Find the best time to visit Shanghai for perfect weather & fewer tourists! As a local, I'll share with you timing tips to avoid Shanghai summer heat, typhoons, and holiday crowds.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai | Monthly Weather Details
March-May & September-November are the best months to visit Shanghai. Spring (especially April) brings cherry blossoms at Gucun Park and comfy 15-25°C temps. Fall offers crisp air (18-25°C) and fewer crowds—perfect for strolling the Bund or a visit to Shanghai zoo.
January in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 🌡️ 1°C to 8°C Feels like: -2°C to 5°C | 🌧️ 74mm over 9-11 days ☁️ Occasional light snow | ☀️ 4-5 hours daily 🌇 5:00pm sunsets |
January brings Shanghai's coldest days, with damp cold that feels more bitter than the thermometer suggests. Most days hover around 5°C, with nights frequently dropping near freezing. The notorious humidity makes even mild cold feel bone-chilling without proper layers.
Locals bundle up in long down coats, and you'll rarely see exposed ankles despite the relatively mild temperatures. Street food vendors selling roasted sweet potatoes and chestnuts appear on corners, providing both snacks and hand warmers.
February in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 🌡️ 2°C to 10°C Feels like: 0°C to 7°C | 🌧️ 59mm over 9 days 🌫️ Morning fog common | ☀️ 5 hours daily 🌇 5:30pm sunsets |
February sees winter's grip loosening slightly, though the damp cold persists. Chinese New Year often falls in February, transforming the city as millions leave for their hometowns. If you're visiting during the festival, expect many shops and restaurants to close for up to a week.
The city feels remarkably empty during the New Year holiday, with tourist sites blissfully uncrowded. Early plum blossoms may appear in Shanghai's parks by month's end, providing the first hint of spring.
March in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 🌡️ 6°C to 14°C Feels like: 4°C to 12°C | 🌧️ 84mm over 12 days 🌦️ Unpredictable patterns | ☀️ 5-6 hours daily 🌇 5:45pm sunsets |
March welcomes Shanghai's awakening from winter, with magnolias and cherry blossoms beginning their show. Temperature swings become common - some days feel springlike at 17°C, while others revert to winter chill. Layers remain essential as weather changes rapidly throughout the day.
The frequent rain brings out a sea of umbrellas, and parks fill with photographers capturing the first blooms. This shoulder season offers good value for accommodations before spring tourism peaks.
April in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 🌡️ 11°C to 19°C Feels like: 9°C to 18°C | 🌧️ 102mm over 12 days 🌧️ Rainy season begins | ☀️ 6 hours daily 🌇 6:15pm sunsets |
April brings true spring to Shanghai, with comfortable days and the countryside exploding into green. This is peak bloom season, with cherry blossoms, magnolias, and azaleas creating stunning displays throughout the city's parks. The increasing warmth wakes the city from its winter slumber.
The legendary "plum rains" begin, bringing frequent downpours that can appear without warning, often during otherwise sunny days. Locals carry umbrellas regardless of the forecast, a habit visitors quickly adopt.
May in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 🌡️ 16°C to 24°C Feels like: 16°C to 25°C | 🌧️ 122mm over 13 days 🌧️ Heavy afternoon showers | ☀️ 7 hours daily 🌇 6:30pm sunsets |
May marks Shanghai's transition to summer, with genuinely warm days that occasionally reach 28°C. The humidity rises noticeably, giving a preview of the summer to come. Street-side dining areas fill up as restaurants expand outdoors, and locals flock to parks for evening strolls.
The plum rain intensifies, bringing regular heavy downpours that can flood minor streets temporarily. Early mornings offer the most reliable dry periods for outdoor activities. Labor Day (May 1-5) brings massive domestic tourism - avoid major attractions during this holiday.
