Shanghai Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Shanghai.
Climate overview of Shanghai
Shanghai Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Shanghai — and find the best time to visit.
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)
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
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.
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Shanghai
What is the best time to visit Shanghai?
October typically offers the most optimal weather in Shanghai. In contrast, January, June and July tend to have less optimal conditions.
What temperatures can I expect in Shanghai?
Daytime highs range from 9°C (48°F) in January to 33°C (91°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from 3°C (37°F) to 26°C (79°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Shanghai get?
Annual rainfall is around 1347 mm (53 in). June is the wettest month with 279 mm (11 in), while December is the driest with 46 mm (1.8 in).
How sunny is Shanghai?
Shanghai receives around 1,772 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 191 hours, while January is the cloudiest with just 112 hours.
Shanghai 3-Day Forecast
Shanghai 3-Day Forecast
Shanghai on the map
Shanghai is highlighted — select any city to see its climate.
Popular this month
Where to go in July — average daytime high across popular destinations.
Hangzhou
35°C (95°F) Xi'an
34°C (93°F) Guangzhou34°C (93°F) Beijing34°C (93°F) Shanghai33°C (91°F) Shenzhen32°C (90°F) Chengdu32°C (90°F) Qingdao28°C (82°F) 
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
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Go to China's Zhangjiajie National Park with the highest, the fastest, largest-loaded outdoor elevator in the world
You won't find this unique landscape anywhere else in the world. Thousands of floating mountains overgrown with trees at the top dominate this fairy tale landscape.
Go to Xinjiang in China
In Xinjiang you get to see a mix of East and Central Asia. An experience that you might want to add to your bucket list. You can travel through the province as if you are following an ancient silk route.
Mount Kailash
The best time for a Kailash tour/trekking is from mid-May to mid-October when the temperature is most pleasant. It is warm, dry and sunny in that period.