Shanghai Weather

The Oriental Pearl Tower The Oriental TV Tower

Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and temperatures sometimes drop below zero. Snow seldom falls. In contrast, summers tend to be hot and humid.

The annual precipitation is 1,200 mm (47 inches). June through to September are the rainy 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 your umbrellas or raincoats.

The temperatures are not extreme. The hottest month is July, with an average high of 32 °C (90 °F). 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.

Choose your time of travel. See our Shanghai Tours!

Spring

Weather: Spring is from March to May. Temperatures climb from cool to warm. It is a good time for traveling in Shanghai. The weather feels comfortable with the average temperature at around 15 °C (59 °F).

Precipitation: There is moderate rainfall.

Clothing: Sweaters and coats are suitable for this season, but prepare lighter clothes for warmer days.

Summer

Spring Scenery of Pudong, ShanghaiSpring Scenery of Pudong, Shanghai

Weather: Summer is long: from June to September. It is very hot and wet. July and August are the hottest two months. The highest temperature in summer can sometimes reach up to 40 °C (104 °F). It rains on 11–14 days/month. Typhoons and sudden heavy rains are common.

Clothing: It is recommended that you carry an umbrella if rainfall seems likely. Wear summer clothes such as skirts, shorts and T-shirts. Wearing sunglasses and using sunscreen is recommended for those susceptible to burning.

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

Autumn

Weather: Autumn is from October to November. The weather is generally sunny and drier. Autumn is the season with sharp and frequent temperature changes.

Clothing: Long-sleeve T-shirts and then sweaters or coats are needed as the season progresses.

Things to do: The area's fall foliage begins at the end of this season and continues to early December. It is also the best time for eating crabs. See our Shanghai cuisine page.

Tours: See Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Shanghai.

Winter

Snow Scenery of the Bund, ShanghaiSnow Scenery of the Bund, Shanghai

Weather: Winter is from December to February of the next year. Winter in Shanghai is characterized by bitingly cold northerlies and dryness.

Temperatures: The coldest period is from late January until early February; usually during the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival. Nighttime temperatures often drop well below zero, but it rarely snows. The low temperatures are not as low as in 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).

Clothing: Dress warmly.

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.
Also read Best of Shanghai, Insider Guide

Shanghai Climate Information by Month

Shanghai Average Climate by Month

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High (oC) 8 9 13 19 24 28 32 32 28 23 17 11
Low (oC) 0 2 5 11 16 20 25 25 20 15 9 2
Rain (mm) 38.1 58.42 81.28 101.6 114.3 152.4 129.54 132.08 154.94 60.96 50.8 35.56
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
Rain (in) 1.5 2.3 3.2 4 4.5 6 5.1 5.2 6.1 2.4 2 1.4

Shanghai Average Monthly Temperatures

Shanghai Average Monthly Temperatures

Shanghai Average Monthly Precipitation (inches)

Shanghai Average Monthly Precipitation

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Hi, I'm Lynn Ye
I updated this article on May 16, 2013
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Q: SVL Asked on 2013-01-02 Reply
Hello. I would like to visit Shanghai middle of March. Is it a peak period by then? Does it rains often during that period??
Dear SVL, Thanks for your question. Middle of March is the shoulder season in Shanghai. It might less rain during that time. As a travel agency in China, we glad to arrange tours in Shanghai or other cities in China if you need. Please feel free contact me at nancy@chinahighlights.net any time. Nancy Nancy Deng Replied on 2013-01-04
Q: Tweety Asked on 2012-12-11 Reply
I plan to visit shanghai around 22 dec, wonder where should i visit there n any good place for shopping-cheap n good value for money. I checked n found it going to be pretty cold this period, any precaution to advise as i never go to cold country before.. awaiting yr advise. how about hotel ? any suggesstion ? thanks ! Twisty

Hi Tweety, attractions in Shanghai: Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, then Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Zhujiajiao Water Town, etc.

For shopping in Shanghai, please check here: http://www.chinahighlights.com/shanghai/shopping.htm

December in Shanghai is very cold, with temperature of 11 °C~ 2 °C. Please prepare warm clothes such as down jackets, sweaters, hats, scarves and gloves.

For hotels in Shanghai, please check here: http://www.chinahighlights.com/hotel/shanghai-hotels/

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-12-12
Q: Lill Asked on 2012-11-19 Reply
I will be going to Shanghai from 10/01/2012 till 20/01/2012 January 2013..what will the weather be during this period ? what types of clothings should I pack along ?

Hi Lill, Shanghai is cold in Jan., with an average temperature of around 2 °C (36 °F).  And it could be actually freezing because of the wind and dampness.You can prepare warm clothes such as padded overcoats, hats, gloves, scarves,  thick sweaters and  trousers. You can also check the up to date weather information via this website: http://www.weather.com.cn/english/

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-11-20
Q: Therese Asked on 2012-10-06 Reply
Are there holiday weeks to avoid travel in February and March?
Hi Therese, yes, from Feb.9-14,2013 is China''s Spring Festival. One week before and after which would be the busiest time for transportation. You will see people everywhere, more crowded than you can image. So please avoid this time to come. Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-10-08
Q: jacqueline Asked on 2012-08-27 Reply
Hi i will be traveling to shanghai from 3nov to 11 nov may i know how is the weather like and the clothes that will be needed

Hi Jacqueline,

During November, the weather gradually turns into winter, with prevailing windy and dry conditions. There is a noticeable drop in temperature between days and nights. The average low and high temperatures are, respectively, 8 °C (46 °F) and 17 °C (63 °F). Recommended clothing include a long-sleeve skirt, a coat, and a sweater.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-08-28