Winter in Nanjing brings a real change from the city’s humid, sweaty summers to a season that’s much cooler and quieter. Most days, temperatures linger in the upper 40s °F (about 8–10°C), and at night, it often gets close to freezing.
The air turns crisp, and even though you don’t get heavy snow, the chill can catch you off guard if you’re used to milder winters.
Rain doesn’t show up much during these months, just a handful of wet days scattered through December, January, and February. Skies tend to stay cloudy, but there are still enough sunny days to break up the short winter daylight.
With cool air, light rain, and the occasional patch of sunshine, the season feels steady, not wild or harsh.
If you’re curious about what makes Nanjing’s winter stand out, there’s more than just the temperature to consider. The climate patterns, stubborn humidity, and even the way wind moves through the city all shape the day-to-day experience.
All these things come together to make a winter that’s cool, manageable, and pretty different from other parts of China.
Overview of Nanjing’s Winter Climate
Nanjing winters bring a damp cold, plenty of fog, and the occasional dusting of snow. Temperatures stay low, and high humidity makes the cold feel sharper than you might expect.
You’ll notice the days are short, sunshine is limited, and the climate feels completely different from the city’s hot, sticky summers.
Geographical Location and Climate Type
Nanjing sits in eastern China, right along the lower Yangtze River. Its spot puts it in the north subtropical humid climate zone, shaped by the East Asian monsoon.
You’ll feel both the cold air sweeping in from the north and the moist air drifting up from the south.
The city averages about 15°C (59°F) for the year, but winter drops well below that. From December to February, average highs stick between 6–9°C (43–48°F), and lows hang around 0–2°C (32–36°F).
On the coldest nights, temperatures can dip to –5°C (23°F) or even lower.
Humidity stays high, usually around 70–80%, which makes the cold feel deeper than what the thermometer says. The dampness brings more fog, especially in the mornings by the river.
Snow doesn’t happen often and, when it does, it’s usually light—just a handful of snowy days each year.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
You’ll quickly realize that Nanjing’s winter isn’t about heavy snow, but more about cold, wet air. The moisture in the air really amplifies the chill.
Strong winds along the Yangtze River can make things feel even colder.
January usually claims the title of coldest month, with highs near 7°C (45°F) and lows right around 0°C (32°F). February warms up a little but stays damp, with more fog and light rain.
Sunshine is in short supply, and most days are overcast.
When it does snow, it usually melts fast. Instead, you’ll run into mist, drizzle, and frost, which make sidewalks slippery and mornings a bit tricky to navigate.
If you’re heading out, warm layers and waterproof shoes are a must.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter in Nanjing feels nothing like the rest of the year. Spring and autumn are short and mild, but winter drags on and brings much colder weather.
The average highs in winter sit almost 20°C lower than in summer.
Summers get brutally hot and humid, often topping 33°C (91°F), while winter rarely climbs above 9°C (48°F). The same humidity that makes summer muggy turns winter into a damp, bone-chilling season.
Spring and autumn are more comfortable, with highs between 15–25°C (59–77°F) and moderate rain. Winter, though, means shorter days, cloudier skies, and you’ll need to bundle up to do much outdoors.
Average Winter Temperatures in Nanjing
Winter in Nanjing is cold, but not as severe as you’d find up north. Most days, highs hover in the single digits Celsius, and nights get close to or below freezing.
January is the coldest month.
Typical Highs and Lows by Month
In December, daily highs land around 9°C (48°F), with lows dropping to about 2°C (36°F). Sometimes, it dips below freezing at night.
January brings the coldest stretch, with highs near 6°C (43°F) and lows close to -1°C (30°F). This is when you’ll see frost and maybe a little snow.
By February, things start to warm up. Highs climb back to about 9–11°C (48–52°F), and lows stay around 2–3°C (36–37°F). The change is slow, but you’ll notice milder days by the end of the month.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Coldest Avg Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 9°C | 2°C | Dec 13 (clearer skies) |
| January | 6°C | -1°C | Jan 20 (coldest) |
| February | 9–11°C | 2–3°C | Late Feb warms up |
Temperature Variability and Extremes
Winter temperatures in Nanjing usually stick to a steady pattern, but cold fronts can shake things up. Sometimes, lows slip under -6°C (21°F), while a mild spell can push highs above 15°C (59°F).
