Weather in Shanghai in May
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Compare car hire prices → Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to youShanghai in May is warm — daytime temperatures average 25.5°C, dropping to 16.6°C at night. The month is fairly wet (11 rainy days on average), with roughly 7.8 hours of sunshine a day. It is one of the best months of the year to visit. For the complete picture, see the best time to visit Shanghai — every month compared. Once you know when to go, find your Shanghai packing list at 247PackingList.
Get ready for Shanghai in May
Search flights to Shanghai
Compare 100+ airlines for May — one search, best price.
Search Flights →Thermal travel layers
Pack proper layers — winters are genuinely cold and evenings drop fast year-round.
Check Price →What to pack for Shanghai in May
- Light layers
- Sunscreen
- T-shirts and light trousers or shorts
- Compact travel umbrella
- Waterproof jacket
- Quick-dry clothing
Compare all months in Shanghai
| Month | High | Rain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.9°C | 77.6mm | 10/10 |
| February | 11.5°C | 62.3mm | 10/10 |
| March | 16.3°C | 113.5mm | 9/10 |
| April | 20.3°C | 92.8mm | 10/10 |
| May | 25.5°C | 117.3mm | 9/10 |
| June | 28.7°C | 221.6mm | 8/10 |
| July | 31.6°C | 329.8mm | 8/10 |
| August | 32.5°C | 152.0mm | 9/10 |
| September | 27.9°C | 188.0mm | 9/10 |
| October | 22.8°C | 45.9mm | 10/10 |
| November | 18.5°C | 65.4mm | 10/10 |
| December | 10.7°C | 22.7mm | 10/10 |
Full month-by-month guide: best time to visit Shanghai →
For facts about China — currency, language and dialling code — see our China country guide at 247CountryInfo. Travellers also find it useful to keep a Shanghai travel guide to hand. Check clothing sizes in China before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit Shanghai?
May rates 9/10 for visiting Shanghai — excellent time to visit. Expect average highs of 25.5°C, 117.3mm of rain across the month and about 7.8 hours of daily sunshine.
What is the temperature in Shanghai in May?
In May, Shanghai has average highs of 25.5°C (77.9°F) and average lows of 16.6°C (61.9°F).
Does it rain in Shanghai in May?
Some rain is likely. Shanghai averages 117.3mm across about 11 rainy days in May, so a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
What should I wear in Shanghai in May?
For Shanghai in May (25.5°C highs / 16.6°C lows), pack light layers plus sunscreen, t-shirts and light trousers or shorts, compact travel umbrella.
More essentials for Shanghai in May
Packing cubes
Keep the bag organised whatever the weather — compression cubes for every size.
Check Price →Travel first aid kit
Compact TSA-friendly kit for peace of mind wherever you travel.
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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.