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Best Time to Visit Shanghai for First Time
Planning your first time travel to Shanghai? For both city exploration and China travel from Shanghai, March to May, September to November are the best months to visit Shanghai.
If you’d like light wear, a brighter blue sky, and cozy weather for outdoor activities, go to Shanghai during autumn and spring. Trust me, you’ll enjoy an amazing Shanghai holiday.
| Attraction | Best Time | Why Visit Then? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Bund | Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr | Mild weather for walking; clear skies for photos | Avoid summer humidity & winter chill |
| Yu Garden | Mar-May, Sep-Nov | Spring blooms/autumn foliage enhance classical gardens | Crowded during holidays |
| Shanghai Disneyland | Apr-May, Sep-Oct | Comfortable temps (15-25°C); shorter queues | Summer has long lines & heat waves |
| Tianzifang | Sep-Nov | Cool weather ideal for alley exploration; art festivals | Rainy season (Jun-Jul) makes streets muddy |
| Zhujiajiao Water Town | Apr-May, Oct | Boat rides pleasant; fewer tourists | Summer is sweltering |
| French Concession | Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct | Perfect for cycling under plane trees; café terraces open | Winter lacks greenery |
| Shanghai Tower | Oct-Nov | Least smog for panoramic views | Summer haze obscures visibility |
Shanghai in Four Seasons with Activities & China Travel Options
| Season | Months | Weather | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March-May | Warm (10°C-25°C), occasional spring rain | ✅ Flowers bloom (cherry blossoms, magnolias), great for outdoor activities ❌ Rainy around Qingming Festival, large temperature swings |
| Autumn | September-November | Cool (15°C-28°C), dry with little rain | ✅ Best season! Clear blue skies, perfect for strolling the Bund ❌ Crowds during National Day (October 1) |
| Summer | June-August | Hot and humid (25°C-38°C), high humidity | ✅ Night markets, indoor activities abound ❌ Plum rain season (June-July) is damp, August is scorching |
| Winter | December-February | Chilly (0°C-10°C), occasional snow | ✅ Christmas/New Year lights, fewer tourists ❌ Damp cold, requires a down jacket |
Shanghai in Spring (March to May) - Best for Outdoor Fun
Average Temperature: 6°C - 14°C (43°F - 57°F)
Clothes: Hoodies, thin sweaters, coats
Spring in Shanghai is short, colorful, and one of the best times to visit. It gets warmer from late March and can feel hot by late May. Expect pleasant, humid days with occasional drizzles and plenty of sunshine.
Shanghai Attractions: Top 10 Places to Visit in Shanghai
Top Spring Activities:
- Stroll through blooming gardens like Yu Garden
- Admire spring nights along The Bund
- Visit Shanghai Disneyland,lighter crowds and shorter lines
Where to Go Next in China from Shanghai (Spring Picks):
✅ Hangzhou & Suzhou - Tea picking, blooming gardens, and ancient water towns
✅ Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) - Sea of clouds and springtime mountain hikes
✅ Guilin & Yangshuo - Lush karst landscapes, Li River cruises, countryside biking
✅ Luoyang - Witness blooming peonies and visit Longmen Grottoes
✅ Yunnan (Kunming, Dali, Lijiang) - Mild weather, flowers, and ethnic charm
Shanghai in Summer (June to August) - Night Fun & Indoor Fun
Average Temperature: 23°C - 33°C (73°F - 91°F)
Clothes: Shirts, short sleeves, skirts
Shanghai summers are hot, humid, and rainy. The Plum Rain (Meiyu) season hits in June-July with lots of showers, and August brings typhoons and extreme weather, which may disrupt outdoor plans. Always carry an umbrella for both rain and sun protection.
Top Summer Activities:
- Enjoy wonderful night view of the Bund and the skyline
- Sample various street food in Tianzifang or any other lively street during night
- Explore indoor gems like:Shanghai Museum, Urban Planning Exhibition Center, Shanghai History Museum
Where to Go Next in China from Shanghai (Summer Picks):
✅ Silk Road Spots (Xinjiang, Qinghai & Gansu) - Vast grasslands, colorful Danxia landscapes, cooler highlands
✅ Tibet - Best weather for exploring Lhasa, Everest Base Camp, or Namtso Lake
✅ Inner Mongolia - Sleep in a yurt, ride horses, and experience vast grasslands
✅ Guizhou - Lush waterfalls, ethnic villages, and dramatic karst scenery (caves, mountains, gorges)
✅ Zhangjiajie - Misty mountains, glass bridges, and Avatar-style peaks
Shanghai in Autumn (September to November) - Most Comfortable Time to Visit
Average Temperature: 15°C - 25°C (59°F - 77°F)
Clothes: windcoats, thin jackets, thin sweaters
Autumn in Shanghai is cool and mild with more sunshine and less rain. The pleasant weather and comfortable temperatures make it the best time to visit the Top 10 Shanghai Attractions.
Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1-7), expect huge crowds and higher prices.
