Shanghai Weather in July

The weather of Shanghai in July is far from ideal. Temperatures typically hover above 30°C (86°F) during the daytime and often exceed 35°C (95°F), leading to quite hot air. As for precipitation, early July still belongs to the plum rainy season, and typhoon may occur in later month, making the weather of Shanghai unpredictable and rainy. But Shanghai is vibrant and lively in July, with lush and green trees and beautiful flowers in full blossom like the lotus flowers.

Lush and Beautiful Zhujiajiao in July

 Overall, there is an average of approximately 135 mm of rainfall and 12 rainy days in Shanghai in July. The precipitation patterns are somewhat complex:
 

Rainy View of Zhujiajiao Water Town

In early July, Shanghai is still in the plum rainy season. During this period, the city may experience several consecutive days of overcast and rainy weather, with the possibility of heavy or even torrential downpours.
Around July 10 each year, the rainy season ends. Then, in mid-July, precipitation generally takes the form of thunderstorms that come and go quickly. At the same time, there are more sunny periods compared to early July.

By late July, the typhoon season arrives, and Shanghai may be hit by a typhoon, although the probability is not very high. When not affected by typhoons, rainfall is still primarily in the form of thunderstorms with limited influence on your sightseeing. However, when affected by typhoons, persistent heavy or even violent rain accompanied by strong winds may occur. Luckily, it usually affects people’s life for only 1-2 days. 
 Traveling to Shanghai in July means that you are going to experience the hottest weather of Shanghai throughout the year.

This month, the daytime temperature is quite high at a range of around 30-38 degrees Celsius (86-100 degrees Fahrenheit), and in some years, the extreme high temperature can even reach 40°C (104°F). According to the historical data, in each July, there are about 7-15 days when the daily high is over 35°C (95°F). What’s worse, the weather of Shanghai features high humidity that averages 76% this month, leading to obviously muggy feelings: just 10 to 20 minutes of outdoor activities during the daytime will have you sweating buckets. 

With a daily low of about 26-30°C (79-86°F), nighttime is OK and a bit cozier to roam around compared with the daytime, though you will also not feel cool.

Visitors in the Yu Garden in Hot July

 The sun rises at around 4:54-5:10 and doesn’t set until around 18:50-19:02. Therefore, the daytime is very long at about 14 hours on average. So, feel free to skip some of the hottest times during the day to ensure a better travel experience without worrying that the available time is not enough.

Sunlight hours last for about 7 per day on average. During these hours, the sunshine is often very intense: the UV index frequently reaches as high as 11.
 

 Not really, even though Shanghai in July is surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful flowers.

First of all, Shanghai is sticky and rainy in July. During your trip, you can expect either sunny but muggy weather with scorching sun or slightly cooler weather with light to heavy rain. Not to mention, if you travel to Shanghai in late July, there’s a possibility you will be stuck in your hotel because of a typhoon.

Another piece of bad news is that July is the time when Chinese students are on summer vacation. So, it’s not weird at all if you find that the prices for hotels and Shanghai Disneyland Park become extremely high and popular attractions like the Bund and the Yu Garden are packed with family groups.

Crowded Nanjing Road in July

Then, if this is your only available time, is there any way to make the experience a little better? Of course:
  Clothes: The clothes you pack for your Shanghai trips in July are better to be thin, air-permeable, light-colored, and quick-dry. Specifically, you can bring cool tank tops, T-shirts, shorts, thin long pants, and dresses. Don’t forget to prepare one or two thin jackets or shirts to deal with the coolness in malls and on the metro with effective air conditioners. Besides, considering that the weather is humid and clothes don’t dry easily, you are recommended to bring more for timely change.

 Shoes: Flats like canvas shoes, sneakers, and sandals that can keep you cool and comfortable are all OK. Be sure to bring some breathable socks. 

 Other Items:
1. Always bring an umbrella with you to cope with the changing climate of Shanghai in July. 
2. Sun protection is a top priority, so be sure to bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats.
3. To stay cool and prevent heatstroke, carry wet tissues and a water bottle with you at all times.
4. Insect repellent and anti-itch cream are essential in damp and hot July when mosquitoes are rampant.
  First, be sure to make reservations in advance - whether for hotels or tickets to popular attractions like the Shanghai Museum and Disneyland Park. Otherwise, you might miss out on attractions you’re interested in or end up spending more. Second, you are recommended to choose a hotel near a subway station and get up early on the days of your trip. That way, you can start your sightseeing as early as possible and avoid the main crowds. For example, you are advised to arrive at the Yu Garden right when it opens. This period is also relatively cooler and comfortable for outdoor activities.

