Shanghai in Winter — Weather & What to Expect
Winter in Shanghai (December, January, February) averages daytime highs of 10.7°C and lows of 2.5°C, with around 162.6mm of rain across the season (21 rainy days in total). It includes some of the best months of the year to visit (December, January, February).
In the northern hemisphere, winter in Shanghai covers December, January, February.
Winter in Shanghai month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 10.7°C | 2.2°C | 22.7mm | 4 | 10/10 |
| January | 9.9°C | 1.8°C | 77.6mm | 8 | 10/10 |
| February | 11.5°C | 3.4°C | 62.3mm | 9 | 10/10 |
What to pack for Shanghai in winter
- Warm layers
- Light jacket or fleece
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm winter coat
- Thermal underlayers
- Gloves, hat and scarf
- Waterproof boots
- Light waterproof layer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is winter a good time to visit Shanghai?
Winter in Shanghai rates around 10/10 — excellent time to visit. Average highs are 10.7°C with 162.6mm of rain across the season.
How hot is Shanghai in winter?
Daytime highs average 10.7°C (51.3°F) across December, January, February, with nights around 2.5°C.
What months are winter in Shanghai?
Shanghai is in the northern hemisphere, so winter covers December, January, February.
See also: best time to visit Shanghai · Shanghai annual climate · Shanghai in spring · Shanghai in summer · Shanghai in autumn
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Once you know what winter in Shanghai looks like, find out exactly what to pack for Shanghai at 247PackingList. For currency, language and country facts, see the China guide at 247CountryInfo.
Winter in Shanghai — what to pack
Thermal travel layers
Pack proper layers — winters are genuinely cold and evenings drop fast year-round.
Check Price →Check clothing sizes in China at 247Sizing before you shop.
More winter travel essentials
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.