China, Asia
Shanghai in December
Cool and gray but cheap, with festive lights along Nanjing Road and in the malls.
The straight answer
December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Shanghai. Cool and gray but cheap, with festive lights along Nanjing Road and in the malls.
- Weather
- Chilly and damp, highs near 52F (11C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What December is like in Shanghai
December is cool and gray, with highs near 52F (11C) and damp air. Prices are low, and festive lights brighten Nanjing Road and the malls. Hairy crab season continues. Older buildings may have limited heating, so dress warmly. Crowds are light outside the holiday weekends, and the Bund is quiet on weekday mornings.
This month suits budget travelers and couples who enjoy city lights and good food. Families will enjoy the festive malls and indoor attractions like the Natural History Museum and the Ocean Aquarium. For comfortable walking weather, pick April or November.
Make the most of December
What is especially good about Shanghai this month.
Festive lights
Nanjing Road and the malls sparkle with holiday decorations.
Hairy crab's last weeks
The season continues through December.
Quiet museums
The Shanghai Museum is calm on weekday mornings.
What to pack for December
- A warm coat
- Thermal layers
- Waterproof shoes
- Gloves
Our timing tip
Book museum tickets online with your passport details, since popular slots can sell out on weekends.
Book Shanghai for December.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for December
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ShanghaiOpens a hotel search for Shanghai in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in ShanghaiWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in ShanghaiTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Shanghai for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in December
Hairy crab season
Roughly October through December
Shanghai's favorite seasonal delicacy, from Yangcheng Lake and nearby waters. Restaurants build menus around it.
Things to do in Shanghai
The Bund
Walk it at dusk as the lights come on, then again early in the morning when locals practice tai chi along the river.
Yu Garden and the Old City
A classical Ming garden surrounded by a busy bazaar. Go at opening time; afternoons and holidays are packed.
Shanghai Museum
One of China's best museums for bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy. Reserve free timed tickets online in advance.
Shanghai Tower observation deck
Among the highest observation decks in the world. Clear fall days give the longest views.
The former French Concession
Tree-lined streets, lane houses, cafes, and boutiques. Best explored on foot in spring or fall.
Shanghai Disneyland
Avoid Chinese holidays and summer weekends; weekdays in spring and fall bring the shortest lines.
Beat the crowds
- Keep your Shanghai days out of October 1 to 7 and the early May Labor Day holiday; the Bund and Yu Garden become crowd-control operations.
- Visit Yu Garden right at opening, and the Bund early in the morning or late at night after the light show crowd thins.
- Do water towns on weekdays and pick the less famous ones; Zhujiajiao gets tour buses, smaller towns get far fewer.
- Book Shanghai Museum reservations as soon as they open; weekend slots go fast.
Know before you go
- Many museums, including the Shanghai Museum, close on Mondays. Check each one before planning.
- Around Chinese New Year, smaller restaurants and family businesses close for several days while staff travel home; hotels, malls, and major attractions stay open.
- Typhoons between July and September can suspend ferries, flights, and outdoor attractions for a day or two.
- Many attractions require advance online booking with passport details, and popular slots can sell out on weekends.
Shanghai in December, quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Shanghai?
December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Shanghai. Cool and gray but cheap, with festive lights along Nanjing Road and in the malls.
What is the weather like in Shanghai in December?
Chilly and damp, highs near 52F (11C).
Is Shanghai crowded in December?
December is one of the quieter months in Shanghai; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Shanghai in December?
Hairy crab season (roughly october through december).
Keep planning Shanghai.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
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Dry, sunny, the year's most comfortable air, highs near 88F (31C)
Before you book.
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