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Shanghai Weather in January

Shanghai’s winter weather hits hardest in January. The average temperature is 5°C (41°F). When a cold front hits Shanghai, it may drop to -6 °C (21°F). Because of the chilly wind, one feels much colder than the number indicates. The freeze usually lasts for a few days. It rarely snows. Rainy, windy or cloudy weather lasts two thirds of this month.

Such unfriendly climate makes January a low tourist season. Visitors face more reasonable prices. However, the Chinese New Year may occur in late January, with crowds overwhelming public transport facilities, so it is advised to avoid the rush period or make an early reservation.

Jan.

Feb.

Averages for Shanghai Weather in January

Temperature: 5°C / 41°F

High Temperature: 8°C / 46°F

Low Temperature: 1°C / 34°F

Humidity: 75%

Rainfall: 76 mm

Rainy Days:11 days

Sunrise: 06:48 ~ 06:53

Sunset: 17:02 ~ 17:28

Air Quality in January
Average AQI:62

What to Wear in Shanghai in January

Underwear which is comfortable and anti static is advised to cope with coldness and dampness in January. You also need thin sweater, down jacket and warm pants. Warm clothes made of wool, fur and leather are strongly recommended. Since indoors are much warmer than outdoors because of air conditioning, there is no need of wearing too much indoors, and usually a thin sweater is enough.

Where to Go in Shanghai in January

Shanghai is a modern city rich in all aspects, yet it retains some ancient attractions; especially some suburban ancient towns with special events for this month, are the ideal places to encounter everything Chinese, especially culture and customs. You could attend local operas and folk crafts in Fengjing Ancient Town where buildings and bridges are in the style of Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911). There are many Buddhist relics in the Jing'an Temple. Do not miss the delicious vegetarian food! The Qibao Ancient Town stages shadow play, cricket fighting show, and other folk activities.

Other Tips

Check the weather forecast and keep an umbrella handy at all times. Better be outdoors between 9:00 to 16:00 and avoid going out beyond this time range when the temperature is extremely low. Bring remedies against cold and flu. Regular Antifreeze ointment use is a necessity.

What is the temperature in Shanghai in January?

High/Low Temperatures of Shanghai in January

Temperatures Graph of Shanghai in January

Air Quality of Shanghai in January

Historical Shanghai Weather in January

Jan	Temperature		Sunrise / Sunset	Humi- dity (%)
Jan	High	Low	Sunrise / Sunset	Humi- dity (%)
1	8.1°C / 46.6°F	2.8°C / 37.0°F	06:53 / 17:02	66
2	7.8°C / 46.0°F	2.3°C / 36.1°F	06:53 / 17:03	63
3	5.4°C / 41.7°F	0.7°C / 33.3°F	06:53 / 17:04	62
4	3.6°C / 38.5°F	-2.0°C / 28.4°F	06:53 / 17:04	39
5	5.1°C / 41.2°F	-0.4°C / 31.3°F	06:53 / 17:05	54
6	7.9°C / 46.2°F	2.2°C / 36.0°F	06:54 / 17:06	60
7	8.5°C / 47.3°F	3.6°C / 38.5°F	06:54 / 17:07	65
8	7.5°C / 45.5°F	4.8°C / 40.6°F	06:54 / 17:07	70
9	8.7°C / 47.8°F	5.3°C / 41.5°F	06:54 / 17:08	69
10	9.5°C / 49.1°F	6.0°C / 42.8°F	06:54 / 17:09	67
11	7.7°C / 45.9°F	3.0°C / 37.4°F	06:54 / 17:10	62
12	7.9°C / 46.2°F	-0.6°C / 30.9°F	06:54 / 17:11	63
13	7.6°C / 45.7°F	5.9°C / 42.6°F	06:54 / 17:12	68
14	6.5°C / 43.7°F	3.7°C / 38.7°F	06:54 / 17:13	90
15	7.0°C / 44.6°F	5.6°C / 42.1°F	06:53 / 17:13	82
16	8.3°C / 46.9°F	5.0°C / 41.0°F	06:53 / 17:14	72
17	9.6°C / 49.3°F	0.8°C / 33.4°F	06:53 / 17:15	77
18	8.0°C / 46.4°F	6.0°C / 42.8°F	06:53 / 17:16	84
19	9.4°C / 48.9°F	5.9°C / 42.6°F	06:53 / 17:17	77
20	7.8°C / 46.0°F	5.2°C / 41.4°F	06:52 / 17:18	68
21	6.6°C / 43.9°F	2.9°C / 37.2°F	06:52 / 17:19	84
22	3.2°C / 37.8°F	0.2°C / 32.4°F	06:52 / 17:20	74
23	2.3°C / 36.1°F	-3.1°C / 26.4°F	06:51 / 17:21	61
24	3.3°C / 37.9°F	-1.6°C / 29.1°F	06:51 / 17:21	49
25	4.0°C / 39.2°F	-3.4°C / 25.9°F	06:51 / 17:22	48
26	7.8°C / 46.0°F	-5.0°C / 23.0°F	06:50 / 17:23	66
27	8.7°C / 47.7°F	2.6°C / 36.7°F	06:50 / 17:24	86
28	7.3°C / 45.1°F	5.6°C / 42.1°F	06:49 / 17:25	90
29	10.8°C / 51.4°F	5.2°C / 41.4°F	06:49 / 17:26	73
30	7.9°C / 46.2°F	4.8°C / 40.6°F	06:48 / 17:27	67
31	10.6°C / 51.1°F	1.3°C / 34.3°F	06:48 / 17:28	74

