AI-generatedShanghai at a glance
- Best time
- Apr – May, Sep – Nov
- Warmest month
- Jul · 31°
- Sunshine a year
- 1,760 h
- Rain a year
- 1,282 mm
- Climate
- Temperate
- Time zone
- UTC+8
- Elevation
- 12 m
Climate in Shanghai
Shanghai has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. July is the warmest month with average highs of 31 °C, while January is the coolest at 9 °C. With around 1,760 hours of sunshine a year, Shanghai is moderately sunny; July is the sunniest month with 6.0 hours a day.
Holiday weather through the year
Weather in October
Holiday weather in October
Excellent
Best time to visit: April – May, September – November
October is the peak of the typhoon season
Good forSightseeing & walks
Keep in mindStorm season
A typical day in October
- Morning, 08:00: about 19°
- Midday, 13:00: about 22°
- Afternoon, 16:00: about 22°
- Evening, 20:00: about 19°
- Night, 23:00: about 18°
05:5617:24
Pleasant evenings; a light layer can help.
Estimated from the average high and low: coolest around sunrise, warmest in mid-afternoon.
Light for photos in October
- Golden hour
- Morning 05:41–06:28 · evening 16:51–17:39
- Blue hour
- Morning 05:32–05:41 · evening 17:39–17:48
Golden hour: the sun between 4° below and 6° above the horizon; blue hour: 6° to 4° below it. Times for the 15th of the month; mountains and clouds shift the light.
What is the weather like in Shanghai in October?
In October, Shanghai is warm: daytime highs average 23 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. Expect around 5 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 57 mm. All in all, October is an excellent month for a holiday in Shanghai.
More details for October
- Daylight
- 11 h 28 min05:56 – 17:24
- UV index
- 6 · highclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
- Muggy days
- 6 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
- Wind
- 17 km/haverage daily peakAll months
- Cloud cover
- 53 %on averageAll months
- Hot days
- 0 days30 °C or moreAll months
- Snow days
- 0 days1 cm or more of fresh snow
- Time zone
- UTC+8Asia/Shanghai
How the score comes together
- Temperatureweight 50 %100 %
- Sunshineweight 20 %35 %
- Few rainy daysweight 30 %81 %
Each factor is rated from 0 to 100 % and weighted for the travel style “City break”.
What to pack in October
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses & sun hat
Sunshine hours in Shanghai
Average hours of bright sunshine per day, next to the length of the day. Tap a month to select it.
In October, the sun shines for about 5.1 of 11.5 hours of daylight in Shanghai, 44 % of the day.
Sunshine hours: measured at the weather station 22 km away, averages 1991–2020 (WMO climate normals). Daylight is the time from sunrise to sunset on the 15th of the month.
UV index in Shanghai
How strong the sun is at noon, month by month, and how quickly unprotected skin burns.
- Clear-sky UV in October
- 6 · highSeek shade around midday; sunscreen SPF 30+, hat and sunglasses.
The sun is strongest in June (UV 11).
Minutes until sunburn in October
- Very fair skin
- about 20 min
- Fair skin
- about 25 min
- Light brown skin
- about 40 min
- Olive skin
- about 50 min
Rough guide for unprotected skin at noon under a clear sky; clouds lengthen it, water, sand and snow shorten it. Sunscreen extends the time only partly.
Monthly values: clear-sky noon estimate from the sun's angle, ozone and altitude. UV today: Open-Meteo forecast.
Rain in Shanghai: rainy days and rainfall
A rainy day is a day with at least 1 mm of rain or snow; the amount is what falls in the whole month. Tap a month to select it.
In October, Shanghai has about 7 rainy days with 57 mm of rain in total.
Wind and clouds in Shanghai
How breezy and how cloudy Shanghai is through the year. Tap a month to select it on the whole page.
Wind
Typical daily peak of the wind in km/h: what the afternoon breeze usually reaches, not the gusts.
In October, the wind in Shanghai typically peaks at 17 km/h during the day: Beaufort 3, light breeze.
Clouds
Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.
