Thinking about heading to Fuzhou around Christmas? You’ll get to see what a mild winter feels like in southern China. Expect daytime temperatures hovering near 18°C and cooler nights around 10°C, with just light to moderate rainfall. December is honestly one of the more comfortable months here, especially if you’re not a fan of the hot, sticky summers.
You won’t see snow or freezing weather, but you’ll want to be ready for a mix of dry days and the odd shower. December has fewer rainy days than most other months, so you’ll probably spend a lot of time outside without much worry about downpours.
Curious how December stacks up to other seasons, or not sure what to pack for sightseeing and holiday events? I’ve gathered some practical info below. From daylight hours to some travel tips, here’s what you can expect if you’re spending Christmas in Fuzhou.
Typical December Weather in Fuzhou
December rolls in with mild winter conditions—cooler temps, limited rain, and lower humidity than you’ll see the rest of the year. You’ll get comfortable days, chillier evenings, and drier skies, which makes being outside a lot easier.
Average Temperatures During Christmas
Fuzhou’s December climate feels mild for a southern Chinese winter. Daytime highs usually land in the 16–18°C (61–64°F) range, while nights drop to about 9–11°C (48–52°F).
You’ll notice mornings and evenings feel cool, so tossing a light jacket or sweater in your bag is a good call. By midday, it’s usually pleasant enough for a stroll or some sightseeing—no need for heavy layers.
Compared to northern cities, Fuzhou’s winter is much gentler. Snow basically never happens, and frost rarely shows up in the city. The weather stays pretty steady through late December, including Christmas, with only small shifts in temperature day to day.
Rainfall and Precipitation Levels
December doesn’t see much rain in Fuzhou. Rainfall averages about 30–35 mm (1.2–1.4 in), spread over roughly 6–8 days. It’s actually the driest month all year.
When it rains, showers tend to be light and don’t last long. You probably won’t have to deal with hours of soaking wet weather, so December is a good time to explore the city without too many disruptions.
You’ll also notice clearer skies compared to spring and summer. Sure, clouds are common, but those long, gloomy stretches are less frequent.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity drops in December, usually sitting around 70–75%. That’s still a bit moist, but it feels way more comfortable than the muggy summer.
Winds stay light to moderate. Breezes often drift in from the north or northeast, bringing cooler air but rarely getting strong. You might catch the occasional gust near the river or coastline, but nothing that really disrupts your plans.
With lower humidity, mild temps, and gentle winds, Fuzhou’s December weather feels stable and manageable. Outdoor activities, city walks, and cultural visits are definitely easier without extreme weather getting in the way.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Patterns
Around Christmas, Fuzhou gives you mild winter days and cool nights. Daytime temps stay decent for being outside, but nights cool off enough that you’ll appreciate a light jacket or sweater.
Daily Highs and Lows
In late December, average daytime highs reach 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F). That’s warmer than you’ll find up north, so the city feels pretty mild by comparison.
At night, it drops to 8°C to 11°C (46°F to 52°F). It’s not freezing, but damp air from the East China Sea can make it feel a bit chillier.
Day-to-night temperature swings aren’t too wild. You should still expect cooler conditions after sunset. For packing:
- Daytime: long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, or a thin jacket
- Nighttime: something warmer, like a fleece or a medium-weight coat
You get this mix of mild days and crisp nights, which gives Fuzhou a comfortable but slightly unpredictable feel around Christmas.
Temperature Fluctuations Around Christmas
December’s daily temperature changes show up most between early morning and mid-afternoon. The coldest part usually hits around 4–6 AM, when temps dip to their lowest. By 3 PM, the sun bumps things up to the daily high.
Humidity can make the cool air feel damp, especially mornings and evenings. That’s just part of Fuzhou’s subtropical climate. Even if there’s no frost, the air sometimes feels colder than the numbers suggest.
Rain is less common in winter than in summer, so you’re unlikely to get caught in heavy showers. Still, overcast skies pop up a lot, which can limit how much the sun warms things up.
