Shanghai Weather and Climate: A Comprehensive Guide
Shanghai has a subtropical maritime monsoon climate. The city sees a lot of rain and has a characteristically hot and wet summer. Winter can be fairly cold with frequent frosts during the night. March until May are definitely the best months to visit. Rain is spread out evenly throughout the year with most rain falling in summer (June-September).
Average maximum day and minimum night temperature
In Shanghai, temperatures differ significantly between summer and winter months. On average, daytime temperatures range from a very warm 33°C in July to a chilly 9°C in January.
Nighttime temperatures can drop, with average lows reaching 3°C in January. Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.Temperature ranges by month
Precipitation and rainy days
Shanghai experiences significant rain/snowfall throughout the year, averaging 1347 mm of precipitation annually. The seasons in Shanghai, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, June, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 279 mm of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 15 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, December, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 46 mm over 10 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Shanghai Precipitation page.The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow
Sunshine over the year
In Shanghai, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 6.4 hours in July. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. January sees a soft sun for only 3.7 hours per average day. Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Average water temperature
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 8°C in February to 27°C in August.
Water temperature over the year
Average humidity
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Shanghai.
The city experiences its highest humidity in June, reaching 79%. In December, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 71%. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Average wind speed
The mean wind speed over the year ranges from 2 m/s in September, October, November and December to 3 m/s in January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August.
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
clear and no rain overcast and no rain partly cloudy and no rainForecast for Shanghai
The best time of year to visit Shanghai in China
During the months of April, May and October you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.Other facts from our historical weather data:
Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in June, July and August.
July has an average maximum temperature of 33°C and is the warmest month of the year.
The coldest month is January with an average maximum temperature of 9°C.
June tops the wettest month list with 279 mm of rainfall.
December is the driest month with 46 mm of precipitation.
July is the sunniest month with an average of 191 hours of sunshine.
No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.