When to Go to Shanghai: Climate, Best Time and Monthly Tips

Vanessa Korovina

Updated: 13 August 2025 ·

Best Things to Do:

When to Go to Shanghai

Shanghai, the "Pearl of the Orient", one of the most populous cities in the world, is certainly a destination worth visiting at least once in your lifetime! Rich in history, tradition, culture, charm, and attractions and points of interest, when organizing a trip here one of the crucial questions is the best time to visit, to avoid temperatures and weather conditions that would make the visit difficult.Here's everything you need to know about when to go to Shanghai!

Climate, Temperatures and Best Time

Shanghai Bund city
Shanghai Bund city

Shanghai has a temperate climate, characterized by cold winters, with an average temperature of 41°F in January, and hot, humid summers, with highs that can reach 100°F on the hottest days.Moreover, Shanghai does not have a true dry season: precipitation is abundant and well-distributed throughout the year, averaging 1,150 mm. Generally, it is a city with little sunshine! Rainfall occurs mainly in summer, in the form of thunderstorms. Autumn is the least rainy season.

  • Best period is generally in autumn, from late September to early November, usually with mild temperatures and less rain. Spring is also good, but it tends to be rainier than autumn.
  • Period to avoid is summer, as it is the hottest, most humid season with heavy rains, especially thunderstorms, which can make visiting the city difficult.

When is the best time to go to Shanghai: the cheapest period

If you are planning a trip to Shanghai, you should know that one of the most economical periods is November. Bridging autumn and winter, this month offers great deals, especially for flight costs. It is also a good compromise between cost and favorable weather: in November it rains on average 8 days, about 50 mm in total for the month, and temperatures are not too high, but also not too low.

Shanghai in Spring

cherry blossoms Shanghai spring
cherry blossoms Shanghai spring

Spring is a great season to visit Shanghai! The temperatures gradually warm up, with some typically summer-like days as early as May! It is also, weather permitting, a perfect time to be outdoors, perhaps participating in a gastronomic bike tour of must-see places or discovering the beauty of Yu Yuan Gardens and the Bund on a guided tour!Spring is a time of major festivals and events! First of all, this season gifts everyone with the wonderful sight of cherry blossoms, an event that announces the arrival of spring. Music lovers can also attend the Spring International Music Festival, held at the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Concert Hall in May. Early April features the Qingming Festival, also known as Ancestors' Day, a national holiday to honor one's ancestors.

Shanghai in Summer

Shanghai museum
Shanghai museum

Summer is perhaps the least recommended season to visit Shanghai. This is due to high temperatures, humid heat, and numerous rainfalls, especially sudden thunderstorms. However, during this season you can focus on indoor visits. You can visit the famous Shanghai Museum, admire the artwork at the China Art Museum, or if traveling with children, visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum! If the heat is truly overwhelming, you can also opt for an evening boat ride on the Huangpu River, to enjoy a beautiful overview of the entire city!Summer also has great events! At the beginning of June, the Dragon Boat Festival takes place, during which you must absolutely try the traditional food of the holiday, Zongzi, which is rice mixed with meat, peanuts, and salted egg, served in bamboo leaves. The Shanghai International Film Festival also occurs in June, featuring films from all over the world! Throughout the summer, numerous dance performances and concerts are organized, especially at the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Concert Hall!

Shanghai in Autumn

Shanghai zoo autumn animal river
Shanghai zoo autumn animal river

Autumn, along with spring, is a great season to visit Shanghai! Besides being the least rainy season, the temperatures are also quite mild. This allows you to fully experience the city, especially visiting its large parks and natural beauty in the surrounding areas. It is an ideal time to explore the city by bicycle or participate in a bus tour to Yu Garden, Old Street, Bund, and the water town of Zhujiajiao! With the little ones, you can enjoy a fun day at Disneyland Shanghai or visit the Shanghai Zoo.Also, events and festivals abound, in fact, in autumn the city is livelier than ever! Between mid-September and early October, the Shanghai Tourism Festival takes place, featuring many events spread throughout the city, hotels and accommodations offering great deals for stays, and wonderful fireworks. In October, numerous cultural events occur, such as the China Shanghai International Arts Festival, featuring international figures (one year even Bocelli participated) and the Midi Festival, three days of pop and rock concerts at Sanjiagang Beach Park!

