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.
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.
In the following article, we will provide recommendations for activities to explore for each month and travel tips.
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- Best Times for Weather
- Best Times for Family Trips
- Best Times for Low Prices
- The Worst Times
- Guide by Month
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Vibrant Shanghai with Guide Kris Lee
Shanghai is a modern vibrant city with eastern cultures and western influences. In Shanghai, we were greeted by an energetic and charismatic person, Kris Lee of China Highlights. He accompanied us to the Shanghai Tower, The Bund, YuGarden, the time square of Shanghai, the French Concession, and Zhujiajiao. Kris was informative and provided us with plenty of facts and information about the places the we visited. The city view from the top of the Shanghai tower was amazing. We had a wonderful tour of YuGarden with its beautiful classical architectures and unique sculptures and carvings. The Zhujiajiao water town and boat ride was a welcome get away from the busy Shanghai center. The night scene from the Bund was beautiful and a must see. Shanghai is famous for dumplings and Kris introduced us to an assortment of dumplings and other Shanghai dishes that we thoroughly enjoyed. The check-in process for the flight home with his assistance was smooth and stress free. Kris is a very friendly, thoughtful, and courteous guide. He is informative and knowledgeable. Having him as a guide made our Shanghai visit an unforgettable one. more
Nov 2024, K C Colorado
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A memorable day in Shanghai
We had one day to visit the city with our guide William. And what a day, thanks to him ! From sunrise to sunset, we visited cool spots and he managed very well with all the timings ! And he took us to try some real shanghai food (in hidden places, and it was very good).Thanks again William for having shown us around ! more
Nov 2024, E_Amaury
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The best of Shanghai with the best guide Kris!
Our tour guide Kris is a superstar! He has great knowledge of the history and culture, plus he joked around with us and made the trip even more fun. He speaks English very well and helped us with our questions in the hotel and the apps on our phones. When it was too foggy to visit the Shanghai Tower, his plan B was a lovely boat cruise on the Huangpu River, timed just right to see the amazing night time city lights. more
Nov 2024, Sharon G
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The Best Times to Visit Shanghai for Good Weather
The best times to visit Shanghai for good weather are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
The weather in Shanghai during the spring and autumn seasons is neither cold nor hot, making it suitable for various outdoor activities.
From March to May, the spring is warm and flowers are in bloom, making it a great time for outings and enjoying the scenery.
In the autumn, the weather is pleasantly cool and refreshing, with the fragrance of osmanthus flowers in the air.
The Best Times to Visit Shanghai for Family Travel
The period with the best weather is certainly ideal for family travel, but many families cannot travel at this time due to their children's school schedules.
Therefore, apart from the spring and autumn seasons, a suitable time for families is from June to August, during the summer vacation.
Within this period, considering the impact of the rainy season, July and August are slightly less rainy months. Especially for active children, there are many opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing, such as going to Shanghai Disneyland, embarking on a food tour, exploring nearby water towns, or taking a ride in a vintage sidecar to explore the city.
However, if you prefer fewer crowds, June might be more suitable, although there are one or two more rainy days during that month.
Fortunately, Shanghai offers a rich array of indoor experiential activities, such as a cooking class where you and your children could try making local delicacies like steamed buns, enjoying acrobatic performances, and visiting the Shanghai Gallery of Antique Music Box and Mechanical Works.
Feel free to contact us and we'll tailor-make your own unique family trip itinerary. Our consultants would make recommendations and arrangements that balance the interests of your family members.
For more tips, see How to Plan a Family Trip to China.
The Best Time to Visit Shanghai for Low Prices
December to February is the off-season in Shanghai. Hotel prices are relatively low and there are fewer crowds except for in late December because of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
When booking with us, you would receive a 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights if you cancel up to 3 weeks before departure. (See more on our cancelation policy.)
We could solve the problem of planning a complex trip in an unfamiliar region for you, saving you time and effort while ensuring that your travel needs and desires are met. Just contact us to book a tour by telling us your requirements.
The Worst Times to Visit Shanghai
If you have a flexible schedule and prioritize weather conditions, traveling to Shanghai in the rainy season is less recommended.
Summer, usually from June to August, is the rainy season in Shanghai. June sees more rainy days, while July and August are characterized by frequent showers.
As Shanghai is close to the sea, it may be affected by typhoons, particularly in August and September, very occasionally leading to strong winds and heavy rainfall. This may result in flight delays or cancelations.
Nevertheless, if you have to travel during this period, it is feasible. By monitoring weather forecasts, maintaining flexibility, and our professional guides and advisors who can help address any issues that arise, your trip can still be enjoyable and smooth.
Shanghai Travel Guide by Month
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
Shanghai in January
- Average daily temperature range: 3–9°C (37–48°F)
- Average rainy days: 9
- Average sunny days: 16
Located in the south, Shanghai rarely falls below zero in January. There is little chance of snow. You won't need to wear too much to hang out, especially on a sunny day.
This makes it ideal for leisurely city sightseeing, such as taking a relaxed city walking tour. Additionally, you won't want to miss the opportunity to discover peaceful winter oases, such as the enchanting Yu Garden.
See more on Shanghai Weather in January.
Recommended China Tours
All of our tours can be adjusted or customized based on your requirements. Just contact us. See some of our popular itineraries, for inspiration:
- 13-Day Shanghai–Chengdu–Xi'an–Pingyao–Beijing Tour
- 14-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Chengdu–Chongqing–Xiamen–Shanghai Tour
- 15-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai–Suzhou-Hangzhou–Yiwu Tour