Shanghai Climate & Weather Averages

Climate Insights from Our Writers

“Shanghai taught me that 'shoulder season' is everything when planning a visit to this dynamic city. I arrived in early June thinking I'd found a safe window, only to land straight into the plum rain season — three weeks of 28°C and 95% humidity that made the city feel like a steam room. The data shows that Shanghai's climate is humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and cold, damp winters, but the transitions between seasons are the critical factor. The plum rain season, typically from mid-June to early July, brings consistent rainfall and oppressive humidity that makes it the most challenging period for visitors. The summer months of July and August are even hotter, with temperatures averaging 32°C and the added risk of typhoons that can bring flooding and disruption. The best time for a visit is April through May and October through November, when temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, the humidity is lower, and the skies are clearer. The autumn months are particularly special, with the city's famous Bund and French Concession neighborhoods bathed in golden light. The winter months are cold and damp, with January averaging 4°C and a humidity that makes the cold feel more penetrating than the temperature suggests. The city's status as a global financial hub means that the weather rarely disrupts business, but it significantly affects the tourist experience. For travelers, I recommend planning visits for the spring and autumn windows, when Shanghai's climate is most accommodating and the city's outdoor attractions — the Bund, Yu Garden, the French Concession — can be explored in comfort. The data is clear: avoid June through August unless you're prepared for extreme humidity, and embrace the shoulder seasons that offer the best balance of comfortable weather and manageable crowds.”

— Climate & Travel Writer