Shanghai Spring – Weather, Clothing & Tour Tips
Shanghai spring usually starts in March and lasts to May, when the weather is overall pleasant and mild, with moderate temperature and no much rainfall, contributing to revival of all things, like flowers in blossom and trees wearing “new green clothes”. In short, it is one of the best times to pay a visit.
See more: Best Time to Visit Shanghai
Spring in Shanghai sees rising temperatures. Overall, from March to May, the temperature rises from 5-15°C (41-59°F) to 20-25°C (68-77°F). Generally speaking, starting from mid-March, Shanghai’s daytime high temperature can reach around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), a quite warm level. On some days in May, it may even approach 30°C (86°F). This is to say, it is just a little cold in the early spring, and the rest time of the spring season is nearly always comfortable.
But the temperature difference between day and night is a little bit large, and sometimes even reaches about 15°C (27°F). Additionally, cold fronts occasionally sweep through, causing the temperature to drop sharply. For example, on March 25 and 26, 2025, the high temperature reached 31°C (88°F); over the next two days, however, the daily high dropped to 20°C (68°F) and 10°C (50°F), respectively. Therefore, be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast during your trip.
Spring does bring increasing rainfall to Shanghai. On average, there are about 15 rainy days each month. Don’t let this number alarm you. While rain is frequent during this season, it typically is light showers that won’t significantly disrupt your outdoor travel plans. The only thing to keep in mind is that rain can come suddenly during this season, so always be prepared for it.
With the average humidity of around 70% per month, you will find Shanghai spring climate is quite wet, especially on rainy days.
The arrival of spring also brings longer daylight and sunshine hours. During this season, the average daylight hours exceed 12 hours. At the same time, the sun shines over 5 hours per day on average, meaning Shanghai enjoys warm and abundant sunlight in spring. Don’t forget to take sun protection measures on bright sunny days - the ultraviolet rays are also gradually intensifying.
Clothes
In early spring, though the weather is no longer cold, there are still significant day-night temperature swings and sudden temperature drops that shouldn’t be ignored. Therefore, layering is the most practical dressing method. For the base layer, a short-sleeve or long-sleeve T-shirt should suffice; the middle layer can be a knit sweater or a shirt; and the outer layer requires a windbreaker. For bottoms, relatively thick jeans or sweatpants are both suitable options. If you are concerned about the lower temperature in the early morning or evening, bring long johns.
After this period, temperature generally stabilizes. By mid-spring, two layers, like a T-shirt paired with a light jacket, will be OK. In late spring, wearing just a long-sleeve or short-sleeve T-shirt alone will be fine most of the time. For bottoms, thin trousers will do. Girls can even wear long dresses in warm daytime.
Shoes and Accessories
1. Since the climate of Shanghai in spring is relatively warm, shoes don’t need to be very thick, and ordinary flat shoes such as sneakers or casual shoes are perfectly suitable.
2. As mentioned above, umbrellas are necessary in spring.
3. Pack sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself well on sunny days.
Yes, and spring is actually one of the best visiting times.
Firstly, the weather of Shanghai in spring is pleasant, neither too cold nor too hot. Moreover, the rainy season has not yet come, and there are many sunny moments. Besides, you are provided with long enough daylight time to travel around. Secondly, as long as you avoid public holidays in this season, you can enjoy the scenic spots with fewer tourists around and well-rated hotels with cheaper prices. Thirdly, spring in Shanghai is vivid with various flowers in full bloom.
Shanghai spring weather is so pleasant that you can travel around comfortably, for instance, to explore the famous attractions like the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, and Shanghai Disneyland Park. In addition, as mentioned earlier, spring is the season for colorful blooms, making strolls through parks and botanical gardens a highly recommended seasonal activity:
For instance, in Gucun Park, you can see nearly 90 kinds of cherry blossoms in March; in People’s Square and People’s Park, you can admire tulips in March and Michelia alba in April; and in Shanghai Botanical Garden, you can spot cherry blossoms and camellia in March, Michelia alba, tulip, peony, and orchid in April… When visit Yu Garden and Zhujiajiao Water Town in spring, you can also see peach blossoms and pear blossoms.
