35 round trip) are separate. Reference booking widget below for current guided tour options.

Wuyi Mountain Day Hiking

Winter's moderate temperatures and low humidity make the 2.5-hour trek to Tianyou Peak manageable. December's clear skies offer unobstructed mountain views, and the reduced rainfall means stable trail conditions. Local hikers prefer this season for the comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F) temperatures at elevation.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Xiamen typically cost ¥350-450 ($49-63) including transport and entrance fees. Book through certified mountain tour operators 5-7 days ahead. See current mountain tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Teahouse Cultural Experiences

December aligns with winter tea harvest season, particularly for Xiamen's famous Ti Kuan Yin oolong. Cool weather makes indoor tea ceremonies more appealing, and you'll sample the year's premium winter picks. Local tea masters are less busy than during spring festival season.

Booking Tip: 2-3 hour tea culture experiences range ¥120-200 ($17-28) per person. Book directly with cultural centers or through hotel concierge services. Traditional teahouses in Siming District offer the most authentic experiences.

Cycling Tours of Ancient Villages

Perfect weather for exploring Xiamen's surrounding Hakka villages by bike. December's comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall create ideal cycling conditions along the 25-30 km (15.5-18.6 mile) routes. Ancient tulou structures are best photographed in winter's clear light conditions.

Booking Tip: Full-day cycling tours typically cost ¥280-380 ($39-53) including bike rental and lunch. Book 4-5 days ahead with operators offering quality mountain bikes. Current cycling tour options available in booking widget below.

Seafood Market and Cooking Classes

December brings winter seafood specialties to Xiamen's markets. Cool morning temperatures make 6 AM market visits comfortable, and winter catches like local oysters and mantis shrimp are at peak quality. Cooking classes focus on seasonal preparations unique to this time of year.

Booking Tip: Market tours with cooking classes cost ¥200-320 ($28-45) for 4-hour experiences. Book through culinary schools or certified food tour operators 3-4 days ahead. Morning sessions are most popular due to freshest ingredients.

Sunrise Photography at Hulishan Fortress

December's clear mornings and 6:50 AM sunrise create optimal photography conditions at this coastal fortress. Cool temperatures mean comfortable early morning shoots, and winter's low humidity provides exceptional clarity for Taiwan strait views. Professional photographers prefer December for landscape work.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops cost ¥150-250 ($21-35) for 3-hour sunrise sessions. Independent visits require ¥25 entrance fee. Early morning tours available through photography studios - check current options in booking section.

December Events & Festivals

Early January (registration typically opens in December)

Xiamen International Marathon

One of China's most scenic marathons featuring routes along the coastline and through Gulangyu Island. December's cool weather creates ideal running conditions, and the event draws international participants for its beautiful coastal course.

Mid to Late December

Winter Seafood Festival

Local restaurants and markets celebrate winter seafood harvest with special menus featuring seasonal catches. Street food stalls around Zhongshan Road offer traditional winter preparations like oyster omelets and razor clam soup.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight down jacket or fleece - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) in early morning and evening

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Gulangyu's stone paths can be slippery from morning dew

Light rain jacket - though only 4 rainy days expected, afternoon showers can be sudden

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 still requires protection, especially for boat trips

Layers for temperature variation - 8°C (14°F) difference between morning and afternoon temps

Windbreaker for ferry rides - northeastern winds average 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) on water

Breathable cotton shirts - 65% humidity still requires moisture-wicking fabrics

Light scarf or neck warmer - useful for windy coastal walks and early morning photography

Daypack with water bottle - cool weather makes longer walking tours more appealing

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on phone flashlights and maps

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on Xiamen island rather than Gulangyu - December's strong winds can disrupt evening ferry service, potentially stranding visitors overnight

Visit popular attractions before 2 PM - December's 5:45 PM sunset means insufficient lighting for photography after 4 PM, and most outdoor attractions lose appeal in darkness

Locals eat hot pot and warming soups in December - join them at neighborhood restaurants for authentic winter dining experiences rather than summer's cold noodle dishes

December flight prices to Xiamen spike 40-50% due to domestic tourism - book international connections through Hong Kong or Taipei for better rates than direct mainland China flights

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind chill on boats - ferry rides to Gulangyu feel 5-7°C (9-13°F) colder than land temperature due to strong coastal winds

Planning beach activities - December's 15-23°C (59-73°F) range is too cool for swimming or sunbathing, focus on cultural and hiking activities instead

Assuming summer clothing works - many first-time visitors pack for tropical weather and find themselves cold during morning and evening activities