15 Best Things to Do in Shanghai, Top, Unusual & Things to Do in Shanghai
Top Autumn Activities:
- Take a Huangpu River ferry ride to see the skyline
- Wander the streets of the French Concession(walk or bike)
- Go shopping along Nanjing Road
- Try the seasonal delicacy: Hairy crabs (大闸蟹)
Where to Go Next in China from Shanghai (Autumn Picks):
✅ Beijing - Best season for the Great Wall and historic sites
✅ Xi’an - Explore Terracotta Army and ancient city walls
✅ Jiuzhaigou - Colorful forests, alpine lakes, and waterfalls
✅ Longji Rice Terraces (Guilin) - Golden harvest views in late September/October
✅ Mount Emei & Leshan Giant Buddha (Sichuan) - Crisp air and spiritual sites
Shanghai in Winter (December to February) - Festive & Chilly
Average Temperature: 1°C - 12°C (34°F - 53°F)
Clothes: Down jackets, sweaters, overcoats
Winter in Shanghai is cold, damp, and windy, but the festive atmosphere makes up for the chill. Expect beautiful city lights and traditional holiday celebrations.
Top Winter Experiences:
- See The Bund lit up for New Year and Christmas
- Enjoy the festive atmosphere in Yu Garden during Spring Festival
- Taste warm snacks and Shanghai winter delicacies in the City God Temple area
Where to Go Next in China from Shanghai (Winter Picks):
✅ Harbin - Don’t miss the Ice & Snow Festival (Dec-Feb)
✅ Sanya (Hainan Island) - Tropical beaches and warm sunshine
✅ Chengdu - See pandas, sip tea, and eat spicy Sichuan food
✅ Xiamen - Coastal charm with a mild winter climate
Shanghai Temperature by Month
The average temperature in Shanghai varies greatly throughout the year, with the coldest month being January and the hottest month being August. Here are the average temperatures in Shanghai by month:
| Month | Average Temperature | Month | Average Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C to 9°C | July | 28°C to 35°C |
| February | 4°C to 11°C | August | 27°C to 34°C |
| March | 8°C to 16°C | September | 23°C to 29°C |
| April | 14°C to 22°C | October | 18°C to 24°C |
| May | 19°C to 27°C | November | 12°C to 18°C |
| June | 23°C to 30°C | December | 5°C to 11°C |
Peak Season in Shanghai: May to Early October
This is when Shanghai is at its busiest and most vibrant. The weather is warm, attractions are in full swing, and the city hosts various festivals. It’s a great time to explore—but expect more tourists, especially during weekends and holidays.
Tips for Traveling During Peak Season:
Avoid the major holidays:May Day (around May 1), Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept-Oct), and National Day Holiday (Oct 1-7)
Book accommodation and transport in advance to avoid inconvenience.
Pack an umbrella for both sun and rain protection.
Off-Season in Shanghai: December to January
Winter is quieter, colder, and more budget-friendly. While temperatures drop, festive lights, holiday markets, and Chinese New Year celebrations bring a special charm. Ideal for travelers who prefer fewer crowds and lower prices.
Tips for Winter Travel:
Pack warm clothes — Shanghai can be windy, damp, and occasionally snowy.
Worst Time to Visit Shanghai
#1. May Day Holiday (Labor Day Holiday): Around April 29 - May 5
It’s a peak travel time across China with packed attractions, crowded trains, and high hotel prices. Expect long lines at popular sites like The Bund, Yu Garden, and Disneyland
#2. National Day Golden Week: Around October 1 - 7
Millions of domestic tourists travel during this week. Flights, trains, and hotels are booked out far in advance. Overcrowding at major tourist spots makes sightseeing exhausting.
How to Explore Shanghai in 1-2 Days
1-Day Shanghai Itinerary
If you only have one day, focus on the highlights near The Bund. Visit the historic Yu Garden, explore the City God Temple, and walk along Nanjing Road for shopping and snacks.
Don’t miss the stunning skyline from The Bund. You can also take a Huangpu River ferry to the other side and head up a skyscraper for a bird’s-eye view of the city. The night views here are especially unforgettable.
Shanghai Itinerary 2025 | How to Spend 1,2,3,4,5 Days in Shanghai
2-Day Shanghai Itinerary
With two days, you can explore more beyond the city center. Add a visit to:
- Tianzifang - for street food, shops, and art
- French Concession - ideal for a relaxed walk or a bike ride
- Zhujiajiao Water Town - take a short trip for ancient bridges and boat rides
- Shanghai Disneyland - a fun option for families or theme park lovers
Two days are enough to see Shanghai’s best. After that, you can explore nearby gems like Hangzhou, Suzhou, or Huangshan, or continue your China journey from this dynamic city. Starting in Shanghai gives your China trip a powerful and exciting beginning.
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Useful Yangtze River Delta Travel Guide:
Hangzhou: West Lake, Things to Do in Hangzhou
Suzhou: Things to Do in Suzhou, Suzhou Gardens
Shanghai: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Itineraries, Things to Do in Shanghai,
Best Time to Visit Shanghai, How to Plan a Shanghai Tour
Yangtze Delta:
China Water Town, How to Plan a Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Tour
Tour Packeges:
Shanghai Tour, Hangzhou Tour, Suzhou Tour, Huangshan Tours,
Shanghai Day Trips, Shanghai Layover Tours, Museum Tour, Biking Tour, Shanghai Private Tours
Walking Tour, Disneyland Tour,China tour packages from Shanghai
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