

Shanghai Weather by Month and Best Time to Visit

By TaraKai
July 28, 2026

Shanghai sits near the East China Sea and the mouth of the Yangtze River, giving the city four clear seasons and plenty of humidity. Spring is mild but often rainy, summer is hot and humid, autumn is cooler, and winter is cold and damp. This guide covers Shanghai temperatures, rainfall, clothing, activities, and the best time to visit.
Current and Next 7 Days Weather in Shanghai







What Is the Weather Like in Shanghai?
Shanghai has a subtropical monsoon climate with four clear seasons. Its coastal location makes both summer and winter feel humid. The annual mean temperature is about 17.5°C. July is normally the hottest month, with an average daytime high of 33.2°C, while January is the coldest, with an average low of 2.9°C.
Rain falls throughout the year, but June and August are normally the wettest months. Shanghai’s plum rain season usually runs from mid-June to early July. Typhoons may also affect the city from summer to early autumn, especially from late August to mid-September.
Season | Months | Shanghai Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Spring | March to May | Mild to warm, changeable, and sometimes rainy | Flowers, parks, city walks, outdoor sightseeing |
Summer | June to August | Hot, humid, rainy, with thunderstorms | Indoor attractions, evening views, water activities |
Autumn | September to November | Warm at first, then cool and more comfortable | The Bund, parks, walking tours, day trips |
Winter | December to February | Cold, damp, windy, with rare snow | Museums, shopping, food trips, smaller crowds |
Shanghai Weather by Season
Spring in Shanghai: March to May

Yu Garden
Spring in Shanghai begins cool in March and becomes warmer through April and May, with average temperatures rising from 7.6°C to 25.8°C. Mornings can feel chilly, while afternoons are warmer. Light rain and cloudy weather are common, so bring a small umbrella when visiting the Bund, Yu Garden, parks, and riverside areas.
What to wear
- March: A warm jacket, sweater, long pants, and closed shoes
- April: A light jacket, long-sleeved top, and comfortable walking shoes
- May: Light clothes for daytime and a thin jacket for cooler evenings
- Small umbrella for drizzle and changing weather
Best seasonal activities
- Walk along the Bund and enjoy the Pudong skyline
- Visit Yu Garden and the Old City area
- See spring flowers in Gucun Park, Century Park, or Chenshan Botanical Garden
- Explore the former French Concession
- Take a Huangpu River cruise on a clear evening
Travel Tip: Shanghai weather can change quickly in spring. Wear light layers that you can remove when the afternoon becomes warmer.
Shanghai Plum Rain Season: Mid-June to Early July

Wukang Road
Shanghai’s plum rain season, known as meiyu, usually begins in mid-June and continues into early July. June receives about 224.9 mm of rain on average, bringing cloudy skies, frequent showers, high humidity, and occasional heavy rain that may affect outdoor attractions, river cruises, and day trips.
What to wear
- Light and quick-drying clothes
- Waterproof or water-resistant shoes
- Thin rain jacket
- Small umbrella
- Extra socks
- Waterproof pouch for your phone and travel documents
Best seasonal activities
- Visit Shanghai Museum or another indoor museum
- Explore shopping malls along Nanjing Road
- Visit the Shanghai Astronomy Museum
- Spend time at cafes, restaurants, and indoor markets
- Choose indoor areas at Shanghai Disneyland during heavy rain
Travel Tip: Keep at least one indoor attraction in your daily plan. If heavy rain begins, you can change your schedule without losing the whole day.
Summer in Shanghai: June to August

Shanghai Wild Animal Park
Summer in Shanghai is hot, humid, and rainy, with average temperatures ranging from 22.0°C to 33.2°C between June and August. Days above 35°C and sudden afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Typhoons may also bring heavy rain, strong winds, flight delays, attraction closures, and transport disruptions.
What to wear
- Thin and breathable shirts
- Shorts, skirts, dresses, or light pants
- Hat or UV umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light cover-up for strongly air-conditioned places
Best seasonal activities
- Visit the Bund early in the morning or after sunset
- Enjoy museums, malls, and indoor attractions in the afternoon
- Take an evening Huangpu River cruise when the weather is clear
- Visit Shanghai Disneyland with regular indoor breaks
- See the skyline from an indoor observation deck
Travel Tip: Start outdoor sightseeing before 9:00 AM, rest indoors during the hottest hours, and continue in the late afternoon. Drink water often and stop immediately if you feel dizzy, weak, or unwell.
Autumn in Shanghai: September to November

