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
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Shanghai shenanigans
Molly was an awesome guide in Shanghai! She recognized my daughter’s love of cos play and actively photographed her, took us to a manga/anime mall and helped us buy tickets to Chinese Conic-con! We were introduced to the magic of Shanghai from the highest tower to the relaxing Long Bar on the Bund. more
Jul 2025, Stay621248
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Family visit to Shanghai
Our family had a great time with Qi in Shanghai. Even though, we only had one day with her before we embarked on the next part of our trip in China, she made quite the impact. She is enthusiastic, cosmopolitan, and shows a genuine interest in her guests. She saw that our hotel was right near some great street food and added a stop here so that we could experienced some delicious food. My kids loved this and she was their favorite guide of our whole trip. Wish we spent more time in Shanghai with a guide - definitely next time! :) more
Jul 2025, Keptium
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Shangai visit with an amazing guide
I had the absolute pleasure of exploring Shanghai with Winni as my guide, and I can honestly say she made the experience unforgettable. She has such a deep understanding of the city — not just its rich history and traditions, but also how it has transformed into the vibrant, modern place it is today. What really stood out to me is how well she knows the city. As a local, she took me to hidden spots that I never would’ve found on my own — places that really capture the spirit of Shanghai. And she explained the best ways to get around, which made everything so much easier and more enjoyable. Her knowledge of the city’s architecture, art, and cultural landmarks is amazing. She explained everything with so much clarity and passion, always taking her time and never rushing. I felt completely comfortable asking any question, no matter how big or small — and she always answered with patience and insight. Winni’s attitude made the whole experience even better. She was kind, upbeat, and always smiling, which made me feel at ease and genuinely excited to learn more. It felt more like exploring the city with a knowledgeable friend than being on a tour. And for anyone who loves shopping — Winni knows all the best places to find high-quality items at great prices. Thanks to her, I came home with some real treasures! I can’t recommend Winni enough. She made my visit to Shanghai something truly special, and I’m so grateful for her guidance and warmth. more
Jul 2025, Oscaresan
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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
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