Best time to visit Shanghai

Climate Characteristics of Shanghai

Shanghai has a subtropical monsoon climate. Its main features include warm springs, hot summers, cool autumns, and cold, damp winters. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, and the seasons are relatively evenly distributed. In general, the climate is mild and humid, with four distinct seasons.

The highest temperatures occur in July and August. In recent years, Shanghai summers have been getting hotter, with about 10 days of temperatures exceeding 35°C. The coldest period is from late January to early February (usually during the Spring Festival). While extreme cold lasts only a few days (typically three days), the cold is damp and often accompanied by biting northerly winds. It’s advisable to bring warm clothing like gloves, scarves, and hats. Snow is rare and sometimes doesn’t fall at all throughout the year.

The best times to visit Shanghai are March to May (spring) when the weather is mild, and September to November (autumn) when it’s cool and pleasant. Keep in mind that mid-June to early July is the early-summer rainy season, which sees sudden shifts between rain and sunshine, with about 25% of the annual rainfall occurring during this period. This time is not ideal for travel. Late August to mid-September is also a typhoon-prone period with heavy rainstorms, so if you visit during these times, be sure to bring an umbrella.

Travel to Shanghai in Spring (March to May)

Average Temperature: The temperature gradually warms up, ranging from 15°C to 25°C.
Humidity: Relative humidity is quite high, around 60% to 80%.
Rainfall: Spring sees frequent rainfall, with an average monthly rainfall of about 80 mm.

Tips for Spring:

1. Shanghai's temperatures can vary significantly during spring. It’s advisable to bring lightweight outerwear and long-sleeved clothing to stay comfortable in the cooler mornings and evenings. Also, prepare light pants, skirts, and short sleeves for warmer days.
2. Since spring often brings sudden showers, don’t forget to carry a foldable umbrella.
3. If you have pollen allergies, consider wearing a mask and carrying antihistamines.

Travel To Shanghai in Summer (June-August)

Average Temperature: High temperatures between 28°C and 35°C, sometimes reaching above 40°C.
Humidity: High humidity, around 70% to 90%.
Rainfall: Summer sees more rainfall, with an average monthly rainfall of around 150 mm.

Tips for Summer:

1. During the summer, it's best to wear light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to help with heat dissipation and sweat absorption. Don't forget to wear a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
2. From mid-June to early July, Shanghai experiences the plum rain season, characterized by frequent rainfall. If you travel during this period, it's a good idea to bring a foldable umbrella that can shield you from both the sun and sudden downpours.

Travel to Shanghai in Autumn (September to November)

Average Temperature: Gradually cooling, with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C.
Humidity: Relative humidity decreases, ranging from 60% to 80%.
Rainfall: Rainfall is moderate, with an average monthly rainfall of around 70 mm.

Tips for Autumn:

1. In autumn, it’s best to wear lightweight long-sleeved clothing or thin jackets to stay comfortable in the cooler mornings and evenings. You can pair these with long pants or skirts. It’s also a good idea to carry a light raincoat in case of rain.
2. Generally, October 1-7 is China's National Day holiday, a peak travel period when crowds are at their largest, and prices for hotels and transportation increase significantly. If you're planning an autumn trip to China, it’s best to avoid this period.

Travel to Shanghai in winter

Average Temperature: Cold, with temperatures ranging between 3°C and 10°C, sometimes dropping below 0°C.
Humidity: Relative humidity is relatively high, around 60% to 80%.
Rainfall: Winter sees less rainfall, with an average monthly rainfall of about 40 mm.

Tips for Winter:

1. In winter, it’s essential to wear thick coats, sweaters, long pants, and warm shoes. Be sure to wear hats, gloves, and scarves to protect your head and extremities from the cold. You might also want to carry a lightweight umbrella in case of snow or rain.
2. From late January to early February, China celebrates Chinese New Year, another peak travel season with crowded conditions, making it a less ideal time for travel.

Climate Data Table for Shanghai