When Is the Best Time to Visit Shanghai 2025?

When planning a trip to Shanghai, one of the first questions you may ask is: when is the best time to visit and what are the top things to do? Shanghai, with its unique blend of modernity and tradition, offers something special every season. However, the most ideal times to visit are typically from spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild temperatures, beautiful cityscapes, and vibrant cultural events.

Of course, your choice of travel time may depend on your preferences for weather, local festivals, and activities. Each season in Shanghai brings its own charm and opportunities for exploration. In this guide, we'll take you through the key highlights of Shanghai's weather throughout the year and introduce the festivals and experiences that await you in each season, helping you plan your perfect visit.

Weather & Average Temperature in Shanghai

A good day in Shanghai

As a southern city, Shanghai's plants remain green throughout all four seasons, but the different temperatures can still affect your experience, so it's wise to know about the weather before planning your tour.

• Spring: Spring in Shanghai is clement, with temperatures gradually rising up from March to May, averaging between 9°C and 18°C. However, the weather can be a bit unpredictable, with occasional rain and cloudy days in early spring. There will be drier days with clearer skies in April and May.
• Summer: Summers are the hottest time in Shanghai. June is not too hot, as the rainy season tempers the rising temperatures. By July and August, the rain lessens, marking the hottest time of the year, with daytime temperatures even exceeding 35°C.
• Autumn: Autumn is also a great season to visit Shanghai. At this time, the weather is mild, with cooler temperatures around 20℃ and lower humidity. In September, you can still feel the lingering warmth of the summer, but the weather in October and November is quite different. It starts to cool down, but there are often crisp days with plenty of sunshine.
• Winter: Winter in Shanghai is cold and windy, with little frost or snow. January is the coldest month, and temperatures might feel chillier due to the occasional rainy or snowy days. Clear and sunny days are still common, making the city's skyline stand out against crisp winter air. Though the weather is cold in winter, the temperature is still above zero.

Shanghai Average Temperatures by Month:

Best time to Visit Shanghai

March to May

Yu Garden in Spring

Spring in Shanghai spans from March to May. It's one of the best times to visit Shanghai. Temperatures in spring gradually warm up from around 10°C (50°F) in March to 25°C (77°F) in May, offering comfortable weather for outdoor activities.

Early spring brings occasional light rain. But showers are generally short and brief. With the nourishment of rain and pleasant temperatures, spring in Shanghai is filled with vibrant blossoms. Cherry blossoms bloom in Gucun Park, magnolias in People's Square, and tulips in the Shanghai Botanical Garden, bringing new life to the entire city.

Travel Tips:

Apart from doing sightseeing, don't miss Qingtuan, a seasonal snack in Shanghai. This snack is green, made from glutinous rice mixed with mugwort or barley grass juice. The filling can be sweet or savory, with red bean paste being the most classic choice.

There's a major holiday in May, Labor Day, celebrated on May 1st to 5th. Traditionally, it's a five-day holiday, so there will be lots of domestic tourists. If you're traveling during this period, we recommend planning and booking early to secure your arrangements.

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September to November

The skyscrapers and clear blue sky

In this period, the temperature in Shanghai has started to drop. As the month progresses, the weather turns mild, with clear skies, low humidity, and little rainfall.

Autumn begins with balmy days in September, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), and gradually cools down to 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) by November. During this time, there are many sunny days with weaker UV intensity, making it a perfect season for outdoor activities.

The city's parks and tree-lined streets burst into shades of gold and orange. You can find golden foliage in Century Park, Fuxing Park, and the French Concession. The fallen leaves also carpet the pathways and create a tranquil autumnal view.

Travel Tips:

Compared with the other three seasons, the humidity in autumn is relatively lower, bringing dry and crisp days. Thus, consider bringing a moisturizer if you plan to visit Shanghai during this time. Applying it a few times a day can help you better adapt to the weather.

If you're a seafood lover, you will love autumn in Shanghai. Autumn is the best time to enjoy hairy crabs, a delicacy in Shanghai and the surrounding Jiangnan area. This is when the crabs are at their plumpest, with rich roe and creamy, flavorful meat, making them highly prized. However, try to avoid the National Holiday, celebrated annually from October 1st to 7th. Because there will be many domestic tourists visiting Shanghai during this long holiday.

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Second Best Time: June to August

Shanghai City View

In summer, from June to August, temperatures in Shanghai continue to rise higher, and the city is immersed in a lush sea of vegetation. June experiences frequent rainfall, keeping it relatively cooler compared to July and August. Additionally, there are fewer tourists visiting in June, making it less crowded than the peak summer holiday season. July and August are the hottest months, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). Nights remain warm, typically around 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F). The humidity is high, making it feel hotter than the actual temperature.

Shanghai's parks are at their best in the summer. Trees are dense with rich green leaves, especially in gardens like the Yu Garden, Century Park, and Shanghai Botanical Garden. Water lilies and lotus flowers are in full bloom, adding lively colors to ponds and lakes. Nearby water towns such as Zhujiajiao or Tongli offer a tranquil escape from the summer heat. Consider taking a boat ride or simply walking along the canals, which is refreshing.

Travel Tips:

If you visit Shanghai in June, you might get a chance to experience the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (usually in early to mid-June).

July and August are the peak seasons in Shanghai. During the summer holidays, many tourists take the opportunity to travel with their children, making the city's popular attractions quite bustling. Some attractions, such as museums and the planetarium, may have daily visitor limits and require reservations several days in advance.

However, popular spots like Yu Garden and the Oriental Pearl Tower allow entry with a ticket on the same day, but they can get very crowded. If you plan your Shanghai tour with us, we can help adjust your itinerary to avoid peak crowds and provide a private car service, saving you the hassle of waiting for a taxi.

Also, keep in mind to take sun protection measures, as the sunlight is quite strong during the summer. It's recommended to carry a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated.

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Low Season in Shanghai: December to February

Spring Festival decorations in Yu Garden

Winter in Shanghai is off-season for tourism. There will be fewer crowds since the weather is generally warm and damp. Daytime temperatures usually range from 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 3°C to 5°C (37°F to 41°F). There will be occasional light rain and drizzle in winter. So, it's wise to pack waterproof coats and shoes.

Although it's quite cold, the festive atmosphere in Shanghai during winter makes up for it. As an international metropolis, Shanghai also celebrates Christmas, and you can see plenty of Christmas decorations on the streets with Christmas music playing in the background.

By January, the city is adorned with traditional decorations like paper cuttings, couplets, and red lanterns, and you can experience local customs at temple fairs and cultural events. This is for celebrating the Spring Festival, the most important traditional holiday in China, which usually falls in late January or early February. People celebrate it for family union and welcoming good fortune for the next year.

Plan Your Shanghai Tour With Us

No matter when you plan to travel, feel free to reach out to our experts to help you plan your perfect trip to Shanghai. Our experts have extensive travel planning experience and have received exceptional reviews from countless guests.

You can contact us directly or email us at trip@odynovotours.com. Our experts are available around the clock and are always ready to assist you.