Best Time to Visit Shanghai: Seasonal Guide (2026)
When to visit Shanghai? Spring and autumn offer ideal weather. Complete guide to seasons, weather, events, and tips for planning your trip.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai: The Short Answer
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit Shanghai. During these months, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures (15-25°C), clear skies, and comfortable conditions for exploring The Bund, walking the French Concession, and visiting outdoor attractions.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026
| Season | Temp Range | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 11-21°C | Mild, occasional rain | Medium | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Summer | 25-35°C+ | Hot, humid, rainy | Very High | Peak | ⭐⭐ |
| Autumn | 15-25°C | Perfect, clear | Medium-High | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Winter | 2-10°C | Cold, damp | Low | Budget | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Spring (March - May) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spring in Shanghai is magical. Cherry blossoms bloom in parks, temperatures rise to comfortable levels, and the city shakes off winter’s gray.
| Month | Temperature | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| March | 8-14°C | Warming up, occasional cold snaps |
| April | 13-20°C | Best month - flowers blooming, pleasant weather |
| May | 18-25°C | Warm, occasional rain, pre-summer |
Pros:
- Perfect weather for walking tours
- Cherry blossoms and spring flowers
- Fewer crowds than summer
- Photos at The Bund with clear skies
Cons:
- Occasional drizzles (pack an umbrella)
- Weather can be unpredictable
- May gets warm toward month end
💡 Pro Tip: April is the sweet spot—warm enough for comfort, cool enough to walk all day, and before the summer crowds arrive.
Summer (June - August) ⭐⭐
Summer is Shanghai’s most challenging season for tourists. It’s hot, humid, and crowded. If you can avoid it, do.
| Month | Temperature | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| June | 22-28°C | Plum rain season - continuous drizzle |
| July | 27-35°C | Hottest month, humid, exhausting |
| August | 27-34°C | Hot, typhoon risk late month |
The “Plum Rain” Problem: June and early July bring the infamous 梅雨 (méiyǔ) season—weeks of continuous drizzle and humidity that makes everything feel sticky. Outdoor sightseeing becomes unpleasant.
Typhoon Season: Late August through mid-September brings typhoon risk. Flights get cancelled, attractions close, and rain can be torrential.
Pros:
- School holiday activities
- Summer sales
- Long daylight hours
Cons:
- Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F)
- Suffocating humidity
- Maximum crowds (Chinese domestic tourism peak)
- Highest prices
- Plum rain ruins outdoor plans
- Typhoon risk
⚠️ Warning: If you must visit in summer, stick to air-conditioned activities—museums, malls, and indoor attractions. Schedule outdoor time for early morning only.
Autumn (September - November) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Autumn is arguably Shanghai’s best season. The air clears, temperatures drop to comfortable levels, and the city’s plane trees turn golden.
| Month | Temperature | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| September | 22-28°C | Cooling down, still warm |
| October | 16-23°C | Perfect weather (avoid Golden Week) |
| November | 10-17°C | Cool, clear, ideal for walking |
What Makes Autumn Special:
- Clear skies: Best visibility for Bund night photography
- Osmanthus season: The city smells incredible (sweet, fragrant flowers)
- Golden plane trees: The French Concession at its most photogenic
- Comfortable temperatures: Walk all day without overheating
The Golden Week Warning: October 1-7 is China’s National Day Golden Week—the country’s biggest domestic travel period. Shanghai gets overwhelmed:
- Hotel prices triple
- Attractions have 2-3 hour queues
- Restaurants are packed
- Everything is more expensive
💡 Pro Tip: Visit in late October or November to enjoy autumn weather without Golden Week madness.
Winter (December - February) ⭐⭐⭐
Winter is Shanghai’s off-season, and there’s a reason. It’s cold, damp, and gray. But for budget travelers willing to layer up, it offers the best deals.
| Month | Temperature | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| December | 4-10°C | Cold, occasional frost, low crowds |
| January | 2-8°C | Coldest month, damp cold |
| February | 3-9°C | Cold, Chinese New Year period |
The “Damp Cold” Reality: Shanghai’s winter feels colder than the thermometer suggests. The humidity makes cold penetrate through layers. Buildings often lack central heating, so indoor spaces can feel chilly.
