Shanghai Weather in January

Shanghai January Scenery

Weather: Shanghai's severe winter is at its peak in January, with an average temperature of around 2 °C (36 °F). Don't be fooled by the number, as the temperate is actually freezing because of the wind and dampness.

The bone-piercing cold drives most travelers away except for the most dedicated. The city is quiet this month. It is warm however inside hotels, restaurants, and vehicles, as central heating is supplied.

Clothing: Warm clothes such as a down coat, a hat, gloves, and thick trousers are needed to stay warm. Purchase these items if you don't bring them with you.

Things to do: The Chinese New Year may fall at the end of the month or during early February. If you plan to experience Chinese culture, arrange your tours months in advance. Read New Year travel guide.

Be aware: The New Year is the busiest travel time in China, as flights and trains are fully booked two weeks before departure. 

Low Season: January marks Shanghai's low travel season, when prices are lower than normal and the city is free of large crowds of tourists.  See China Highlights' Shanghai tours.

Also read How to plan a day trip in Shanghai?

Shanghai Average Daily Temperatures Based on Historical Data

Date Average High Average Low
January   1 47 °F 8.33 °C 34 °F 1.11 °C
January   2 47 °F 8.33 °C 34 °F 1.11 °C
January   3 47 °F 8.33 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C
January   4 47 °F 8.33 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C
January   5 47 °F 8.33 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C
January   6 46 °F 7.78 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C
January   7 46 °F 7.78 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C
January   8 46 °F 7.78 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C
January   9 46 °F 7.78 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C
January   10 46 °F 7.78 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C
January   11 46 °F 7.78 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C
January   12 46 °F 7.78 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C
January   13 46 °F 7.78 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C
January   14 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   15 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   16 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   17 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   18 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   19 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   20 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   21 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   22 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   23 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   24 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   25 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   26 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   27 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   28 45 °F 7.22 °C 32 °F 0 °C
January   29 45 °F 7.22 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C
January   30 45 °F 7.22 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C
January   31 45 °F 7.22 °C 33 °F 0.56 °C

Shanghai Climate Information by Month

Hi, I'm Lynn Ye
I updated this article on April 25, 2013
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Q: ashok Asked on 2013-01-06 Reply
we have planned to go to Beijing and shanghai during 13th to 16th Jan 2013 Whether we can visit all sight seeing spots on account of temperature below 2 degrees whether fog plays spoil sport
Hi Ashok, it is depends on what sightseeing spots you want to visit. Time of 3 days is not enough for you to visit both of two cites. Please contact us by email for detailed advice and recommendation after you tell us your request. Thank you! Lily Lee Replied on 2013-01-06
Q: Cx Asked on 2011-12-30 Reply
Hi,plan to travel shanghai on 22nd of 2012...during Chinese new year..I wish to know the weather there..as I travel with two kids between 5-8 yrs old...wht should I prepare for us,especially kids?How is the temperature...will snow fall on that time?thank u....
Hi Cx, We can only check the updated weather broadcast in a week, so we cna not tell you the exact weather at that time. However, according to the usual experience, there is no snow during the new year festival and the average temperature is about 4-5 degree. Warm clothes are needed for the kids. Regards, Coco Coco Yang Replied on 2011-12-30
Q: Fernando Asked on 2011-12-18 Reply
I'll be at hangzhou n shanghai from 20th dec till 6 of jan. I know it's winter time. Do u think that will be snowing? Thanks.
Hello Fernando, if you are lucky, you will have the opportunity to see the snow. guest Replied on 2011-12-19
Q: Haida Asked on 2011-12-13 Reply
We might be travelling to China during the CNY 24th-28th January 2011. How will the temperature be? will all the tourist spot be open? how about the malls?
Hi Haida Base on the past few years statistic, the temperature will be around 10 centigrade. It is colder in the evening. It is hard to say on 24th&25th, but the scenic spot and shopping mall are almost open since 26th. William Huo Travel Advisor William Replied on 2011-12-14
Q: jeni sa ria Asked on 2011-11-24 Reply
i go to shanghai on 23th untill 29th,is that time still very cold,what should i prepare cos i cannot stand if too cold for me
Hi Jeni, thank you for your inquiry. I'm Nora, a trip advisor of China Highlights. Glad to offer you some information. The average temperature of Shanghai is 3-11℃ in December. It will be cold and it's suggested you prepare some warm coats and down jackets. Nora Ou Replied on 2011-11-25