December · China
Best time to visit Shanghai in December Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Shanghai in December
Average temperature 6°C, 32 mm of rain, about 1 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 75% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
December score
6.3/10
Ranked #5 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 6°C
- Rainfall
- 32 mm
- Humidity
- 75%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 1
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$$ · Peak Season Rates ($$$)
December in Shanghai scores 6.3/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - an above-average month (#5 of 12). Expect around 6°C, 32 mm of rain, and roughly 1 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Bund nights, gardens, and riverfront walks thrive in late spring through early autumn.
December in Shanghai: mixed conditions, plan around the weather
Expect 6°C (43°F) in December. A good month for city streets, viewpoints and long meals; leave swimming for another season.
With around 32 mm of rain, any showers tend to pass through rather than settle in; about 1 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 10 hours of daylight fill the rest.
That is 6.3/10 on the same scale — 5th of 12 months, versus 7.9/10 for the best month here.
Pack a mid-weight jacket, long sleeves and shoes you can walk 15 km in.
Budget for peak pricing, and crowds are moderate.
If your dates are flexible, May is materially better in Shanghai — 1.6 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Shanghai in December?
- In December, Shanghai averages 6°C, 32 mm of rain, and about 1 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 6.3/10.
- Is December a good time to visit Shanghai?
- December earns a 6.3/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Shanghai in December?
- Expect about 32 mm of rain in December. Average humidity is 75% and there are about 1 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
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