China Weather in December
December is not a good time to travel in China in terms of weather conditions, as it is freezing in most of the country. In the North it is bone-chillingly cold and windy. The average temperature in Beijing is -1°C (30°F) and the lowest temperature can plummet to -12°C (10°F). The average temperature in Harbin in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province is -15°C (5°F) and the lowest temperature is around -50 (-58°F). Ski resorts in Beijing and the rest of North China begin to open to tourists from December.
Central China and regions south of the Yangtze River also experience freezing weather. The weather in these regions can feel colder than in the north due to its dampness. South China is milder, but it is not really warm (apart from Hainan). Take Guilin for example: it is often nose-numbingly cold and windy, but it is also possible to sit outside in warm clothes and get sunburnt on a bright and still winter day. The lowest temperature on average is around -1°C (30°F). Winter in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Hainan Island is comfortable. Yunnan in Southwest China also has mild winter weather.
It is dry on most days in North China. Indeed December is a dry month throughout China. In early December you may be able to see the last of the year's fall foliage.
Average December Weather in Major Chinese Cities
|
|
Beijing | Shanghai | Guilin | Guangzhou | Hong Kong | Xi'an | Hangzhou | Kunming | Chengdu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (oC) | 4 | 11 | 15 | 21 | 20 | 6 | 11 | 15 | 11 |
| Low (oC) | -6 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 16 | -3 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Rain (mm) | 3 | 37 | 47 | 32 | 35 | 6 | 47 | 11 | 5 |
| High (oF) | 39 | 52 | 58 | 70 | 68 | 43 | 52 | 59 | 52 |
| Low (oF) | 21 | 37 | 44 | 54 | 61 | 27 | 37 | 37 | 41 |
| Rain (in) | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
December Clothes
North China: It is bone-chillingly cold. A warm overcoat, such as a heavy, long, down coat, warm hat, scarf, gloves and snow boots are needed to keep warm.
Central China: A light down coat, sweater, boots, and wind-proof jacket are usually enough.
South China: South China generally does not have typical winter weather. Late autumn dress is fine for December travel, but you are still advised to bring warm clothes, in preparation for any cold weather, and for if you are stationary for long periods of time. In South China many buildings have no heating.
See December clothing suggestions for Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Hong Kong and Xian.
Why visit China in December?
- December is the low travel season (except for Hainan Island), and is the quietest time of the year. Good hotel and flight discounts can be found.
- The weather in Beijing especially, North China, and generally the rest of China is dry.
- If you visit the Great Wall in December, you are very likely to view an awesome snowy scene of the wall and the mountains covered with snow. In addition, there are fewer tourists and you may have the wall to yourself.
- Ski resorts in North China begin to accept tourists. See Top Ski Resorts in China
Disadvantages of Visiting China in December
- It is cold in most of China.
- On top of the Great Wall, it is freezing and windy.
- From November to April, Tibet is not suitable for traveling because of the severe weather conditions.
Top December Destinations
Beijing
The dozens of ski resorts around Beijing begin to receive tourists in December. If you want to hit the slopes in this season, Beijing is a good option for you. See Ski Resorts Around Beijing
Harbin
Harbin is one of China's most famous winter destinations, because the sub-zero weather there has resulted in various winter activities. Ski resorts of various sizes and scales are scattered around the region. Yabuli Ski Resort, China's best ski resort is located near Harbin. See China's Top Ski Resorts
Hainan Island
Hainan Island is the best winter escape destination in China. It has a number of tropical beaches. For winter travelers, it is not unlike Hawaii in the US, which serves as a favorite tropical oasis to escape the cold winter.
Weather in December by City
- Beijing Weather
- Changsha Weather
- Chengdu Weather
- Chongqing Weather
- Dalian Weather
- Guangzhou Weather
- Guilin Weather
- Haikou Weather
- Hangzhou Weather
- Harbin Weather
- Hong Kong Weather
- Hohhot Weather
- Huangshan Weather
- Jiuzhaigou Weather
- Kunming Weather
- Lanzhou Weather
- Lhasa Weather
- Lijiang Weather
- Macau Weather
- Nanjing Weather
- Ningbo Weather
- Qingdao Weather
- Sanya Weather
- Shanghai Weather
- Shenzhen Weather
- Suzhou Weather
- Taiwan Weather
- Tianjin Weather
- Urumqi Weather
- Wuhan Weather
- Xiamen Weather
- Xian Weather
- Xining Weather
- Zhangjiajie Weather
- Zhuhai Weather
See our China Winter Travel Guide
China Highlights
86-773-2831999 (Int'l)
Hi Mohd, in most part of southern China, it does not snow in winter. But in the cities like Changsha, Hangzhou, Shanghai, etc. it may snow during late Dec. to mid Jan. To witness a real snow, northern China is a better choice.
Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-02-20
Dear Jude,
Thank you for your inquiry.
There are many suppliers in Guangdong Province offer automatic water bottle packing machine, you can find a cooperative partner here:http://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?IndexArea=product_en&SearchText=water_bottle_packing_machine&Country=CN&atm=&f0=y&prov=Guangdong
As you know, we are a travel company specialized in China Tour, we are happy to arrange a tour for you. If you need us to arrange a private vehicle for you, please feel free to contact me at: doris@chinahighlights.net
Have a nice day!
Doris Huang Replied on 2012-12-09Hi Subash, in which city, please?
Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-11-20Hi Viv, don't worry, there are heaters or thick blankets on the train, you don't have to bring sleeping bag.
Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-11-13Hi Seema, It is cold at that time.. The maximum temperature is 10 °C (50 °F) and the minimum temperature is 1 °C (34 °F). It snows occasionally. You can prepare down jackets or fur coats to stay warm.
Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-11-07
