Winter sets in across northern and central China with cold, dry days; southern provinces stay comparatively mild. Ski resorts in the northeast open and winter festivals run in some northern cities.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across China in December.
Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning
Deep winter returns in December with sustained subzero temperatures and widespread snow and ice; Harbin is already setting up for the Ice Festival while coastal ports begin to feel the freeze. Short daylight, strong winds and bitter cold mean outdoor activities are best limited to well‑equipped excursions; indoor cultural experiences, hot springs and hearty northeastern cuisine are warm alternatives.
Beijing, Tianjin, Shaanxi fringe
January‑style cold returns by the end of December with frosty mornings and low sun; road ice is possible after precipitation and rural roads can be more challenging. Crowds drop outside the Christmas/New Year and Lunar New Year period, so this is a quieter season for museums and palaces but not for heavy‑duty hiking on exposed sections of the Wall without crampons.
description”:”Inner Mongolia combines wide, wind‑swept steppe, semi‑arid deserts and highland grasslands. Summers (June-August) are short, warm and ideal for horse festivals and yurt stays; winters are long, dry and bitterly cold. Spring brings strong dust and wind events from March-April; visit in summer or early autumn for best access and comfortable conditions.”
Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar
description”:”Xinjiang is extremely continental: scorching, dry summers in basin bottoms (Turpan) and bitter, snowy winters in mountains and Urumqi. Precipitation is low overall; spring dust storms are possible and diurnal temperature swings are large. Best times to travel are late spring and early autumn when heat and road closures are less likely.”
Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, Everest approaches
December returns to the plateau’s long, dry winter pattern: stable, cold, and sunlit in the lowlands, with higher ranges snowbound and many passes closed. Travel is quieter and indoor cultural visits in Lhasa are accessible, but outdoor high‑altitude treks are limited and require specialist equipment. Prepare for low temperatures, dry air and significant diurnal swings-moisturizers and hydration are helpful for coping with the thin, dry environment.
Sichuan Basin, Yunnan, Guizhou
description”:”Southwest China is complex: the Sichuan Basin is humid, foggy and damp in winter, while Yunnan’s highlands are milder and drier year‑round. The region’s wet season runs broadly June-September with landslide risk on mountain roads; late spring and autumn are the best windows for trekking and cultural visits.”
Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong, Hainan
December stays mild and sunny along the coast and Hainan offers reliable warm beach weather compared with China’s colder regions; night markets and outdoor dining in Guangzhou and Hong Kong are comfortable. This is a tempting escape for winter sun, so expect higher prices and booked hotels, particularly around Christmas and New Year. Bring a light jacket for evenings and sun protection for daytime beach visits.
City-based winter markets and events occur in December, though offerings vary by region.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.