Shanghai Weather in January: What to Wear and Where to Visit
In January, Shanghai has an average rainfall of 70.83 mm, with mostly sunny days and an average of only 3.3 rainy days for the whole month. Regarding temperature, the average high is 11 ℃, with a record high of 21 ℃; the average low is 2 ℃, with a record low of -5 ℃. Although it's cold in January, snowfall is rare. The average air quality is excellent.
Shanghai Weather Conditions in January
The weather in Shanghai in January is mainly sunny and cloudy. There are 14 sunny days, 6 cloudy days, 5 overcast days, 3 rainy days, and 3 smoggy days.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Shanghai
January is the off-peak season for tourism, and with the approach of the Chinese New Year, tourist attractions won't be overly crowded. The waiting time in lines will be relatively shorter, greatly enhancing your travel experience. So, it's okay to visit Shanghai in January.
However, it's best to avoid New Year's Day. It is a public holiday in China. People have a three-day break from January 1st to 3rd, and tourist spots will be more crowded than usual during this time.
What to Wear in Shanghai in January
There is a big temperature difference between day and night in Shanghai in January. The average temperature during the day ranges from 0 to 18℃, while at night it ranges from -4 to 12℃. So, the clothing for day and night is different.
During the day, focus on wind protection. Wear a long-sleeved shirt or base layer inside and a spring/autumn jacket or windbreaker outside. At night, prioritize warmth. Wear thermal underwear, long johns, and an outer jacket. If you are more sensitive to cold can add a light sweater or vest in between.
In indoor places like hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants, where there is heating, you just need to wear a shirt with a sweater over it.
What to Bring to Shanghai in January
In January, the weather in Shanghai is dry and windy. It's advisable to bring some moisturizing cream to keep your skin hydrated. The alternating cold and warm weather makes it easy to catch a cold, so it's best to have some cold medicine on hand.
Although there isn't much rainfall in Shanghai in January, it's best to be prepared and bring a portable umbrella, as rain can significantly impact your travel experience.
What to Do in Shanghai in January
In January, Shanghai is cold. At this time, you can both enjoy the cozy atmosphere the city creates and truly feel the unique charm of winter.
1. Experience the Atmosphere of the Chinese New Year
China's Spring Festival falls in late January or early February. Before the Spring Festival, you'll see trees adorned with red lanterns. Walking through the streets and alleys, you can also hear Gong Xi Fa Cai (a song wishing prosperity). Chinese people welcome the New Year in this way, hoping for happiness and good health in the coming year.
Every year from New Year's Day to the Lantern Festival, a grand lantern fair is held at Chenghuangmiao Square in Shanghai to celebrate Spring Festival. It's one of the places with the strongest festive atmosphere in Shanghai, and the lantern fair generally lasts for about a month.
How to Get to Chenghuangmiao Square: Take Line 10 or Line 14 to Yu Garden Station, exit from Exit 7, and then walk 1 kilometer to reach Chenghuangmiao Square.
2. Attend the Disney Winter Festival
Disneyland will hold a Winter Festival. It holds from November to February next year. Mickey Avenue will transform into a magical winter wonderland, with snowflakes fluttering down and winter ice sculptures appearing all around the park. The parade performers will also dress up in winter attire and interact with you.
How to Get to Disneyland: Take Line 11 and get off at Disney Station.
3. Visit the Shanghai Museum East Branch
The Shanghai Museum East Branch has four floors, each featuring restaurants, allowing you to spend a whole day there easily. Besides, the museum is free of charge, and you can make a reservation using just your passport number. Inside, it's quiet and imbued with a cultural atmosphere. You can see millennia-old artifacts right in front of you, as if stepping into another time and space.
How to Get to Shanghai Museum East: Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Station, then exit through Exit 8.
4. Watch Acrobatic Show
At Shanghai Circus World, there's an acrobatic show called Spirit of Shanghai. The show runs from Tuesday to Sunday, starting at 19:30 and lasting for one hour. It is accompanied by passionate music and features amazing acting skills, vividly presenting a romantic love story set in Shanghai.
The lighting on site creates an atmospheric feel, and the performers are highly professional. The most thrilling part is undoubtedly the motorcycle performance that serves as the grand finale.
How to Get to Shanghai Circus World: Take Line 1 and get off at Shanghai Circus World Station.
Related Reading: Top Things to Do in Shanghai
Plan Your Shanghai Trip With China Travel
China Travel has a professional and efficient team. Our travel trip advisors will recommend the most suitable scenic spots to visit in January. What's more, we'll arrange local tour guides in Shanghai for you.
When encountering an unexpected event, the services of the travel agency become important. Our travel advisors, tour guides, and drivers will work together to help you solve problems and try their best to ensure that your subsequent itinerary won't be affected.
- 1-Day Shanghai Classic Trip with Shanghai Tower
- 3-Day Essence of Shanghai Tour
- 9-Day The Scenic Poetry and Painting Journey of Jiangnan