Best time to visit Shanghai (by conditions)
Shanghai, China
When you pick dates for Shanghai, the calendar matters less than what kind of “feels like” day you can handle.
Rather than labeling months as good or bad, it’s more practical to sort conditions that fit you.
Humidity often drives fatigue more than temperature.
Facts only
Jan · Feb
Avg low 1-3°C / high 7-10°C · Rainy days: 8-10 per month / rainfall 40-60 mm
Mar · Apr · May
Avg low 7-15°C / high 13-23°C · Rainy days: 8-11 per month / rainfall 60-90 mm
Sep · Oct
Avg low 17-21°C / high 25-28°C · Rainy days: 6-8 per month / rainfall 45-80 mm
Nov · Dec
Avg low 5-10°C / high 12-17°C · Rainy days: 7-9 per month / rainfall 40-70 mm
What it feels like
When mornings/evenings and indoor AC differ a lot, you feel the day’s length more than the number.
When it tends to fit
- • If you’ll walk a lot and you’re sensitive to wind or rain, cooler/drier conditions tend to fit better.
- • For photo-and-walk trips, sunny days usually matter more than the exact temperature.
When it may not fit
- • If you struggle with humid heat, some seasons can feel tiring even when the numbers look similar.
- • In rainier periods, “walking as planned” can be harder—tight itineraries may not fit well.
- • If you do many night outings, evening wind and chill can matter more than daytime highs.
What people usually wear
Not a single “correct outfit”—just common choices that cover most situations.
- • 🌡️ 5-10℃ (winter/Nov-Feb): Temperatures are above freezing but damp cold makes it feel below zero. A padded jacket or thick wool coat + knit + thermal inner + scarf and gloves are essential.
- • 🌡️ 10-18℃ (early spring/late autumn): Trench or light coat + sweatshirt or shirt is a safe combo. Strong evening winds can make it feel much colder.
- • 🌡️ 18-25℃ (spring/autumn peak): Long sleeves with a thin cardigan or windbreaker are enough. Days are warm and evenings are cool, so layering is comfortable.
Once you lock in a couple of constraints, the decision gets much easier.
Explore Shanghai
These pages are connected so you can compare conditions and decide for yourself.