Mid-January is the most stable period, with both highs and lows at their lowest.
Late February sometimes brings quick warm-ups, but nights still stay chilly.
Compared to summer, when highs soar past 30°C (86°F), winter feels much cooler and a lot damper. It’s the humidity that really makes the cold bite, even if the numbers don’t look that low.
Hourly Temperature Trends
Daily temperatures in Nanjing follow a pretty regular cycle. Early mornings, around 6–7 a.m., are usually the coldest—often freezing in January.
By midday, things warm up a bit, peaking between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Still, it rarely feels truly warm, with highs sticking to the single digits.
After sunset, the temperature drops fast, and late nights are back near freezing. Most winter days stay in the 0–7°C (32–45°F) range, so you’ll want to plan your outings and wardrobe accordingly.
Precipitation and Humidity During Winter
Winter in Nanjing is all about light rain, occasional snow, and a constant dampness. Even though there’s less total precipitation than in summer, the mix of cold air and high humidity creates a chill that feels stronger than the numbers suggest.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Rainfall is modest compared to the summer monsoon. December usually sees the lowest monthly totals, averaging about 25–30 mm (1 inch).
By February, precipitation bumps up a bit to around 50 mm (2 inches).
Rain falls on about 7 to 9 days per month in winter. Showers tend to be light and drawn out, not heavy downpours.
Because the ground and air are cold, puddles linger and damp surfaces are everywhere.
Unlike summer storms, winter rain comes as steady drizzle or light, hours-long rain. If you’re out and about, a waterproof jacket or umbrella is a smart idea.
Snowfall Occurrence and Accumulation
Snow does show up in Nanjing, but not often or in large amounts. The city averages 1 to 3 snow events per winter, usually from late December to February.
These flurries or thin layers of snow usually melt within a day or two.
Accumulation is light, often less than 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) at a time. Big snowstorms are rare, but if they happen, travel can get messy since the city isn’t really set up for snow removal.
You probably won’t see deep snow during your visit. Snow here is more of a fleeting, scenic touch than a real winter feature.
If you want to catch snow, January is your best shot, but there are no guarantees.
Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high in winter, even though it rains less. Average relative humidity hangs around 70–80%, making the cold air feel damp and get under your skin.
Locals often describe Nanjing’s winter as “wet cold,” and it’s easy to see why.
The high humidity means that rooms without heating can feel colder than the thermometer says. Many buildings don’t have central heating, so interiors can be chilly.
Moist air also brings fog and mist, especially in the mornings near the Yangtze River. This can cut visibility and make the air feel heavier.
Layer up and stick with moisture-resistant outerwear to stay comfortable in these conditions.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Winter in Nanjing means more overcast days, shorter daylight, and less direct sunshine than other times of the year. You’ll see plenty of clouds and not much sunlight, especially in December and January, when the city gets the least sun.
Average Cloudiness
Cloud cover builds up through the winter. Early December brings partly cloudy skies about half the time, but by January, overcast days take up almost two-thirds of the month.
Gray, hazy skies are common and can make the city feel colder than it actually is.
This cloudy trend carries into February, though you’ll get a few more breaks as spring approaches.
On average, 44–42% of daylight hours in December and January are sunny, with the rest lost to cloud cover. February brings a slight improvement, but clouds still win out.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, expect mostly gray skies in mid-winter.
Sunshine Duration
December and January offer the least sunshine—just about 4 to 4.5 hours of sun per day. That’s a big drop from the 7+ hours you get in late summer.
In December, the city averages 120 hours of sunshine for the month. January is about the same, and February only picks up a little.
For comparison, August brings over 220 hours of sun, nearly double what you get in winter.
This lack of sunlight shapes the feel of the season and how you plan your days. Sightseeing can feel dim and chilly, and you’ll probably turn on the lights indoors earlier than usual.
If you crave bright days, winter in Nanjing might not be your favorite.
Daylight Changes Through Winter
Daylight hours also shift as winter rolls on. In December, the shortest day gives you about 10 hours of daylight. By February, that stretches to nearly 11 hours.
The winter solstice in late December brings the lowest sun angle—around 34.6° above the horizon at noon. Even on clear days, the sun feels weak and indirect.
By February, the sun climbs higher at midday, reaching about 47°, which means a bit more light and longer days. Late winter feels brighter, but clouds still hang around more often than not.
