Best Time to Visit Shanghai - Shanghai Weather

Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and temperatures sometimes drop below zero. Snow seldom falls. In contrast, summers tend to be hot and humid.

Shanghai Weather & Seasons

Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and temperatures sometimes drop below zero. Snow seldom falls. In contrast, summers tend to be hot and humid.

You can visit Shanghai in any season you like. The time from March to May (spring) and the late September to November (autumn) boasts comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists and rain showers, making it the best time to travel. The rising temperature of spring offers a short sweet spot for travel. Though it is chilly to visit Shanghai in winter, you may encounter some folk activities to celebrate Chinese New Year; while in summer, the nightscape along the Bund and the Huangpu River is very beautiful. Try to avoid scheduling your Shanghai explore on weekends and Chinese holidays, such as National Day (the beginning of Oct.), Labor's Day (the beginning of May).

Spring in Shanghai

Spring brings warming days with the beautiful blossoms that reside in the city parks, making March to mid-May probably one of the best times to visit weather-wise. There is moderate rainfall. Except for the May Day holiday and Tomb Sweeping Day, there are usually not too many tourists. Many parks have special flower appreciation fairs.

What to Wear

Sweaters and coats are suitable for this season and prepare some lighter clothes for warmer days. You are also recommended to wear windbreakers, jackets, and other clothes to keep warm.

Seasonal Activities

Take a walk along the Bund or cruise on the Huangpu River. Also, you can go to Zhujiajiao Water Town or Yuyuan Garden to enjoy the spring green scenery. Besides, have a lot of fun in Shanghai Disney Resort or get some fresh air in the Shanghai Botanical Garden.

Summer in Shanghai

Summer may be the peak travel season, and there will be queues in popular scenic spots such as Disneyland. The hot and humid weather makes conditions outside uncomfortable, with temperatures sometimes as high as 40°C (104°F) in July and August. The heat, a damp saunalike heat, is draining. June brings ‘plum rains, saturating downpours and many narrow lanes and streets turn to brooks.

What to Wear

It is recommended that you always carry an umbrella in summer. Wear summer clothes such as skirts, shorts, and T-shirts. Wearing sunglasses and using sunscreen is recommended for those susceptible to strong sun rays.

Seasonal Activities

Visiting Yuyuan Garden or go boating on the river of Zhujiajiao Water Town or Fengjing Water Town is very relaxing in summer. Also, you can go to visit the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center to learn more about the history of the whole China and the future of Shanghai as well as to escape from the summer heat. What’s more, you can take a slight walk along the Old French Concession to spend leisure time with the pretty international buildings.

Autumn of Shanghai (Septemebr, October, November)

Autumn is also very pleasant, but it can still be very hot in September. The weather is generally sunny and drier. Autumn is the season with sharp and frequent temperature changes. Early September is the opening season for colleges and universities in Shanghai, while early October is the golden week for tourists. The occupancy rate of hotels in certain areas of Shanghai may be high. If you want to travel to Shanghai at that time, booking one room in advance is needed.

What to Wear

Long-sleeve T-shirts and then sweaters or coats are needed as the season progresses. You are recommended to wear shirts, long skirts, and thin sweaters, windbreakers, casual clothes, jackets, suits, etc.

Seasonal Activities

The area's fall foliage begins at the end of this season and continues until early December. See fall foliage in Shanghai. Get some serene in the Jade Buddha Temple. Visit the world high skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jinmao Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, and so forth in Lujiazui is also recommended.

Winter in Shinghai

Winter is from December to February of the next year. It is humid and cold and barely snows. Although there is air conditioning in the room, we still need to keep warm. During the Spring Festival, there will be traditional folk performances and lantern festival near City God's Temple and Yu Garden. The Lantern Festival will be full of the festival atmosphere.

What to Wear

You’ll need to wear overcoats, sweaters, winter coats, woolen jackets, gloves, down jacket and scarfs to keep warm.

Seasonal Activities

You could join the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival from late January until early February. And during this season, you can visit Zhujiajiao Water Town and Yuyuan Garden that are very antique and charming in winter.

How to Plan Your Shanghai Tour

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