China

Best Time to Visit
Shanghai

Visit in May — score 73/100 · avg high 77°F · 13 rainy days

What matters most for your trip to Shanghai?

See how the best month changes based on your travel style

Opens the interactive planner with Shanghai pre-loaded

Monthly Travel Scores

How we score

January

49°/35°F
8 rain days
10.2h daylight
High crowds
Average

February

51°/37°F
11 rain days
10.9h daylight
High crowds
Average

March

60°/45°F
12 rain days
11.8h daylight
High crowds
Above avg

April

70°/53°F
11 rain days
12.8h daylight
High crowds
Average

May

#1
77°/62°F
13 rain days
13.6h daylight
Moderate crowds
Below avg

June

82°/70°F
18 rain days
14.0h daylight
Moderate crowds
Below avg

July

90°/78°F
19 rain days
13.8h daylight
Moderate crowds
Below avg

August

91°/79°F
16 rain days
13.1h daylight
Moderate crowds
Below avg

September

#3
83°/72°F
16 rain days
12.2h daylight
Moderate crowds
Below avg

October

#2
73°/62°F
9 rain days
11.2h daylight
Moderate crowds
Average

November

64°/51°F
9 rain days
10.4h daylight
Moderate crowds
Average

December

52°/38°F
7 rain days
10.0h daylight
High crowds
Above avg

Monthly Weather Data

MonthScoreAvg °FHigh °FLow °FRain DaysPrecip (mm)DaylightCrowdsCost
January3242°49°35°86210.2hHighAverage
February3143°51°37°116610.9hHighAverage
March4052°60°45°127911.8hHighAbove avg
April6161°70°53°1110112.8hHighAverage
May7369°77°62°1312413.6hModerateBelow avg
June6476°82°70°1824214.0hModerateBelow avg
July5483°90°78°1921313.8hModerateBelow avg
August6184°91°79°1612013.1hModerateBelow avg
September6477°83°72°1618412.2hModerateBelow avg
October7367°73°62°97511.2hModerateAverage
November5657°64°51°96910.4hModerateAverage
December3645°52°38°73810.0hHighAbove avg

Seasonal Breakdown

Spring

Score
58/100
High
69°F
Low
53°F
Rain days
12/mo
Crowds
high

Spring in Shanghai (March, April, May) brings average highs of 69°F and lows of 53°F, with about 12 rainy days per month. Expect high tourist crowds and average accommodation rates. The overall travel score averages 58/100, with May being the strongest month of the season at 73/100.

Summer

Score
60/100
High
88°F
Low
76°F
Rain days
18/mo
Crowds
moderate

Summer in Shanghai (June, July, August) brings average highs of 88°F and lows of 76°F, with about 18 rainy days per month. Expect moderate tourist crowds and budget-friendly accommodation rates. The overall travel score averages 60/100, with June being the strongest month of the season at 64/100.

Fall

Score
64/100
High
73°F
Low
61°F
Rain days
12/mo
Crowds
moderate

Fall in Shanghai (September, October, November) brings average highs of 73°F and lows of 61°F, with about 12 rainy days per month. Expect moderate tourist crowds and average accommodation rates. The overall travel score averages 64/100, with October being the strongest month of the season at 73/100.

Winter

Score
33/100
High
51°F
Low
37°F
Rain days
9/mo
Crowds
high

Winter in Shanghai (December, January, February) brings average highs of 51°F and lows of 37°F, with about 9 rainy days per month. Expect high tourist crowds and above average accommodation rates. The overall travel score averages 33/100, with December being the strongest month of the season at 36/100.

Crowd and cost data estimated from regional travel patterns for this destination.

Book Your Trip to Shanghai

We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit Shanghai?
The best month to visit Shanghai is May, with an overall travel score of 73/100. Expect average highs of 77°F, about 13 rainy days, and moderate tourist crowds.
Is Shanghai expensive in summer?
Summer prices in Shanghai are relatively moderate, averaging 77% of the annual rate. The most affordable month is September.
What is the weather like in Shanghai in December?
December in Shanghai has average highs of 52°F and lows of 38°F, with approximately 7 rainy days and 10.0 hours of daylight. The overall travel score for December is 36/100.
When is the cheapest time to visit Shanghai?
The most affordable time to visit Shanghai is September, when accommodation prices are at their lowest. Tourist crowds are moderate in September, making it a good option if you prefer fewer tourists. The least favorable month overall is February (score: 31/100).

Fine-Tune Your Shanghai Trip

Want more control? Adjust the exact weight of every factor — temperature comfort, dry weather, daylight hours, crowd levels, and cost — with interactive sliders and see scores update in real time.

Open Full Planner

Similar Destinations