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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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.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Shanghai tour with Kris
We traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great. more
Feb 2024, Maria C
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We had an amazing to China
We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion. more
Feb 2024, Ray Luan
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Amazing trip to China
We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion. more
Feb 2024, Ray L.
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Shanghai 2024
We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion. more
Feb 2024, Venture33530492375
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Shanghai 2024
Shanghai is an amazing mix of modern and historical China. Our guide Kris was great and very flexible when it came to completing the itinerary which was helpful considering the poor weather + visibility on the first day when we were supposed to visit Shanghai tower. Walking along the river front (bund) area was a big highlight for us. more
Feb 2024, Explore49612084715
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Shanghai 2024
We traveled to Shanghai in Jan/Feb 2024 with China Highlights. Shanghai is an amazing mix of modern and historical China. Our guide Kris was great and very flexible when it came to completing the itinerary which was helpful considering the poor weather + visibility on the first day when we were supposed to visit Shanghai tower. Walking along the river front (bund) area was a big highlight for us. more
Feb 2024, Lydia
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Shanghai trip for Mihail
Me and my wife had a trip to China and part of it we spent in Shanghai. Our private tour guide was Kris Lee and I have to say he was very much up for the task. His knowledge of China's history was quite comprehensive and more than I could have expected. If only I could have that kind of memory. His level of English exceeded my expectations and that of course served us very well not only in understanding the Chinese culture, traditions, way of life, etc, but also allowed us to order meals, drinks, make purchases, ask whatever questions coming to mind, making us comfortable to experience the place without the inherent language issues we could have had otherwise. All in all Kris Lee is certainly an asset for any travel agency from China more
Feb 2024, Mihail D
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China highlights Shanghai
I had a wonderful trip to China. Martin was my guide. The history and sights picked were wonderful. The additional spots like the world’s largest Starbucks and the help to make reservations at the Old Jazz club were great. more
Feb 2024, Megan.S
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Fantastic week in Shanghai and Suzhou
The guide (Martin) was extraordinary in history, local food, communication & management skills, and etc. With his expertise, Martin made sure we got the best experience in Shanghai and Suzhou even after the day tour ended he recommended where we should see, go, and dine. Couldn't be happier! more
Feb 2024, Resort08416089594
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Profesional and detail oriented
My last stop was Shanghai. I was greeted by Martin. It is pretty much a 1 day itinerary there. Martin took me to all the stops and introduced me to a cool tea house not on the agenda. With the extra time we had we also stopped Starbuck’s Reserve which is the largest in the world. Martin also helped me make reservations at the Old Jazz Club at the Fairmont Hotel. more
Jan 2024, Megan Sandbothe
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Shanghai
Great couple days in Shanghai. Thanks to my guide Martin for showing me best of Shanghai. Great work by China team - trip very well organised. more
Jan 2024, Steve P
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Amazing experience !!!
Great tour! Very flexible and our tour guide Chris was so amazing that he adjusted to our last time request there! I totally recommend this tour !! more
Jan 2024, Victor A
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Amazing trip in China
Guides were Mark in Beijing, Jenny in Xi’an, Frank in Guilin/Yangshuo and Kris and Peter in Shanghai. I can’t say enough how wonderful each of them were to us. They worked very hard to give us a five star tour. The drivers were five star as well. Our hotels were very clean and wonderful with a great breakfast buffet each morning. Our guides would take us to a great locals place for lunch each day and then dinner we were on our own, but each guide would give us fantastic places to go. I know without a doubt our trip was exceptional due to booking with Liberman at China Highlights Tour Company. more
Jan 2024, Mary Ann Brady
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Shnaghai lovers
From the moment we arrived in Shanghai it was an unforgettable experience. The agency and Martín (our guide) made everything possible to had the best experience and were always open to show or teach more if was necessary. We were very happy with the places we saw and the stories we learned thanks to Martín!!! I totally recommend the agency!! more
Jan 2024, Fanny Ramírez?
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Shangai in our hearth
From the moment we arrived in Shanghai it was an unforgettable experience. The agency and Martín (our guide) made everything possible to had the best experience and were always open to show or teach more if was necessary. We were very happy with the places we saw and the stories we learned thanks to Martín!!! I totally recommend the agency!! more
Jan 2024, Fanny Ramírez
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Caring Guide Made a Great Trip
We were so fortunate to have Kris as our tour guide. He was so kind and helpful with a great sense of humor. He made sure that my parents, who are in their 70s, were comfortable and that we traveled at a good place. Kris had excellent suggestions for restaurants and he helped arrange tickets to the Eras 2 show- like a cirque de soleil type show that was spectacular. I really enjoyed the Yu Garden as well as the propaganda poster museum. I highly recommend Kris and China Highlights! more
Jan 2024, Rose A
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Great tour in Shanghai.
We had Kris Lee as our tour guide for a few days and we loved all the experiences. He is a very capable guide and knows a lot about history. We needed him to translate many things in the city and he was very patient with us. He speaks very good English and is punctual. He took many pictures for us and was very calm dealing with my father who walked sometimes slowly more
Jan 2024, shinemasla
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Amazing
Amazing tour well organized by our guide Kenny.We have the possibility to visit different highlights of the city and also some unknown Places that you cannot find in any guides.We Highly suggest to choose china highlights and Kenny to discover Shangai! more
Jan 2024, Alessandra
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Amazing Experience with Kenny!
We had Kenny as our guide for Suzhou and she was amazing! We were all very impressed with her attentive service, professionalism and knowledge of the tourist spots and also China in general.She was definitely one of our highlights of our trip! more
Jan 2024, Goplaces
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Amazing City
Amazing different sides of Shanghai. We visited the Bund, Yu Garden, Water Town, local markets, Shanghai Tower and the Disneyland. Our guide, Ting was also excellent, accommodating and very knowledgeable. The driver, Mr. Jin was great and helpful too. The Halal restaurants are good. more
Jan 2024, Farid S
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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