Climate Insights for Shanghai

The climate in Shanghai is temperate. The average annual temperature is 18°C and approximately 1,355 mm of precipitation falls per year. Shanghai receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Shanghai is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: August, July, September. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to 3°C.The climate in Shanghai is temperate. The average annual temperature is 64°F and approximately 53.3 in of precipitation falls per year. Shanghai receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Shanghai is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: August, July, September. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to 38°F.

Temperatures in Shanghai vary considerably across the year, with a 30°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. The warmest month is August, when average highs reach 33°C and the mean temperature sits around 30°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 3°C and an average of 6°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 6°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between November and December, with a 7°C shift in average temperatures.Temperatures in Shanghai vary considerably across the year, with a 53°F difference between the coldest and warmest months. The warmest month is August, when average highs reach 91°F and the mean temperature sits around 85°F. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 38°F and an average of 43°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 11°F between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between November and December, with a 12°F shift in average temperatures.

Shanghai is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1,355 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 113 mm per month. The wettest month is June, averaging 268 mm of rainfall. July and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is December, with just 35 mm. That's 233 mm less than June, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.Shanghai is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 53.3 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 4.4 in per month. The wettest month is June, averaging 10.6 in of rainfall. July and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is December, with just 1.4 in. That's 9.2 in less than June, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.

Shanghai is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 13km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 14km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 12km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 2km/h between the calmest and windiest months.Shanghai is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 8mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 9mph, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 7mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 2mph between the calmest and windiest months.

The best time to visit Shanghai is during October, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 20°C with modest rainfall averaging 79 mm per month. By contrast, August can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 33°C, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to 3°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.The best time to visit Shanghai is during October, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 68°F with modest rainfall averaging 3.1 in per month. By contrast, August can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 91°F, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to 38°F. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.

The table below shows monthly climate averages for Shanghai based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Shanghai based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.