Climate Overview
Shanghai has a humid-subtropical climate with hot, sticky Jul–Aug peaking at 34°C and cool 10°C winters. The Jun plum rains hit 222mm, followed by typhoon-season rain through Sep. Apr–May and Oct–Nov sit between the soakings and deliver the clearest skies for the Bund and Yuyuan Garden.
Monthly Climate
Temperature range, rainfall, and humidity by month
Monthly Data
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11.4° | 2° | 10mm | 60% |
| Feb | 10° | 2.5° | 16mm | 67% |
| Mar | 17.2° | 8.3° | 72mm | 65% |
| Apr | 24.9° | 13.6° | 14mm | 58% |
| May | 27.1° | 18.5° | 116mm | 70% |
| Jun | 30° | 22.7° | 310mm | 83% |
| Jul | 33.5° | 27.3° | 289mm | 76% |
| Aug | 35.9° | 28.1° | 87mm | 71% |
| Sep | 32.8° | 25.5° | 202mm | 79% |
| Oct | 26.1° | 20° | 47mm | 73% |
| Nov | 18.6° | 10° | 10mm | 64% |
| Dec | 14.2° | 5.3° | 6mm | 65% |
When to Visit
Experiences to seek out and peak periods to plan around
Experiences & Highlights
The Yu Garden Lantern Festival runs through Lunar New Year (15 Feb – 3 Mar 2026) with themed zodiac installations over the Old City ponds. Expect chilly 11°C highs, low 62mm rainfall and packed evenings near City God Temple.
AW shows open 25 Mar at Xintiandi and Jing'an; SS follows 9 Oct with Huangpu riverside runways. March 17°C highs and October's 24°C dry stretch (88mm vs 216mm in Sep) make both cycles the cleanest weather for outdoor street-style.
Mid-Autumn (25–27 Sep 2026) brings mooncakes to Nanjing Road and lantern boats on Huangpu River. September still averages 216mm rain and 81% humidity — pack an umbrella for evening riverside strolls on the Bund.
October–November are the driest, most comfortable months (72–88mm rain, 19–24°C highs). Ginkgos turn gold along Sinan Road and Fuxing Park, and Pudong skyline walks finally escape summer's 80%+ humidity.
Peak Periods & Travel Advisories
China's 9-day Lunar New Year break empties offices but fills trains and flights — book weeks ahead. Many family-run restaurants shut for 3–5 days, though temple fairs at Longhua and Yu Garden draw huge crowds.
The meiyu front stalls over the Yangtze delta: June averages 222mm of rain at 83% humidity, July 193mm. Persistent drizzle and mold-prone hotel rooms make this the least pleasant stretch — plan indoor museums and M50 galleries.
Domestic travel surge: the Bund, Nanjing Road and Disneyland hit record footfall while hotel rates double. Timed-entry tickets needed for Yu Garden and the Shanghai Tower; consider day-trips to Zhujiajiao water town on weekdays only.
China Destination Comparison
Compare climate across destinations in China
| City | Avg High | Avg Low | Annual Rain | Season Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
🇨🇳 Shanghai | 23° | 15° | 1179 mm | |
🇨🇳 Beijing | 20° | 9° | 980 mm |
Official Resources
Government portals and tourism boards for Shanghai, China