Shanghai Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
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).
Monthly Temperature in Shanghai
In Shanghai, temperatures differ significantly between summer and winter months. On average, daytime temperatures range from a very warm 33°C (91°F) in July to a chilly 9°C (48°F) in January.
Nighttime temperatures range from 26°C (79°F) in July to 3°C (37°F) in January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Shanghai
Shanghai experiences significant rain/snowfall throughout the year, averaging 1347 mm (53 in) 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 (11 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 15 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, December, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 46 mm (1.8 in) 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
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Shanghai
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
Water Temperature in Shanghai
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 8°C (46°F) in February to 27°C (81°F) in August.
Water temperature over the year
Humidity in Shanghai by Month
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%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Shanghai
The mean wind speed over the year ranges from 2 m/s (4 knots) in September, October, November and December to 3 m/s (6 knots) in January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Shanghai 3-Day Forecast
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
The best time to visit Shanghai is during April, May, September, October and November, when the weather provides comfortable temperatures between 18°C (65°F) and 28°C (83°F). With rainfall of 59 mm (2.3 in) to 126 mm (5 in), you can expect pleasant weather during your visit in these months.Be prepared for heavier rainfall during June, July and August, the wettest period of the year. Need help choosing your next travel destination? We offer a specialized tool that matches you with locations based on your weather preferences. Explore destinations that suit your climate preferences.
