Weather in Shanghai

Weather — Shanghai

Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: cool, damp winters and hot, very humid summers driven by the East Asian monsoon. Winters (Dec–Feb) are mild but can feel chilly with northerly breezes, while June–August brings the most rain and high humidity. Spring (Apr–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct) are the most pleasant months for sightseeing — they combine comfortable temperatures, moderate rainfall and good daylight, making them ideal times to search for flights to Shanghai.

Weather — Shanghai — January

January is one of the coolest months: daytime highs average about 8°C and nights around 2°C. Rainfall is relatively low compared with summer (around 60 mm), but gray, damp days are common. Sea temperatures are very cold (~7°C), so swimming is not realistic — it’s a good time for off-season fares and quieter attractions.

Weather — Shanghai — February

February remains cool with highs near 10°C and lows around 4°C. Expect similar damp conditions as January with a few more wet days; daylight slowly increases. This month is still outside the swimming season, but it can be a convenient time to book lower-priced flights and avoid large tourist crowds.

Weather — Shanghai — March

March marks the move into spring: temperatures climb to roughly 14°C daytime and 8°C at night. Rainfall increases (roughly 80–90 mm) and occasional warm spells appear, so layers work best for sightseeing. Sea temperature edges up to about 9°C — still too cool for most swimmers, but parks and riverside promenades become more attractive.

Weather — Shanghai — April

April is pleasantly warm, with average highs near 20°C and mild nights around 13°C. Spring flowers and clearer skies make this a top month for visitors; rainfall is moderate (around 100 mm) but generally manageable. Compared with summer, April offers comfortable conditions for outdoor walking tours and city highlights.

Weather — Shanghai — May

May gets warmer and more humid, with daytime temperatures around 25°C and nights near 18°C. Rain increases as the monsoon influence grows (roughly 110–120 mm), and sea temperatures reach about 18°C — borderline for swimming. May is a good shoulder-season pick if you want warmer weather without the full heat and downpours of summer.

Weather — Shanghai — June

June is the start of the wettest period: average highs around 27°C and humid nights near 22°C, but expect heavy rainfall (peaking around 269 mm) and cloudy spells. The sea warms to about 23°C, so swimming becomes possible between showers, though sudden storms are common. If you travel in June, plan indoor options and flexible flight dates.

Weather — Shanghai — July

July is hot and very humid with average highs near 32°C and nights around 27°C. Rainfall stays high (around 160 mm) but there are also sunny, sweltering days; UV levels peak, so sun protection is essential. Sea temperatures near 27°C make beach and water activities very appealing despite the humidity and occasional tropical storms.

Weather — Shanghai — August

August closely matches July: very warm days (around 32°C) and muggy nights (≈27°C), with substantial rain (about 140 mm) and long daylight. Sea temperatures reach their annual high (~28°C), ideal for swimming. Keep an eye on weather alerts late in summer, as occasional typhoon-related systems can bring intense rains and wind.

Weather — Shanghai — September

September cools down to comfortable levels — highs around 28°C and nights near 23°C — while rainfall declines from summer peaks (around 110–120 mm). Sea temperatures remain pleasant (~25°C), making early autumn a favorite time to combine city sightseeing with coastal escapes. This month often balances warmth and lower humidity, a great window for booking flights.

Weather — Shanghai — October

October brings mild, comfortable weather with daytime highs near 23°C and cool evenings about 17°C. Rainfall drops significantly (roughly 60 mm) and skies are generally clearer — ideal for long days exploring Shanghai’s outdoor attractions. Autumn is widely regarded as one of the best seasons to visit for weather and visibility.

Weather — Shanghai — November

November turns cooler (highs around 17°C, lows ~11°C) and drier, with crisp mornings and more sunshine. It’s a good month for city travel before winter sets in, offering comfortable sightseeing conditions and fewer tourists than the peak seasons.

Weather — Shanghai — December

December is relatively mild for winter: daytime highs about 11°C and nights near 5°C, with lower rainfall (around 40 mm) and more sunny days. Coastal waters dip to roughly 12°C, so swimming is off the table, but the city is pleasant for cultural visits and early holiday travel deals.

Table of temperatures during the year