What to pack for Shanghai in December
Heading to Shanghai in December? Here's a packing list built directly from local climate averages — not generic blog advice.
December is one of the coldest months of the year in Shanghai (ranked 11 of 12) and among the driest (ranked 12 of 12). Day temperatures are 6°C cooler than November and cooling toward January — so this month's packing list won't be identical to November's or January's.
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Essentials
- ★ Passport + a photocopy stored separately Travel documents
- ★ Phone + charging cables (USB-C, Lightning as needed) Daily essentials
- • Refillable water bottle (1L) Reduces single-use plastic + saves money
- • Compact daypack (15–20L) For day trips, hands-free walking
- • Travel-size first-aid kit (band-aids, ibuprofen, antihistamines) Pharmacy access varies
Tops
- ★ Long-sleeve shirts (4–5) — flannel, henley, or merino Avg high 10°C — chilly Shop on Amazon ↗
- ★ Lightweight sweater or fleece (2) Layering for cool days Shop on Amazon ↗
- • Thin merino base layer (1) Wicking + warmth without bulk Shop on Amazon ↗
Bottoms
- ★ Jeans or chinos (2) Versatile for mild weather Shop on Amazon ↗
- • 1 dressier pair (dark chinos or trousers) Restaurants/evenings — works for smart-casual settings Shop on Amazon ↗
Outerwear & layers
- ★ Warm winter coat (wool overcoat or insulated parka) Overnight lows 3°C Shop on Amazon ↗
- ★ Wool scarf + warm beanie Heat retention Shop on Amazon ↗
- ★ Insulated gloves (touchscreen-compatible) Cold mornings Shop on Amazon ↗
Rain & weather protection
- • Light rain jacket OR compact umbrella (pick one) 7 rain days Shop on Amazon ↗
Footwear
- ★ Insulated waterproof boots (Blundstone, Sorel, or hiking-grade) Cold + possibly wet conditions Shop on Amazon ↗
- ★ Wool socks (5+ pairs) — Smartwool, Darn Tough Warmth and dryness; cotton socks freeze fingers in damp cold Shop on Amazon ↗
Accessories
- • Lip balm with SPF + thick hand cream Cold dry air cracks skin fast Shop on Amazon ↗
Local style + dress code
- • 1 nicer outfit (collared shirt or dress + dark trousers + non-sneaker shoes) Locals dress smart-casual — e.g. Shanghai restaurants and evenings expect more than t-shirt + sneakers
Power, voltage & adapters
- ★ 220V at 50Hz Mains electricity standard for China
- ★ Plug types: I, A, C (Type I — angled flat 3-pin (Australia/NZ/China/Argentina)) Most common: I. Older buildings may also use A, C.
- ★ Check device voltage labels: 'INPUT: 100–240V' is dual-voltage (most modern phones, laptops, chargers — safe). Single-voltage 110V devices (older hairdryers, curling irons) need a step-down converter, not just an adapter. China runs 220V — too high for US-only 110V devices
- • From the UK/Ireland: bring a G→I travel adapter UK Type G plugs don't fit China's outlets
- · Easiest option: a universal travel adapter (e.g. Anker, Epicka) that handles A/B/C/E/F/G/I in one — covers ~95% of countries. If you travel to multiple regions
⚖️ Can you carry-on?
Maybe — possible with a packable down jacket, careful shoe choices (one warm + one walking), and wearing your bulkiest layer on the plane. Expect to use most of the carry-on volume.
23 suggested items total — 5 essentials, 8 clothing items, 2 pairs of shoes.
What you can leave at home
Based on Shanghai's December climate, here's what won't earn its bag space:
- shorts & sandals (too cool to wear comfortably)
- beach towel (unless you're brave)
- snow boots and ice grips
How this list was built
Every recommendation above maps to specific climate data for Shanghai in December: average high (10°C), average low (3°C), expected rain days (7), and any peak hazard seasons. Heavier items appear at colder temperatures; rain gear scales with how often it rains; sun protection appears when it's warm and dry.
The ★ items are essential — pack these first. The • items are recommended for comfort. The · items are nice-to-have if you have space.
Other months in Shanghai
Daily forecasts, climate averages, and the best activities for the season.