Shanghai Weather in December
During December, Shanghai experiences low daytime temperatures of 12°C (54°F) and cooler nights around 5°C (41°F). As the driest month of the year, and part of the winter season, rainfall is at its lowest.
Rainfall in Shanghai in December
This month sees the least rain of the year, making it well suited for outdoor adventures, even if you'll need a jacket. Past climate data indicates that roughly 10 days will see rain, totalling around 46 mm (1.8 in) for the month. Neither particularly heavy nor particularly frequent, the rain this month is about average. A light jacket should be enough on most wet days.
Temperature in Shanghai in December
Expect highs of 12°C (54°F) in Shanghai in December, with nights dropping to around 5°C (41°F). The month of December belongs to the winter season. The days stay cool from start to finish. Layering up well will make outdoor time much more comfortable. Nights drop to 5°C (41°F). Cold nights like these are actually great for sleeping well, as long as you have a warm enough duvet.
Sunshine in Shanghai in December
The area enjoys a moderate level of sunlight, with around 128 hours. It's a good balance between sunny and cloudy days.
Wind Speed in Shanghai in December
Wind speeds average 2 m/s (4 knots) during December. At this speed, expect light breezes that you can feel on your face and cause leaves to rustle gently. Since this is an average, some days are calmer with barely any wind while others have more noticeable gentle breezes.
Average water temperature in December
At 13°C (55°F), the water is cool but manageable for those who don't mind a bit of a shock getting in. Most people adjust after a few minutes.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, October typically offers the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit China, check out our Shanghai's climate page.
Shanghai Temperature in December
Min Temperature
5°C (41°F)
Max Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Water Temperature
13°C (55°F)
Chance of Rain
34%
Precipitation
46 mm (1.8 in)
Rainy days
10 days
Humidity
71%
Windspeed
2 m/s (4 knots)
Sunshine
128 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Shanghai typically drop from around 13°C (55°F) at the start of December to approximately 9°C (48°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 5°C (41°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Shanghai in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Shanghai spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Shanghai historical weather extremes in December
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Shanghai from 1976 through 2025.
- On December 29, 1987, temperatures climbed to 23°C (73°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
- The coldest night in December in Shanghai was on December 29, 1991, with a minimum of -8°C (18°F).
Best Places in China in December
Find out more about the weather in China and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of China in December →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Shanghai in December
Pack for changing conditions in Shanghai in December. Bring a mix of short and long sleeves, a warm layer like a hoodie or light jacket, and comfortable pants. The key is being able to add or remove layers as the days goes by. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. With water temperatures around 13°C (55°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.What To Do in Shanghai in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit China, check out our Shanghai's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Shanghai climate overview or explore weather in China.