June in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 🌡️ 21°C to 28°C Feels like: 23°C to 31°C | 🌧️ 169mm over 14 days 🌧️ Peak "plum rain" season | ☀️ 6-7 hours daily 🌇 6:50pm sunsets |
June brings Shanghai's infamous "plum rains" (梅雨) at full force. This ancient calendar season delivers 2-3 weeks of nearly constant rain, high humidity, and occasional spectacular thunderstorms. Mold grows overnight on leather goods, and laundry refuses to dry.
When the sun does appear, the heat immediately turns intense, with temperatures occasionally pushing above 33°C. Air conditioners run continuously in homes and businesses. The Dragon Boat Festival typically falls in June, with traditional rice dumplings (zongzi) appearing in every market.
July in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 🌡️ 25°C to 33°C Feels like: 29°C to 38°C | 🌧️ 145mm over 12 days ⛈️ Brief powerful storms | ☀️ 8 hours daily 🌇 6:45pm sunsets |
July transforms Shanghai into a steam bath as the plum rains end and summer heat takes hold with a vengeance. Daytime temperatures consistently hover above 33°C with extreme humidity that makes it feel like walking through soup. The heat index routinely approaches 40°C, and nights provide little relief.
Locals adopt a nocturnal lifestyle, with parks and streets bustling until late as people emerge after sunset. Air-conditioned shopping malls become community centers, packed with people escaping the heat with minimal purchase intentions.
August in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 🌡️ 25°C to 32°C Feels like: 29°C to 37°C | 🌧️ 156mm over 11 days 🌪️ Typhoon season peaks | ☀️ 7-8 hours daily 🌇 6:20pm sunsets |
August maintains July's oppressive heat while adding the peak of typhoon season. While direct hits are rare, Shanghai often experiences the outer bands of typhoons making landfall elsewhere, bringing massive downpours and occasionally strong winds that provide brief relief from the heat.
This is Shanghai's traditional "furnace month," when even locals struggle with the relentless combination of heat and humidity. Many Shanghainese escape to mountain retreats in neighboring provinces, leaving the city slightly less crowded despite the summer tourism season.
September in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 🌡️ 20°C to 27°C Feels like: 21°C to 29°C | 🌧️ 128mm over 10 days 🌪️ Late typhoon possibility | ☀️ 6-7 hours daily 🌇 5:50pm sunsets |
September finally breaks summer's grip as the month progresses, with a noticeable drop in both heat and humidity after mid-month. Early September can still feel like August, but by month's end, the first genuinely pleasant days appear. Typhoon season continues, though with decreasing frequency.
The Mid-Autumn Festival typically falls in September, bringing mooncakes to every bakery and home. This marks the traditional end of summer in Chinese culture, with families gathering to appreciate the harvest moon.
October in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 🌡️ 15°C to 22°C Feels like: 14°C to 21°C | 🌧️ 61mm over 7 days ☀️ Increased clear days | ☀️ 6 hours daily 🌇 5:15pm sunsets |
October delivers Shanghai's perfect weather - warm, sunny days with refreshingly cool nights and dramatically reduced humidity. This golden month brings the city's best outdoor conditions, with locals flocking to parks and waterfronts. The first half of October sees National Day holidays (Oct 1-7), with massive crowds at all tourist sites.
By mid-October, the summer haze clears to reveal sharper views and brilliant blue skies. Street-side dining returns as restaurants reopen outdoor seating areas abandoned during summer's oppressive heat.
November in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 🌡️ 9°C to 16°C Feels like: 7°C to 14°C | 🌧️ 52mm over 7 days 🌫️ Morning fog returns | ☀️ 5 hours daily 🌇 4:50pm sunsets |
November brings autumn's full expression to Shanghai, with pleasant days gradually yielding to winter's approach. Early November can still see temperatures approaching 20°C, while late month drops into consistent single digits. The turning plane trees line streets with golden canopies that local photographers eagerly document.
The humidity returns in a different form - a damp chill that cuts deeper than the thermometer suggests. Locals break out their down jackets earlier than visitors might expect for the temperatures. The Shanghai Marathon typically runs in November, taking advantage of the ideal running weather.
