Best Time to Visit Shanghai, Shanghai, China
Shanghai is at its sunniest and driest in October.
The best time to visit Shanghai for sunny, dry weather is October — 1 month of the year fit our sunny profiles at this specific location. The drier stretch runs through October–April; the wetter half falls in May–September. At the city itself, monthly average temperatures range from 4.7°C / 40.5°F in January to 28.1°C / 82.6°F in July, with rainfall from 50 mm / 2 in (October) to 164 mm / 6.5 in (June). These are point-value climate normals sampled at Shanghai, Shanghai, China's coordinates — usually more actionable for travellers than the country-wide average. Shanghai's climate is broadly seasonal. The full month-by-month table below lets you match your travel window against our five weather profiles.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | 19°C66.2°F | 50 mm2″ | Sunny & Mild |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Shanghai?
The best time to visit Shanghai for sunny, dry weather is October. At the city itself, the warmest month is July averaging 28.1°C / 82.6°F, and the driest is October with about 50 mm / 2 in of rain. These are point-value climate normals sampled at Shanghai's coordinates.
When is the rainy season in Shanghai?
The rainy season at Shanghai, Shanghai runs through May–September, when monthly rainfall exceeds the annual median of about 79 mm / 3.1 in. The wettest single month is June (164 mm / 6.5 in).
What is the driest month in Shanghai?
The driest month in Shanghai is October, averaging about 50 mm / 2 in of rainfall. Temperature that month averages 19°C / 66.2°F.
What months should I avoid visiting Shanghai?
The least comfortable months for travel to Shanghai — based on point-value climate at the city — are January, February, March, June, July, August, December. These are the wettest or coolest months at this location. Rainfall peaks at 164 mm / 6.5 in in June, and the coldest month averages 4.7°C / 40.5°F.
Is Shanghai climate different from China overall?
Yes, usually. Our Shanghai figures are point-value climate normals sampled at the city itself, while our China figures are area-weighted averages across the whole country. The two can diverge substantially in geographically diverse or elevation-varied countries. The month-by-month table below reflects Shanghai specifically — usually the more actionable data for a traveller planning to spend time in the city.