Chinese New Year Consideration: Chinese New Year (late January or early February) transforms Shanghai:
- Many businesses close for 1-2 weeks
- Restaurants and attractions may have limited hours
- Some migrant workers return home, affecting services
- Festive atmosphere with decorations
- Domestic travel peaks around this period
Pros:
- Lowest prices of the year
- Shortest queues at attractions
- No crowds at The Bund
- Winter sales
- Festive CNY atmosphere (if timed right)
Cons:
- Cold and damp
- Gray, overcast skies
- Less pleasant for outdoor sightseeing
- Some outdoor attractions close earlier
- CNY closures can be inconvenient
💡 Budget Tip: Visit in early December or late February for the lowest prices and fewest crowds, avoiding both Christmas/New Year and Chinese New Year.
Major Events & Peak Periods
2026 Key Dates to Know
| Date | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 28-Feb 4 | Chinese New Year | Business closures, domestic travel peak |
| March 13-15 | F1 Chinese Grand Prix | High demand, book hotels early |
| May 1-5 | Labor Day Holiday | Domestic travel peak |
| Oct 1-7 | National Day Golden Week | Extreme crowds, highest prices |
| October | ATP Masters Shanghai | Sports fans influx |
| December 6 | Shanghai Marathon | Road closures downtown |
When to Book
| Booking Window | Price Impact |
|---|---|
| 3+ months ahead | Best prices |
| 1-2 months ahead | Normal prices |
| During Golden Week | Pay 2-3x normal |
| Day before | Often sold out |
Month-by-Month Summary
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold, damp | Low | Budget | ⭐⭐⭐ Good for budget |
| February | Cold, CNY | Medium | Moderate | ⭐⭐ CNY disruption |
| March | Warming | Medium | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great choice |
| April | Pleasant | Medium | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best month |
| May | Warm | High | High | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good before summer |
| June | Hot, rainy | High | High | ⭐⭐ Plum rain |
| July | Very hot | Very High | Peak | ⭐ Avoid |
| August | Very hot | Very High | Peak | ⭐ Avoid |
| September | Cooling | Medium | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| October | Perfect | Very High | Peak | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Avoid Oct 1-7 |
| November | Cool | Medium | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| December | Cold | Low | Budget | ⭐⭐⭐ Budget-friendly |
Best Time by Activity
| Activity | Best Months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bund photography | Oct-Nov | Clearest skies, best visibility |
| French Concession walks | Apr, Oct-Nov | Pleasant walking weather |
| Shanghai Disneyland | Apr-May, Sep-Nov | Not too hot, shorter lines |
| Night river cruises | Year-round | Always good, dress for weather |
| Observation decks | Oct-Nov | Best visibility |
| Shopping | Dec-Feb | Winter sales |
| Budget travel | Dec, Jan, Feb (non-CNY) | Lowest prices |
What to Pack by Season
Spring (March-May)
- Light layers
- Rain jacket or umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses
Summer (June-August)
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Umbrella (essential)
- Sunscreen
- Portable fan
- Extra shirt for changes
Autumn (September-November)
- Light jacket
- Layers for temperature changes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera (best photo season)
Winter (December-February)
- Warm layers
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm shoes
- Scarf, gloves, hat
- Indoor heating is limited—dress warm
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the absolute best month to visit Shanghai?
April offers the best combination: pleasant temperatures (15-20°C), blooming flowers, manageable crowds, and no major holiday peaks.
Should I visit during Chinese New Year?
Only if you want to experience the festival atmosphere. Otherwise, avoid it—many businesses close, and the few weeks before/after see travel surges.
Is summer really that bad?
Yes. July and August regularly hit 35°C+ with oppressive humidity. Unless you’re there specifically for Shanghai Disneyland (indoor rides help), summer is the worst time for sightseeing.
What if I can only travel during Golden Week?
Book everything 3+ months in advance, expect to pay premium prices, and prepare for crowds. Consider alternative destinations if flexibility exists.
Does Shanghai get typhoons?
Late August through mid-September has typhoon risk. Flights may be cancelled and outdoor activities suspended. Check forecasts before traveling.
Related Guides
- 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Guide - Entry requirements
- China Entry Procedures - Airport arrival process
- 48-Hour Shanghai Itinerary - Weekend trip planning
- Shanghai Metro Guide - Getting around
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Weather patterns can vary—check forecasts closer to your travel dates.
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