Early winter · Weather & things to do
Shanghai in December
Shanghai sees its driest month, with just 2.1 in (53 mm) of rain, highs of 51°F (11°C) and lows of 37°F (3°C).
It scores 68/100 for comfort, 7th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 51°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 37°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 2.1 in (53 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 55%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 59 min
- Comfort score
- 68/100 · Good
What December feels like
Afternoons only reach about 51°F (11°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Lows average 37°F (3°C).
Rain is moderate at about 2.1 in (53 mm) for the month.
Plan around December
December is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April and October & November).
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 59 min of daylight.
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 7°C (12°F) from November.
- Comfort slips from 86/100 in November to 68/100.
- Our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends Apr – May, Sep – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 51°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Shanghai in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
The Bund
Riverside promenade of 1920s banks and hotels facing the Pudong skyline.
Why now December scores 68/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Former French Concession
Plane-tree streets of villas, boutiques and cafes, centered on Wukang and Anfu roads.
Yu Garden
Ming dynasty classical garden of rockeries, ponds and pavilions in the old city.
Why now Highs near 51°F and 2.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Zhujiajiao Water Town
Canal town with stone bridges and old houses on Shanghai's western edge.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Long Bar at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai
Restored bar of the 1911 Shanghai Club on the Bund, known for its long counter.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Shanghai in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Shanghai?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 68/100 against a best of 86 in April and October & November. Expect highs of 51°F (11°C) and 2.1 in (53 mm) of rain. Our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends Apr – May, Sep – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Shanghai in December?
Average highs are 51°F (11°C) and average lows 37°F (3°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in December?
Not much: about 2.1 in (53 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the driest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.6 in (1286 mm).
What should I pack for Shanghai in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 51°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Shanghai
Planning Shanghai in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.