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Shanghai Climate Information

ShanghaiShanghai has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and temperatures sometimes drop below zero, though snow seldom falls. In contrast, summers tend to be hot and humid. The annual precipitation is 1200 mm (47 inches). June through to September are the rainier months. From late August till early September, Shanghai is frequented by typhoons and rainstorms, but they rarely cause any considerable damage. When traveling in Shanghai during these periods, prepare umbrellas or raincoats.

The hottest month is July, with an average high of 32 °C (90 °F), and the coldest month is January, with an average low of 1 °C (34 °F). To avoid the heat of summer and the cold of winter, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times for traveling in Shanghai. See our Shanghai Tours and choose your time of travel.

Spring

Spring is from March to May. Temperatures climb from cool to warm, and it is a good time for traveling in Shanghai. It feels comfortable with the average temperature at around 15 °C (59 °F). There is a moderate amount of rainfall. Sweaters and coats are suitable for this season, but also prepare long-sleeve shirts for days when it becomes warm.

Summer

Zhujiajiao Water TownSummer is long: from June to September. It is very hot and wet, with July and August being the hottest two months. Typhoons and sudden heavy rains are common. It is recommended to carry an umbrella if rainfall seems likely. It rains on 11–14 days/month. Wear summer clothes such as skirts, shorts and T-shirts. The highest temperature in summer can sometimes reach up to 40 °C (104 °F). Wearing sunglasses and sun screen is recommended for those susceptible to burning.

Visiting Yuyuan Garden or going boating on the river of Zhujiajiao Water Town is very relaxing in summer.

Autumn

Autumn is from October to November. It is one of the best times of the year for visiting Shanghai, with generally sunny and drier weather. Autumn is the season with sharp and frequent intervals of temperature changes. It is also the best time for eating crabs. Long-sleeve T-shirts and then sweaters or coats are needed as the season progresses. The area's fall foliage begins at the end of this season, and continues to early December. See places to see fall foliage in Shanghai.

Shanghai Chocolate Dream Park December 16, 2011 - February 19, 2012

  • Venue: 3F gallery, Himalayan Center 喜马拉雅中心三楼美术馆
  • Address: 1208 Dingxiang Road, Pudong District 浦东新区丁香路1208号
  • Introduction: Lots of artworks made of chocolate will be displayed, including mimic architecture, dinnerware and Qipao (Chinese style frock). Visitors can also make chocolate souvenirs when visiting the park. Read more.

Winter

Shanghai Winter

Winter is from December to February of the next year. Winter in Shanghai is characterized by bitingly cold northerlies and dryness. The coldest period is from late January till early February, usually during the Chinese New Year. Nighttime temperatures often drop well below zero, but it rarely snows.

The temperature is not as low as cities in North China, such as Beijing and Xi'an, but Shanghai's winter shares their character because of the prevailing north wind. The average low and high temperatures in December are 2 °C (35 °F) and 11 °C (51 °F), in January 0 °C (32 °F) and 7 °C (45 °F), and in February 1 °C (34 °F) and 8 °C (47 °F). Read where to travel in winter?

Popular Tours to Shanghai

  • China Dreams Tour: 11-day tour of Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai. This is the most popular tour among travelers who visit China for the first time.
  • Shanghai Tour Packages: See the best of Shanghai with our Shanghai tour packages.

Shanghai Climate Information by Month

Shanghai Average Climate by Month

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High (ºC) 7.22 8.33 12.22 18.33 23.33 27.22 31.11 31.11 27.22 22.22 16.67 10.56
Low (ºC) 0 1.11 5 10.56 15.56 20 24.44 24.44 20 14.44 8.33 1.67
Precip (in) 1.5 2.3 3.2 4 4.5 6 5.1 5.2 6.1 2.4 2 1.4
High (ºF) 45 47 54 65 74 81 88 88 81 72 62 51
Low (ºF) 32 34 41 51 60 68 76 76 68 58 47 35

Shanghai Average Monthly Temperatures

Shanghai Average Monthly Temperatures

Shanghai Average Monthly Precipitation (inches)

Shanghai Average Monthly Precipitation

Tailor Make a Shanghai Tour

Customer’s questions about this page
Q
I plan to travel shanghai on early may, will it be raining season?
Asked by Alvin (Feb. 01, 2012) Reply
A Leon Long (Feb. 02, 2012) replied:
yes, it will be rainning season in Shanghai in early May.
Q
hi I'm probably going to Shanghai in March this year and i was wondering what clothes to bring?
Asked by Sandy (Jan. 03, 2012) Reply
A Mia Yang (Jan. 04, 2012) replied:
It is windy in early spring, but warms up gradually. People take off their warm winter clothes this month. The average high and low temperatures are, respectively, 12 °C (54 °F) and 5 °C (41 °F).