December in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 🌡️ 3°C to 11°C Feels like: 1°C to 8°C | 🌧️ 43mm over 7 days ❄️ Occasional light snow | ☀️ 4-5 hours daily 🌇 4:45pm sunsets |
December envelops Shanghai in winter's embrace, bringing consistently cold days and the return of the notorious damp chill. Despite temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, the humidity makes the cold penetrate layers of clothing. Western Christmas decorations appear throughout the city despite the holiday not being officially celebrated.
The winter solstice (December 21-22) marks an important traditional Chinese holiday, with families gathering to eat tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) that symbolize reunion. Nanjing Road and other shopping streets become a riot of lights as the New Year approaches.
✅Get a reliable eSIM data plan - you'll need internet for checking metro routes, schedules, and access to X/ins/YT/Whatsapp, etc in China.
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Best Time to Visit Shanghai | Seasonal Weather Info
Shanghai shifts personalities with the seasons - from humid summer nights buzzing with scooter deliveries to misty winter mornings along the Bund.
Spring (March–May)
Weather Whiplash
15-25°C (59-77°F) but dress for 4 seasons in one day. April's "plum rain" drizzle can last weeks - perfect for moody French Concession photos.
What to Wear
- Foldable trench coat (looks chic, fights drizzle)
- Waterproof Chelsea boots for puddle-jumping
- Compact umbrella that matches your 'fit
Spring Fun
- Picnic at Century Park under cherry blossoms (go weekday mornings to avoid selfie crowds)
- Sip jasmine tea in Yu Garden's zigzag bridge pavilions
- Ride the Huangpu River ferry at golden hour - skip the pricey tourist boats
Pro Tip
Late April's Shanghai International Flower Show turns the city into a perfume ad. Allergy sufferers - stock up on masks!
Summer (June–August)
Concrete Sauna
28-38°C (82-100°F) with 90% humidity. July feels like wearing a wet wool coat. Typhoon season brings drama (and flight delays).
What to Wear
- Linen everything - locals spot polyester sweat stains
- USB fan that clips to your shopping bag
- SPF 50+ for the Bund waterfront (zero shade)
Beat the Heat
- Midnight noodle crawls in former French Concession alleys
- Contemporary art museums (AC blasting + cool installations)
- Day trip to Sheshan's bamboo forests - 5°C cooler
Local Hack
Download Ele.me app - delivery milk tea to your airbnb saves midday meltdowns. Get taro flavor with herbal jelly!
Autumn (September–November)
Golden Hour
Crisp 18-25°C (64-77°F). October air smells of osmanthus flowers and roasted chestnuts. Perfect sweater weather.
What to Wear
- Cashmere wrap doubles as blanket for river cruises
- Ankle boots that handle 20k steps/day
- Crossbody bag for night markets
Autumn Must-Dos
- Cycle tree-lined streets hunting for maple leaf shadows
- Xuhui riverside cafes - pumpkin spice lattes meet hairy crab season
- Sunset at M50 art district rooftops
Heads Up
Scorching heat + summer breaks = super packed tourist sites. Typhoons love crashing July/August beach plans. Have backup indoor activities ready in coastal cities!
Winter (December–February)
Damp Chill
3-10°C (37-50°F) that seeps into bones. January's "feels like" temp often colder than Beijing. Occasional snow flurries cause city-wide excitement.
What to Wear
- Heattech layers under tailored coats
- Waterproof boots (sleek streets get slick)
- Touchscreen gloves for food stall scrolling
Winter Activities
- Steamed crab feasts in the Old City (bring your own vinegar)
- Christmas markets at Kerry Center - mulled wine meets xiaolongbao
- Underground pearl markets - haggle for gifts without frostbite
Insider Note
Chinese New Year = empty streets but magical decorations. Stock up on snacks - most local eateries close for 3 days.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai | When to Visit Top Attrations
The Bund
Skip summer when the Bund feels like a sauna with hazy skies. Come spring or fall for crisp air and picture-perfect skyline views. Weekends? Total madhouse after dark. Sunrise brings locals doing tai chi with zero tourists - worth the early alarm. If you must visit in summer, go at dawn before the heat kicks in.
