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China Weather in December Overview: Is It Too Cold to Visit China in December?
December in China is cold and dry, marking the start of winter. Temperatures vary widely across the country, but most regions experience chilly weather. whether it's “too cold” depends on where you go and what you're prepared for:
- Northern China (e.g., Beijing, Harbin): Temperatures range from -10°C to 5°C (14°F to 41°F), with frequent snow and icy conditions.
- Eastern China (e.g., Shanghai, Hangzhou): Cool and humid, with temperatures around 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).Southern China (e.g., Guangzhou, Hong Kong): Much warmer, with temperatures between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It's a great escape from the cold.
- Western China (e.g., Lhasa, Chengdu): Cold in the mountains, with temperatures from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F), but warmer in city areas.
| Region | Cities | Temperature Range | Weather Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern China | Beijing, Harbin | -10°C to 5°C (14°F to 41°F) | Cold, dry, frequent snow and ice |
| Southern China | Guangzhou, Kunming | 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) | Warm, sunny, perfect for escaping cold |
| Eastern China | Shanghai, Hangzhou | 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) | Cool, humid, occasional rain |
| Western China | Lhasa, Chengdu | 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) | Cold in mountains, warmer in cities |
| Region | Cities | Temperature Range | Weather Conditions |
Winter in China: Weather, Festivals, Destinations & Tips
Northern China Weather in December: Cold & Snow
Main Cities: Xi'an, Beijing, Harbin, Changbai Mountain, Dalian, Inner Mogonlia, Datong, Luoyang
Northern China experiences cold and dry winters in December, with temperatures significantly lower than other regions of the country. In Beijing, daytime temperatures typically range from -2°C to 5°C (28-41°F), while nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing to around -10°C (14°F).
Cities like Harbin in the far north are even colder, with averages of -20°C (-4°F). Snowfall is common, especially in cities near the Great Wall and in northeastern provinces.
Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy world-class skiing at resorts near Beijing, such as Nanshan and Huaibei, or visit the prestigious Yabuli Ski Resort in Heilongjiang Province. The Changbai Mountains in Jilin also offer excellent skiing opportunities. Winter activities like the Harbin Ice Festival begin their preparations.
What to Pack:
The key to staying warm is wearing layers. Start with thermal underwear under your regular clothes. A good winter coat is very important - get one that covers your hips. Boots should be warm and have good grip for snow and ice. Always carry gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf.
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Eastern China Weather in December: Cool to Cold Weather
Majoy Cities: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Huangshan
Eastern China experiences cool to cold winters in December, with temperatures varying significantly between cities. Shanghai typically sees daytime temperatures between 8°C to 13°C (46-55°F), while nights can drop to 1°C to 5°C (34-41°F).
Cities like Hangzhou and Suzhou experience similar conditions, with occasional frost but rare snowfall. Nanjing tends to be slightly colder, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 9°C (36-48°F).
December brings increased rainfall and humidity compared to northern regions, with an average of 8-10 rainy days per month and expect occasional drizzle and overcast skies.
Despite the cooler weather, this season offers unique advantages: fewer tourist crowds at famous gardens and water towns, beautiful winter plum blossoms in Suzhou and Hangzhou, and perfect conditions for enjoying hot springs in cities like Wuxi and Yangzhou.
What to Pack:
The key for eastern China winter is preparing for both cold and rain. A waterproof jacket with warm lining works best here.
Southern China Weather in December in China: Mild Winter Weather
Cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Hainan
Southern China enjoys mild winters in December, offering a pleasant escape from the cold temperatures of the north. Guangzhou and Shenzhen experience average daytime temperatures between 15°C to 20°C (59-68°F), with nights cooling to around 10°C to 15°C (50-59°F).
Hong Kong has similar temperatures but often experiences more sunshine hours, making it perfect for exploring Victoria Peak or enjoying outdoor dining in Tsim Sha Tsui.
The tropical paradise of Sanya on Hainan Island stands out with warm temperatures of 21°C to 26°C (70-79°F), ideal for beach activities and water sports at Yalong Bay or Haitang Bay.
Indoor heating is uncommon in this region, but temperatures rarely require it. The pleasant climate makes December an excellent time to explore the natural and cultural attractions of Southern China.
What to Pack:
Pack light clothes for southern China's mild winter. A light jacket or sweater is enough for cooler evenings. If you're visiting Hainan, bring summer clothes and swimwear.
Southwestern China Weather in December in China
December weather in Southwestern China varies dramatically due to the region's diverse elevations.
- In Tibet, winter is harsh with daytime temperatures in Lhasa ranging from -5°C to 8°C (23-46°F), dropping well below freezing at night, though the intense sunshine and low humidity make days feel warmer.
