Climate and monthly weather forecastShanghai, China

The climate of Shanghai

Located on the central coast of China, Shanghai boasts a humid subtropical climate, also designated as Cfa in the Köppen climate classification. This entails that the city does not experience any specific dry season through the year.

Taking into consideration the array of climatological parameters provided for each month, the weather throughout the year in Shanghai presents a display of remarkable diversity. The city's temperatures span a wide range, with monthly average highs moving from 8.1°C (46.6°F) to 32.2°C (90°F), and low temperatures diverging between 2.1°C (35.8°F) on the cooler end and 25.8°C (78.4°F) at their warmest. Shanghai also grapples with substantial relative humidity levels, which remain fairly constant, fluctuating around the 70s percentile throughout the year.

Rainfall in Shanghai presents notable variation, accumulating anywhere from 44mm (1.73") to an ample 214mm (8.43") in a single month, across an average of 6.9 to 12.7 days of rain. The maximum rainfall occurs in summer, while winters are marked by the least amount. Sea temperatures vary in a more moderate fashion, ranging from a chilly 8°C (46.4°F) in winter to a warm 27°C (80.6°F) in the summer months. Daylight hours marginally increase towards summer, peaking at 14.2 hours in June before gradually reducing again, whereas sunshine hours magnify from 3.7 hours to 6.2 hours between winter and summer.

It's worth noting that UV levels can exceed the threshold of 10 in the city, reaching their pinnacle during summer, thus necessitating appropriate preventative measures.

The best time to visit Shanghai

Planning a visit to Shanghai requires astute timing to enjoy favorable weather. The best time to visit typically falls during the spring and autumn months. Spring, extending from March to May, offers moderate temperature ranges between 8.1°C (46.6°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F). The relative humidity sticks around 72-73%, and rainfall levels don't strike their peak yet, sitting between 74mm (2.91") and 94mm (3.7").

Autumn, spreading across September to November, equally presents agreeable conditions. Average high temperatures hang between 27.9°C (82.2°F) and 17.3°C (63.1°F), with corresponding lows of 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 10.6°C (51.1°F). Relative humidity stays within the comfortable 70s percentile, while rainfall drops off significantly, recording between 56mm (2.2") and 87mm (3.43").

These periods also offer reasonably long daylight hours, a range of 11.4 to 13.7 hours, and sufficient sunshine hours of 5.2 to 5.6 hours. However, visitors should still prepare for the possibility of encountering rain during these seasons.

The worst time to visit Shanghai

The worst times to visit Shanghai usually coincide with the summer and winter months. Summers are characterized by sweltering heat coupled with high precipitation, making it less than ideal for sightseeing. From June to August, high temperatures ascend to the uncomfortable 32.2°C (90°F) to 27.8°C (82°F) range, and low temperatures don't drop below an average of 21.7°C (71.1°F) to 25.8°C (78.4°F). Moreover, relative humidity hovers between 77 and 79%, which can intensify the sticky feeling of the heat.

Winter descends harshly upon the city between December and February, with high temperatures sinking to lows between 8.1°C (46.6°F) and 11.1°C (52°F), and low temperatures plummeting to 2.1°C (35.8°F) to 4.7°C (40.5°F). Despite having the least amount of rainfall, the cold can be biting, especially when combined with the high humidity levels, which averages around 71-74%.

Spring weather in Shanghai

Shanghai enjoys a mild and relatively dry spring season. March initiates with a chilly environment as high temperatures average at 13.8°C (56.8°F), and low temperatures descend to 6.9°C (44.4°F) on average. However, by May, temperatures significantly warm up, reaching high averages of 24.8°C (76.6°F) and low averages of 17.3°C (63.1°F). Concurrently, relative humidity remains fairly constant at around 72-73%.

Summer weather in Shanghai

Summers in Shanghai, also known as the monsoon season, can be especially volatile with high temperatures, humidity, and precipitation. The average high temperature soars to a scorching 32.2°C (90°F) in July, and the low averages hover around 25.8°C (78.4°F). During this time, the city also grapples with its highest recorded rainfall, reaching a peak of 214mm (8.43") in August.

