2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Shanghai — December

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

December is a good time to visit Shanghai. Mild temperatures around 11°C make it comfortable for exploring. With only around 10 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

7.1
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

11°C

Avg Low

4°C

Rainy days

4days

Daylight

10.1h

Feels like 8°C / 1°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

16mm

Sunshine

7.2h/day

Humidity

69%

Humid
Sun Strength

3.9

Moderate
Wind

18 km/h (gusts 33)

Is December a good time to visit Shanghai?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Moderate
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:46

Sunset

16:54

10.1h daylight

Visiting Shanghai in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Minimal rainfall — great for outdoor plans
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Things to Do in December

Recommended for This Weather

🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Shanghai Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 10°C 3°C 6d (52mm) 6.6h
72% Humid
4 Moderate
Good
Feb 11°C 5°C 9d (59mm) 5.9h
74% Humid
4.4 Moderate
Good
Mar 16°C 9°C 11d (95mm) 6.9h
73% Humid
5.8 High
Excellent
Apr 21°C 13°C 11d (104mm) 8.1h
72% Humid
7.2 Very High
Excellent
May 25°C 18°C 10d (115mm) 8.5h
75% Humid
7.6 Very High
Excellent
Jun 28°C 23°C 17d (296mm) 6.7h
83% Very Humid
6.2 High
Wet
Jul 32°C 27°C 17d (265mm) 8.6h
81% Very Muggy
7 High
Wet
Aug 33°C 27°C 11d (95mm) 10.3h
78% Muggy
7.8 Very High
Good
Sep 29°C 24°C 14d (159mm) 8h
80% Very Muggy
5.7 High
Excellent
Oct 24°C 18°C 8d (54mm) 7.2h
75% Humid
4.7 Moderate
Excellent
Nov 19°C 12°C 7d (60mm) 6.8h
73% Humid
4 Moderate
Excellent
Dec Current 11°C 4°C 4d (16mm) 7.2h
69% Humid
3.9 Moderate
Good

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Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Shanghai – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Shanghai

Futuristic metropolis with Bund colonial waterfront, skyscraper skyline, street food alleys, and high-speed maglev trains.

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What to Pack for December

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors.

Moderate Moderate

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Shanghai?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Shanghai?
December is typically good for visiting Shanghai, with average highs of 11°C and around 4 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Shanghai in December?
Yes, nights in Shanghai during December are cold, averaging 4°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Shanghai in December?
With highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C in December, we recommend: Layerable clothing, Light jacket, Comfortable walking shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in December?
Shanghai typically sees around 4 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Shanghai in December?
In December, Shanghai gets approximately 10.1 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Shanghai?
No, December is not peak season in Shanghai. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Asia/Shanghai)

Last Updated: February 2026

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