Wind and Other Atmospheric Conditions
Winter in Nanjing brings mostly calm to moderate winds, lots of foggy mornings, and the occasional air quality concern. These details really shape your outdoor experience, whether you’re walking by the river or just trying to get around town.
Prevailing Wind Patterns
Winds in Nanjing during winter are usually light to moderate, averaging 6–12 km/h (4–7 mph). Most of the time, the wind comes from the north and northwest, bringing colder air from inland China.
This can make it feel a few degrees colder than what the thermometer shows.
Strong winds don’t happen often, but cold fronts can bring brief bursts that last less than a day. On still days, wind speeds can drop below 5 km/h, making the air feel even colder when it’s damp.
For travel, you’ll usually deal with steady but manageable winds. Outdoor plans are rarely disrupted, though you’ll want to dress in layers to block the wind chill, especially after sunset.
Fog and Visibility
Fog shows up a lot in Nanjing’s winter. The city’s humid subtropical climate and its spot near the Yangtze River play a big part in that.
Cold air settles in the basin and traps moisture, so you’ll often see reduced visibility early in the morning or late at night.
You might run into dense fog days, especially in December and January. Sometimes, you can’t see more than 500 meters ahead, which definitely makes driving and river travel tricky.
Lighter mist happens more often. Usually, it clears out by late morning when the temperature goes up a bit.
If you’re traveling, plan for extra time on morning commutes or flights. Fog can cause delays, and it’s honestly a hassle.
When you’re out walking, expect damp, chilly air that sticks around until midday. Fog also mutes the city’s winter landscape, softening what you see around you.
Air Quality Considerations
Air quality in Nanjing during winter really depends on the weather. Cold, still conditions sometimes trap pollution close to the ground, so you’ll get moderate to poor air quality days.
This happens more when there’s barely any wind and fog or haze forms.
The main culprits are vehicle emissions, factories, and seasonal heating. On calm days, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) builds up and can affect sensitive groups like kids, older folks, or anyone with breathing issues.
If you want to spend a lot of time outdoors, check the daily air quality forecast first. When the wind picks up and the sky clears, the air gets a lot better for walking around or exercising.
On hazy days, wearing a light mask just makes sense.
Notable Weather Events and Historical Records
Winter in Nanjing has seen wild swings—cold snaps, warm spells, snow, and rain. These records really show how unpredictable the city’s climate can be.
Coldest and Warmest Winters on Record
Nanjing hit its coldest temperature ever at -14.0 °C on January 6, 1955. That winter dragged on with a long cold spell, and some days barely got above freezing. It doesn’t happen often, but it proves the city can get seriously cold.
Some winters go the other way and stay pretty mild. A few years saw average highs in December and January climb above 10 °C, so frost was rare and winter felt short. Usually, that happens when cold fronts from the north lose their punch.
Temperature swings can get wild even in a single season. One January, the high hit 21.0 °C—but in other years, lows dropped below -10 °C. So honestly, you might get a taste of spring and a blast of deep winter cold all in the same month.
Unusual Snowfall Events
Snow doesn’t fall often in Nanjing, and when it does, it’s usually pretty light. The city sits low and stays humid, so it doesn’t get as much snow as northern China. Still, when snow comes, it can mess up travel and daily routines.
Back in January 2008, a massive snow and ice storm swept across southern China. Nanjing got hit with snow that stuck around for days, causing traffic headaches and power problems.
Some winters bring quick, heavy snowfalls, dumping 5–10 cm overnight. The snow melts fast after, leaving slushy streets and icy spots. If you’re visiting, these snow events don’t happen much, but they’re the kind you remember.
Significant Rain or Storm Occurrences
Winter in Nanjing usually feels pretty dry. Still, some years throw a curveball with significant rainfall.
For example, records from January 1954 show it rained for 16 days straight. That’s a lot for a season that’s supposed to be dry.
Sometimes, winter storms roll in with rain, sleet, or even freezing rain. Icy surfaces end up making roads and sidewalks tricky to handle.
Now and then, a cold-season thunderstorm pops up. People don’t see them often, but when they do, strong fronts usually bring them in.
Those sudden storms can shift the temperature and wind in a hurry. Honestly, it just goes to show how unpredictable Nanjing’s winter weather can be.