Shanghai is the world’s most populous city and the biggest port. It is situated in Eastern China at estuary of the Yangtze River on coast of the East China Sea (the Pacific Ocean). The Huangpu River crosses the city from west to south east. Shanghai is satiated on vast plain and only closer to its south-western edge there are some gentle hills, so relief doesn’t affect climate of the region.

Shanghai is considered as southern city for it is situated to south from the Yangtze River. It has humid subtropical climate with some influence of monsoon winds. And similar to other localities of Chine there is significant difference between average temperature of summer and winter. Peak of precipitation is at summer.

Seasons

Contents:

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Spring in Shanghai

March brings warming to Shanghai. Daily range of temperature shifts above freezing to 13 °C (55 °F) and 4 °C (39 °F) at afternoon and night respectively. Amount of rain grows too. Main concern of visiting Shanghai in March isn’t weather. The city might be crowded due to celebration of Chinese New Year.

In April air warms up to 20 °C (68 °F) and to 26 °C (79 °F) in May. Growth of temperature at night goes from 11 °C (52 °F) in April to 17 °C (62 °F). Those two months are considered as the best time to visit the city. Precipitation is moderate. There is around 70-80 mm (2.7-3.1”) of it in each month, but showers are fast and there will no problem with waiting them out somewhere indoor. May has the most comfortable weather in a year. In addition it is time when all parks of Shanghai are at peak of blossoms.

Climate of the Spring Months

March Max average t°: +12.5 °C (55 °F) Min average t°: +5 °C (41 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 50 mm (2.0")

April Max average t°: +18 °C (65 °F) Min average t°: +10.5 °C (51 °F) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 41 mm (1.6")

May Max average t°: +23 °C (74 °F) Min average t°: +16 °C (60 °F) Sundial in the day: 8.5 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 66 mm (2.6")

Spring Holidays

March – Shanghai International Literary Festival.
March 8 – International Women’s Day.
March 12 – Arbor Day.

March-April – Peach Blossom Festival.
March-May – International Tea Culture Festival.

April 4 (5 in a leap year) – Tomb Sweeping Festival.
3rd day of the Third lunar month – Longhua Temple Fair.

May – Shanghai Spring International Music Festival.
May 1st – Labor Day.

Summer in Shanghai

Shanghai is situated in the subtropical area, so summer there is hot and humid. Temperature at afternoon may rise to 30-35 °C (86-95 °F) or even hit mark of 40 °C (104 °F). Such heat combines with high humidity caused by frequent rains and results sultry air. Such conditions can hardly be considered as comfortable. Moreover people with health issues should try to avoid summer visit to Shanghai.

Through summer months the city receives up to 200 mm of precipitation. It may rain for couple of days. But even with such unpleasant state weather the city swarms with tourists. Common crow of visitors driven to Shanghai by business affairs adds up with millions of Chinese people that are in the middle of their vacations. And on top of it there is highest probability of typhoon in August.

Climate of the Summer Months

June Max average t°: +27 °C (81 °F) Min average t°: +20 °C (68 °F) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 133 mm (5.2")

July Max average t°: +31.5 °C (89 °F) Min average t°: +24.5 °C (76 °F) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 102 mm (4.0")

August Max average t°: +31.5 °C (89 °F) Min average t°: +24.5 °C (76 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 122 mm (4.8")

Summer Holidays

June 1 – Children’s Day.
June – Television Festival, Shanghai International Film Festival.
5th day of 5th lunar month – Dragon Boat Festival.

July 11 – National Maritime Day.
7th day of 7th lunar month – Double Seven Festival.
15th day of 7th lunar month – Ghost Festival.

August 1 – Army Day.

Autumn in Shanghai

Autumn is the second best time to visit Shanghai. In terms of weather September is more like another summer month. Daily temperature don’t rise above 30 °C (86 °F) and drops to 18 °C (64 °F) at night. Sunscreen and hat will come in handy. October is cooler with its range of daily temperature of 23-13 °C (73-55 °F). Amount and frequency of precipitation are shifting to more comfortable range.

After late October approach of winter becomes more and more obvious. November in its turn is chilly. Air warms up to only 17 °C (62 °F) at afternoon and cools down to 7 °C (44 °F) at night. On the other hand it is even drier than previous months. Some layering is necessary for evening wandering in the city.

Climate of the Autumn Months

September Max average t°: +27 °C (81 °F) Min average t°: +20.5 °C (69 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 108 mm (4.2")

October Max average t°: +22 °C (72 °F) Min average t°: +15 °C (59 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 63 mm (2.5")

November Max average t°: +17 °C (62 °F) Min average t°: +9°C (48 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 46 mm (1.8")

Autumn Holidays

September 30 – Victory over Japan Day.
September-October – Tourism Festival, International Music Fireworks Festival.

9th day of 9th month – Chongyang Festival.
15th day of 8th lunar month – Mid-Autumn festival.

October 1-3 – National Day.
October-November – China Shanghai International Arts Festival.
October-November (even numbered years) – Shanghai Biennale.

Winter in Shanghai

Judging by bare numbers winter in shanghai is mild. Temperature rarely goes below freezing and snow is exceptional occasion and natural disaster. In December daily temperature is in range of 11-3 °C (52-37 °F). During next months air temperature at afternoon is around 8 °C (46 °F) and 0 °C (32 °F) at night. Occasional freezing to -2 °C (28 °F) is not exceptional.

But in fact winters are not as pleasant as it may seem. Temperature combines with piercing winds and high humidity and results completely uncomfortable weather. Fortunately many of attractions in Shanghai are indoor, so winter visit is good opportunity to save some money.

Climate of the Winter Months

December Max average t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Min average t°: +3 °C (37 °F) Sundial in the day: 6.5 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 47 mm (1.9")

January Max average t°: +8 °C (46 °F) Min average t°: +1 °C (33 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 32 mm (1.3")

February Max average t°: +8.5 °C (47 °F) Min average t°: +1.5 °C (34 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 53 mm (2.1")

Winter Holidays

December 31-January 1 – New Year Bell Striking, New Year’s Eve (Gregorian calendar).

1st day of 1st lunar month – Spring Festival (Chinesse New Year).
1st-18th of 1st lunar month – Yuyuan New Year Folk Customs and Lantern Festival.
2nd day of 2nd lunar month – Zhonge Festival.
19th day of 2nd lunar month – Guanyin's Birthday.

*Some observances, public holidays and other events are being held according to Chinese Lunar Calendar. Respective dates in Gregorian calendar are vary from year to year.