Shanghai Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Shanghai, Shanghai Area, China. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.
Shanghai experiences significant rain/snowfall throughout the year, averaging 1347 mm (53 in) of precipitation annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The climate in Shanghai shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 279 mm (11 in) of precipitation during the wettest month June, distributed over 15 rainy days.
In contrast, December offers drier and sunnier days, with around 46 mm (1.8 in) of rainfall over 10 rainy days.
June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 28°C (82°F). The city receives 131 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month December you can expect a temperature of 12°C (54°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Shanghai Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in June
Explore Shanghai's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Shanghai spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in China: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across China. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Shanghai vs World: Rainfall Compared
Shanghai's average annual precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages 964 mm (38 in), with snowy winters and rainy summers.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.
Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Tropical Rainforests: In tropical regions, rainfall is generally abundant year-round. Areas near the equator, like the Amazon rainforest, can receive up to 3000 mm (118 in) of rain annually.
Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm (9.8 in) of rainfall annually. Rainfall tends to be infrequent, but when it does occur, it is often intense.
Temperate Zones: In temperate regions, precipitation tends to be more evenly distributed, though areas closer to the ocean may see more rain in the winter months, and areas further inland experience drier summers.
Polar Regions: Precipitation in polar regions, like Antarctica, is extremely low, often falling as snow. Average annual precipitation in Antarctica is less than 200 mm (7.9 in), with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm (2 in) annually.
- The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
- Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
- A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.
For more detailed information about Shanghai's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Shanghai Climate page.