Check MoreYu Garden & Old Street
By noon, Yu Garden transforms from Ming Dynasty serenity to tourist hell. Get there at 8:30am opening (especially weekdays) or don't bother. The early wakeup rewards you with empty pavilions and rockeries - plus the surrounding market vendors aren't fully caffeinated enough to hassle you yet. February's Lantern Festival packs the place, but the installations are genuinely spectacular.
Check MoreShanghai Tower
Nothing worse than dropping 180 yuan for fog views from the world's second-tallest building. Skip summer completely - you'll see nothing but haze. Late fall brings clear skies after cold fronts push out the pollution. Go late afternoon when you can catch daylight views that transition to the full city light show. And book online - it's 20% cheaper and skips the hour-long ticket queue.
Check MoreDisneyland Shanghai
Avoid Chinese school holidays unless you enjoy 3-hour waits for Tron. Weekday visits in spring or fall are your golden ticket - good weather and half the crowds. Shanghai locals bail when rain's forecast, so drizzly days mean walk-on rides. Stick around after 7pm when families leave and you'll find Pirates of Caribbean suddenly queue-free. Grab the Fastpass for Soaring Over the Horizon the minute you enter or kiss it goodbye.
Check MoreZhujiajiao Water Town
Tour buses invade this ancient water town around 10:30am daily, turning peaceful canals into a floating traffic jam. Arrive at 8am for empty stone bridges and reflections in still water. If you're serious about photos, book a driver the night before - the morning light is magical. Skip weekends entirely - that cute tea house you saw on Instagram will be packed with 200 people taking the exact same shot.
Check MoreWhere to Stay in Shanghai?
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Worst Time to Visit Shanghai
Cruel Summer
July and August are brutal.(students have their summer holidays) Last summer, I tried to visit Shanghai Disney on July 15th – queues hit 3 hours for Tron, and my phone overheated trying to scan the ticket. The Bund at night? Felt like a sauna – even my sunscreen melted off. Every mall and metro station in big cities gets overrun by student or tour groups.
- Sweatbox weather: Avg 30-35°C with 90% humidity—outdoor sights like the Bund feel like a sauna
- Monsoon rains: Flooded streets and sudden downpours disrupt plans (150mm rainfall in June)
- Typhoon alerts: July-August risks closures at Disney and waterfront areas
Public holidays
Labour Day(5.1-5.5)/National Week(10.1-10.7): Attractions like Yu Garden get swamped—queue times double. hotels triple prices.
BUT for Chinese New Year, you'll love or hate! Sure, many shops & attractions in Shanghai were closed, but the festive vibe was chill. (see my 2025 example):
- I took my parents to Shanghai Wild Animal Park – 0 crowds! Saw pandas munching bamboo without 100 phones in their faces.
- Yu Garden lantern festival was magical – red lanterns, ice sculptures, and local street food stalls open till midnight.
What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
FAQs about Best Time to Visit Shanghai
Which Month is Best to Visit Shanghai?
October (late Sep–early Nov): 20-25°C, low rain, autumn foliage. Perfect for: Bund skyline views Zhujiajiao water townWhat is the Best Season in Shanghai?
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms (Gucun Park), 15-20°C. Avoid May 1-3 (Labour Day rush)How Many Days in Shanghai is Enough?
3-4 days covers: Day 1: Bund + Yu Garden + Nanjing Road Day 2: Disney or Zhujiajiao Day 3: Museums (Shanghai Museum) + Xintiandi .What is the Coldest Month in Shanghai?
January: Avg 5°C (41°F), damp cold. Pack layers—indoor heating is spotty. Local Tip: Winter visits (Dec-Feb) can be great—just book hotels with heating and hit Yu Garden’s lantern festival.
