Jan · Feb
Damp winter that feels colder than the numbers
Avg low 1-3°C / high 7-10°C · Rainy days: 8-10 per month / rainfall 40-60 mm
- • Temperatures rarely drop below zero, but damp air makes it feel colder than in dry climates.
- • Indoor heating is weaker than in Korea, so cafés and shops can feel surprisingly cool.
- • Frequent drizzle and fog push the “feels like” temperature below the actual reading.
Suggested outfits
- · Thick padded jacket or wool coat
- · Knits, fleece, thermal inner layers
- · Gloves, scarf, ear warmers
A note for travelers
Don’t be fooled by “5°C on the forecast”—the damp cold can feel like below freezing.
Mar · Apr · May
Warming spring — one of the best times to visit
Avg low 7-15°C / high 13-23°C · Rainy days: 8-11 per month / rainfall 60-90 mm
- • March has wide temperature swings, with chilly mornings and mild spring days.
- • April-May are ideal for outdoor walks, making this a favorite season for travelers.
- • Occasional yellow dust or smog days mean masks are helpful for sensitive people.
Suggested outfits
- · Light coat or trench coat
- · Sweatshirts, shirts, or light knits
- · Comfortable walking shoes
A note for travelers
Cherry blossoms and canola flowers appear in spring, with many good photo spots around the city.
Jun
Meiyu — the plum rain season
Avg low 20-22°C / high 27-29°C · Rainy days: 12-15 per month / rainfall 150-200 mm
- • June marks the start of the Meiyu rainy season.
- • The combination of cloudy, damp weather and high humidity raises fatigue.
- • Rain tends to linger once it starts, so an umbrella is essential.
Suggested outfits
- · Thin T-shirts or shirts
- · Water-resistant shoes or sandals
- · Light windbreaker or raincoat
A note for travelers
High humidity makes clothes dry slowly, so pack more light outfits instead of a few heavy ones.
Jul · Aug
Hot, humid summer plus typhoon season
Avg low 26-28°C / high 32-35°C · Rainy days: 8-12 per month / rainfall 100-150 mm
- • Shanghai summer feels like “Seoul midsummer + extra humidity,” with very high perceived temperatures.
- • Daytime highs easily exceed 35°C, and nights often stay above 28°C.
- • Depending on typhoon tracks, strong winds and heavy rain can arrive suddenly.
Suggested outfits
- · Tanks, T-shirts, shorts
- · Very light linen or cotton fabrics
- · Hat and sunglasses for strong sun
A note for travelers
Indoor cooling can be weak, so you might feel “too hot outside and still sticky inside.”
Sep · Oct
Golden season for Shanghai trips — cool and clear
Avg low 17-21°C / high 25-28°C · Rainy days: 6-8 per month / rainfall 45-80 mm
- • Humidity drops and cool breezes make it perfect for walking outdoors.
- • October is widely considered the best month to visit Shanghai.
- • Autumn rain appears occasionally but rarely ruins entire days.
Suggested outfits
- · Long-sleeve T-shirts or shirts
- · Light knits or cardigans
- · Comfortable sneakers
A note for travelers
During the early October National Day holiday, tourist areas and malls can get extremely crowded.
Nov · Dec
Start of early winter — damp chill returns
Avg low 5-10°C / high 12-17°C · Rainy days: 7-9 per month / rainfall 40-70 mm
- • November is cool and pleasant, but temperatures fall sharply towards December.
- • The characteristic “damp chill that seeps into your bones” returns with winter.
- • Wind can cause large drops in perceived temperature, so wind-blocking outerwear helps.
Suggested outfits
- · Thick coats or padded jackets
- · Thermal inners and knits
- · Scarves and gloves
A note for travelers
Indoor heating is weak, so most people keep their outerwear on even in cafés and restaurants.
