Shanghai in December
In December, Shanghai averages 10°C (50°F) during the day and 3°C (37°F) at night, with around 7 days of rain (40 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
December in Shanghai is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Shanghai
December is one of the coolest months in Shanghai (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (20°C). December runs 6°C cooler than November (16°C) and cools 2°C in January (8°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Shanghai
Times shown for Shanghai local time (Asia/Shanghai), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Shanghai — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Shanghai's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Shanghai in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Shanghai's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Shanghai
Shanghai is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Shanghai
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Shanghai in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C / 46°F | 1°C / 34°F | 50 mm | 9 | 0 |
| February | 10°C / 50°F | 2°C / 36°F | 60 mm | 9 | 0 |
| March | 13°C / 55°F | 5°C / 41°F | 90 mm | 11 | 0 |
| April | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 95 mm | 12 | 0 |
| May | 24°C / 75°F | 15°C / 59°F | 110 mm | 12 | 0 |
| June | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 165 mm | 13 | 0 |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 145 mm | 11 | 0 |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 150 mm | 10 | 0 |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 130 mm | 10 | 0 |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 70 mm | 8 | 0 |
| November | 16°C / 61°F | 8°C / 46°F | 55 mm | 7 | 0 |
| December | 10°C / 50°F | 3°C / 37°F | 40 mm | 7 | 0 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Shanghai in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Shanghai in December?
In December, Shanghai averages a high of 10°C (50°F) and a low of 3°C (37°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in December?
December sees occasional rain in Shanghai, with about 7 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Shanghai?
December is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Shanghai in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers. See the full December packing list for Shanghai for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.