Shanghai Weather
Located in subtropical monsoon climate zone, Shanghai is relatively humid, and has four distinct seasons: pleasant and warm spring from March to May, stuffy and humid summer lasting long from June to September, comfortable and cool autumn from October to November, and overcast and a bit cold winter from December to February.
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| Shanghai Night View |
Temperature
There are big temperature differences between seasons: the temperature can reach above 35°C (95°F) in summer, drops to around 0°C (32°F) in winter, and stays around 10-25°C (50-77°F) in spring and autumn. Therefore, it is necessary to further check the detailed temperature situation of your planned travel dates.
The Hottest Months of Shanghai
The hottest months of Shanghai are July and August with the daily high temperature generally above 30°C (86°F) and around 35°C (95°F), and the apparent temperature on some days is high at a level that may make you feel uncomfortable. Specifically, there are usually around 10 days when the high temperature is no less than 35°C (95°F) per month. It is not surprising at all if the daily maximum temperature exceeds 40°C (104°F) or above during this period. For example, in July and August 2024, Shanghai experienced three days when the daily high reached 40°C (104°F).
The Coldest Month of Shanghai
The coldest month is January, but it is not severely cold here, when the daily high can reach 10 - 15°C (50-59°F) and the daily low is around 0 - 5°C (32-41°F). Even on the coldest day in this period, the temperature usually stays from -5°C (23°F) to 0°C (32°F). In some years, Shanghai may not see temperature below 0°C (23°F) at all.
Precipitation
The city receives high precipitation of around 1,200 mm annually, and it mainly concentrates in: (1) the plum rainy season from mid-June to early July, when Shanghai sees consistent rain, high humidity, and relatively short sunshine hours; and (2) the typhoon season from late July to September, when strong wind and heavy rain may hit Shanghai. The monthly average rainfall during these months ranges from 135 mm to 159 mm, and the number of rainy days per month exceeds 10. In the rainiest month of Shanghai, June, the rainy days are about 15. In other words, visiting Shanghai from June to September, there is a quite high possibility of being caught by rain.
Does it Snow in Shanghai?
In Shanghai, the probability of snow is low. The annual average snowy days are only about 1 to 5, concentrated from late December to the next February, with some years experiencing no snow at all. On these possible snowy days, light snow and sleet are more common. Besides, it’s hard for you to see snow cover in Shanghai due to the not low enough temperature.
Humidity
The air is relatively wet in Shanghai nearly all year round. On average, the humidity is no less than 70% every month. During the quite rainy period from June to September, the average humidity is around 75%. Such humidity levels produce some effect on apparent temperature: in summer, it makes you feel hotter and more stifling; in winter, it makes you feel clammy.
Springtime, from March to May, and autumn, from October to November, are regarded as the best times to pay a visit to Shanghai. Traveling to Shanghai during these two periods, you will feel neither cold nor hot. Besides, you seldom encounter quite rainy weather in these months. As for the scenery, with colorful flowers or autumn leaves, it will not let you down.
If possible, when planning a Shanghai trip in 2026, avoid July to August with large travel crowds, scorching hot weather, and frequent summer showers.
7-Day Shanghai Weather Forecast
Shanghai Weather by Month
Shanghai Climate - Seasons & Travel Recommendations
Spring: March - May
Weather: Spring in Shanghai is from March to May. This is one of the best seasons of the year for traveling. The temperature is at a comfortable level. Light rain happens, however, does not disturb your trip much. Spring flowers in bloom make the city lively and attractive.
Clothes: Most of the time, short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts plus thin jackets and jeans are suitable outfits. However, in early March, relatively thick coats is necessary.
Travel Recommendations: With cozy temperature and mostly sunny climate of Shanghai, spring is a perfect time to both admire the cultural attractions like The Bund & Huangpu River and Jade Buddha Temple and explore the natural beauty like in Zhujiajiao Water Town. Pay attention to the occasional large temperature difference between day and night.
See also: 15 Most Beautiful Places in Shanghai in Spring
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| Lush Yu Garden in Spring |
Summer: June - September
Weather: Summer here is long from June to September. With high temperature and a lot of rainfall that accounts for over 50% of the city's annual total, Shanghai at this time can be uncomfortably hot and humid, especially in July and August, when the temperature reaches 35°C (95°F) or above quite often.
Clothes: Wear clothes like breathable and lightweight tank tops, T-shirts, skirts, and shorts to keep cool in summer with high temperature and humidity. Besides, an umbrella is a must in rainy summer.
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| Hot Summer with Intense Sunshine |
Travel Recommendations: Considering the heat, you are recommended to visit outdoor attractions in the early morning, late afternoon, and at night, the relatively cooler periods. As for the hottest period from about 12:00 to 14:00, you’d better visit indoor attractions like Shanghai Museum or just stay at hotels or restaurants to rest. See also: 12 Popular Shanghai Activities to Survive Summer
Autumn: October - November
Weather: The short autumn comes in October and November. In this season, the weather turns cool and pleasant. The flood season has ended, and you will not experience much rain. In conclusion, the temperate weather makes this season a good travel time.
Clothes: Long-sleeved shirts plus thin jackets are appropriate. Bringing a thicker coat when visiting Shanghai in late November is a clever decision.
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| People Playing Taichi in Cool Autumn |
Travel Recommendations: With such wonderful weather conditions, you can enjoy a city tour comfortably, like taking a Huangpu River cruise to see western buildings of the Bund and modern skyscrapers in Lujiazui, visiting the busy Nanjing Road, and admiring the Yu Garden. If you travel to Shanghai in late autumn, you can see it decorated by the golden autumn leaves. See also: Where to Go in Shanghai in Autumn - 11 Best Destinations
Winter: December - February
Weather: The city's temperature in winter is not as low as in northern China like Beijing, and the worst of the cold usually lasts for just a few days in late January, the only period when the daily low may drop below 0°C (32°F). However, humid cold wind may blow sometimes, making the apparent temperature much lower. Winter is the period with the lowest rainfall all year round, when Shanghai only sees a little rain or snow.
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| A Bit Cold but Sunny Winter |
Clothes: Sweaters, thick pants, and thick overcoats like woolen coat are necessary. In the coldest January, down coats are more suitable.
Travel Recommendations: The weather will not be very cold, and besides unmissable activities like viewing the classic Yu Garden under bright sunshine and modern Bund and Nanjing Road, you are also advised to visit Disney Winter Magic Cavalcade in Shanghai Disney Resort, and feel the festival atmosphere of the Chinese New Year. See also: Top 10 Places for a Shanghai Visit in Winter
