Shanghai Winter – Weather, Temperature & Wear

Winter in Shanghai, starting from December to February of next year, features damp and cold weather. And thus, it is typically low season and the quietest time in Shanghai with relatively fewer tourists.

View of Shanghai in Cold Winter

 The precipitation is the lowest level in the four seasons, with its total number, 140 mm on average, equally to that of a single summer month. There are around 10 days with precipitation each winter month on average. But the humidity during this season is not low, at about 70%, because of low evaporation and its coastal location. 
 Snowfall do happen in Shanghai, but it is uncommon, with only 1-2 snow events likely throughout the entire winter each year. They are typically light snow or mixed with rain, making it difficult for significant accumulation to form. In other words, cold rain is the predominant form of precipitation during Shanghai winter. 
 In winter, Shanghai’s temperature doesn’t get extremely low: during early winter, from December to early January, the temperature typically hovers around 5-15 degrees Celsius (41-59 degrees Fahrenheit). Then, from the latter half of January through February, Shanghai experiences its coldest period, with the temperature dropping to around 0-10°C (32-50°F). Occasionally, the figure may fall to -5 to 0°C (23-32°F), but such instances are rare.

On sunny days when the temperature reaches around 15°C (59°F), you generally won’t feel very cold. However, as mentioned earlier, humidity remains high during this season, so once the daytime temperature dips below 10°C, you may experience a damp chill that penetrates your clothing, especially on rainy days.

People Visiting Yu Garden in Cold Winter

 Winter daytime lasts approximately 10 to 11 hours on average. Typically, sunrise occurs around 6:30 to 7:00, while sunset comes quite early, at around 17:00 to 17:30. Don’t feel upset about it. You can take advantage of the early evening to enjoy the illuminated landscapes of the Bund and Lujiazui. Note that the early sunset also signals that the temperature drops earlier.

This season also boasts the shortest sunshine hours of the year, averaging only 4 to 5 hours per day.
 This depends on your preferences. For most people, learning that the weather of Shanghai in winter is cold and damp with short daylight hours makes them less inclined to go. However, for some travelers, the following advantages are highly appealing, making them willing to endure the weather drawbacks.

1. Winter is the season with the lowest visitor flow in Shanghai throughout the year. There won’t be crowds even at the most popular scenic areas, except around Chinese New Year, so you can obtain a nice travel experience.
2. The travel expenses are lower in Shanghai winter season. In addition to airfare and hotel rates typically being at off-season levels, admission prices for attractions like Disneyland Park are also quite affordable during this period, especially on weekdays.
3. Several traditional Chinese festivals are celebrated in winter, including Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival. Travelling there during the festival periods, you can join in Chinese folk activities and experience interesting local folk customs. 

Mall with Festival Decorations