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Best Time to Visit Shanghai

Shanghai is best visited in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable.

 

High Season in Shanghai

The high season in Shanghai is during the summer months of June to August, when the city experiences hot and humid weather.

black and blue wooden table
Freeman Zhou @ Unsplash

Shoulder Season in Shanghai

The shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Low Season in Shanghai

The low season in Shanghai is during the winter months of December to February, when the weather can be cold and there are fewer tourists.

 

Annual Average Temperature

* The chart above displays the average yearly 'feels like' temperature in Shanghai over the last 5 years.

Seasons

Shanghai in Spring

Spring in Shanghai brings mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms. It's a great time to explore parks and gardens.

Orient Pearl, Shanghai, China taken during daytime
Edward He @ Unsplash

Shanghai in Summer

Summer in Shanghai is hot and humid, with occasional rain showers. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions and experience local festivals.

Shanghai in Autumn

Autumn in Shanghai is pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear skies. It's an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Shanghai in Winter

Winter in Shanghai is cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. It's a quiet season with fewer tourists, but indoor attractions are still enjoyable.

Annual Average Precipitation

* The chart above shows the annual average precipitation for Shanghai for the past 5 years.

Month-By-Month

Shanghai in January

→ -1 to 5 °C (30 to 41 °F)

January in Shanghai is cold and mostly overcast. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions and experience Chinese New Year festivities.

Shanghai in February

→ 0 to 7 °C (32 to 45 °F)

February in Shanghai is still cold, but the weather begins to improve. It's a good time to explore museums and enjoy local cuisine.

aerial view of city buildings during night time
Zhou Xian @ Unsplash

Shanghai in March

→ 5 to 14 °C (42 to 56 °F)

March in Shanghai marks the beginning of spring, with mild temperatures. It's a great time to visit parks and enjoy outdoor activities.

Shanghai in April

→ 11 to 19 °C (51 to 67 °F)

April in Shanghai is mild and comfortable. It's the peak time for cherry blossoms and a great time for outdoor exploration.

Shanghai in May

→ 18 to 26 °C (64 to 79 °F)

May in Shanghai is warm and pleasant. It's a good time to visit gardens and enjoy outdoor festivals and events.

Shanghai in June

→ 24 to 31 °C (76 to 88 °F)

June in Shanghai is hot and humid, with occasional rain. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions and experience local cuisine.

Shanghai in July

→ 30 to 36 °C (86 to 97 °F)

July in Shanghai is hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms. It's a good time to explore indoor attractions and enjoy local summer activities.

aerial photography of city buildings
Road Trip with Raj @ Unsplash

Shanghai in August

→ 31 to 37 °C (87 to 98 °F)

August in Shanghai is hot and humid, with occasional typhoons. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions and experience local festivals.

Shanghai in September

→ 24 to 30 °C (75 to 86 °F)

September in Shanghai brings mild temperatures and clear skies. It's a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Shanghai in October

→ 16 to 22 °C (60 to 71 °F)

October in Shanghai is mild and comfortable. It's a great time to explore parks, gardens, and enjoy outdoor festivals.

Shanghai in November

→ 10 to 16 °C (49 to 61 °F)

November in Shanghai is cool and pleasant. It's a good time to visit attractions, experience local culture, and enjoy autumn scenery.

Shanghai in December

→ 0 to 7 °C (32 to 45 °F)

December in Shanghai is cold, but festive. It's a great time to visit Christmas markets, museums, and enjoy indoor activities.

Annual Average Humidity

* The chart above shows the annual average humidity percentage for Shanghai for the past 5 years.

Accommodation

Shanghai offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season.

grey concrete buildings
Kin Li @ Unsplash

Public Transportation

Shanghai has an extensive public transportation system, including metro, buses, and taxis. The metro is the most convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

Shanghai Airport

Shanghai has two main airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Both airports are well-connected to the city center by various modes of transportation.

Airport to City Center

From both airports, you can take the metro, airport shuttle buses, taxis, or private transfers to reach your destination in Shanghai.

Is Shanghai Safe?

Shanghai is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it's always advisable to take normal precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots.

According to the Global Peace Index, China ranks 80th among all countries in the world in 2023. China achieved a score of 2.01 out of 5, based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideal Time to Visit Shanghai

The best time to visit Shanghai is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable.

Best Shanghai Visit Length

A recommended duration to explore Shanghai is around 4 to 5 days, allowing enough time to visit the city's top attractions, experience the local culture, and try the delicious cuisine.

Must-See Attractions in Shanghai

Some of the must-see attractions in Shanghai include the iconic Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Zhujiajiao Water Town, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Shanghai Nightlife: What to Do

Shanghai is known for its vibrant nightlife. Some popular spots to visit at night include The Bund, Xintiandi, Nanjing Road, and the French Concession.

Getting Around Shanghai Efficiently

The best way to get around Shanghai is by using the city's efficient metro system. Taxis and buses are also convenient options for shorter distances or areas not covered by the metro.

Shanghai 3 day Itinerary

Day 1

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Bund and enjoy the stunning views of Shanghai's skyline. Then, explore the charming Yu Garden and nearby Chenghuangmiao Old Street. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Nanjing Road and experience the bustling atmosphere.

  1. The Bund
  2. Yu Garden
  3. Chenghuangmiao Old Street
  4. Nanjing Road
high-angle view of high rise buildings
Denys Nevozhai @ Unsplash

Day 2

Start your day by visiting the Shanghai Museum to learn about the city's history and culture. Then, head to the modern Shanghai Tower for breathtaking views. Explore the trendy Xintiandi district for shopping and dining. End your day with a cruise on the Huangpu River to see the cityscape from a different perspective.

  1. Shanghai Museum
  2. Shanghai Tower
  3. Xintiandi
  4. Huangpu River Cruise

Day 3

Take a day trip to the water town of Zhujiajiao and explore its ancient bridges, narrow canals, and traditional architecture. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic views of Shanghai. End your day by wandering around the trendy Tianzifang alley and discovering unique shops and art galleries.

  1. Zhujiajiao Water Town
  2. Oriental Pearl TV Tower
  3. Tianzifang