Sweaters and overcoats are enough, but also bring thin sweaters and long-sleeve T-shirts in case it gets warmer during the day. If you are interested, have a look at our Shanghai tours at http://www.chinahighlights.com/shanghai/tours.htm

Q
i will be visiting shanghai in Oct2012, understand that 01 Oct 2012 is National Day of People’s Republic of China and the Golden Week Is it ok to travel on the second week of Oct2012? Would it still be very crowded ? Thanks!
Asked by sean (Dec. 29, 2011) Reply
A Coco Yang (Dec. 29, 2011) replied:
Hi Sean,

Yes, it is the highest season for China tour in October, and it is better for you to tour in the second week in October to avoid the golden week.

For more about Shanghai tour, just check here: http://www.chinahighlights.com/shanghai/tours.htm

If any thing, just let me know.

Regards,

Coco

Q
I plan to bring my 7yrs old daughter to Shanghai (thru Hangzhou) and Beijing this end Nov till Dec. Which places should i go first is better? And in between we got few days is our own time, which places that you suggest us to go? Tks!
Asked by Li Ching (Oct. 19, 2011) Reply
A Lussie Lu (Oct. 20, 2011) replied:
Dear Li Ching,

In Beijing, the Forbidden city and the Great Wall are famous attractions. In Shanghai, you can visit the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Oriental Pearl TV Tower and so on. In Huangzhou, West Lake is a famous place. There are more details and tour packages on our website. You can check it.

Beijing:http://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/

Shanghai:http://www.chinahighlights.com/shanghai/

Hangzhou:http://www.chinahighlights.com/hangzhou/

A guest (Oct. 20, 2011) replied:
Thanks Lussie for your information! I got few days on my own time will go Hangzhou, as for Beijing & Shanghai will be on guided tour packages.
Q
I will be travelling to Shanghai on 3 june 2011. Fr there i will be touring wuxi, wuzhen, nanjing, hangzhour etc. What would the weather be like? is it the beginning of summer or still spring? thank you
Asked by lee (May. 16, 2011) Reply
A Lussie Lu (May. 17, 2011) replied:
Dear Lee,

Based on the former data, the temperature is about 20-29°C. It’s in summer and it’s hot. You can take your T-shirts. You also can get the new information on this website before you leave to these cities. Click here: http://www.weather.com.cn/en/weather/101020100.shtml

In addition, we specialize in designing a tailor-made China tour, if you need our service, please feel free to contact me directly, I am glad to serve you. My e-mail address is lussie@chinahighlights.com

Q
Can you update your website. You are still advertising Expo which has long gone!
Asked by David John Broadhurst (Jan. 14, 2011) Reply
A Mia Yang (Jan. 18, 2011) replied:
Thanks for your kind reminder. We deleted the advertisement after the expo closure in the end of October, just now I also found some pages that were missed. If you still see the ads while browsing our website, please kindly inform us. Also if you have any suggestions for us, please kindly let us know.

Thank you very much!

Q
Hi, I'm going to shanghai for tour on the 18/12/2010. My son is looking for Sony PSP & MU Jersey. Can you let me know where i can buy and how much it cost. Thank You In advance.
Asked by Tan Kean Chuan (Dec. 14, 2010) Reply
A Lynn Ye (Dec. 21, 2010) replied:
Hello, Tan Kean Chuan, Welcome to China Highlights’ website. Centering on your question, following are my answers base on the information from the internet.

Sony PSP: Buynow IT Mall in Pudong New Area. Address: No.588, Zhangyang Road, Pudong Nea Area (浦东新区张扬路588号); Tel: 021-61609100.

MU Jersey: Nike Flash Store. Address: No. 270–280, Shangxi Nan Road, Luwan District (上海市卢湾区陕西南路270-280号1-3F).

You can go these places to check the cost, wish you enjoy your shopping.

Q
will be traveling end of january how will the wheather be this year thanks
Asked by Mildred Fuguet (Dec. 05, 2010) Reply
A Lee Li (Dec. 05, 2010) replied:
Hello Mildred,

It will be quite cold in Shanghai during Jan and Feb, the temperature will be around 10 census degree, i would like suggest you wear warm coat and take sweater with you.

Regards

Lee

Q
Would March be a better time to visit Shanghai compared to December and why? What are the weather differences and what types of clothings would be suitable? How about happenings and events? Would there be more in March? Thks!
Asked by Miu (Nov. 11, 2010) Reply
A Carol Wang (Nov. 12, 2010) replied:
The temperature in March is similar to December. Shanghai is famous for its urbanized sights and they will not be influenced by weather. We can say it is a city for tour all the year.
Q
We need advise, what kind of clothing should we need to bring to Shanghai? From 7 November to 14 November and how is the weather? Thanks.
Asked by Gabriel Tan (Oct. 28, 2010) Reply
A Ruru Zhou (Oct. 28, 2010) replied:
Hi, Gabriel Tan,

It is becoming cold now. You may need bring layers.

A Michael Hu (Oct. 29, 2010) replied:
Hi Tan , the winter clothing will be needed. Please click here to see the weather record in Shanghai:http://www.chinahighlights.com/shanghai/weather.htm.
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