Measured, not vibes
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
By measured weather comfort, the top months for Shanghai are October, April, May — and RouteVerdict's editorial pick, which also weighs crowds and prices, is April, May, September, October, November. The table below is computed from ERA5 reanalysis data for 2020–2024, measured at Shanghai (12 m elevation).
Month by month
Shanghai weather and comfort, 2020–2024
| Month | Avg high | Wet days | Comfort | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.9°C / 50°F | 6.5 | 30 | |
| February | 11.2°C / 52°F | 9.5 | 34 | |
| March | 16.3°C / 61°F | 10.2 | 60 | Shoulder |
| April | 20.3°C / 69°F | 9 | 78 | Best |
| May | 25.3°C / 78°F | 9.5 | 78 | Best |
| June | 28.5°C / 83°F | 14 | 60 | Shoulder |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 15.5 | 42 | |
| August | 33.1°C / 92°F | 10.7 | 42 | |
| September | 28.4°C / 83°F | 11.5 | 64 | |
| October | 22.8°C / 73°F | 6.2 | 88 | Best |
| November | 18.2°C / 65°F | 6.3 | 76 | |
| December | 10.6°C / 51°F | 3.3 | 36 |
Comfort is RouteVerdict's 0–100 score: 100·exp(−(high−23)²/162) × (1 − min(0.35, wet days × 0.02)). The full method is on the methodology page. Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (ERA5, CC BY 4.0), 2020–2024 normals. Wet day = ≥1 mm precipitation.
FAQ
Shanghai timing questions
What is the best month to visit Shanghai?
By measured weather comfort (ERA5 2020–2024), the top months are October, April, and May, with October scoring highest. RouteVerdict's editorial pick is April, May, September, October, and November, which also weighs crowds, prices, and events.
What is the hottest month in Shanghai?
August, with an average daily high of 33.1°C (92°F).
What is the rainiest month in Shanghai?
July, averaging 15.5 days with at least 1 mm of precipitation.
When is shoulder season in Shanghai?
March and June — the best-scoring months outside both the measured top three and RouteVerdict's editorial peak-season pick.