In October, cloud covers on average 53 % of the sky over Shanghai: variable cloud, with about 5.1 hours of sunshine a day.
Wind: mean daily maximum of the hourly wind 10 m above ground (ERA5, 1996–2025). Gusts are stronger, and the model grid of about 28 km smooths out local effects such as capes and valley winds. Clouds: mean total cloud cover of all layers over day and night (ERA5, 1996–2025). Thin high cloud counts as cover even when the sun still shines through.
Heat and humidity in Shanghai
How often the day gets hot in Shanghai (30 °C and more), and in which months heat and humidity come together. Tap a month to select it.
Heat calendar
- pleasant
- some hot or muggy days
- often muggy
- often hot
- hot and muggy
In October, Shanghai has about 0 hot days, with an average daytime high of 23 °C: some hot or muggy days. Single hot or muggy days are possible; a hat and water bottle are enough.
Hot days reach at least 30 °C; a month counts as muggy when the mean dew point reaches 18 °C on at least 15 days. Averages from ERA5 and ERA5-Land, 1996–2025. Muggy nights through the year
Climate through the year
Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.
Nights and sleep in Shanghai
How warm the nights get in each month, from the mean night-time low. Tap a month for details.
- Cold 0–8°
- Cool 8–15°
- Pleasant 15–20°
- Warm 20–24°
- Hot 24° and more
- muggy month (10+ muggy days)
PleasantOctober: nights around 16°. Ideal for sleeping, often with the window open. Muggy on about 6 days (dew point 18 °C or more).
The coolest nights are in January (2°), the warmest in August (26°). Tropical nights of 20 °C and more are the rule from June to September; then air conditioning or a fan helps you sleep. Nights are pleasant for sleeping (15 to 20 °C) in May and in October. Nights fall below 8 °C on average from December to March, so the room should be heated. It is muggy (dew point 18 °C or more) on about 127 days a year, mostly from June to September.
Temperatures through the year
Average daytime high, night-time low and sea temperature per month.
| Month | Score | Day | Night | Sun | Rain days | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 27 | 9° | 2° | 3.6 h | 8 | 60 |
| FebruaryFeb | 32 | 10° | 3° | 4.1 h | 9 | 63 |
| MarchMar | 52 | 14° | 7° | 4.4 h | 11 | 88 |
| AprilApr | 74 | 19° | 11° | 5.2 h | 10 | 102 |
| MayMay | 76 | 24° | 17° | 5.5 h | 10 | 116 |
| JuneJun | 60 | 27° | 21° | 4.0 h | 15 | 266 |
| JulyJul | 43 | 31° | 26° | 6.0 h | 15 | 169 |
| AugustAug | 43 | 31° | 26° | 6.0 h | 15 | 143 |
| SeptemberSep | 70 | 27° | 22° | 5.4 h | 12 | 116 |
| OctoberOct | 81 | 23° | 16° | 5.1 h | 7 | 57 |
| NovemberNov | 73 | 17° | 11° | 4.2 h | 7 | 60 |
| DecemberDec | 43 | 11° | 4° | 4.1 h | 6 | 42 |
Climate averages 1996–2025, not a forecast. Data: Copernicus ERA5 / ERA5-Land via Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), NOAA OISST, WMO 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI), GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Sources & licences
31.22° N, 121.46° E · 12 m · Asia/Shanghai
Best time to visit Shanghai
The best time to visit Shanghai is from April to May and from September to November. For sightseeing, day trips and hiking, conditions are most comfortable from April to May and from September to November. Rain is most frequent from June to September; the wettest month is June with 266 mm.
Shanghai through the seasons
How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.
Shanghai in spring
Mar – May
Good
- 14–24 °C by day
- 5 h of sun a day
- 31 rainy days in all
Shanghai in summer
Jun – Aug
Fair
- 27–31 °C by day
- 5 h of sun a day
- 44 rainy days in all
Shanghai in autumn
Sep – Nov
Good
- 17–27 °C by day
- 5 h of sun a day
- 26 rainy days in all
Shanghai in winter
Dec – Feb
Poor
- 9–11 °C by day
- 4 h of sun a day
- 24 rainy days in all
Find your perfect month
Tell us what you like and we rate every month in Shanghai for you.
