When is the best time to visit Shanghai?

The most comfortable stretch is April to May and October to November, when average highs run 65 to 77 degrees F with 7 to 11 rainy days a month. August is the hottest month at 91 degrees F on average, and January the coolest at 50 degrees F.

What is the rainiest month in Shanghai?

July, with roughly 19 days of rain. The driest is December, with about 5. Both are averages from 2019-2024 records.

How warm does it get in Shanghai?

July averages 89 degrees F by day and 78 degrees F at night, and January averages 50 degrees F and 35 degrees F. In the southern hemisphere those two are reversed.

How do I book tours, a hotel or an airport transfer in Shanghai?

Everything on this page books through our travel partners: top-rated tours and tickets, hotels, car rental, airport transfers, an eSIM and travel insurance. Voyaggora earns a commission on some bookings at no extra cost to you, and our AI concierge can put a day-by-day plan together first.

Shanghai: Best Time to Visit & Things to Do

Updated September 23, 2026. Prices and availability come live from the partners when you click; ratings are re-checked on the date shown in the note at the end of the page.

Top-rated tours in Shanghai

Shanghai: 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour★ 4.91,096 reviews→ Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Private Tour w/ Boat Ride & Garden★ 5.0658 reviews→ Up to 32% offShanghai Tower: Observation Deck Admission Ticket★ 4.5538 reviews→ Up to 10% offYu Garden, Old Street, Bund & Zhujiajiao Water Town Bus Tour★ 4.7524 reviews→

See all things to do in Shanghai → More tours on Viator →

Where to stay in Shanghai

Hotels and vacation rentals around Shanghai with live prices from the big booking sites. Pick your dates on the map to compare.

Hotel map by our partner Stay22. If you book through it we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Best time to visit Shanghai

The most comfortable months in Shanghai are April to May and October to November, with average daytime highs of 65 to 77°F and 7 to 11 rainy days a month. August is the hottest month, averaging 91°F, and January the coolest at 50°F. July sees the most rain, around 19 days, while December is the driest with about 5.

Jan50°35°8 d

Feb52°39°12 d

Mar61°46°12 d

Apr69°54°11 d

May77°62°11 d

Jun83°71°16 d

Jul89°78°19 d

Aug91°78°14 d

Sep83°71°14 d

Oct73°61°7 d

Nov65°51°7 d

Dec52°37°5 d

Average daily high / low and days with rain, from Open-Meteo ERA5 records for 2019-2024. Highlighted months are the pick above.

Plan the rest of your trip to Shanghai

🏨Hotels in ShanghaiCompare hotels and apartments through our partner RateHawk. 🎒Things to do in Shanghai on KlookActivities, attraction tickets and transport passes you can book on Klook. 🏮Local experiences on KKdayTours, tickets and day trips in Shanghai, from KKday. 🔥 Up to 30% off through Sept 30. 🐉China travel guideUp-to-date China guides with maps that work without a VPN, from DolphinUnion. Use code Voyaggora10 for 10% off. 🏮eSIM for ChinaMobile data built for staying online in China, from eSimShop. ✈️Flights to ShanghaiCompare airfares on Trip.com and search your route. 🛎️Hotels in Shanghai on Trip.comCompare hotels and homes in Shanghai for your dates. 🏩Hotels in Shanghai on ExpediaCompare hotel prices and reviews on Expedia for your dates. 🎡Things to do in Shanghai on ExpediaTours, tickets and activities you can book on Expedia. 🏡Vacation rentals in Shanghai on VrboWhole homes, villas and apartments with room for everyone. 🚖Airport transfer in ShanghaiPre-book a driver who meets you at arrivals, from Welcome Pickups. 🧭Transfer, taxi or rideshare?Our guide to choosing the best ride from the airport into Shanghai. 🙋Private local guideCustomizable private tours with vetted local guides from GoWithGuide. 📱eSIM data planGet mobile data before you land, with Airalo. 📶eSIM, roaming or local SIM?Our guide to staying connected on a short trip to Shanghai. 🛡️Travel insuranceCompare travel medical and cancellation cover with HelloSafe. ⏱️Flight delayed or cancelled?Check if you are owed compensation, with AirHelp. ✦Ask our AI conciergeTell us how many days you have and what you enjoy, and get a plan for Shanghai. 🏨Hotels in Shanghai on AgodaCompare hotel prices and reviews on Agoda, via our partner Stay22.🔎Compare hotels in Shanghai on KAYAKSearch and compare hundreds of hotel sites at once, via our partner Stay22.🛂Do you need a visa for Shanghai, China?Check entry requirements and apply online with eVisas.com, a private visa service (service fee applies).

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Planning guides

Cruise or all-inclusive resort?Airport transfer or rental car?What travel insurance actually pays When to book flights and hotels

Shanghai: common questions

When is the best time to visit Shanghai?: The most comfortable stretch is April to May and October to November, when average highs run 65 to 77°F with 7 to 11 rainy days a month. August is the hottest month at 91°F on average, and January the coolest at 50°F.
What is the rainiest month in Shanghai?: July, with roughly 19 days of rain. The driest is December, with about 5. Both are averages from 2019-2024 records.
How warm does it get in Shanghai?: July averages 89°F by day and 78°F at night, and January averages 50°F and 35°F. In the southern hemisphere those two are reversed.
How do I book tours, a hotel or an airport transfer in Shanghai?: Everything on this page books through our travel partners: top-rated tours and tickets, hotels, car rental, airport transfers, an eSIM and travel insurance. Voyaggora earns a commission on some bookings at no extra cost to you, and our AI concierge can put a day-by-day plan together first.

Some links on this page are sponsored: if you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Ratings and review counts come from GetYourGuide and were last checked on September 23, 2026. Prices, availability and rules are set by the providers and change often. See our affiliate disclosure.