Shanghai features a humid subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot, humid, and rainy, while winters are cold and damp but rarely extreme. Spring and autumn are mild and comfortable, making them the most popular times for travel. The city experiences abundant rainfall, dramatic shifts in daylight, and occasional typhoons in late summer.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Shanghai’s climate is shaped by its coastal location at the Yangtze River estuary, resulting in a humid subtropical monsoon climate. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with an average annual temperature of 16–18°C. Rainfall is abundant, totalling around 1,200–1,480 mm annually, with over 60% falling from May to September. Daylight varies from about 10 hours in winter to 14 hours in summer, and sunshine is often limited by clouds and humidity, especially outside the summer months.
Spring (March–May) is mild and pleasant, with temperatures rising from 10°C to 21°C. Flowers bloom and parks come alive, but light rain is common, so an umbrella is handy. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, with average highs of 27–31°C and frequent peaks above 35°C. This is the wettest season, marked by the “plum rain” period in June–July and occasional typhoons in late August and September, bringing heavy downpours and strong winds. Autumn (September–November) is short, dry, and comfortable, with temperatures from 25°C in early autumn to 15°C by November. This is one of the best times to visit, with clear skies and pleasant breezes. Winter (December–February) is cold and damp, with highs of 7–11°C and lows near 0–4°C. Snow is rare, but the humidity and wind can make the cold feel more intense. Winds are generally light to moderate, but can be brisk during storms or typhoons.
Shanghai’s weather can change quickly, especially in transitional seasons. The city’s urban landscape can amplify both heat and cold, so dressing in layers and checking forecasts is always recommended. Despite the challenges, the city’s climate supports vibrant outdoor life, from spring flower festivals to lively summer nights along the Bund.
| Average climate data for Shanghai, China | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 8 | 10 | 14 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 32 | 31 | 28 | 23 | 17 | 11 | 32 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 2 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 17 | 22 | 26 | 26 | 22 | 17 | 11 | 5 | 2 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 74 | 58 | 95 | 74 | 86 | 183 | 146 | 217 | 88 | 56 | 52 | 44 | 1,173 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 10 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 121 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 75 | 73 | 73 | 72 | 73 | 78 | 78 | 77 | 74 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 74 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 10 | 8 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 21 | 25 | 27 | 25 | 22 | 18 | 14 | 17 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Average UV index | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 8 |
The best times to visit Shanghai are spring (March–May) and autumn (late September–November), when temperatures are mild, humidity is lower, and rainfall is less frequent. These seasons offer comfortable weather for sightseeing, outdoor festivals, and exploring the city’s parks and gardens, with fewer crowds and clearer skies than in summer.
The least favourable time to visit is during summer (June–August), when extreme heat, high humidity, and frequent heavy rain or typhoons can disrupt travel plans. Winters (December–February) can also be challenging due to cold, damp conditions and limited sunshine, though crowds are thinner and prices are lower.
Shanghai has a humid subtropical monsoon climate with hot, humid summers, cold, damp winters, and mild, comfortable spring and autumn seasons. Rainfall is abundant, especially from May to September.
Summer temperatures in Shanghai often reach 27–31°C, with frequent peaks above 35°C. High humidity and the “plum rain” season make it feel even hotter, and thunderstorms are common.
Snow is rare in Shanghai. Winters are cold and damp, with temperatures usually between 3–11°C, but most years see little or no snow in the city itself.
The rainiest season is summer, especially from June to September. The “plum rain” season in June–July and typhoons in late August–September bring heavy downpours and high humidity.
Pack light, breathable clothing and sun protection for summer, and bring layers, a windproof coat, and an umbrella for spring, autumn, or winter. Waterproof shoes are useful year-round due to frequent rain.
Shanghai is very humid, especially in summer, making heat feel more intense and cold feel sharper. Winds are usually light to moderate, but can be strong during typhoons or storms.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (late September–November) are the best times to visit, with mild temperatures, lower humidity, and less rain. These seasons are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (32.1 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (8 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 20.6 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (25.9 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (2 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 14.1 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (27.1 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is March (7.9 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 17.1 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is August (216.6 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is December (43.5 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,173 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is June (12.7 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is October (7 days). Over the whole year there are 120.6 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is June (78.1 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is December (71.6 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 74 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 10 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 6.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 3 h). Over the whole year there are 4.6 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June, July and August (UV index: 11). The month with the lowest average UV index is December (UV index: 3). Over the whole year the average UV index is 7.6.
