Best Time to Visit Shanghai
Shanghai is best visited All year, when conditions are at their most settled.
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Once you know the best time to go, find out exactly what to pack for Shanghai at 247PackingList — climate-matched checklists for every destination. For country facts like currency, language and plug type, see our China country guide at 247CountryInfo.
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Compare car hire prices → Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to youShanghai — Monthly Temperatures
Average daily high and low temperatures (°C/°F). Bars show the daily range each month.
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| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun/day | Rainy days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January Best | 9.9°C | 1.8°C | 77.6mm | 5.8h | 8 | 10/10 |
| February Best | 11.5°C | 3.4°C | 62.3mm | 5.8h | 9 | 10/10 |
| March Best | 16.3°C | 7.6°C | 113.5mm | 6.5h | 12 | 9/10 |
| April Best | 20.3°C | 11.0°C | 92.8mm | 8.0h | 9 | 10/10 |
| May Best | 25.5°C | 16.6°C | 117.3mm | 7.8h | 11 | 9/10 |
| June Best | 28.7°C | 21.5°C | 221.6mm | 6.8h | 17 | 8/10 |
| July Best | 31.6°C | 25.3°C | 329.8mm | 8.2h | 20 | 8/10 |
| August Best | 32.5°C | 25.7°C | 152.0mm | 10.0h | 13 | 9/10 |
| September Best | 27.9°C | 21.3°C | 188.0mm | 8.0h | 12 | 9/10 |
| October Best | 22.8°C | 15.5°C | 45.9mm | 7.5h | 6 | 10/10 |
| November Best | 18.5°C | 10.4°C | 65.4mm | 7.0h | 8 | 10/10 |
| December Best | 10.7°C | 2.2°C | 22.7mm | 6.8h | 4 | 10/10 |
Shanghai Climate
Shanghai has a continental climate — hot summers, cold winters and moderate rainfall. Check the annual climate overview for Shanghai for the full year picture, or read the dedicated Shanghai rainy season guide.
Counting down to your trip? Use our holiday countdown timer at LeftToTime to track the days. Owners often keep a Shanghai travel guide to hand for planning on the go. Check clothing sizes in China at 247Sizing before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Shanghai?
The best month to visit Shanghai is January, when temperatures average 9.9°C and conditions score 10/10 for comfort.
What is the weather like in Shanghai in January?
January in Shanghai is cold, with average highs of 9.9°C and lows of 1.8°C. It is moderately rainy (8 rainy days), with roughly 5.8 hours of sunshine a day. It is one of the best months of the year to visit.
When is rainy season in Shanghai?
Rainy season in Shanghai runs March, May, June, July, August, September. Expect heavy downpours and high humidity. Full rainy season guide →
Is Shanghai good to visit in winter?
Yes — winter (December, January, February) averages 9.9°C highs with a 10/10 comfort rating, making it a solid time to visit.
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.