Your best months: May, October
Based on the climate averages; tap a month to see its details.
Compare two months in Shanghai
Pick two months to see how the weather differs. A tick marks the clearly better value; for temperatures it depends on your plans.
October has the better holiday weather in Shanghai: score 81 against 76. In May, days are 1 °C warmer than in October. May has 3 more rainy days.
| Month | October | May |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 81better | 76 |
| Day high | 23° | 24° |
| Night low | 16° | 17° |
| Sunshine | 5.1 h | 5.5 h |
| Rainy days | 7better | 10 |
| Rainfall | 57 mmbetter | 116 mm |
| Muggy days | 6better | 9 |
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Which month for what?
Beach & swimming
No sea nearby
Sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry
Sightseeing & hiking
Apr – May, Sep – Nov
15–28 °C and not too much rain
Rainy months
Jun – Sep
12 or more rainy days
Shanghai month by month
The typical weather for every month at a glance.
27January9° · 4 h
In January, Shanghai is cold: daytime highs average 9 °C, and nights cool down to about 2 °C. The sun is scarce, with only about 4 hours a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 60 mm. All in all, January is not an ideal month for a holiday in Shanghai.
Shanghai in January32February10° · 4 h
In February, Shanghai is cool: daytime highs average 10 °C, and nights cool down to about 3 °C. Expect around 4 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 9 rainy days and 63 mm in total. All in all, February is not an ideal month for a holiday in Shanghai.
Shanghai in February52March14° · 4 h
In March, Shanghai is cool: daytime highs average 14 °C, and nights cool down to about 7 °C. Expect around 4 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 88 mm in total. All in all, March is a so-so month for a holiday in Shanghai.
Shanghai in March74April19° · 5 h
In April, Shanghai is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. Expect around 5 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 102 mm in total. All in all, April is a good month for a holiday in Shanghai.
Shanghai in April76May24° · 6 h
In May, Shanghai is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 17 °C. Expect around 6 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 116 mm in total. All in all, May is a good month for a holiday in Shanghai.
Shanghai in May60June27° · 4 h
In June, Shanghai is hot: daytime highs average 27 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 21 °C. Expect around 4 hours of sunshine a day. It rains often – on about 15 days, adding up to 266 mm. On about 5 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, June is a good month for a holiday in Shanghai.
Shanghai in June43July31° · 6 h
In July, Shanghai is hot: daytime highs average 31 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 26 °C. Expect around 6 hours of sunshine a day. It rains often – on about 15 days, adding up to 169 mm. On about 21 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, July is a so-so month for a holiday in Shanghai.
Shanghai in July43August31° · 6 h
In August, Shanghai is hot: daytime highs average 31 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 26 °C. Expect around 6 hours of sunshine a day. It rains often – on about 15 days, adding up to 143 mm. On about 21 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, August is a so-so month for a holiday in Shanghai.
Shanghai in August70September27° · 5 h
In September, Shanghai is hot: daytime highs average 27 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 22 °C. Expect around 5 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 12 rainy days and 116 mm in total. The air is often humid and muggy. All in all, September is a good month for a holiday in Shanghai.
Shanghai in September81October23° · 5 h
In October, Shanghai is warm: daytime highs average 23 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. Expect around 5 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 57 mm. All in all, October is an excellent month for a holiday in Shanghai.
Shanghai in October73November17° · 4 h
In November, Shanghai is mild: daytime highs average 17 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. Expect around 4 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 60 mm. All in all, November is a good month for a holiday in Shanghai.
Shanghai in November43December11° · 4 h
In December, Shanghai is cool: daytime highs average 11 °C, and nights cool down to about 4 °C. Expect around 4 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 6 days, adding up to 42 mm. All in all, December is a so-so month for a holiday in Shanghai.
Shanghai in DecemberShanghai compared
Put Shanghai side by side with another destination.
