If you want to travel to Shanghai for a trip, you should first know what the peak and off-peak seasons of tourism in Shanghai are. Only in this way can you buy cheap air tickets and accommodation in Shanghai and arrange a suitable itinerary. Read this guide and find the best time to visit Shanghai!
What is the Monthly Shanghai Weather?
January in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 3-8°C (37-46°F)️ | 40-50mm (Low) | 4-5hrs |
Chilly and damp, often overcast with occasional frost or light snow.
February in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 4-9°C (39-48°F) | 50-60mm (Low) | 4-5hrs |
The coldest month, remaining cold and humid; frequent rain around the Lunar New Year.
March in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 8-14°C (46-57°F) | 80-90mm (Moderate) | 4-6hrs |
Early spring brings unpredictable swings between cool, wet days and milder periods.
April in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 14-20°C (57-68°F) | 90-100mm (Moderate) | 5-7 hrs/day |
Noticeably warming, but frequent spring showers dominate; vibrant cherry blossoms emerge.
May in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 19-25°C (66-77°F) | 120-130mm (High) | 6-7 hours daily |
Pleasantly warm and mostly sunny, one of the most comfortable months for outdoor activities.
June in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 23-28°C (73-82°F) | 150-170mm (High) | 5-6 hrs/day |
Hot and very humid; the infamous plum rain season begins, bringing prolonged overcast skies and heavy downpours.
July in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 27-35°C (81-95°F)️ | 140-150mm (High) | 7-8 hrs/day |
Peak summer heat and extreme humidity; intense sunshine alternates with fierce thunderstorms.
August in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 26-35°C (79-95°F) | 130-140mm (High) | 7-8 hrs/day |
Similar to July, fiercely hot and muggy; highest chance of typhoons bringing heavy rain and wind.
September in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 22-28°C (72-82°F) | 100-110mm (Moderate) | 6-7 hrs/day |
Heat and humidity start to ease slightly; typhoons are still a potential threat early in the month.
October in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 17-23°C (63-73°F) ️ | 50-60mm (Low) | 6-7 hrs/day |
Generally pleasant and mild autumn weather with abundant sunshine and lower humidity; a golden month.
November in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 11-17°C (52-63°F)️ | 40-50mm (Low) | 5-6 hrs/day |
Cooler and drier; autumn foliage is beautiful before temperatures drop noticeably later in the month.
December in Shanghai
| Temperature | Precipitation | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 5-10°C (41-50°F) | 40-50mm (Low) | 4-5 hrs/day |
Cold and damp winter sets in, often overcast and grey, with chilly winds.
✅Get a reliable eSIM data plan - you'll need internet for checking metro routes, schedules, and access to X/ins/YT/Whatsapp.
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Best time to Vist Shanghai
Source from Unsplash
Shanghai has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm and tourism features. Here are the characteristics of each season in Shanghai. Let's explore together the most suitable travel season for you!
Season | Key Features | Top Activites |
Spring | Warm & pleasant; cherry blossoms in full bloom | Stroll through parks (Yuyuan/Gucun); city walking tours |
Summer | Hot, humid; vibrant energy | Beach trips (Jinshan); water sports; indoor attractions |
Autumn | Cool, comfortable; crimson foliage & festivals | Hike Sheshan Hill; join Mid-Autumn lantern celebrations |
Winter | Cold, dry; festive lights and holiday atmosphere | Christmas markets; New Year light shows; museum hopping |
No matter what season you like, Shanghai has travel experiences that suit you. Please choose the most suitable season according to your own preferences and itinerary to explore the charm of Shanghai! 🌸 🌞 🍂 ❄ ️
When to Visit Top Shanghai Attractions
Here are weather brief introductions for three popular attractions in Shanghai. Let's take a look at their geographical locations, average annual temperatures, and climate characteristics in spring, summer, autumn and winter together! 🌍 🌤 ️ ❄ ️ 🍂
When to Visit Top Shanghai Attractions | The Bund
The Bund is a pedestrian sightseeing belt located on the west bank of the Huangpu River in the center of Shanghai, between Waibaidu Bridge and Jinling East Road. Walking from south to north, on the left is the wide Zhongshan East First Road. At night, the neon lights on both banks of the Huangpu River are on, making it a perfect place to stroll along the Bund with your loved one, experiencing the charm and romance of the "City that never Sleeps". In summer, the Bund is filled with gentle river breezes, making it an ideal spot to cool off.
- Address: North to Waibaidu Bridge and south to Shiliupu Wharf, Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
- Business hours: Open all day
- Best time: Spring & Autumn
- Reason: Mild weather (15-25°C) perfect for strolls + clear skyline views 🌆🍂
- Avoid summer humidity & winter chill.
When to Visit Top Shanghai Attractions | Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland is divided into eight distinctive theme areas, including "Mickey Avenue", "Gardens of Imagination", "Fantasyland", "Disney Pixar Toy Story", "Adventure Island", "Treasure Cove", "Tomorrowland" and "Zootopia". People of all ages and genders can find a happy world here.
- Address: No. 310, Huangzhao Road, Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
- Business hours: 08:30-21:30
- Best Time: Spring & Autumn
- Reason: Fewer crowds & pleasant temps. Ride queues shortest in April/Oct 🎢🌸
- Avoid summer crowded & hot (35°C+) and winter: Some outdoor rides close.
