Nanjing December Weather & What to Wear: Down Jackets, Late Red Leaves at Qixia & a Chance of Snow

In December, Nanjing averages highs of about 10°C and lows of about 2°C, with only around 35 mm of rainfall—the driest month of the year. Snow flurries happen roughly one day per December on average. Wear a down jacket or heavy coat when heading out, with a sweater and thermal underwear underneath, and bring a scarf and gloves. Choose waterproof, non-slip shoes.

In December, the first half still catches the tail end of autumn in Nanjing, while the second half is real winter. This article covers just this one month: which days you can still see red leaves, how cold it gets, why it's cold indoors too, your chances of snow, and how to adjust your itinerary on cold or rainy days. For choosing the best season to visit, see our Nanjing four-season travel guide — we won't repeat that here.

How much colder is December than November?

Based on climate averages, December is about six degrees colder overall than November: daytime highs drop from 16.6°C to 10.0°C, overnight lows fall from 7.7°C to 1.9°C, and the monthly average is 5.4°C. Those numbers don't look extreme, but this is Jiangnan cold. Humidity stays above 70%, and the wind cuts right through your clothes, making it feel worse than northern cities at the same temperature.

The coldest night each December averages around -3.6°C, with a record low of -13.1°C. In other words, most nights hover around freezing, and cold snaps bring ice. On the flip side, early December occasionally sees warm days near 20°C, so don't leave your down jacket at the hotel just because of a day or two of good weather.

Rainfall is actually the lowest of the year. December averages 35 mm of precipitation over about 7 rainy days, mostly chilly drizzle. What really affects your trip isn't the rain itself, but stretches of sunless, overcast days: December gets only about 135 hours of sunshine, far less than autumn, and lingering outdoors on cloudy days leaves your hands and feet numb.

If you're coming from Taipei or Hong Kong, December in Nanjing is more than ten degrees colder on average — practically a different season. Pack for a real winter, not the kind where a light jacket is enough back home.

What to wear all day: heading out, walking around, and going indoors

Heading out (morning and evening): This is the coldest time of day, usually between 0 and 5 degrees. Wear a mid-length down jacket or a thick wool coat as your outer layer—lengths that cover your hips keep you warmest. Layer a sweater or fleece underneath, with thermal underwear next to your skin. A scarf, gloves, and a hat together work better than an extra sweater.

Walking around (outdoors during the day): On sunny days, temperatures can reach about 10 degrees by noon, and you'll sweat walking around Zhongshan or climbing steps. Just unzip your down jacket and take off your scarf. Don't wear two heavy layers like a thick sweater plus a hoodie underneath—sweating and then catching the wind is the easiest way to catch a cold.

Going indoors: Nanjing doesn't have the central heating found in northern China. Most hotels, malls, museums, and metro stations run air conditioning, so take off or open your coat once inside. But some old buildings, temple halls, small restaurants, and guesthouses rely only on AC units or electric heaters—or have none at all—so your feet will get cold if you sit for long. Carry a few adhesive heat packs and stick them on your lower back or shoe insoles; they're a lifesaver if you feel the cold easily.

In rain or snow: A water-repellent outer layer is best, and a hood is more convenient than an umbrella since it keeps your hands free. Wear waterproof shoes with non-slip soles—flagstone paths, city wall bricks, and steps get very slippery after rain or snow.

Traveling with seniors and kids: When seniors step suddenly from a warm room into the cold wind, their blood pressure can fluctuate. Have them put on their coat and hat at the door before heading out, and don't set off too early in the morning. For kids, use a hooded down jacket and gloves. They catch chills easily right after waking from a nap, so add layers immediately.

Packing list: One mid-length down jacket, two sweaters or fleeces, two sets of thermal underwear (one to change into), thick pants, one each of a scarf, gloves, and hat, plus waterproof non-slip shoes. Add heat packs, lip balm, and hand cream. Phone batteries drain fast in the cold, so keep your power bank in an inner pocket. A small thermos is also handy for hot water at the attractions.

Booking a hotel: Check whether the room's AC has a heating mode and if the windows seal well. Old villas and courtyard-style guesthouses have plenty of charm, but winter insulation varies widely. Ask directly about the heating setup before booking—it saves the hassle of changing rooms after you arrive.

