Best time to visit Shanghai

March to May and September to November. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

March to May and September to November

Spring and autumn have mild temperatures and fewer showers; October and November are the most often picked months.

“March to May, September to November are the best months to visit Shanghai.” asiaodysseytravel.com
“boasts comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists and rain showers, making it the best time to travel” chinadiscovery.com
“the most ideal times to visit are typically from spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)” chinaodysseytours.com

6 of the 8 travel guides we read name these months.

Shanghai month by month

Average high and low in Shanghai, and days with rain

January48°F / 37°F · 11 rainy daysChecking fares…January is the coldest month, with temperatures that can feel chillier in rain.January and February are the cheapest months, with averages of 5 to 6 C and short days.The coldest stretch is late January to early February, with piercing north winds.
February51°F / 39°F · 10 rainy daysChecking fares…Winter is cold and damp, and snowfall is rare.Chinese New Year folk activities may be seen in winter.
Best timeMarch59°F / 46°F · 13 rainy daysChecking fares…March averages around 10 C, with changeable weather and light rain in early spring.Pack a warmer layer for March evenings.March to mid-May is one of the best stretches weather-wise, with blossoms in city parks.
Best timeApril70°F / 55°F · 11 rainy daysChecking fares…April is the busiest month of the year, with Qingming Festival crowds.April and May bring drier days and clearer skies.Qingming (Tomb Sweeping) Day draws crowds.
Best timeMay78°F / 64°F · 11 rainy daysChecking fares…Labor Day holiday, May 1 to 5, brings many domestic tourists.April, May, October and November are the best bets for first-timers.May is greener and good for old-China atmosphere, per one writer.
June84°F / 72°F · 14 rainy daysChecking fares…Plum rain season brings heavy showers from June to early July.June is the wettest month, with about 12 rain days.June is not too hot because the rainy season tempers temperatures.
July92°F / 79°F · 12 rainy daysChecking fares…The rainy season runs mid-June to early July, long stretches of continuous rain or cloud.Heat can reach 40 C in July and August.Disneyland peaks July and August with school holidays.
August91°F / 79°F · 13 rainy daysChecking fares…August brings typhoons and extreme weather and is scorching.Peak typhoon season runs late August to mid-September.By July and August rain lessens and it is the hottest time of year.
Best timeSeptember84°F / 73°F · 10 rainy daysChecking fares…September still has lingering summer warmth, 20 to 28 C.September and October together are named the best time overall.Typhoon season can run into mid-September.
Best timeOctober74°F / 63°F · 8 rainy daysChecking fares…National Day Golden Week, Oct 1 to 7, brings huge crowds and higher prices.October to November is the top recommendation, with exceptionally pleasant weather.October is a good time for photographing skyscrapers, with the best light.
Best timeNovember64°F / 53°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…Weather cools to 10 to 20 C by November with many sunny days.The Shanghai Tower has the least smog for views in October and November.Autumn, September to November, is the most comfortable season.
December52°F / 42°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…December suits festive lights and cozy winter days.Winter has Christmas and New Year lights and fewer tourists, but damp cold.

Weather: Shanghai averages from China Meteorological Administration (1981 to 2010 averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Shanghai from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

April, plus Golden Week holidaysApril is the busiest month; Labor Day and National Day weeks add crowds.

Quietest

January and FebruaryCheapest months, with cold, short days.

Watch for

June to early JulyPlum rain season of long, continuous rain or cloud.
July and AugustHot and humid, with highs above 35 C.
Late August to mid-SeptemberPeak typhoon season with strong wind and heavy rain.
May 1 to 5 and October 1 to 7Labor Day and National Day holiday crowds.

Questions people ask

Which month is cold in Shanghai?: January is the coldest month, and the coldest period is late January to early February.
What is the cheapest month to go to China?: For Shanghai, January and February are the cheapest months, if you accept cold and short days.

Best time to visit Shanghai

March to May and September to November

Shanghai month by month

Every date to Shanghai from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Shanghai

March to May and September to November

Shanghai month by month

Every date to Shanghai from your city

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places