Autumn weather in Shanghai

As summer fades, autumn introduces a pleasant coolness to the city. September maintains a warm atmosphere with high temperatures averaging at 27.9°C (82.2°F) and lows at 22.4°C (72.3°F). By November, the temperatures fall to a comfortable average high of 17.3°C (63.1°F) and low temperatures average at 10.6°C (51.1°F).

Winter weather in Shanghai

Winter in Shanghai arrives in full force, bringing along biting cold winds and a sizeable decrease in temperatures. High temperatures hover around 11.1°C (52°F) in December, falling further to 8.1°C (46.6°F) in January. Low temperatures can reach chilling averages of 4.7°C (40.5°F). Despite the frosty conditions, winter receives the least amount of precipitation, with rainfall during December registering at a low 44mm (1.73").

Weather in January

The month of January in Shanghai, China is characterized by chilly temperatures and frequent rainfall making it one of the less advisable months to visit the city. With average high only reaching 8.1°C (46.6°F), the city often experiences the coldest temperature during this month. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Come February, Shanghai experiences slightly warmer temperatures as the spring season looms. February is one of the drier periods in Shanghai, experiencing significantly less rainfall than January, with a total of 59mm (2.32"). Weather in February »

Weather in March

As winter fades and spring truly sets in during March, the weather becomes significantly warmer in Shanghai. However, the month is characterized by the highest rainfall of the year, with a significant 94mm (3.7") of precipitation. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Shanghai embraces spring in earnest during April, with pleasant temperatures that are neither too cold nor too hot. Rainfall decreases compared to March, with 74mm (2.91") falling over 11 days. As average sea temperatures begin to rise, waterfront activities start gaining popularity amongst locals and tourists. Weather in April »

Weather in May

In May, Shanghai plunges into the full bloom of spring embracing the warmer temperatures. Although rainfall increases to 85mm (3.35"), the city still benefits from increased sunshine hours. The relative humidity remains constant, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated. Weather in May »

Weather in June

The onset of summer is heralded by the warm weather of June in Shanghai. The wettest month of the year arrives as June sees rainfall peaking at 182mm (7.17"). Despite having the highest level of humidity at 79%, June undertakes numerous outdoor events and festivals. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July brings the highest temperatures in Shanghai, with an average maximum temperature of soaring 32.2°C (90°F). Yet, the city faces 146mm (5.75") of rainfall over 11 days. The extended daylight hours combined with the highest UV index of the year, make it necessary to take precautions against sunburn. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August maintains the hot temperature from July but brings with it the highest recorded rainfall of 214mm (8.43"). The city experiences the longest hours of daylight, making it perfect for sightseeing. Despite the rain, Shanghai in August is a vibrant place, filled with color and life. Weather in August »

Weather in September

As summer turns into autumn, September sees a slight decrease in the temperature levels. Although having a high amount of rainfall at 87mm (3.43"), the sea temperature remains warm, making beach outings possible. The UV index begins to decrease, making it safer for tourists to explore the city. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October ushers in the beautiful fall season in Shanghai with cooler temperatures and the city adorned in autumn leaves. With the lowest rainfall level of the year at 56mm (2.2"), the city enjoys mostly dry and sunny days. The decrease in humidity levels makes it comfortable to walk and explore the city. Weather in October »

Weather in November

Shanghai wraps up in the chilly winds of November, signaling the approach of winter. Rainfall during November stays quite low at 52mm (2.05"). With decreasing daylight hours and increasing humidity levels, the city transitions to a quieter atmosphere. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Shanghai encompasses the chilly and quiet ambiance that winter brings. Lower temperatures, reaching a low of 4.7°C (40.5°F), and lower rainfall levels at 44mm (1.73"), give the city a quiet charm. Despite shorter daylight hours, the festive spirit keeps the city lively and vibrant. Weather in December »