Shanghai Weather

The city of Shanghai is known for its long, hot and humid summer climate, which can be described as subtropical and feels a little uncomfortable and oppressive at times. The summer weather in Shanghai features plenty of sunshine and as a result, temperatures are regularly above 30°C / 86°F, particularly in July and August, the city’s two hottest months, when they have been known to exceed 40°C / 104°F.Whilst Shanghai is by no means as wet as some other prominent cities in China, but rainy periods can occur during the summer at times, with average precipitation levels of around 150 mm / 5.9 inches between June and August. This weather is heavily influenced by the monsoon and Shanghai’s coastal position, next to the East China Sea.

SEASONAL CLIMATE VARIATIONS / WHEN TO GO

During the summer months in Shanghai, the evenings are especially pleasant and balmy, despite being up to 10°C / 50°F cooler than those during the daytime. Dropping slightly in September, by the time October arrives, Shanghai’s climate is feeling decidedly autumnal, when occasional typhoons are not too out of the ordinary.

Temperatures fall more sharply in November and December, when they average around 10°C / 50°F by day and just 4°C / 39°F by night. January and February are the coldest months in Shanghai and many nights experience sharp frosty weather, with only the occasional snow flurries some years. Climate extremes have been known during the winter months, when temperatures of -10°C / 14°F have been recorded, although this is by no means the norm.

In general, March marks the start of spring, while summer begins in the month of June, autumn during September and winter at the beginning of December, or slightly earlier. Shanghai’s seasonal climate is quite distinct and the changes in weather and temperature are easy to spot.

Summer is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Shanghai, and although the weather is hot, tourists are not put off by these high temperatures and simply dress accordingly. However, if this often uncomfortable climate is not really your thing, both spring and autumn and especially pleasant times to visit this exciting city.

SHANGHAI WEATHER AND CLIMATE CHART