Fuxing Park
Autumn in Shanghai starts warm in September and becomes cooler through October and November, with temperatures ranging from 11.4°C to 28.7°C. It is a comfortable season for exploring the Bund, Xintiandi, parks, and historic neighborhoods. Typhoons may still affect September, while the National Day holiday in early October brings large crowds.
What to wear
- September: Light clothes, sunscreen, and a small umbrella
- October: Long sleeves and a light jacket
- November: A sweater, medium jacket, long pants, and scarf for cold evenings
Best seasonal activities
- Walk along the Bund and West Bund waterfront
- Explore Xintiandi and the former French Concession
- See autumn colors in city parks
- Visit Zhujiajiao Water Town on a clear day
- Enjoy an outdoor food or photography walk
Travel Tip: If you plan to visit during the first week of October, reserve your flights, hotel, train tickets, and major attractions as early as possible.
Winter in Shanghai: December to February

Winter in Shanghai is cold, damp, and sometimes windy, with average temperatures ranging from 2.9°C to 11.3°C between December and February. Snow is uncommon and rarely stays on the ground. The humidity and wind can make it feel colder, especially in January and early February.
What to wear
- Thick coat or down jacket
- Thermal innerwear
- Sweater
- Gloves, scarf, and knit hat
- Warm socks
- Closed shoes with good grip
Best seasonal activities
- Visit museums and art galleries
- Shop along Nanjing Road
- Try hotpot, soup dumplings, and other warm local dishes
- Explore Yu Garden during seasonal celebrations
- Enjoy indoor skyline views and observation decks
Travel Tip: Hotels, malls, metro trains, and restaurants are usually heated. Wear removable layers so you can stay warm outdoors without feeling too hot inside.
Grab Flight Discounts to Shanghai


















Shanghai Weather by Month
The temperatures and Shanghai rainfall by month below use 1991 to 2020 climate averages for the Xujiahui weather station. Actual weather during your trip may be warmer, colder, wetter, or drier.
Month | Average Low to High | Average Rainfall | What to Expect | Good Things to Do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
January | 2.9°C to 8.7°C | 72.2 mm | Cold, damp, and sometimes windy | Museums, shopping, hot food |
February | 4.1°C to 10.7°C | 65.0 mm | Cold with gradual warming | Yu Garden, indoor attractions, food trips |
March | 7.6°C to 14.9°C | 97.3 mm | Cool and changeable | Parks, spring flowers, city walks |
April | 12.6°C to 20.9°C | 84.2 mm | Mild with occasional rain | The Bund, Yu Garden, outdoor sightseeing |
May | 17.9°C to 25.8°C | 91.0 mm | Warm and comfortable | Day trips, parks, river cruises |
June | 22.0°C to 28.6°C | 224.9 mm | Humid with plum rain | Museums, malls, flexible city plans |
July | 26.2°C to 33.2°C | 163.2 mm | Very hot with thunderstorms | Early sightseeing, indoor attractions |
August | 26.2°C to 32.6°C | 225.9 mm | Hot, humid, and rainy | Evening views, indoor activities |
September | 22.5°C to 28.7°C | 131.5 mm | Warm with possible typhoons | City walks when the forecast is clear |
October | 17.1°C to 23.5°C | 69.6 mm | Mild and more comfortable | The Bund, parks, walking tours |
November | 11.4°C to 17.8°C | 61.4 mm | Cool with less summer humidity | Autumn scenery, neighborhoods, day trips |
December | 5.3°C to 11.3°C | 50.4 mm | Cold and relatively drier | Shopping, museums, winter food |
Best Time to Visit Shanghai

