Shanghai Summer – Weather, Temperature & Clothing Tips
Summer in Shanghai is long, lasting for four months from June to September. The main feature of Shanghai weather in summer is hot and rainy. Besides, June and August, the time of summer vacation, are the peak tourism season with crowded attractions and expensive transportation and accommodations, making them unfavorable to travel.
Generally speaking, in early June, the maximum daily temperature hovers around 25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit) and the minimum daily temperature is around 20°C (68°F). Starting from late June, the maximum temperature rises to around 35°C (95°F) almost every day. By July and August, Shanghai sees many days with the high temperature above 35°C (95°F), and even above 40°C (95°F) sometimes, making outdoor sightseeing quite challenging. During these two months, even the daily lows can reach around 30°C (86°F), making it difficult to sleep without air conditioning. This situation does not ease until late August or early September, when daily highs and lows stabilize again at around 30°C (86°F) and 20 - 25°C (68 - 77°F) respectively.
Definitely yes, Shanghai summer is quite humid.
Mid-June to early July is the plum rainy season, and late July to September is the peak season for typhoons. As a result, summer is the rainiest season of Shanghai: on average, there is about 150 mm of rainfall and more than 10 rainy days on average per month during this period. Showers are common: while it can sometimes be quite heavy, it doesn’t last very long. So you generally won’t be stuck in your hotel all day.
However, don’t expect the rain will bring coolness for you. The high rainfall leads to pretty humid air: in June, July, and August, the average humidity is all around 75%. As a result, the climate of Shanghai in summer is uncomfortably stuffy, especially on rainy days.
Summer in Shanghai gets long daylight hours, especially in June and July, when you have about 14 hours of daytime traveling around per day. The sun shines for about 6 to 8 hours per day during this season. But the UV rays are extremely strong with the UV index peaking at 11 from June to August and 9 in September on sunny days, making you feel even more uncomfortable and hotter and sun protection measures necessary.
Clothes: Considering the stuffy or hot Shanghai summer climate, loose and thin tank tops, short-sleeved shirts, dresses, shorts, skirts, and other summer clothes are recommended. These clothes should ideally be made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Besides, light color ones are more preferable, as they absorb less heat than dark ones.
Shoes: Since sightseeing will involve a lot of walking, a pair of lightweight and breathable sneakers is essential. Of course, you can bring sandals for a cooler feeling, but they must be comfortable enough.
Others: Sunscreen with SPF 30+, sunglasses, and sunhats are necessary to protect you from the strong sunlight on sunny days. Besides, as there is frequent rain during this time, preparing umbrellas is a wise choice.
Summer is not really a recommended time to travel to Shanghai. If you don’t have other spare time, June and September offer slightly more favorable conditions.
On the one hand, Shanghai summer weather is notably rainy and humid. Combined with high temperature, the air feels sticky and uncomfortable, making outdoor activities rather unpleasant. Compared with July and August, June and September witness slightly lower temperatures. Though you will still experience that muggy heat, it is less uncomfortable.
On the other hand, July and August are Shanghai’s busiest months, because of China’s summer vacation. During this time, the already popular city welcomes a larger stream of tourists, making long lines commonplace whether outside restaurants or in attractions. Additionally, hotel rates become exorbitantly high, and scenic spots like Disneyland Park implement high peak-season ticket pricing.
Although summer isn’t an ideal time for outdoor sightseeing in Shanghai, if you do visit it during this period in 2026, you will undoubtedly want to include all the famous attractions in your itinerary and enjoy a pleasant travel experience. Therefore, when planning your route, keep in mind that:
For outdoor attractions like the Yu Garden, plan your visit in the early morning when temperature is relatively lower. From 10:00 to 16:00, you are more recommended to explore indoor attractions, shop at malls, or savor local cuisine in restaurants to escape the scorching weather and intense sunlight. As evening approaches and temperature drops, it will be pleasant to stroll along the Bund or have a Huangpu River night cruise. At that time, you will also see Shanghai illuminated by dazzling lights.
