CN Shanghai, China

Shanghai
Which Season to Choose?

Shanghai, futuristic skyline on the Huangpu — colonial Bund, French Concession and Shanghainese cuisine.

Updated: March 2026 · Open-Meteo · 10 years · 12 months compared · 31.23°N 121.47°E
SeptemberBest month
82°FOptimal temperature
48%Rainy days

When to visit Shanghai?

🌞 Best time overall
September
🌡️ Optimal temperature
72°F–82°F in September
🌧 Least rain
48% rainy days in September
🌧 Wettest month
January (26%)
📅 Best score
7.7/10

Best time by type of trip

🏙️Bund & PudongOctober–November — skyline, Oriental Pearl and evening promenade.
🏘️French ConcessionApril–May or October — plane trees, cafés and Art Deco architecture.
🍽️Shanghainese CuisineYear-round — xiaolongbao, hairy crab (autumn) and food streets.
🛍️ShoppingYear-round — Nanjing Road, Tianzifang and M50 Art District.

Shanghai weather month by month

MonthMin °FMax °FRainy days (%)Precip. in/dSun h/dScore
🌫️ January36°F48°F26%0.1in7.5h4.7/10
🌫️ February37°F50°F31%0.1in7.9h4.8/10
⛅ March45°F59°F33%0.1in8.9h6.7/10
🌤️ April54°F68°F32%0.1in9.6h7.3/10
🌤️ May61°F77°F37%0.2in9.7h7.6/10
🌦️ June70°F82°F57%0.3in7.7h7.3/10
🌤️ July79°F90°F59%0.3in11.0h7.1/10
🌤️ August79°F90°F48%0.2in12.0h7.3/10
🌤️ September72°F82°F48%0.2in10.0h7.7/10
🌤️ October61°F72°F25%0.1in8.6h7.6/10
🌤️ November50°F64°F28%0.1in8.0h7.1/10
🌫️ December39°F52°F20%0.1in8.7h6.1/10
Ideal Fair Challenging climate Source: Open-Meteo · 10 years

What to expect each season

🌸 Spring (Mar–May) — Good time

Average 20°F, 34% rainy days, 9.4h sunshine/day. Score: 7.2/10.

☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Good time

Average 31°F, 55% rainy days, 10.2h sunshine/day. Score: 7.2/10.

🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Good time

Average 23°F, 34% rainy days, 8.9h sunshine/day. Score: 7.5/10.

❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Challenging climate

Average 10°F, 26% rainy days, 8.0h sunshine/day. Score: 5.2/10.

Find a place to stay in Shanghai

Check availability during the recommended period

Tip : off-peak months (January, February) are cheapest but weather is significantly worse.

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Activities and tours in Shanghai

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences. Browse activities on GetYourGuide

Find a flight to Shanghai

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Detailed weather by month

Frequently asked questions

September is ideal with 48% rainy days and 28°F.
January is the wettest month with 26% rainy days.
Yes, September is the best month with an average of 28°F.
In winter, the average score is 5.2/10. Difficult period — prefer the peak season.

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