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Travel to Shanghai in Four Seasons
Visiting Shanghai in Spring (March to May)
Average Temperature: 6°C - 14°C (43°F - 57°F)
Clothes: Hoodies, thin sweaters, coats
Spring in Shanghai is short and colorful. It gets warm in late March and hot in late May. The abundance of gorgeous flowers and the lovely climate make it the most beautiful and comfortable season in Shanghai . The Shanghai weather in spring is warm and humid, with occasional drizzles.
Most of the time, the weather is sunny and perfect for outdoor activities like visiting Yu Garden or admiring the perfect night view of the Bund . Spring is also a great time to visit Shanghai Disneyland, in which time we can avoid the crowds and reduce the time spent waiting in line.
Visiting Shanghai in Summer (June to August)
Average Temperature: 23°C - 33°C (73°F - 91°F)
Clothes: Shirts, short sleeves, skirts
Summer in Shanghai is long, moist, and rainy. The Plum Rain season, also known as Meiyu season (梅雨时节) is from June to July, which brings a lot of rainfall with truly high temperatures, making it feel muggy and sticky. August is the typhoon season, often accompanied by extreme weather conditions like typhoons and heavy rain, which can disrupt travel plans.
During the summer season, Shanghai Museum stands out as the premier destination to visit, accompanied by two other remarkable museums: The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center and The Shanghai History Museum. It is highly advisable to carry an umbrella, as it serves the dual purpose of protecting against rain and providing shade from the scorching sun during this time.
Visiting Shanghai in Autumn (September to November)
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 .
Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities during this time, such as taking a Huangpu River Ferry to admire the Bund and the skylines with towering skyscrapers or taking a Citywalk in the French Concession. Autumn is also a good time to shop on Nanjing Road.
Autumn is the perfect season to indulge in the delicious delicacy of Shanghai hairy crabs (大闸蟹), as their meat is particularly flavorful during this time.
When traveling to Shanghai in autumn, it is recommended to avoid the National Day holiday (also known as the "Golden Week") in early October. During this time, the popular tourist attractions will be overcrowded and the travel expenses will be much higher compared to other periods at other times.
Visiting Shanghai in Winter (December to February)
Average Temperature: 1°C - 12°C (34°F - 53°F)
Clothes: Down jackets, sweaters, overcoats
Winter in Shanghai is windy and cold with more rainfall compared to autumn. It is advisable to dress warmly and layer clothing to stay comfortable during outdoor activities.
Despite the cooler temperatures, winter in Shanghai has its own charm. The city is beautifully adorned with festive decorations, bringing a lively atmosphere and vibrant celebrations, especially during the holidays.
You can admire the amazing night of the Bund during the New Year’s Day and Christmas holidays from late December to early January. In addition, exploring the Yu Garden and the City God Temple during the Spring Festival can experience the Chinese traditional cultural atmosphere and indulge in Shanghai's traditional snacks and delicacies.
Shanghai Average Temperatures 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 |
The Best Time to Visit Shanghai
Generally, the best time to visit Shanghai is during the spring (April to May) and autumn/fall (September to October) seasons. During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, with amazing blue skies and cozy temperatures. It also offers fewer crowds and lower prices compared to the peak tourist season in summer. Here are some reasons why these months are the best time to visit Shanghai:
Why visit Shanghai in April and May?
(1) April and May are among the best months to visit Shanghai with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Spring blossoms are in full swing, creating a picturesque and colorful atmosphere throughout the city.
(2) April and May are outside of the peak tourist season, resulting in fewer crowds and shorter queues at popular tourist sites. You can enjoy a more relaxed and immersive experience, whether it's visiting iconic landmarks like the Bund or exploring the charming streets of the Former French Concession. You’d better avoid visiting Shanghai during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, Qingming Festival holiday, and May Day holiday.
Why Visit Shanghai in September and October?
(1) The weather during autumn is generally mild and pleasant, creating a comfortable environment for outdoor activities and exploration. You can plan a visit to Yu Garden or Shanghai Disneyland during the period, but remember to avoid the crowded National Day holiday (October 1-7).
(2) Shanghai's autumn is known for its stunning fall foliage. The city's parks and gardens transform into a colorful spectacle as the leaves change into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. It’s the perfect time of the year to take city walks in the French Concession.
(3) Autumn in Shanghai is a relatively less crowded season for tourism compared to the peak summer months. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful experience, whether you're visiting the Bund or strolling through the water towns.
Best Time to Visit Water Towns in and Around Shanghai
The best time to visit water towns in and around Shanghai is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. There are several water towns in and around Shanghai , such as Zhujiajiao Water Town, Zhouzhuang Water Town, and Xitang Water Town. White walls, gray tiles, and red lanterns are the iconic elements of traditional Chinese water town architecture. To have a delightful travel experience in the water towns, it is essential to have pleasant weather with clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures. It would be even better if there were fewer tourists, as this would reduce waiting times when taking boat rides on the lakes.
In spring, the water towns are adorned with blooming flowers and lush greenery. The temperature is comfortable, ranging from around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), although occasional rainfall is possible.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures, ranging from around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), making it ideal for wandering through the water towns' narrow streets and canals. The autumn foliage adds a touch of beauty to the already charming scenery in Shanghai .
It's important to note that water towns can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, so it's advisable to plan your visit on weekdays or arrive early in the day to avoid large crowds. Additionally, checking the weather forecast before your visit will help ensure a pleasant experience.
Peak Season in Shanghai: May to October
The peak season in Shanghai spans from May to October, coinciding with Chinese school summer vacation and a series of extended holidays. Despite the challenges posed by the rainy weather and high temperature, it remains a popular time for Chinese tourists to visit the city.
In the peak season, the higher ticket prices of scenic areas, transportation fees, and accommodation fares will accordingly increase your travel costs. What’s more, it will be more crowded to travel in some must-visit sights .
You’d better avoid visiting Shanghai during May Day, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the National Day Holiday. It is also important to book your accommodation and transportation in advance to avoid any inconvenience as much as possible. Taking an umbrella with you is a smart choice for planning a visit to Shanghai in these months.
Off-Season in Shanghai: December to February
The off-season to visit Shanghai is mainly in winter from December to February. As the cold weather is not very suitable for tourists to go sightseeing outdoors, there will be fewer people to travel in this period.
Generally, the flight tickets, accommodation expenses, and entrance tickets to scenic spots will be cut a lot. If you want a budget tour, touring in this season is undoubtedly a good choice.
If you plan to visit Shanghai in winter, it's necessary to pack warm clothing in case of windy and snowy days. Except for the short holidays in these months: Christmas Day, January 1, and the Chinese Spring Festival, the off-season is best for traveling on a budget.
Explore Shanghai with Local-based Asia Odyssey Travel
Headquartered in China with a local team based in Shanghai, Asia Odyssey Travel is dedicated to providing the best service and ensuring an authentic and unforgettable experience for those looking to explore Shanghai. Our local team offers a range of carefully designed tours, including classic Shanghai tours, Shanghai Day Trips, Shanghai Layover Tours, Museum Tour, Biking Tour, Walking Tour, Disneyland Tour, Water Town Tours, Shanghai Suzhou Tours, and Shanghai Hangzhou Tours to meet your needs and desires, ensuring a pleasant holiday during your Shanghai tour.
Furthermore, as Shanghai serves as an important gateway on China's eastern coast, Asia Odyssey Travel also presents a variety of inspiring ideas through our China tour packages from Shanghai. Our professional travel consultants are always ready to help you customize your Shanghai tour at the most favorable local prices. Contact us now to start planning your dream Shanghai trip!
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