Layering is your friend here. Mornings and nights call for something warmer, but afternoons usually let you shed a layer or two. This pattern sticks around all Christmas week, so you’ll get used to the rhythm.
Precipitation and Rainy Days in December
December is Fuzhou’s driest month. Rain is light compared to other seasons, and you’ll often see long stretches of dry weather. Snow? Pretty much unheard of thanks to the city’s mild subtropical vibe.
Chance of Rain on Christmas
If you’re in Fuzhou on Christmas Day, the odds of rain are pretty low. Historical data shows December averages about 57 mm of rainfall for the month, so your holiday will probably stay dry.
The daily chance of precipitation sits around 25–30%, which is less than most other months. Rain is possible, but you’re more likely to have dry weather.
When rain does show up, it’s usually light or moderate—no epic downpours. Showers don’t last long, so they rarely wreck your whole day. It’s still smart to carry a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket, just in case.
Number of Rainy Days
December brings an average of 7 to 9 rainy days in Fuzhou. That’s a lot fewer than the summer, when rain can feel nonstop.
Most rainy days have just brief showers, not all-day rain. Even if it rains, you’ll probably get several dry hours for exploring.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
| Measure | December Average |
|---|---|
| Rainfall total | 30–57 mm |
| Rainy days | 7–9 days |
| Daily chance of rain | ~29% |
Since December is part of the dry season, planning outdoor sightseeing or day trips is usually a breeze.
Snowfall Probability
Snowfall in Fuzhou? It just doesn’t happen. The city’s humid subtropical climate keeps things mild, with daytime highs near 18°C (64°F) and nighttime lows around 10°C (50°F).
That’s way too warm for snow. Even in rare cold snaps, it almost never gets cold enough for anything to freeze.
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, Fuzhou isn’t the place. Instead, you’ll get cool but comfortable weather, and you won’t have to worry about snow messing up your travel plans.
Sunshine, Cloud Cover, and Daylight Hours
December means shorter days in Fuzhou, with mild sunshine and a mix of cloudy and clearer skies. You’ll see less rain than in other months, but the air still feels damp and cool thanks to humidity and overcast weather.
Typical Sunshine Duration
You’ll usually get about 5 hours of sunshine per day in December. That’s not a ton, but it’s enough for some outdoor adventures during midday.
On average, December brings about 9 sunny days. The rest tend to be partly cloudy or overcast. Some days are bright, others are pretty gray—it’s a bit of a toss-up.
With fewer rainy days—just about 1 day of measurable rain in December—you usually get dry but sometimes hazy conditions. Even if the sun is limited, the low rainfall makes it easier to plan outdoor activities without worrying too much about showers.
If you’re sensitive to light or want to fit in some sightseeing, aim for late morning or early afternoon, when skies are most likely to be clear.
Cloudiness During December
Cloud cover often gives Fuzhou a muted, gray look in December. Many days feel a bit gloomy, even if it’s not raining. That’s just part of the subtropical monsoon climate here—winter months are cooler and less bright.
Even though cloud cover is high, it doesn’t always mean rain. Sometimes you just get a persistent gray sky with the occasional break of blue. This can make the city seem dimmer than the actual daylight hours would suggest.
Expect more cloudy days than clear ones. For photography or sightseeing, the softer, diffused light can be nice for some shots, but if you’re hoping for sharp, sunny views, you might be out of luck.
Length of Daylight
In December, daylight lasts about 10.5 to 10.6 hours per day. The sun usually rises after 6:30 a.m., and sets before 6:00 p.m.
Days are shorter than in summer, but you’ll still have enough time to get out and explore. Shorter daylight, plus frequent cloud cover, can make evenings feel longer and a bit chillier.
It’s smart to plan your outdoor activities for late morning and early afternoon, when both daylight and sunshine hit their peak. That way, you’ll make the most of the limited brightness Fuzhou offers in December.