First half of the month: catching the tail end of autumn

Many people assume Nanjing in December is nothing but bare branches, but early in the month you can still catch the final days of fall. According to local media, the city's plane trees stay yellow into early December, and Lingyuan Road and Yihe Road often still have plenty of yellow leaves during the first week. In recent years, the red maples at Qixia Mountain have turned color later: in 2025 they didn't reach peak viewing until mid-December, and from December 13 the buses even ran a weekend red maple express line; in 2026 the scenic area's red maple events were also scheduled through mid-to-late December. So if you visit Nanjing in early December, heading to Qixia Mountain for the red leaves is actually a safer bet than going in early November, and Metro Line 6 takes you right to the foot of the mountain. If your dates are flexible enough to move earlier, see Nanjing November weather and clothing for what to wear when the plane trees and ginkgos are at their peak.

Around Linggu Temple on the eastern slopes of Zhongshan Mountain and by the ponds at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, you'll often find late-turning sweetgum and Chinese tallow trees. At Zhongshan Scenic Area, entry to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is free but requires real-name booking via the "Zhongshan Scenic Area" WeChat official account, while Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the Linggu scenic area require tickets. Zhongshan is quiet in December—Shixiang Road often has just a handful of visitors, making it the most peaceful time of the year. For a Linggu Temple route, see In-depth Linggu Temple tour.

Once the leaves have fallen, Zhongshan feels even more open. Without the dense canopy flanking the long steps of Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, you can look down from the memorial hall all the way to the city's high-rises. The stone statues and red walls of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum take on deeper colors in the low winter light. Just keep in mind that it's windy up on the mountain and one or two degrees colder than downtown, so a hat and gloves really come in handy here. After climbing the steps, don't linger too long on the platform in the wind—snap a few photos and head back down, where it's warmer among the trees.

Early, mid or late December: which should you choose?

If you want foliage, go in early December: the plane trees still have yellow leaves, Qixia Mountain is turning red, daytime temperatures are in the teens, and a down jacket is just right for walking around. If you prefer fewer crowds and steady prices, pick mid-December: the autumn leaf weekend rush has faded and New Year's Eve is still far off, so the attractions are very quiet—just avoid the morning of December 13. If you're after a festive year-end vibe, choose late December: it's the coldest time, New Year decorations start appearing on the streets, and there's a slightly better chance of snow than earlier in the month.

December 13: What to know on National Memorial Day

December 13 is the National Memorial Day for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre. At 10 a.m., a national memorial ceremony is held at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. In past years, air raid sirens sound across the city for about one minute starting at 10:01 a.m., cars pull over and honk their horns, and pedestrians observe a moment of silence where they stand.

If you are in Nanjing that day, the most respectful thing to do when you hear the sirens is to stop walking and stand quietly. If you are in a car, your driver will likely pull over as well. The memorial hall's opening hours may change due to the ceremony, so check its official announcements before visiting. The mood downtown is solemn, so it is best to avoid scheduling lighthearted activities in the morning.

Late December: Cold, but you might catch the first snow

Climatologically, Nanjing averages 1.2 snowy days in December, while January is the snowiest month with about 3.7 days. So seeing snow in December is a stroke of luck rather than the norm, and it usually leaves just a thin layer overnight that melts as soon as the sun comes out. If you do get snow, head to Xuanwu Lake, the Ming City Wall or Confucius Temple early the next morning. White walls, dark tiles and red lanterns dusted with snow make for Nanjing's most beautiful winter scenery — wait too long and the melting snow turns the streets into slush.

On snowy days, the metro is your most reliable option; taxis and ride-hailing cars often take a long time to arrive. Steps, ramps and the brick surfaces of the city wall inside scenic areas can be extremely slippery when icy. If you are traveling with seniors, skip long climbs like the grand staircase at Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and enjoy the snow from flat ground instead.

Toward the end of the month, malls and old town streets gradually put up New Year's Eve and New Year decorations. The official Qinhuai Lantern Festival does not light up until around Chinese New Year. Since Chinese New Year 2027 falls on February 6, you won't see the full lantern displays during a December visit. That said, the night views at Confucius Temple and along the Qinhuai River are available year-round. Winter nights draw fewer crowds, so sightseeing boats are less crowded — just bundle up in your warmest clothes against the cold river breeze. For lighting times and pier details for evening cruises, see our Confucius Temple evening travel guide.