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Shanghai has a subtropical monsoon climate with four clear seasons and an annual mean temperature of about 17.5°C. July is normally the hottest month, while January is the coldest. Rain falls throughout the year, with the plum rain season from mid-June to early July and possible typhoons from summer to early autumn.
Best Time for Budget Travelers
Consider January to February outside the Chinese New Year holiday, or selected rainy-season dates in June. Hotel demand may be lower than during the busiest spring and autumn periods, but cold or wet weather can affect your plans.
Why visit
- Better chance of finding selected hotel deals
- Smaller crowds on some weekdays
- Easier restaurant reservations outside major holidays
- More time for museums, shopping, and indoor attractions
Money-saving tip: Compare hotels in different parts of Shanghai. Staying near a metro station outside the Bund or Nanjing Road area may cost less while still giving you convenient transport.
Best Time for Luxury Travelers
April to May and October to November are good for premium hotels, rooftop dining, private city tours, Huangpu River cruises, and nearby water-town trips.
Best experiences
- Luxury hotel with a Bund or Pudong skyline view
- Private city or food tour
- Fine dining in the Bund area
- Premium Huangpu River cruise
- Spa stay or weekend hotel package
Booking tip: Reserve rooms with a clear skyline or river view early because these room types may sell out faster during comfortable travel seasons.
Best Time for Adventure Seekers
April to May and October to early November offer better conditions for cycling, long city walks, outdoor photography, and day trips. Avoid exposed areas during thunderstorms, heavy rain, extreme heat, or typhoon warnings.
Good outdoor plans
- Cycle or walk along the West Bund
- Explore the former French Concession on foot
- Take a day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town
- Walk through large parks and botanical gardens
- Visit nearby hiking or nature areas
Safety tip: Do not stay near rivers, elevated walkways, large trees, glass buildings, or construction areas during strong wind and thunderstorms.
Best Time for Cultural Travelers
Spring and autumn are comfortable for visiting traditional neighborhoods, museums, historic buildings, gardens, and local food areas. Chinese New Year can bring festive decorations, while the National Day period in early October brings holiday events and very large crowds.
Cultural travel tips
- Check museum closing days before visiting
- Reserve popular attractions when booking is required
- Arrive early at Yu Garden and other busy areas
- Avoid major holiday dates if you want a quieter visit
- Keep a rainy-day museum plan ready
Best Time for Family Travelers
April, May, October, and early November are comfortable for families because the weather is better for parks, Shanghai Disneyland, riverside areas, and walking tours.
Family travel tips
- Start early and plan regular rest stops
- Mix outdoor attractions with museums or malls
- Stay near a metro station
- Bring snacks, water, and a small umbrella
- Check the minimum height rules for theme park rides
- Avoid long outdoor queues during extreme heat or heavy rain
Find the Best Hotels in Shangai
NO.1
Hotel in Shanghai
NO.5
Hotel in ShanghaiWhat to Pack for Shanghai Weather

