leak in shower ceiling-is this possible?

I have a fairly new tub enclosure - remodeled 4 years ago. Part of the remodel was to remove a soffit, and replace the ceiling above the tub/shower with a new ceiling. In the last 4 days, I've noticed this mysterious damp spot appearing in the ceiling after several showers have been taken. By the time I get home from work, the spot has dried. The area where the stain appears is much colder that any area in the ceiling. What the heck can this be? Surely there are no water pipes in the ceiling!! The attic is above this. I don't think it could be a roof leak, since there has been no precipitation in this time period.
What do you think?

 

Could it be condensation from the shower? Since you say it only happens after several showers, that's what I suspect. Is there a vent fan in the bathroom? As a test, try opening a window during showers, and/ or running a portable fan.

 

I guess that's possible, but the spot is so uniform in size when it appears, and always in the same spot. The other thing is that the spot feels real cold, compared to the rest of the ceiling. This is after 2 days. Could there possibly be water pipes up there? (Nothing would surpirse me in this house. It's 30 yrs old, and full of surprises!) We do have a vent fan, which is always on when showering. I'll try the window, but it's cold in Jersey. Thanks

 

I don't even know if this can cause the level of condensation you're seeing, but being cold to touch could be a result of a lack of insulation right over that spot. Hot air from the shower touches the cold ceiling, and the moisture falls right out of the air and onto the ceiling.

Other question -- Any heating/AC ducts in the attic over the bathroom?

 

I guess that's possible, since we have central air. I guess I'll have to take a look, but I haven't been in the attic since we moved in 12 years ago! We had a new roof and insulation put in the attic at that time. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

12 years ?! Get up in that attic to check things out ! Bring a flashlight. Got to the area above the shower, pull back the insulation and look for pipes or other water damage. I like mrchris's explanation... I still still think it's condensation.