- Chengdu maintains mild temperatures between 8°C to 14°C (46-57°F), with characteristic misty days and occasional light rain, perfect for visiting the Giant Panda Base.
- Yunnan Province offers diverse climates: Kunming, the "Spring City," enjoys pleasant days at 15°C to 18°C (59-64°F), while Lijiang and Shangri-La see colder temperatures from -5°C to 10°C (23-50°F). Dali and Xishuangbanna remain relatively warm.
What to Pack:
Different places need different clothes in this region. Bring warm winter gear for Tibet and northern Yunnan, medium-warm clothes for Chengdu, and light layers for southern Yunnan.
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Top Places to Visit in China in December
Harbin: Ice and Snow Festival
Harbin is perfect for winter travel in December. The famous Ice and Snow Festival starts late in the month. You can see huge ice buildings and snow art all over the city. The cold weather, around -20°C, makes the ice last longer.
The city's Central Street looks like a piece of Europe, with many food shops selling hot dumplings and local snacks. Every hotel and restaurant is warm inside, so you don't need to worry about the cold.
Many people enjoy ice skating and sledding here. The Ice and Snow World lights up at night with colorful lights. You can also visit the Siberian Tiger Park to see these big cats in the snow.
Sanya – Best Winter Beach Destination
Sanya is China's best winter beach destination. The weather is warm and sunny in December, with temperatures around 25°C. You can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports at beautiful beaches like Yalong Bay and Haitang Bay.
The sea is clear and blue, perfect for snorkeling and diving. Many luxury hotels line the beach, offering great views of the ocean. Fresh seafood is available everywhere, from street markets to fine restaurants. You can also visit tropical forests and local temples.
Hong Kong - Enjoy Christmas
Hong Kong is wonderful to visit in December. The weather is mild and dry, with temperatures around 20°C. The city decorates all its buildings with Christmas lights and decorations. Victoria Harbour looks magical at night with its light show.
Shopping is great during this time, with many holiday sales at malls and markets. The food is amazing - you can try street food or eat at nice restaurants. Take a cable car to see the Big Buddha, or ride the tram up to Victoria Peak for city views. Disneyland Hong Kong has special winter events.
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Yunnan –From Snow Mountains to Tropical Forests
Yunnan has great winter weather in December. Kunming stays warm at 15°C and sunny, perfect for visiting the Stone Forest and flower markets. Dali is cool but pleasant, ideal for walking in the old town and seeing the Three Pagodas.
Lijiang offers beautiful views of snow mountains and ancient streets. If you want warm weather, go to Xishuangbanna in the south. Here, it feels like summer with temperatures around 25°C. You can see tropical forests, tea gardens, and elephant parks. You can see snow, mild weather, and tropical scenes all in one province.
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Beijing: Snow, History, and Winter Fun
Beijing gets cold in December, with temperatures around 0°C in the day and below zero at night. But this creates perfect winter scenes. The Great Wall looks magical with snow, and you can take beautiful photos without crowds.
Snow in the Forbidden City makes the red walls and golden roofs look more beautiful. Winter activities are everywhere - go ice skating on frozen Shichahai Lake, or try skiing at the Winter Olympic venues near Beijing.
The cold weather means fewer tourists at famous sites. Don't worry about the cold - all indoor places have good heating, and the clear winter skies make for great photos.
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Huangshan Moutain: Snow, Clouds, Springs, and Pines
Huangshan is famous for four winter views: "Snow-covered Peaks", "Sea of Clouds", "Hot Springs", and "Winter Pine Trees". The snow makes the mountain look like a Chinese ink painting.
In December, you can often see the famous 'sea of clouds' in the morning, with peaks rising above white mist. The mountain's unique pine trees look magical when covered in frost and snow.
After hiking, you can relax in hot springs with mountain views. Temperatures stay around 0°C, but clear winter skies offer the best views of the landscape. The mountain hotels are all heated, and cable cars run regularly.
Crowds & Costs in China's December
December divides China into two distinct travel zones. In most area of China, cities like Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu, Tibet and Xinjiang see fewer tourists due to cold weather. This means lower hotel prices and quieter attractions. You can find good winter deals for the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and city tours.
The south tells a different story. Warm destinations like Sanya and Hong Kong get very crowded, with high prices for flights and hotels. Yunnan stays popular thanks to its mild weather. Special winter destinations like Harbin become busy when the Ice Festival starts in late December.
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Holidays & Festivals in December
| Date | Holiday/Event | Popular Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Dec | Harbin Ice Festival Preparation | Harbin |
| Dec 24 | Christmas Eve | All major cities |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day | All major cities |
| Dec 31 | New Year's Eve | Hong Kong (Victoria Harbour), Shanghai (The Bund), Beijing |
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