Shanghai needs different clothing for each season. Check the latest forecast again a few days before your flight because temperatures and rain can change quickly.
Spring Packing List
- Light or medium jacket
- Cardigan or sweater
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Long pants
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small umbrella
- Light scarf for cool mornings
Summer Packing List
- Breathable shirts
- Light pants, shorts, skirts, or dresses
- Hat or UV umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Portable fan
- Refillable water bottle
- Small towel
- Rain jacket or umbrella
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Light cover-up for air-conditioned places
Autumn Packing List
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Light jacket or medium coat, depending on the month
- Sweater
- Long pants
- Scarf for November evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small umbrella
Winter Packing List
- Thick coat or down jacket
- Thermal innerwear
- Sweater
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Knit hat
- Warm socks
- Closed shoes with good grip
- Hand warmers
Unlock the Best Flights to Shanghai
- One way
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Shanghai Rain, Heat and Typhoon Tips
Shanghai's plum rain, summer heat, thunderstorms, and possible typhoons can affect outdoor plans. Here are simple ways to prepare:
- Check the official weather forecast every morning
- Carry a small umbrella or light rain jacket
- Wear quick-drying clothes during June and July
- Keep electronics and travel documents in a waterproof pouch
- Avoid riverside areas during heavy rain, lightning, or strong wind
- Stay indoors when a typhoon or severe weather warning is issued
- Allow extra time for delayed flights, trains, ferries, and road travel
- Keep museums, malls, and indoor attractions as backup plans
- Drink water often during July and August
- Rest in a cool place if you feel dizzy, weak, or unwell
- Follow announcements from your hotel, airline, airport, railway operator, and attraction
Secure Your Stay in Shanghai
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
Stay Ahead with Shanghai Weather Tools
- China Weather: Check local forecasts, rainfall, radar, temperature, and official weather warnings.
- Shanghai Meteorological Service: Follow local weather alerts, rainstorm warnings, high-temperature notices, and typhoon information.
- Amap: Check local navigation, traffic conditions, metro routes, and weather information while moving around Shanghai.
- Trip.com: Keep your flights, hotels, attraction bookings, airport transfers, and travel plans in one place.
Recommended eSIMs Options for China
Best Things to Do in Shanghai by Weather
Weather | Best Things to Do |
|---|---|
Sunny and mild | The Bund, Yu Garden, former French Concession, parks, water towns |
Light rain | Museums, Nanjing Road, cafes, indoor markets, observation decks |
Hot and humid | Early sightseeing, malls, museums, indoor attractions, evening views |
Cold and clear | City walks with warm layers, winter photos, hotpot, shopping |
Heavy rain | Museums, malls, restaurants, hotel activities |
Strong wind or typhoon warning | Stay indoors, follow official updates, avoid the river and outdoor attractions |
Shanghai Weather Tips for Filipino Travelers
Shanghai's seasonal changes can feel strong if you are used to the warm weather in the Philippines.
Must know before your trip:
- Check Shanghai's forecast before packing because temperatures can change quickly
- Bring a proper winter coat from December to February
- Do not underestimate summer heat, even if you are used to Philippine weather
- Carry water, sunscreen, and a portable fan in July and August
- Pack a small umbrella for drizzle and sudden thunderstorms
- Wear comfortable shoes because Shanghai trips often involve long walks
- Bring a light jacket for air-conditioned trains, malls, museums, and restaurants in summer
- Save your hotel name and address in English and Chinese
- Check Pudong Airport, Hongqiao Airport, and railway updates during bad weather
- Prepare Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip and keep some cash as backup
- Check the latest China visa and China entry card before leaving the Philippines
- Avoid China's busiest holiday periods if you prefer smaller crowds
- Consider travel insurance that covers weather-related delays and cancellations
For easier transport planning, read the Shanghai Metro Map and Shanghai Airport to City guides before your trip.
FAQs About Shanghai Weather
-
What is the best month to visit Shanghai?
April, May, October, and November are among the best months for comfortable sightseeing. The weather is usually milder than summer and warmer than winter, although rain is still possible. -
Is Shanghai very hot in summer?
Yes. July and August are hot and humid. Average daytime highs are around 33.2°C in July and 32.6°C in August, but some days can rise above 35°C. -
Does it snow in Shanghai?
Snow is possible in winter but uncommon. Some years may have little or no snow, and it normally does not remain on the ground for long in central Shanghai. -
Can typhoons affect Shanghai?
Yes. Typhoons can affect Shanghai from summer to early autumn, with the higher-risk period often around late August to mid-September. They may bring strong wind, heavy rain, flight delays, and attraction closures. -
Is Shanghai colder than the Philippines?
Yes, especially from late autumn to early spring. Filipino travelers should bring warm layers because winter temperatures are much lower than in the Philippines. -
Is summer or winter better for Shanghai?
Winter is better if you prefer smaller crowds and do not mind cold, damp weather. Summer offers longer days but can be very hot, humid, and rainy. Spring and autumn are normally more comfortable for first-time visitors.
Related products
Shanghai Weather
- 1. Current and Next 7 Days Weather in Shanghai
- 2. What Is the Weather Like in Shanghai?
- 3. Shanghai Weather by Season
- 4. Shanghai Weather by Month
- 5. Best Time to Visit Shanghai
- 6. What to Pack for Shanghai Weather
- 7. Shanghai Rain, Heat and Typhoon Tips
- 8. Stay Ahead with Shanghai Weather Tools
- 9. Best Things to Do in Shanghai by Weather
- 10. Shanghai Weather Tips for Filipino Travelers
- 11. FAQs About Shanghai Weather
I enjoy exploring new destinations, testing travel products, and sharing useful travel tips that help Filipino travelers enjoy smoother and more comfortable trips.
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