What December feels like in Shanghai
In Shanghai, December brings early winter. Days are chilly rather than freezing, and walking is comfortable with a proper jacket. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Shanghai in December
Rain turns up now and then — about one day in 5. Wet days average about 6.4 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 10.1 mm per rainy day. December is Shanghai's driest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Shanghai gets 10 h 8 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:45 am to sunset near 4:53 pm. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 28 min. About 68% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 3rd coolest month in Shanghai. Compared with November, afternoons are 6.6°C (11.9°F) cooler, with 27 mm less rain. January is cooler again. The next month's average high: 8.9°C (48°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Shanghai in December
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Shanghai in December?
Expect around 11°C (51.8°F) in the afternoon and 3.4°C (38.1°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in December?
Only moderately: roughly 6 wet days and 38 mm, usually moderate rain.
What should I wear in Shanghai in December?
Based on the averages: warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Shanghai?
December, narrowly: it ranks #8 of 12 among Shanghai's months, against #9 for the other. January is cooler and has more rainy days.