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Shanghai vs. Suzhou
In October the holiday weather in Shanghai and Suzhou is about equally good (score 81 vs. 81). During the day it is about as warm in Suzhou as in Shanghai.
| in October | Shanghai | Suzhou |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday score | 81 | 81 |
| Daytime high | 23° | 23° |
| Sunshine | 5 h | 5 h |
| Rainy days | 7 | 7 |
| Best time | Apr – May, Sep – Nov | Apr – May, Sep – Nov |
Through the year
China in October: the best places
In October, Shanghai ranks 12 among the 31 nearest destinations in this country.
- Beijing19°91
- 2Qingdao19°21°90
- 3Jinan21°89
- 4Tianjin20°89
- 5Shantou27°26°89
- 6Quanzhou27°25°88
- 7Dalian17°19°86
- 8Kaifeng22°84
- 12ShanghaiThis page23°81
Planning a trip to Shanghai
Weather for your travel dates
Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.
Shanghai in the school holidays
How the weather suits the usual holiday periods. Dates vary by school and region, so each holiday uses the months it usually falls in.
Shanghai has its best school-holiday weather during October half-term (score 81) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 35).
- 67
Easter holidays
Mar – Apr
Good
- 18 °C by day
- 5.0 h of sun a day
- 10 rainy days a month
- 73
May half-term
May – Jun
Good
- 25 °C by day
- 5.2 h of sun a day
- 11 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 43
Summer holidays
Jul – Aug
Fair
- 31 °C by day
- 6.0 h of sun a day
- 15 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain, Storm season
- 81
October half-term
Oct
ExcellentBest holidays
- 23 °C by day
- 5.1 h of sun a day
- 7 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
Keep in mind: Storm season
- 35
Christmas holidays
Dec – Jan
Poor
- 10 °C by day
- 3.9 h of sun a day
- 7 rainy days a month
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Getting there
Flying from
- Nonstop flight
- about 11 h 35 min
- Distance
- 9,220 km
- Time zone
- UTC+8
- Jet lag
- About 7 days (7 h east)
Rule of thumb for flying east: for a few days before, go to bed and get up a little earlier, and get plenty of morning light at your destination.
Most routes need a change of planes, which adds time.
Estimated from the straight-line distance: 30 minutes for take-off and landing plus 830 km/h cruising speed.
Storm season
Shanghai lies in an area that Pacific typhoons can reach. The typhoon season runs from June to November, with most storms from August to October. A direct hit on any one place is rare, but if you travel then, keep an eye on weather warnings and book flexibly.
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June: Season
- July: Season
- August: Peak
- September: Peak
- October: Peak
- November: Season
- December
Official season dates of the regional warning centres (NOAA, JMA, IMD, Météo-France, BoM); not a forecast.
Frequently asked questions about Shanghai
When is the best time to visit Shanghai?
The best time to visit Shanghai is from April to May and from September to November. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.
What is the warmest month in Shanghai?
July is the warmest month, with average highs of 31 °C and nights around 26 °C. January is the coolest month at 9 °C.
When does it rain most in Shanghai?
Rain is most frequent from June to September; the wettest month is June with 266 mm. The driest month is December with 42 mm.
How many hours of sunshine does Shanghai get?
Shanghai gets around 1,760 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is July with 6.0 hours a day; in January there are 3.6 hours a day.
What time zone is Shanghai in?
Shanghai uses the time zone Asia/Shanghai, at UTC+8 all year.
How long is the flight from London to Shanghai?
A nonstop flight from London to Shanghai takes about 11 h 35 min, for a straight-line distance of about 9,220 km. Most routes need a change of planes, which adds time.
When is typhoon season in Shanghai?
Shanghai lies in an area that Pacific typhoons can reach. The typhoon season runs from June to November, with most storms from August to October. A direct hit on any one place is rare, but if you travel then, keep an eye on weather warnings and book flexibly.
Which school holidays are best for Shanghai?
Shanghai has its best school-holiday weather during October half-term (score 81) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 35). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 67, May half-term 73, Summer holidays 43, October half-term 81, Christmas holidays 35.
Near Shanghai
Other destinations close by.
Places with a climate like Shanghai
Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Shanghai's – good alternatives.