If you're coming for the New Year holiday (January 1–3, 2027), prepare for even colder weather. January is Nanjing's coldest month, with an average high of just 7.4°C and a low of 0.0°C. Waiting outdoors for the midnight countdown often feels well below freezing. Most New Year events are held outside, and crowds mean queuing to get in and out, so don't skip the down jacket, hat, or hand warmers.

Cold, overcast days and cold snaps: keep indoor attractions as backups

There are three types of weather to watch for in December. First, cold snaps: when cold air pushes south, temperatures drop sharply within a day or two and strong north winds make it feel bitterly cold outdoors. If the forecast mentions a cold snap or high wind warning, push exposed, windy spots like the city wall or Qixia Mountain to later in your trip. Second, chilly drizzle makes paths slippery and hands numb, but won't stop you from exploring indoors. Third, morning fog limits visibility along the Yangtze River and on Zijin Mountain, so save elevated viewpoints for the afternoon.

When the weather turns, focus on indoor sites. Nanjing Museum has six halls; its Republic of China Hall is a fully indoor recreated old street where you can comfortably spend half a winter day. At the Presidential Palace, the main hall, Zichao Building and many exhibition rooms are indoors, so you can shorten your time in the gardens when it's cold. Both require real-name reservations and are closed on Mondays. The Six Dynasties Museum is also on Changjiang Road, and all three are close enough to link together by metro.

Niushou Mountain in southern Nanjing is another good option for cold days. Its Buddha Top Palace is built into the mountain, so most of the route is indoors—you won't have to battle the wind even if it's freezing outside. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there from downtown, making it easy to combine with Laomendong and the Great Bao'en Temple in the same day.

How to plan your December itinerary

The worst part of a winter trip is waiting outdoors—for buses, in lines, or for parking. Ten minutes is enough to freeze you through. Days are short in December, with darkness falling around 5 p.m., so a comfortable pace is to head out a bit later in the morning. Visit open-air spots like Zhongshan Mountain or the city walls after 10 a.m., then switch to mostly indoor attractions such as museums or the Presidential Palace after lunch. Save the Qinhuai River night views for after dinner. The Presidential Palace and Nanjing Museum are usually easy to book on weekdays in December, but slots around the New Year holiday fill up fast, so reserve two or three days ahead. If you're traveling with seniors or kids, hiring a Nanjing private car to shuttle between stops lets everyone wait in the warmth and only step out upon arrival—much better than hailing cabs on the street. To really understand the history behind the museums and the Presidential Palace, hire a Nanjing tour guide to join you and arrange your reservations and entry times in advance. For more things to do, see our Nanjing city page.

FAQs

Do I need a down jacket for Nanjing in December?

We recommend bringing one. Average lows hover around 2°C and can drop below freezing during cold snaps, so you'll want a down jacket or heavy coat for evening sightseeing and early mornings. Sunny days are warmer, and you can wear it unzipped.

Does it snow in Nanjing in December?

It's possible but rare—December averages about one snowy day per year, while January sees the most snow. Snowfall is usually light and starts melting by late morning, so get up early if you want to photograph it.

Is there indoor heating in Nanjing in winter?

There's no central heating like in northern China. Hotels, malls and museums use air conditioning for heat and stay fairly warm; older buildings, temple halls and some small restaurants can be chilly. Wearing layers you can easily take off is more practical than bundling up underneath.

Is Nanjing crowded in December?

It's one of the quieter months of the year. In early December, Qixia Mountain and Lingyuan Road still draw weekend crowds for fall foliage, but after mid-month the attractions thin out noticeably. Around the New Year holiday, the Confucius Temple and Xinjiekou areas get busy again for a few days. The Presidential Palace and Nanjing Museum still require advance reservations as usual.

What should I wear for a New Year trip to Nanjing?

Pack for the coldest weather: a mid-length or long down jacket, thermal underwear, sweaters, thick pants, plus a hat, gloves and scarf. If you're outdoors on New Year's Eve, temperatures around freezing are normal, and sticking hand warmers on your lower back and inside your shoes makes a big difference.

Can I still see red leaves in Nanjing in December?

Usually yes in early December. Plane trees stay yellow into early December, and the red maples at Qixia Mountain have been at their best in early to mid-December in recent years—in 2025, peak viewing didn't arrive until mid-December. Check the attraction's foliage updates before you go.