Best time to go to Shanghai Average weather of Shanghai, China
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Shanghai?
Considered the largest city in China, Shanghai is a modern and dynamic metropolis that has a lot to offer to travelers. The best time to visit Shanghai is during spring and autumn.
Indeed, from June to August, the city experiences significant precipitation and the heat can become uncomfortable for your visits. Even though the temperature remains between approximately 25 and 30°C (86°F) , the high humidity makes the atmosphere stifling.
If you are wondering when to visit Shanghai, you can focus on the months of April and May and September to November.
In spring, the days are sunny and the temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 15 to 25°C (77°F) on average depending on the month. However, you may encounter some showers, although they are shorter and less intense than in summer.
Moreover, autumn is a highly recommended period for a stay in Shanghai. Starting from September, precipitation decreases, providing great opportunities for outdoor visits. You can stroll through the old town of Shanghai and take the opportunity to discover the beautiful Yuyuan Garden.
Furthermore, the heat still lingers in October with almost no rain. November offers similar conditions, although temperatures are slightly lower.
Additionally, the abundant sunshine in autumn in Shanghai is a great invitation for a cruise on the Huangpu River. This way, you can enjoy a superb view of the Shanghai Bund.
Finally, during winter, from December to early March, the climate in Shanghai is quite dry but cold, with temperatures averaging around 6 to 10°C (50°F) .
Nevertheless, planning your trip during the Chinese New Year period will be an excellent choice. The festivities will quickly make you forget about the temperature drop.
So, when is the best time to go to Shanghai? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Shanghai are April, May, August, September, October and November
- On average, the warmest months are July and August
- January is the coldest month of the year
- The rainiest months are June and July
- The best months for swimming are July and August
Annual weather in Shanghai
Weather details in Shanghai month by month
Weather and climate in Shanghai
Located on the East coast of China, facing the East China Sea, the city of Shanghai benefits from a humid subtropical climate, just like Okinawa Island in Japan. Its particularity lies in the fact that rainfall can occur throughout the year. However, their frequency and intensity vary from one season to another. While autumn and winter stand out for the scarcity of precipitation, summer is often accompanied by abundant, even torrential rains, which occur simultaneously with rising temperatures. Shanghai's weather varies throughout the year. Let's take a closer look at what to expect, season by season, to plan your next trip.
Spring Climate in Shanghai
After a rather cool winter, the first days of spring in Shanghai are still characterized by a cool atmosphere. Indeed, in early March, temperatures range from 10 to 15°C (59°F) on average. Then, from April onwards, weather conditions improve to make May one of the most pleasant times to explore this Chinese metropolis. In April, it's around 17°C (63°F) and already over 20°C (68°F) in May. However, some rainy episodes punctuate Shanghai's spring weather, although they are relatively rare compared to June...
Summer Climate in Shanghai
During the period from June to September, the weather conditions in Shanghai are quite unfavorable. Indeed, during the summer, the city experiences rainfall that can be torrential, with violent storms and sometimes even typhoons. Fortunately, it is rare for these weather events to cause damage. However, this period is not the most suitable for planning your trip.
Furthermore, the heat is particularly intense during the summer in Shanghai, with average temperatures ranging from about 25 to 30°C (86°F) . They can increase even more on certain days. Additionally, due to the high humidity levels, the heat is more challenging to bear than elsewhere. In conclusion, unless you are equipped with a good raincoat and not afraid of Shanghai's summer weather, it would be preferable to choose another season for your trip.
Autumn Climate in Shanghai
Autumn is an ideal time to travel to Shanghai. The weather is very pleasant during this season. In September, precipitation decreases significantly, the days are sunny, and there is a pleasant warmth. It will be a good time to enjoy outdoor activities, with temperatures above 25°C (77°F) .
Moreover, in October, temperatures remain above 20°C (68°F) . Additionally, rainfall is even lower than in September, with usually around 3 rainy days in the month. These conditions also make it inviting for a pleasant stay.
Finally, November experiences fairly similar weather conditions with sunshine, little rain, but a slight drop in temperature below 20°C (68°F) . It is also an excellent time to travel to Shanghai.
Winter Climate in Shanghai
Unlike Hong Kong and Sanya, which remain warm all year round, Shanghai has rather cool winters. Temperatures range from 6 to 12°C (54°F) approximately from December to February. Of course, there won't be snowy landscapes, but some precipitation is possible. However, rest assured, rainfall is relatively low in winter in Shanghai, with about 5 rainy days per month and rainfall three times less than in July. Ultimately, even though the climate is not perfect, the winter weather conditions in Shanghai are ultimately better than in most European cities during the same period. That's why many European travelers choose to visit this city during the year-end holidays or for the Chinese New Year.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Shanghai
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Shanghai: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Shanghai
Find out when Shanghai has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Shanghai
- Very low season in Shanghai
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: February. - Low season in Shanghai
The months with low numbers of tourists are: January. - High season in Shanghai
The number of visitors to Shanghai is high in: March, May, June, July, August, September and December. - Peak season in Shanghai
The largest number of tourists visiting Shanghai is during: April, October and November.
Figure: Visitor index for Shanghai month by month
Best time for low prices in Shanghai
Average prices of hotels in Shanghai month by month
Generally, December is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Shanghai. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, May is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Shanghai
A return flight between London and Shanghai is generally cheaper if you go in november ($ 840 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 613 more for your airline ticket to Shanghai if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Shanghai
Other cities and places near Shanghai
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