Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
🇨🇳 Shanghai, China · Asia
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
9°
1°
Good
Feb
13°
5°
Good
Mar
17°
9°
Great
Apr
21°
13°
Great
May
24°
16°
Great
Jun
25°
17°
Great
Jul
24°
16°
Great
Aug
21°
13°
Great
Sep
17°
9°
Great
Oct
13°
5°
Good
Nov
9°
1°
Good
Dec
8°
0°
Good
Month-by-Month Weather in Shanghai
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 1°C | 3 | 1h | 65% | 2 | Good | View |
| February | 13°C | 5°C | 3 | 3h | 65% | 2 | Good | View |
| MarchRecommended | 17°C | 9°C | 4 | 4h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| AprilRecommended | 21°C | 13°C | 5 | 6h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| MayRecommended | 24°C | 16°C | 6 | 7h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| JuneRecommended | 25°C | 17°C | 6 | 7h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| JulyRecommended | 24°C | 16°C | 6 | 7h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| AugustRecommended | 21°C | 13°C | 5 | 6h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| SeptemberRecommended | 17°C | 9°C | 4 | 4h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| October | 13°C | 5°C | 3 | 3h | 65% | 6 | Good | View |
| November | 9°C | 1°C | 3 | 1h | 65% | 2 | Good | View |
| December | 8°C | 0°C | 3 | 1h | 65% | 2 | Good | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Shanghai
Spring (March to May)
Avg: 21°C high, 13°C low
Spring in Shanghai brings gradually warm temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 21°C (70°F) while nights cool to 13°C (55°F). Rainfall is relatively low, making it a pleasant time for outdoor exploration.
Summer (June to August)
Avg: 23°C high, 15°C low
Summer is the warmest season in Shanghai, with temperatures reaching 23°C (73°F). Comfortable warmth makes this a popular time for tourists, though accommodation prices tend to peak. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (September to November)
Avg: 13°C high, 5°C low
Fall in Shanghai is a transitional season with changing conditions. Temperatures settle around 13°C (55°F) during the day and 5°C (41°F) at night. Drier weather and thinner crowds make this an appealing alternative to peak summer travel.
Winter (December to February)
Avg: 10°C high, 2°C low
Winter in Shanghai brings the coolest weather of the year. Layers are essential, and some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours. However, hotel prices typically drop and popular sites are less crowded.
When to Avoid Shanghai
The least favorable time to visit Shanghai is January and November. During this period, you can expect cold weather, very limited sunshine.
January
Challenges: cold weather, very limited sunshine
November
Challenges: cold weather, very limited sunshine
December
Challenges: cold weather, very limited sunshine
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Shanghai
Packing recommendations for visiting Shanghai during the best travel months (April, August, March), when temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C:
- +Light layers for warm days and cooler evenings
- +Comfortable walking shoes
- +A compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- +Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Shanghai Year-Round Climate Overview
Shanghai has a temperate oceanic climate (Koppen classification: Cfa). The warmest month is June with highs of 25°C, while the coldest month is December at just 8°C. Annual rainfall averages 600mm across approximately 51 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 9 | 13 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 21 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 8 |
| Low °C | 1 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Rain Days | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 33 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 67 | 70 | 67 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 33 | 30 |
| Sun h/day | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Humidity % | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| UV Index | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to Shanghai? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Shanghai?+
The best time to visit Shanghai is April, August, March. During these months, temperatures average 20°C (68°F) with 5 hours of daily sunshine and only 5 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Shanghai?+
The least ideal time to visit Shanghai is January and November. During this period, you can expect cold weather, very limited sunshine. While Shanghai can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Shanghai good to visit in summer?+
Summer in Shanghai (June to August) brings temperatures of 23°C (73°F) highs and 15°C (59°F) lows, with about 7 hours of sunshine and 6 rain days per month. This is generally a good time to visit.
What is the rainy season in Shanghai?+
Shanghai does not have a distinct rainy season. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, averaging 4 rain days per month.
What should I pack for Shanghai?+
When visiting Shanghai during the best travel months (April, August, March), pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket. Bring a compact umbrella just in case. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended, especially given the high UV index.
Is April a good time to visit Shanghai?+
Yes, April is one of the best months to visit Shanghai. Expect average highs of 21°C (70°F), 6 hours of daily sunshine, and only 5 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Shanghai
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
More Travel Weather Guides
Explore weather guides for other popular destinations: