Shanghai, China Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Shanghai
Weather in Shanghai is shaped by its humid subtropical climate - expect hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. August afternoons typically reach 90°F (32°C), while January highs hover near 49°F (9°C). Annual precipitation averages 58.1 inches (1477 mm) over about 138 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: August - highs near 90°F (32°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 49°F (9°C)
- Record high: 104°F (40°C) · Record low: 16°F (-9°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: June (17 rainy days) · Sunniest: August (10.1 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 1 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on August. Highs average 90°F (32°C) and overnight lows stay near 78°F (26°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 49°F (9°C) and lows around 35°F (2°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 104°F (40°C) and dropped as low as 16°F (-9°C).
Rain, sun and snow
June is usually the wettest month. It brings about 10.6 inches (269 mm) of rain over 17 days, while December is the driest. August brings the most sunshine, averaging 10.1 hours of sun a day. Snowfall is rare but not unheard of.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49° | 35° | 8 | 2.7 in | 5.8 h/day | 75% |
| February | 51° | 37° | 10 | 2.7 in | 5.9 h/day | 75% |
| March | 60° | 44° | 11 | 3.2 in | 7.0 h/day | 76% |
| April | 69° | 53° | 10 | 4.0 in | 7.6 h/day | 76% |
| May | 77° | 62° | 11 | 5.3 in | 7.9 h/day | 77% |
| June | 82° | 70° | 17 | 10.6 in | 6.7 h/day | 83% |
| July | 89° | 78° | 18 | 9.0 in | 9.0 h/day | 83% |
| August | 90° | 78° | 14 | 5.7 in | 10.1 h/day | 80% |
| September | 82° | 71° | 13 | 7.0 in | 7.9 h/day | 81% |
| October | 73° | 61° | 8 | 3.1 in | 7.0 h/day | 76% |
| November | 64° | 51° | 9 | 3.1 in | 6.1 h/day | 77% |
| December | 52° | 38° | 7 | 1.8 in | 6.4 h/day | 73% |
Shanghai month by month
Shanghai weather in January
January brings highs around 49°F (9°C), lows near 35°F (2°C), about 8 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Shanghai.
Shanghai weather in February
February brings highs around 51°F (11°C), lows near 37°F (3°C), about 10 wet days.
Shanghai weather in March
March brings highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 44°F (7°C), about 11 wet days.
Shanghai weather in April
April brings highs around 69°F (20°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 10 wet days.
Shanghai weather in May
May brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 62°F (16°C), about 11 wet days.
Shanghai weather in June
June brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 17 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Shanghai.
Shanghai weather in July
July brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 78°F (25°C), about 18 wet days.
Shanghai weather in August
August brings highs around 90°F (32°C), lows near 78°F (26°C), about 14 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Shanghai.
Shanghai weather in September
September brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 71°F (22°C), about 13 wet days.
Shanghai weather in October
October brings highs around 73°F (23°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 8 wet days.
Shanghai weather in November
November brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 51°F (10°C), about 9 wet days.
Shanghai weather in December
December brings highs around 52°F (11°C), lows near 38°F (4°C), about 7 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Shanghai.
Seasons in Shanghai
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Shanghai brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 68°F (20°C) and nights around 53°F (12°C); expect showers on roughly 32 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Shanghai is hot, with daytime highs averaging 87°F (30°C) and nights around 75°F (24°C); expect showers on roughly 50 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Shanghai brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 73°F (23°C) and nights around 61°F (16°C); expect showers on roughly 31 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Shanghai runs cold, with daytime highs averaging 51°F (10°C) and nights around 37°F (3°C); expect showers on roughly 25 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Shanghai?
Is Shanghai hot in summer?
Is Shanghai cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Shanghai get in a year?
Best time to visit Shanghai
The best time to visit Shanghai is generally March to May and October to November, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 69°F (20°C).
Pack for Shanghai with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - August nights average 78°F (26°C).
Shanghai temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.