Shanghai Weather

Written by Sally Guo Updated Dec. 6, 2021

Characterized by a humid subtropical climate, four distinct seasons, and relatively good air quality. The most pleasant seasons in the city are spring and autumn because the former is comfortable and warm and the latter is generally sunny and dry.

The other two seasons, however, are less enjoyable: Winter often feels chilly and damp and summer feels hot and wet.

Weathers

Weathers

Spring – Warm and Comfortable

Shanghai steps into spring in March and strolls out in May. The climate in this season makes it the best time to visit the city, with an average temperature of around 15 °C (59 °F). Flowers are in full bloom, causing the whole city to be immersed in the fragrance of flowers.

Temperature

Temperatures range from 5 ºC (41 ºF) to 12 ºC (54 ºF) in March, 11 ºC (51 ºF) to 18 ºC (65 ºF) in April and 16 ºC (60 ºF) to 23 ºC (74 ºF) in May.

Clothing

Long-sleeved shirts, thin sweaters, or coats are advisable for this season.

Travel Advice

The Bund
Doing Taichi on the Bund in spring

Travel Tips

It would be wise for travelers with pollen allergies to wear a mask and to bring anti-allergy medicine with them.

Summer – Sweltering and Wet

Weather

Summer lasts from June to September. It feels sweltering hot and generally is a time for abundant rainfall.

Shanghai experiences the so-called Plum Rain Season from mid-June to early July. During this period, the weather is unpredictable, with intermittent showers and sunshine, and occasional freak thunderstorms.

From late August to mid-September, the city is susceptible to typhoons, which may bring heavy rain and disturb your travel plans.

Temperature

The hottest time in Shanghai is July and August, with on average over 10 days when temperatures exceed 35 ºC (95 ºF). Temperatures range from 20 ºC (68 ºF) to 27 ºC (81 ºF) in June, 24 ºC (76 ºF) to 31 ºC (88 ºF) in July/August and 20 ºC (68 ºF) to 27 ºC (81 ºF) in September.

Clothing

Bring cool clothes such as T-shirts, skirts, and shorts; with sunglasses and an umbrella to protect from the strong ultraviolet radiation on sunny days.

Travel Advice

Zhujiajiao Water Town: Homes still surviving from the Qing (1644–1912 AD) and Ming (1368–1644 AD) dynasties are dotted around the town. And you can also see distinctive stone bridges, gardens, and temples, buy special souvenirs and taste local snacks in Zhujiajiao.

If you stay for the evening, open-air Kunqu opera performances and classical music shows take place every summer.

Zhujiajiao Water Town
Zhujiajiao Water Town

Travel Tips

Better avoid the hottest time of day around 14:00 hrs. And remember to dress in cool clothes and to drink more water than usual, to guard against heatstroke and dehydration.

Autumn – Cool and Dry

Weather

Autumn is from October to November. It is generally cool and dry, which makes the season good for travel. Although the rainy season comes to an end in October, the weather tends to be changeable, with occasional rainy days and sudden cold snaps.

Temperature

The temperature ranges from 14 ºC (58 ºF) to 22 ºC (72 ºF) in October, and from 8 ºC (47 ºF) to 17 ºC (62 ºF) in November.

Clothing

Wear thick coats or jackets and warm trousers in the mornings and evenings to cope with the relatively low temperatures. But long-sleeved shirts, thin sweaters, or light coats would be enough in the sun.

Travel Advice

Travel Tips

Autumn is the high season for travel, so if you decide to come, try to book early. Besides, it may be misty in the mornings, so it would be wise not to go then to certain scenic spots, such as tall buildings, expecting good views.

Winter – Chilly, and Damp

Weather

Winter begins in December and carries on to the following February. During those months, cold and humid northwesterly winds blow from Siberia, resulting in chilly and damp winter. Temperatures, especially at night, often drop below freezing, though it rarely snows.

Temperature

The coldest period is from the end of January to early February, with temperatures ranging from 0 ºC (32 ºF) to 7 ºC (45º F) in January and from 1 ºC (34º F) to 8 ºC (47º F) in February. In December, the average low and high temperatures are 2 °C (35 °F) and 11 °C (51 °F), respectively.

Clothing

Avoid catching a cold by dressing warmly. Clothes such as down coats, sweaters, gloves, thick pants, and warm shoes, are needed to keep warm.

Travel Advice

Chinese New Year usually falls in late January or in February. It is the most important festival in China to celebrate a year of hard work, have a good rest, and relax with family, as well as to wish for a lucky and prosperous coming year.

Fireworks

Every year when it comes, Shanghai hosts a series of celebrating events at which you will have the opportunity to experience authentic Chinese customs to your heart’s content.

Activities include the countdown activity at the Bund on New Year’s Eve and the Temple Fair in the City God Temple area around the time of the Lantern Festival which symbolizes the coming back of the spring.

Travel Tips

The less pleasant weather means that this is the low tourist season in Shanghai, so travel and accommodation expenses will generally be lower.

Mind you, if Chinese New Year happens to fall in late January, transport will be afflicted by the annual “spring rush”. If you are around and want to travel at that time, you’d be well advised to book your travel in advance.

How to Arrange Your Visit to Shanghai

Travelers wishing to spend only a short time visiting Shanghai should try to see the essential sights, such as The Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and Nanjing Road. See our best shanghai tours as follows: 

Shanghai Monthly Weather Information

 

Need Help?

Request a custom itinerary today and get one step closer to your personalized trip

Create Your Trip