Best months
April, May, and October
Warmest month
July, 33°C
Wettest month
June, 255 mm
Shanghai weather by month
Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.
| Month | High / low | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C / 2°C | 86 mm · 8 days | Cold |
| February | 11°C / 3°C | 97 mm · 9 days | Cold |
| March | 16°C / 7°C | 99 mm · 9 days | Fair |
| April | 21°C / 12°C | 113 mm · 8 days | Great |
| May | 26°C / 17°C | 122 mm · 8 days | Great |
| June | 29°C / 22°C | 255 mm · 11 days | Wet |
| July | 33°C / 26°C | 217 mm · 10 days | Hot |
| August | 33°C / 26°C | 232 mm · 11 days | Hot |
| September | 29°C / 22°C | 198 mm · 10 days | Wet |
| October | 24°C / 17°C | 121 mm · 6 days | Great |
| November | 18°C / 10°C | 87 mm · 8 days | Fair |
| December | 11°C / 3°C | 65 mm · 5 days | Cold |
Shanghai by season
Spring
Spring is pleasant, with blossoms in parks and mild temperatures.
- + Mild weather
- + Blossoms
- + Good for walking
- − Rain
- − Humidity rising
Summer
Summer is hot and humid, with a rainy season in June and July and occasional typhoons.
- + Long days
- + Nightlife
- + Air-conditioned museums
- − Heat and humidity
- − Plum rain season
Autumn
Autumn is the best season, with clear skies, comfortable temperatures and hairy crab.
- + Pleasant weather
- + Hairy crab season
- + Clear views
- − Golden Week crowds in early October
- − Higher hotel prices
Winter
Winter is cold and damp but rarely snowy, with fewer tourists and Chinese New Year festivities.
- + Fewer tourists
- + Lower prices
- + Festive lights
- − Cold and damp
- − Grey skies
Shanghai month by month
Shanghai in January
ColdIn January, Shanghai averages highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C, with about 8 rainy days and 86 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Shanghai in February
ColdIn February, Shanghai averages highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C, with about 9 rainy days and 97 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Shanghai in March
FairIn March, Shanghai averages highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C, with about 9 rainy days and 99 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Shanghai in April
GreatIn April, Shanghai averages highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C, with about 8 rainy days and 113 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Shanghai in May
GreatIn May, Shanghai averages highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C, with about 8 rainy days and 122 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Shanghai in June
WetIn June, Shanghai averages highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C, with about 11 rainy days and 255 mm of rain. It is one of the wetter months, so keep indoor plans in reserve.
Shanghai in July
HotIn July, Shanghai averages highs of 33°C and lows of 26°C, with about 10 rainy days and 217 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Shanghai in August
HotIn August, Shanghai averages highs of 33°C and lows of 26°C, with about 11 rainy days and 232 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Shanghai in September
WetIn September, Shanghai averages highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C, with about 10 rainy days and 198 mm of rain. It is one of the wetter months, so keep indoor plans in reserve.
Shanghai in October
GreatIn October, Shanghai averages highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C, with about 6 rainy days and 121 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Shanghai in November
FairIn November, Shanghai averages highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C, with about 8 rainy days and 87 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Shanghai in December
ColdIn December, Shanghai averages highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C, with about 5 rainy days and 65 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Top tours and experiences in Shanghai
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights
5.01,364 reviews7h
from €104
Check availability
Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour
5.01,111 reviews8h
from €223
Check availabilityShanghai Private Tour: Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat Ride
5.0802 reviews4h
from €134
Check availabilityAll things to do in Shanghai →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your Shanghai trip
Best time to visit Shanghai: FAQ
What is the best month to visit Shanghai?+
April is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 21°C. May and October are close behind.
What is the rainiest month in Shanghai?+
June is the wettest month, with about 255 mm of rain.
How hot does Shanghai get?+
July is the warmest month, with average highs of 33°C and lows of 26°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 2°C.
Averages for 2006–2025 from the SHANGHAI weather station (19 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.