Shanghai in Winter

Shanghai sky building street
Shanghai sky building street

Winter is a rather cold season, often with overcast skies. It can also snow occasionally! The coldest days are better suited for visiting indoor locations, such as museums and temples. Don't miss the Jade Buddha Temple and the Longhua Temple. You can also enjoy the city from above while staying warm, thanks to the observation decks of famous skyscrapers, such as the Shanghai Tower or the Oriental Pearl Tower!Despite the cold temperatures, various festivals take place in winter. First among them is the famous Chinese New Year, which generally occurs in early February, according to the lunar calendar. During these days the city fills with celebrations, events, and you can immerse yourself in the true traditional Chinese atmosphere! This event already looks ahead to spring, as it is also known as the Spring Festival. Celebrations for New Year's, between December 31 and January 1, are also spectacular, with a grand fireworks display over the city's skyline.

What to wear: packing tips

  • In winter warm and heavy clothing, sweaters, sweatshirts, long pants. Hat, scarf, gloves. Heavy, waterproof jacket and umbrella.
  • In summer lightweight and breathable clothing, short-sleeved shirts, shorts, skirts. Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen. Lightweight raincoat and umbrella.
  • In autumn and spring mid-season clothing, short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts and light sweaters for cooler days. Light jacket, umbrella or lightweight raincoat.

Haven't booked your trip yet? Check out our offers!

  • Low-cost flights starting from $530.00 - check offers
  • Where to stay Hotels and B&Bs starting from $30.00 per room - check offers

Travel Insurance: Our Recommendation

We always rely on , which provides comprehensive coverage at absolutely competitive prices. Additionally, they offer customer assistance, a 24/7 call center, and 24/7 medical insurance with unlimited phone consultation: we know that when abroad in emergency situations, having a consultant always ready to respond is the most important thing. Visit their website and receive a 10% discount on your policy reserved for europeoftales.net users.

Best Hotels

Grand Hyatt Shanghai hotel
84

Grand Hyatt Shanghai

151$ per night
The Middle House Hotel hotel
89

The Middle House Hotel

262$ per night
Park Hyatt Shanghai hotel
89

Park Hyatt Shanghai

267$ per night
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World hotel
88

Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

142$ per night
The Puli Hotel And Spa hotel
90

The Puli Hotel And Spa

317$ per night
Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong Airport By Ihg hotel
83

Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong Airport By Ihg

54$ per night
Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel hotel
82

Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel

57$ per night
Campanile Shanghai Huaihai hotel
87

Campanile Shanghai Huaihai

52$ per night
Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Huijin By Ihg hotel
80

Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Huijin By Ihg

59$ per night
Shanghai Sisu Guesthouse hotel

Shanghai Sisu Guesthouse

65$ per night
Grand Hyatt Shanghai hotel
84

Grand Hyatt Shanghai

151$ per night
The Middle House Hotel hotel
89

The Middle House Hotel

262$ per night
Fairmont Peace Hotel On The Bund hotel
94

Fairmont Peace Hotel On The Bund

312$ per night
Park Hyatt Shanghai hotel
89

Park Hyatt Shanghai

267$ per night
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi hotel
91

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

197$ per night

Luxury Hotels

The Middle House Hotel hotel
89

The Middle House Hotel

262$ per night
Park Hyatt Shanghai hotel
89

Park Hyatt Shanghai

267$ per night
The Puli Hotel And Spa hotel
90

The Puli Hotel And Spa

317$ per night
The Middle House Hotel hotel
89

The Middle House Hotel

262$ per night
Fairmont Peace Hotel On The Bund hotel
94

Fairmont Peace Hotel On The Bund

312$ per night
Park Hyatt Shanghai hotel
89

Park Hyatt Shanghai

267$ per night

Cheap Hotels

Grand Hyatt Shanghai hotel
84

Grand Hyatt Shanghai

151$ per night
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World hotel
88

Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

142$ per night
Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong Airport By Ihg hotel
83

Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong Airport By Ihg

54$ per night
Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel hotel
82

Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel

57$ per night
Campanile Shanghai Huaihai hotel
87

Campanile Shanghai Huaihai

52$ per night
Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Huijin By Ihg hotel
80

Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Huijin By Ihg

59$ per night
Shanghai Sisu Guesthouse hotel

Shanghai Sisu Guesthouse

65$ per night
Grand Hyatt Shanghai hotel
84

Grand Hyatt Shanghai

151$ per night
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi hotel
91

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

197$ per night