Autumn in Shanghai – Weather, Clothing & Travel Tips

Autumn in Shanghai is short, lasting from October to November. Generally speaking, the weather of Shanghai in autumn is comfortably cool with limited rainfall, and the natural scenery is colorful and attractive, making it one of the best seasons to visit the city.

 See more: Best Time to Visit Shanghai

Cool and Clear Autumn in Shanghai

 

People Visiting Jade Buddha Temple in Cool Autumn

 During this season, Shanghai is indeed experiencing cooling down weather. For days of early October, the temperature here hovers around 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit), with the high potentially still reaching around 30°C (86°F) in the first a few days. From late October to mid-November, the daily temperature drops to around 15-20°C (59-68°F). By late November, the climate of Shanghai starts to turn slightly chill, with the daily temperature of around 10-15°C (50-59°F) and the lowest value potentially dropping to around 5°C (41°F).
 The rainfall during this season is at a low level, averaging only 50-60 mm per month, and the average number of rainy days per month is around 10. It is mostly in the form of brief showers or light rain, though the possibility of moderate to heavy rain cannot be entirely ruled out. Therefore, generally speaking, your Shanghai trip in autumn will not be greatly affected by rain. Note that rainfall toward the end of the season may bring considerable temperature drops.

Humidity is a bit high at over 70% on average. On sunny days, you will not feel uncomfortable, but if you encounter consecutive overcast and rainy days, the air, the bedding, etc. will turn a little damp.
 Shanghai autumn has daylight hours that shorten at a rapid pace. From early October to late November, the daytime decreases from nearly 12 hours to just 10 hours. But don’t worry about having less time to explore. First, the temperature remains comfortable throughout the day, meaning outdoor sightseeing is always pleasant. Second, Shanghai boasts a vibrant nightlife scene; after dark, you can stroll along Nanjing Road or admire the dazzling lights along the Huangpu River and the Bund.

Sunshine hours are about 5 per day on average, not long, but the good thing is that the UV rays are not strong anymore.

Lively Nightlife in Nanjing Road

 Autumn of Shanghai is vibrantly colorful. While lush green vegetation can still be seen, golden ginkgo and red maple leaves show their seasonally beauty. Besides, under the clear skies, all outdoor scenery, whether natural or cultural, appears more beautiful.

Red Leaves in Yu Garden

Shanghai has always been a popular destination for tourists, so visitor numbers remain consistently large throughout the year. However, autumn generally falls outside Shanghai’s peak season, meaning crowds are thinner and you can enjoy relatively quieter attractions. Note that the National Day holiday, also known as the “Golden Week”, in early October is an exception; traveling to Shanghai during this period is likely to be both crowded and expensive.