When to Visit Top Shanghai Attractions | Oriental Pearl Tower
The Oriental Pearl Tower, standing at 468 meters tall, is located in the Lujiazui Financial Center of Shanghai and is one of the landmark buildings in the city. You can stand on the 259-meter-high fully transparent sightseeing corridor and enjoy the charming night view of Shanghai in 360 degrees. You can also take a high-altitude VR roller coaster to experience the thrill of high technology.
- Address: No. 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
- Business hours: 09:00-21:00.
- Best TIme: All Year (indoor observatories)
- Reason: Climate-controlled views. Skip only foggy/stormy days 🌫️☔️
- Pro tip: Sunset slots in autumn offer golden-hour cityscapes!
What is the Time in Shanghai?
Source from Unsplash
🌏 Shanghai Time Zone (CST: China Standard Time)
UTC/GMT Offset: UTC+8 (no daylight saving time)
🕒 Shanghai vs. Global Cities
(Time differences shown vs. Shanghai)
City | Time Zone | Standard Time |
Sydney | AEST (UTC+10) | +2 hours |
Tokyo | JST (UTC+9) | +1 hour |
Singapore | SGT (UTC+8) | Same |
London | GMT (UTC+0) | -8 hours |
Paris | CET (UTC+1) | -7 hours |
New York | EST (UTC-5) | -13 hours |
Los Angeles | PST (UTC-8) | -16 hours |
What to Prepare for a Trip to Shanghai?
✅ Core Documents
- Passport + Visa
- Valid >6 months + L-tourist visa
- Shanghai-specific: Keep customs declaration QR code (health form)
- Digital Copies
- Passport/visa scans in cloud storage (e.g. Google Drive)
🌦️ Seasonal Clothing
Season | Key Items | Shanghai Pro Tip |
Spring | Light jacket + compact umbrella | Cherry blossoms at Gucun Park (late Mar) |
Summer | Quick-dry shirts + UV hat | Disney queues need portable fan |
Autumn | Cashmere scarf + ankle boots | French Concession photography: earth tones |
Winter | Thermal layers + waterproof boots | Bund riverside winds require ear covers |
Universal: Walking shoes (20k+ steps/day), foldable tote (Nanjing Rd shopping)
📱 Tech & Connectivity
- Electronics
- Type A/C power adapter + 10,000mAh power bank (Disney bans checked power banks)
- Internet Access
- VPN pre-installed (ExpressVPN/NordVPN) - Shanghai hotel WiFi throttles speed
- Must-Have Apps
- Baidu Maps (real-time transit)
- Metro Daduhui (subway QR tickets)
- DiDi (ride-hailing with English interface)
💊 Health Essentials
- Prescriptions: Original packaging + doctor’s note (cold meds with pseudoephedrine restricted)
- Shanghai Air: N95 masks + portable PM2.5 monitor
- Digestive Aid: Smecta powder for oily Shanghainese cuisine
💰 Money & Payments
Method | Usage Tip |
Alipay TourPass | Top-up ¥2,000 with int'l cards (works at wet markets) |
Cash | Carry ¥200 for: Old Town snack stalls, public toilets |
Credit Cards | Visa/MC accepted at hotels - not small shops |
Where to Stay in Shanghai?
Shanghai Restaurant Recommendation - TASTE OF CHINA Immersive Dining
TASTE OF CHINA Immersive Dining
TASTE OF CHINA Immersive Dining, nestled within Shanghai's century-old landmark "THE BUND · CITY HALL PLAZA", is a panoramic cultural experience and space. Crafted by Trip.com Group to unveil the destinations and soul of China. Multi-sensory interactive technology brings the landscapes to life. The Yellow River, as waterfalls thunder down beside you, while the Li River's mist-kissed peaks dissolve into indigo hues across your plate—each bite embodying the majesty of mountains and rivers.
Panda Chef "Cheng BaoBao" guides you through seven culinary keys, unlocking a millennia-long odyssey from ancient dynasties to modern China—deconstructing landscapes through digital art and harmonizing cultures with the alchemy of flavor. Here, global gourmets don't just savour premium Chinese cuisine—they embark on a journey from palate to soul: tasting China's flavors, experiencing its many facets, and falling in love with its essence forever.
TASTE OF CHINA - Opening Hours
The restaurant opened on August 23, 2025. Business Hours: 10:00-22:00 | Two sessions daily: Lunch: 12:00-14:00, Dinner: 19:00-21:00 (It is recommended to arrive 2 hours in advance for costume and makeup preparation)
Although I am seasoned 老中国人 and traveled a lot around the country (which includes tasting all the various cuisines in China) I highly recommend the experience. Especially to those visiting the country. It’s an excellent blend of tradition, innovation and creativity. Food was delish and beautifully presented. Included a performance and drink pairing I purchased aside that was excellent.FAQs about Shanghai Weather
When to avoid visiting Shanghai?
June sees more rainy days, while July and August are characterized by frequent showers. As Shanghai is close to the sea, it may be affected by typhoons, particularly in August and September, very occasionally leading to strong winds and heavy rainfall.What is the coldest month in Shanghai?
January and February are the coldest months in Shanghai and many nights experience sharp frosty weather, with only the occasional snow flurries some years. Climate extremes have been known during the winter months, when temperatures of -10°C / 14°F have been recorded, although this is by no means the norm.What is the best time of year to visit Shanghai?
The best time to visit Shanghai is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant weather, with comfortable temperatures and less rainfall compared to summer.Is Shanghai cold in October?
Weather: Temperature gradually falls during October, but some days may still be hot. The average low and high temperatures are 14 °C (57 °F) and 22 °C (72 °F). Clothing: A T-shirt and a coat are enough for this time of year.