Shanghai Weather in January

Shanghai is a bit cold in January, especially when the sun is absent. Besides, light rain falls sometimes, leading to colder climate. The not very friendly temperature makes January a low tourist season, so visitors can enjoy quieter attractions and more reasonable prices than usual, especially in mid-January. 

Beautiful Night View of the Bund

 Shanghai’s winter weather hits hardest in January. To be specific, Shanghai weather in January delivers a cold feeling, especially during the nighttime: the daily high temperature mainly ranges from 5 to 13 degrees Celsius (41-55 degrees Fahrenheit), while the daily low fluctuates between 0 and 7°C (32-45°F) most of the time. Besides, the high humidity and occasional chilly winds actually make one feel much colder than the digits indicate.

You should also know that this is not the whole story: there are also some extreme cold or warm situations that may occur this month. Occasionally, the city may encounter a sudden temperature drop, when the daily high and low are only 0°C (32°F) and -5°C (23°F), respectively, and you will feel quite cold. At the same time, cozy and warm days with the daily high and low of around 20°C (68°F) and 10°C (50°F) also exist. So, you are recommended to always keep a close eye on the weather forecast during your trip and bring clothes of various thicknesses.

Cold Shanghai in January

 Due to the overall not low enough temperature, Shanghai rarely snows, but it rains. Shanghai receives about 11 rainy days on average in January, delivering only 43 mm of precipitation, one of the lowest levels throughout the year. The rain is usually small and doesn’t produce much inconvenience on your trip. Generally speaking, sunny and cloudy moments dominate this month.

The average humidity of Shanghai in January is high at around 72%. As mentioned earlier, this will lead to lower apparent temperature and make you feel damp and chilly.
 With late sunrise and early sunset, January only has about 10-10.5 hours of daylight. Therefore, you are advised to start the day early and arrange some nighttime tours to get a richer and more colorful trip.

Sunshine hours are about 4 per day on average, not long at all. Besides, sunlight is soft and UV rays can be ignored this month. You are recommended to take full use of these hours, when the climate tends to be warmer and attractions look more stunning, to visit outdoor spots. 

 

January is an OK month to visit Shanghai. 

First, though it is the month with the lowest temperature in Shanghai, you generally won’t feel unbearably cold. And, the climate of Shanghai at this time is relatively sunny.

Second, most of the time in January is the low season with far fewer visitors and quieter attractions, and hotel rates become considerably more affordable. Though you need to know that early month and late month are two exceptional periods with a significant influx of tourists: from January 1 to 3, the New Year holiday arrives, and by the month’s end, students gradually begin to enjoy their winter holiday.

Quiet Yu Garden in January

Third, in addition to visiting those always worth-visiting and beautiful attractions like the Bund and Jing’an Temple, Shanghai in January provides you with some unique and wonderful experiences:
 

 

The Chinese New Year usually falls in January or February, and as early as January, many spots in Shanghai wear festival decorations. For instance, you can admire:

(1) Yu Garden Lantern Shows
In Yuyuan Bazaar, just outside the Yu Garden, the stunning Yu Garden Lantern Festival is held every year to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Various colorful and delicate lanterns in shapes of Chinese zodiac animals, flowers, etc., and illuminated Spring Festival couplets can be seen, showing a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Yuyuan Bazaar with Lanterns

(2) Festival Decorations and Shows in Zhujiajia Water Town and Panlong Tiandi
As the New Year approaches, Zhujiajiao Water Town is adorned with red lanterns everywhere, creating a unique and lively scene. Panlong Tiandi features an array of stunning lanterns of various shapes. Moreover, at both places, you will have the chance to witness festival performances like lion dances.
 

Beyond the festival decorations and activities mentioned above, this month’s natural scenery also holds a unique charm. 

(1) Limited-Time Flower Sea at North Bund
The Bund is definitely on your travel list. Visiting this spot in January, you will get a delightful surprise: at North Bund, tens of thousands of violets bloom in the chilly wind, weaving a dazzling sea of rose red, pale purple, and white flowers.

(2) Colorful Scene in Yu Garden
Though not as lush as summer, the Yu Garden in January remains full of life. First, evergreen trees within the grounds provide a backdrop of deep green. Second, some trees still bear yellow autumn leaves. Particularly noteworthy is that this month marks the peak blooming season for wintersweets, meaning that you can spot golden blossoms adorning the classical gardens.

Wintersweets in the Yu Garden

(3) Majestic Winter Sycamore Trees
Want to experience Shanghai’s winter atmosphere? You are recommended to take a stroll to admire the sycamore trees. In January, their leaves have all fallen, leaving only bare branches that evoke a crisp and quiet ambiance. Wuyi Road and Fuxing Middle Road are all good places to go.
 

Jan	Temperature		Sunrise / Sunset	Humi- dity (%)
	High	Low
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