Read more: 15 Most Beautiful Places in Shanghai in Spring
1. Try to avoid touring Shanghai during the May Day Holiday from May 1st to 5th and the Qingming Festival from April 3rd to 5th in 2026, when Shanghai will be flooded with a large influx of domestic tourists and the hotels will be in high demand.
2. Though spring is not the busy season of Shanghai, if you plan to visit the famous attractions like the Yu Garden and Disneyland Park, you are recommended to avoid weekends, when these attractions always welcome more visitors than usual and may be crowded.
3. If you are sensitive to cold, avoid coming here in early spring.
4. If you plan to admire flowers, be sure to check their blooming season in advance, especially for flowers with short blooming periods like cherry blossoms and tulips, because their flowering periods vary somehow year by year.
5. If you are allergic to flower pollen, it is suggested to prepare some medicine in advance and wear masks when going out.
See more: Best Time to Visit Shanghai  |
| Yu Garden with Lush View in Spring |
What Is Spring Like in Shanghai?
Temperature
But the temperature difference between day and night is a little bit large, and sometimes even reaches about 15°C (27°F). Additionally, cold fronts occasionally sweep through, causing the temperature to drop sharply. For example, on March 25 and 26, 2025, the high temperature reached 31°C (88°F); over the next two days, however, the daily high dropped to 20°C (68°F) and 10°C (50°F), respectively. Therefore, be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast during your trip.
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Rainfall
With the average humidity of around 70% per month, you will find Shanghai spring climate is quite wet, especially on rainy days.
Daylight & Sunshine Hours
How Do You Dress during Spring in Shanghai?
Clothes |
After this period, temperature generally stabilizes. By mid-spring, two layers, like a T-shirt paired with a light jacket, will be OK. In late spring, wearing just a long-sleeve or short-sleeve T-shirt alone will be fine most of the time. For bottoms, thin trousers will do. Girls can even wear long dresses in warm daytime.
Shoes and Accessories1. Since the climate of Shanghai in spring is relatively warm, shoes don’t need to be very thick, and ordinary flat shoes such as sneakers or casual shoes are perfectly suitable.
2. As mentioned above, umbrellas are necessary in spring.
3. Pack sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself well on sunny days.
Is Spring A Good Time to Visit Shanghai?
Firstly, the weather of Shanghai in spring is pleasant, neither too cold nor too hot. Moreover, the rainy season has not yet come, and there are many sunny moments. Besides, you are provided with long enough daylight time to travel around. Secondly, as long as you avoid public holidays in this season, you can enjoy the scenic spots with fewer tourists around and well-rated hotels with cheaper prices. Thirdly, spring in Shanghai is vivid with various flowers in full bloom.
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| Greenery and Quiet Spring |
Travel Highlights of Shanghai in Spring
For instance, in Gucun Park, you can see nearly 90 kinds of cherry blossoms in March; in People’s Square and People’s Park, you can admire tulips in March and Michelia alba in April; and in Shanghai Botanical Garden, you can spot cherry blossoms and camellia in March, Michelia alba, tulip, peony, and orchid in April… When visit Yu Garden and Zhujiajiao Water Town in spring, you can also see peach blossoms and pear blossoms.
Read more: 15 Most Beautiful Places in Shanghai in Spring
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Shanghai Spring Tour Tips
2. Though spring is not the busy season of Shanghai, if you plan to visit the famous attractions like the Yu Garden and Disneyland Park, you are recommended to avoid weekends, when these attractions always welcome more visitors than usual and may be crowded.
3. If you are sensitive to cold, avoid coming here in early spring.
4. If you plan to admire flowers, be sure to check their blooming season in advance, especially for flowers with short blooming periods like cherry blossoms and tulips, because their flowering periods vary somehow year by year.
5. If you are allergic to flower pollen, it is suggested to prepare some medicine in advance and wear masks when going out.
- Last updated on Jan. 14, 2026 by Demi Li -