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- Last updated on Dec. 18, 2020 -

Questions & Answers on Shanghai Weather in January

Asked by divrina julinar setiawan from INDONESIA | Dec. 08, 2017 21:40

Is it safe to travel with infant to shanghai at end of January or early February?

Is the weather in shanghai will be comfortable enough and safe for child under 6 mos ? Im considering to visit Shanghai probably by the end of January or early February with family. Should I take my baby too or not.. thank you

Answers (1)

Answered by Abdul from SAUDI ARABIA | Dec. 09, 2017 02:43

I think yes, I went there on late Feb , it was chilly , when it rains its turn extermely chilly wait until mid March

Asked by Drex from PHILIPPINES | Jul. 13, 2017 18:58

Is there a snow in shanghai if there is what month is it? thank you

Answers (1)

Answered by Ann from SINGAPORE | Jul. 13, 2017 20:55

Well, the possibility of snowfall is very small in the ciuty. If it happens, there may be a little in Dec. or Jan.

Asked by Bea from CANADA | Nov. 11, 2016 19:25

Hi, I'd like to know if January is a good time to see Shanghai.

Thinking the second week of the coming January. Thanks.

Answers (3)

Answered by Alina from SINGAPORE | Nov. 12, 2016 02:54

Hi, don't worry. It would be a nice time to tour around this city. The temperature may range from 40 F to 50 F during that period. Although the climate would be a little bit cold, there may mainly have sunny days. You are advised to wear overcoats, sweaters, long johns, pants and scarves. :)

Answered by Bea from CANADA | Nov. 17, 2016 15:12

Thanks for your reply. Is it so windy and chilly in early January?

Answered by Alina | Nov. 18, 2016 00:36

In early January, it is cold, but not chilly. It blows gently sometimes. Don't worry! May you have a nice trip! :)

Asked by Hanun Nur Hanifah from INDONESIA | Dec. 21, 2014 02:08

is the top of a skyscraper in Shanghai seen in January?

because in the end of january i'll go there and want to see and take a skyscraper photo there. I'm a skyscraper lover, such as SH tower and wtc . I'm afraid of the cloud will cover the top of the buildings.

Answers (2)

Answered by Kina from CANADA | Dec. 22, 2014 20:13

According to the past weather records, it had many sunny days in end of Jan. So you would have a chance to take pictures of the skycrapers. Anyway, you are still advised to check ahead the weather forecast in case of any changes. Good luck.

Answered by Hanun Nur Hanifah from INDONESIA | Dec. 22, 2014 21:25

Thanks for your reply, it'll be so helpful for me :)