Shanghai Weather & Climate Guide 2025
Plan your trip with detailed weather information and seasonal tips for Shanghai.
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.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
April-May and September-October
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
Months to Avoid
July-August and Chinese National Day Golden Week (Oct 1-7)
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
Climate Overview
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.
Month-by-Month Guide
What to expect each month of the year.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Seasonal Planning Guide
Complete weather data, packing lists by season, and event calendars.
Seasonal Breakdown
Detailed information for each season.
🌸 Spring
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
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
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
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.
What to Pack
Seasonal packing recommendations.
Year-Round Essentials
- Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Light scarf or shawl (for religious sites)
- Reusable water bottle
- Power adapter
- Basic first aid kit
Hot Weather Additions
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics
- Extra sun protection
- Cooling towel
- Light colors to reflect heat
- Sandals with back straps
Cool Weather Additions
- Warm layers (fleece, sweater)
- Light jacket or coat
- Rain gear (umbrella, waterproof jacket)
- Closed-toe shoes
- Warm accessories (if winter)
Events & Crowd Levels
Plan around busy periods and special events.
🔴 High Season
July-August, Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), Golden Week (Oct 1-7), Labor Day (May 1-5)
Higher prices, advance booking essential, crowded attractions.
🟡 Shoulder Season
April-May, September-October (outside Golden Week)
Good balance of weather and crowds. Reasonable prices.
🟢 Low Season
November-March (except Chinese New Year)
Best deals, fewer tourists. Some services may be limited.
Major Events & Holidays
The world's largest human migration; fireworks, lantern festivals, and family gatherings. City very crowded or quiet depending on district.
Gucun Park and Chenshan Botanical Garden host massive cherry blossom viewing events drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Asia's premier film festival held in June each year, screening international films at multiple venues citywide.
The beloved annual hairy crab season when restaurants citywide showcase the premium autumnal delicacy.
One of China's biggest marathons through the city streets, attracting 38,000 runners along a course passing major landmarks.
The world's largest shopping event on November 11; Nanjing Road and malls host special events and deals.
Plan Your Perfect Shanghai Trip
Get our complete seasonal guide with detailed packing lists, event calendars, and month-by-month planning tips.
Download Weather Guide