Read more: 12 Popular Shanghai Activities to Survive Summer
6 Things to See in Shanghai in June
Shanghai Tourist Destinations in July: 7 Places to Go
Top 5 Shanghai Tourist Sites in August
1. If you want to have a smooth trip and save some expenses, you are advised to book transportation and accommodation in advance, especially when your trip is planned in the peak season of July and August. Besides, you’d better start your day early for a quieter experience during the peak season.
2. Try to book a hotel on a higher floor, as rooms on lower floors may be more humid. Additionally, if you plan to stay for a long period, you are recommended to choose a hotel with a dryer to ensure that you have dry clothes to wear all the time.
3. Drink water frequently to prevent heatstroke since the weather of Shanghai in summer is stuffy, especially when you are exposed to the sun for a long time.
 |
| Guests Visiting Shanghai in Hot Summer |
How Hot does Shanghai Get in Summer?
Is Shanghai very Humid in Summer?
Mid-June to early July is the plum rainy season, and late July to September is the peak season for typhoons. As a result, summer is the rainiest season of Shanghai: on average, there is about 150 mm of rainfall and more than 10 rainy days on average per month during this period. Showers are common: while it can sometimes be quite heavy, it doesn’t last very long. So you generally won’t be stuck in your hotel all day.
 |
| Zhujiajiao Water Town in Rain |
However, don’t expect the rain will bring coolness for you. The high rainfall leads to pretty humid air: in June, July, and August, the average humidity is all around 75%. As a result, the climate of Shanghai in summer is uncomfortably stuffy, especially on rainy days.
Daylight & Sunshine Hours
 |
| Summer Daytime with Strong UV Rays |
What to Wear When Visiting Shanghai in Summer?
 |
Clothes: Considering the stuffy or hot Shanghai summer climate, loose and thin tank tops, short-sleeved shirts, dresses, shorts, skirts, and other summer clothes are recommended. These clothes should ideally be made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Besides, light color ones are more preferable, as they absorb less heat than dark ones. Shoes: Since sightseeing will involve a lot of walking, a pair of lightweight and breathable sneakers is essential. Of course, you can bring sandals for a cooler feeling, but they must be comfortable enough. Others: Sunscreen with SPF 30+, sunglasses, and sunhats are necessary to protect you from the strong sunlight on sunny days. Besides, as there is frequent rain during this time, preparing umbrellas is a wise choice. Is Summer A Good Time to Visit Shanghai?
On the one hand, Shanghai summer weather is notably rainy and humid. Combined with high temperature, the air feels sticky and uncomfortable, making outdoor activities rather unpleasant. Compared with July and August, June and September witness slightly lower temperatures. Though you will still experience that muggy heat, it is less uncomfortable.
On the other hand, July and August are Shanghai’s busiest months, because of China’s summer vacation. During this time, the already popular city welcomes a larger stream of tourists, making long lines commonplace whether outside restaurants or in attractions. Additionally, hotel rates become exorbitantly high, and scenic spots like Disneyland Park implement high peak-season ticket pricing.
 |
| Crowded Nanjing Road in July |
Advice for Shanghai Trip in Summer
For outdoor attractions like the Yu Garden, plan your visit in the early morning when temperature is relatively lower. From 10:00 to 16:00, you are more recommended to explore indoor attractions, shop at malls, or savor local cuisine in restaurants to escape the scorching weather and intense sunlight. As evening approaches and temperature drops, it will be pleasant to stroll along the Bund or have a Huangpu River night cruise. At that time, you will also see Shanghai illuminated by dazzling lights.
Read more: 12 Popular Shanghai Activities to Survive Summer6 Things to See in Shanghai in June
Shanghai Tourist Destinations in July: 7 Places to Go
Top 5 Shanghai Tourist Sites in August
 |
| Stunning Night View |
Other Tips
2. Try to book a hotel on a higher floor, as rooms on lower floors may be more humid. Additionally, if you plan to stay for a long period, you are recommended to choose a hotel with a dryer to ensure that you have dry clothes to wear all the time.
3. Drink water frequently to prevent heatstroke since the weather of Shanghai in summer is stuffy, especially when you are exposed to the sun for a long time.
- Last updated on Jan. 13, 2026 by Demi Li -