Comparing December to Other Months
December in Fuzhou means cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the lowest rainfall all year. These things really stand out when you compare December to the rainy summer or the milder autumn.
Weather Trends Before and After Christmas
In late November, daytime temps usually sit around 22°C (72°F). By December, highs drop to about 17–18°C (63–64°F), and nights cool off to around 10°C (50°F). It definitely feels cooler than autumn.
Humidity drops, too. November and December average about 70% relative humidity, which is much lower than the sticky summer. Rain stays limited—December averages just 32 mm across 7 days—so it’s one of the driest times of year.
January gets even cooler. Average highs dip to about 15°C (59°F), and lows hit around 8°C (46°F). January feels chillier than December, but it’s still a lot milder than northern China.
Daylight matters, too. December brings the shortest days, with about 10.5 hours of daylight, but in January, days start getting a bit longer. You’ll get just over 4 hours of sunshine per day in December, which is actually more than in the cloudier late winter.
How December Differs from Peak Rainy Season
Fuzhou’s climate really changes between December and the summer rainy season. In June, the city gets slammed with over 200 mm of rain across 15–18 days. December, on the other hand, averages just 32 mm—it’s the driest month by far.
Temperatures also swing a lot. June highs can reach 32–34°C (90–93°F), but December stays around 17–18°C (63–64°F). December nights can dip to 10°C (50°F), which is a big change from summer nights that rarely fall below 25°C (77°F).
Humidity peaks in June at about 82%, but in December, it’s just 70%. That lower humidity makes December a lot more comfortable, especially if you’re out walking around Fuzhou’s old neighborhoods or hiking nearby mountains.
The sunshine story changes, too. Summer brings longer daylight—almost 14 hours in June—but clouds and rain often block the sun. December days are shorter, but you can still get clearer skies and more steady sunshine.
If you’re planning a trip, December offers cooler, drier, and more settled weather than the hot, wet, and stormy summer. That’s a win in my book.
Travel Tips for Visiting Fuzhou at Christmas
Fuzhou’s winter weather feels mild compared to northern China. Daytime highs hover around 18°C, and nights cool down to about 10°C.
You might get some rain, but December actually brings the driest weather of the year. So, you’ll probably see more dry days than rainy ones. This weather definitely affects what you should pack and how you plan your trip.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
You’ll want clothes that work for both mild days and cool evenings. At night, a light sweater or jacket makes a big difference when the temperature drops.
During the day, cotton shirts and long pants usually do the trick.
Rain shows up about 9 days in December, so I’d recommend a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella.
Shoes that can handle damp streets are a good idea too.
Here’s a quick guide for packing:
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Light jacket or sweater | Evenings cool to 10°C |
| Cotton shirts | Comfortable for daytime highs |
| Jeans or long pants | Practical for cooler weather |
| Waterproof jacket/umbrella | Rain occurs several days |
| Comfortable walking shoes | Best for city streets and parks |
Pack layers you can adjust easily. Indoor spaces often feel warmer because of the heating, so it’s nice to have options.
Popular Activities in December
December brings mild weather, so outdoor sightseeing feels pretty comfortable. You might wander through West Lake Park or stroll beside the Min River without sweating through that sticky summer humidity.
The air seems clearer this time of year, and honestly, the crowds thin out compared to the usual tourist rush.
December’s climate makes cultural visits more enjoyable too. You can check out temples like Xichan Temple or wander the old streets at Three Lanes and Seven Alleys without baking in the sun.
Shopping streets buzz with energy during the holiday season. It’s a great time to duck into a cozy restaurant and try local dishes—fish balls or maybe lychee pork if you’re feeling adventurous.
If you’re into nature, you’ll find that Drum Mountain offers trails with some pretty nice city views, and you won’t have to elbow your way through crowds. The weather up there feels just right.
Rain might roll in, but that’s not so bad. When it does, you can slip into a museum or a tea house and soak up some Fujian tea culture while you stay dry.