Quieter Yu Garden in Early Morning

 Arrange some indoor attractions with air conditioning for the hottest period from 12:00 to 14:00, when the sunshine is also at its strongest. Specifically, the best way to spend this time is to visit museums, art galleries, shopping malls, or other indoor venues, or to stay at your hotel and rest.

Then, schedule more evening tours to make up for the time lost during the midday: Shanghai boasts rich nighttime activities for you to choose from. For example, you can head to the Bund to enjoy the glittering night views, take a night cruise on the Huangpu River, overlook the night views of the city at the highest point of the Oriental Pearl Tower, walk around in Nanjing Road, and visit the Yuyuan Bazaar.

Night Cruise on the Huangpu River

 Keeping an eye on the weather forecast is quite important during your Shanghai tour in July 2026.

If there will be heavy rain or downpours, you are recommended to have a backup plan, like visiting indoor attractions and shopping malls. If the rain tends to be brief, you can just find a cafe to sit down when it comes, take a short break, and enjoy the quiet charm of Shanghai in the rain before continuing your trip.

See also:
 Shanghai Summer – Weather, Temperature & Clothing Tips
 12 Popular Shanghai Activities to Survive Summer
 Shanghai Tourist Destinations in July: 7 Places to Go
 

Jul	Temperature		Sunrise / Sunset	Humi- dity (%)
	High	Low
1	32.9°C / 91.2°F	26.4°C / 79.5°F	04:54 / 19:02	74
2	37.4°C / 99.3°F	28.2°C / 82.8°F	04:54 / 19:02	60
3	37.0°C / 98.6°F	29.8°C / 85.6°F	04:54 / 19:02	53
4	34.2°C / 93.6°F	25.6°C / 78.1°F	04:55 / 19:02	75
5	32.3°C / 90.1°F	24.6°C / 76.3°F	04:55 / 19:02	82
6	36.0°C / 96.8°F	26.6°C / 79.9°F	04:56 / 19:02	68
7	37.4°C / 99.3°F	29.8°C / 85.6°F	04:56 / 19:02	60
8	33.4°C / 92.1°F	27.0°C / 80.6°F	04:57 / 19:02	80
9	29.9°C / 85.8°F	26.5°C / 79.7°F	04:57 / 19:01	83
10	31.6°C / 88.9°F	26.8°C / 80.2°F	04:58 / 19:01	75
11	31.2°C / 88.2°F	27.3°C / 81.1°F	04:58 / 19:01	75
12	30.1°C / 86.2°F	27.2°C / 81.0°F	04:59 / 19:01	75
13	32.1°C / 90.0°F	27.5°C / 81.5°F	04:59 / 19:00	72
14	32.8°C / 91.0°F	25.2°C / 77.4°F	05:00 / 19:00	76
15	28.9°C / 84.0°F	24.8°C / 76.6°F	05:01 / 19:00	88
16	33.5°C / 92.3°F	26.7°C / 80.1°F	05:01 / 18:59	72
17	31.6°C / 88.9°F	27.0°C / 80.6°F	05:02 / 18:59	74
18	31.8°C / 89.2°F	26.7°C / 80.1°F	05:02 / 18:58	74
19	32.2°C / 90.0°F	26.1°C / 79.0°F	05:03 / 18:58	77
20	32.8°C / 91.0°F	26.2°C / 79.2°F	05:03 / 18:57	72
21	33.1°C / 91.6°F	26.6°C / 79.9°F	05:04 / 18:57	66
22	33.3°C / 91.9°F	27.6°C / 81.7°F	05:05 / 18:56	76
23	33.6°C / 92.5°F	28.1°C / 82.6°F	05:05 / 18:56	75
24	33.7°C / 92.7°F	28.1°C / 82.6°F	05:06 / 18:55	75
25	36.2°C / 97.2°F	28.4°C / 82.8°F	05:07 / 18:55	69
26	36.7°C / 98.1°F	28.6°C / 83.5°F	05:07 / 18:54	70
27	36.6°C / 97.9°F	29.3°C / 84.7°F	05:08 / 18:53	61
28	35.9°C / 96.6°F	29.0°C / 84.2°F	05:08 / 18:53	59
29	36.3°C / 97.3°F	28.8°C / 83.8°F	05:09 / 18:52	62
30	36.1°C / 97.0°F	28.9°C / 84.0°F	05:10 / 18:51	62
31	34.2°C / 93.6°F	24.5°C / 76.1°F	05:10 / 18:50	74