Experience Shanghai's enchanting subtropical monsoon climate, with temperatures ranging from 13°C (55°F) in winter to a balmy 28°C (82°F) in summer. The city receives an average of 150 rainy days annually, creating lush landscapes perfect for strolling through the vibrant Yu Garden. Visit during spring or autumn for milder temperatures and lower humidity levels, ensuring a comfortable exploration of Shanghai's rich culture and history.
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Shanghai Climate & Weather Averages
What is the weather really like in Shanghai? Over 2015–2024, August was the hottest month with highs around 32°C, January the coolest at about 9°C, and June brought the most rain. The full month-by-month picture is in the table below.
Shanghai enjoys a temperate climate without harsh extremes: summers are pleasant (32°C average highs in August), winters cool but manageable (9°C in January), and rain is a year-round companion that peaks in June. Snow does visit — about 3 days a year — but rarely settles in for long.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Sunshine (h/day) | Wind (km/h) | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9° | 2° | 68 mm | 5.8 | 18 | 1 |
| Feb | 11° | 3° | 70 mm | 5.9 | 19 | 1 |
| Mar | 16° | 7° | 81 mm | 7 | 20 | — |
| Apr | 20° | 11° | 103 mm | 7.6 | 20 | — |
| May | 25° | 16° | 134 mm | 7.9 | 19 | — |
| Jun | 28° | 21° | 269 mm | 6.7 | 17 | — |
| Jul | 32° | 25° | 228 mm | 9 | 19 | — |
| Aug | 32° | 26° | 145 mm | 10.1 | 18 | — |
| Sep | 28° | 22° | 177 mm | 7.9 | 18 | — |
| Oct | 23° | 16° | 79 mm | 7 | 18 | — |
| Nov | 18° | 11° | 79 mm | 6.1 | 18 | — |
| Dec | 11° | 3° | 45 mm | 6.4 | 17 | 1 |
A warming climate: Shanghai's warmest month (August) has warmed from an average high of 30°C in the 1950s to 32°C today — a shift of +1.8°C over roughly seventy years.
Sunshine is most generous in August, averaging about 10.1 hours a day, and thinnest in January at roughly 5.8 hours. The breeziest stretch of the year comes around April, when daily winds typically peak near 20 km/h.
Best time to visit: April–October offers the most comfortable conditions, with daytime highs around 23°C. Light, breathable layers plus a light waterproof cover most days here. For the coldest spell around January, bring warmer layers.
Shanghai weather — frequently asked questions
What is the rainiest month in Shanghai?
June is on average the wettest month in Shanghai, with about 269 mm of rainfall. The driest month is typically December, at around 45 mm.
Does it snow in Shanghai?
Yes. Shanghai averages about 3 days with snowfall per year, falling mostly between January and February.
How hot does Shanghai get in summer?
August is the hottest month, with daytime highs averaging 32°C — individual days run hotter still. Nights in August typically stay around 26°C.
What is the sunniest month in Shanghai?
August, with roughly 10.1 hours of sunshine a day on average over 2015–2024. The dimmest month is January, at about 5.8 hours.
When is the best time to visit Shanghai?
Weather-wise, April–October is the sweet spot in Shanghai: average daytime highs around 23°C with less rain than the June peak. Data from 2015–2024.
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive. Averages computed from daily records.