Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with frequent rain and occasional typhoons tracking up the coast; winters are cold and damp with occasional frost but rarely snow. Spring is pleasant but often foggy and rainy. Autumn is the most comfortable and scenic season with clear skies and golden trees.
Best time to visit
Best: April-May and September-October
Best Reason: Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures (15-25°C), low humidity, lower rainfall, and the most comfortable conditions for exploring the city on foot and taking day trips
Peak Season: July-August and Chinese New Year (Jan-Feb)
Avoid: July-August and Chinese National Day Golden Week (Oct 1-7)
Avoid Reason: Summer brings extreme heat (35°C+) with very high humidity and occasional typhoons; Golden Week fills the city beyond capacity with domestic tourists causing 3x hotel prices
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
4°C/39°F avg (0-8°C range)
Cold, grey, and damp. Chinese New Year falls in January or February — a spectacular but crowded time. Many restaurants close for a week.
February
5°C/41°F avg (0-10°C range)
Still cold; Chinese New Year celebrations with lanterns and fireworks if it falls in February. Plum blossom begins at Gucun Park.
March
10°C/50°F avg (5-16°C range)
Spring begins; cherry blossoms at Gucun Park and Chenshan Botanical Garden in late March. Often rainy.
April
16°C/61°F avg (10-22°C range)
Warm and pleasant with occasional showers. Excellent for outdoor sightseeing. Wisteria and roses bloom.
May
21°C/70°F avg (15-27°C range)
Ideal conditions: warm, mostly clear, low humidity. May is possibly Shanghai's most perfect month for travel.
June
25°C/77°F avg (20-30°C range)
Plum rain season (梅雨) with persistent rain for 2-3 weeks. Heat and humidity building.
July
29°C/84°F avg (25-35°C range)
Peak summer heat and humidity. Typhoon risk. Indoor air-conditioned attractions recommended midday.
August
29°C/84°F avg (24-35°C range)
Hottest month with highest humidity and typhoon risk. Chinese domestic tourism peaks.
September
25°C/77°F avg (19-30°C range)
Early autumn still warm but pleasant; humidity drops significantly. Excellent conditions for sightseeing.
October
19°C/66°F avg (13-24°C range)
Beautiful autumn weather with clear skies. Hairy crab season begins. Golden Week (Oct 1-7) extremely crowded.
November
13°C/55°F avg (7-18°C range)
Cooling but still comfortable; plane trees turn golden along French Concession avenues. Fewer tourists.
December
7°C/45°F avg (2-12°C range)
Cold but festive; Christmas illuminations on Nanjing Road. Low-season prices at hotels.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Temperatures rise from cool to warm (10-24°C), cherry blossoms bloom in late March, and plane trees leaf out along French Concession avenues. March can be grey and rainy; May is usually perfect.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Hot and very humid (28-38°C) with frequent thunderstorms and occasional typhoon warnings. June has the plum rain season (梅雨 meiyu) with prolonged rain. July-August is extremely hot.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
The best season in Shanghai — warm in September (25-28°C), cooling through October and November (10-20°C). Clear blue skies, lower humidity, and beautiful autumn foliage in the parks.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Cold and grey (0-8°C) with occasional frost and rare snowfall. Christmas illuminations add sparkle to shopping streets. Chinese New Year (late Jan-Feb) brings fireworks, festivities, but also crowding and closures.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- July-August, Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), Golden Week (Oct 1-7), Labor Day (May 1-5)
- Shoulder Season
- April-May, September-October (outside Golden Week)
- Low Season
- November-March (except Chinese New Year)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
The world's largest human migration; fireworks, lantern festivals, and family gatherings. City very crowded or quiet depending on district.
Cherry Blossom Season
Gucun Park and Chenshan Botanical Garden host massive cherry blossom viewing events drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF)
Asia's premier film festival held in June each year, screening international films at multiple venues citywide.
Shanghai Hairy Crab Festival
The beloved annual hairy crab season when restaurants citywide showcase the premium autumnal delicacy.
Shanghai International Marathon
One of China's biggest marathons through the city streets, attracting 38,000 runners along a course passing major landmarks.
Singles Day (Double 11)
The world's largest shopping event on November 11; Nanjing Road and malls host special events and deals.