Shanghai Weather & Climate 
With a pleasant northern subtropical maritime monsoon climate, Shanghai enjoys four distinct seasons, generous sunshine and abundant rainfall. Iits spring and autumn are relatively short compared with summer and winter.

The average annual temperature is 16 degrees celsius. The city has a frost-free period lasting up to 230 days a year, and receives an average annual precipitation is about 1,200 mm (47 inches). However, nearly 60% of the precipitation comes during the May-September flood season, which is divided into three rainy periods, the Spring Rains, the Plum Rains and the Autumn Rains.

The highest temperature is in July and August. For ten days or so in these two months, the temperature can reach 35 degrees centigrade.

The coldest period is from the end of January to early February - usually during the Chinese Spring Festival. This awfully cold period will last for about three days but it seldom snows.

Seasonal Variations / When to Go
During the summer months in Shanghai, the evenings are especially pleasant and balmy, despite being up to 10°C / 50°F cooler than those during the daytime. Dropping slightly in September, by the time October arrives, Shanghai's climate is feeling decidedly autumnal, when occasional typhoons are not too out of the ordinary.

Temperatures fall more sharply in November and December, when they average around 10°C / 50°F by day and just 4°C / 39°F by night. January and February are the coldest months in Shanghai and many nights experience sharp frosty weather, with only the occasional snow flurries some years. Climate extremes have been known during the winter months, when temperatures of -10°C / 14°F have been recorded, although this is by no means the norm.

In general, March marks the start of spring, while summer begins in the month of June, autumn during September and winter at the beginning of December, or slightly earlier. Shanghai's seasonal climate is quite distinct and the changes in weather and temperature are easy to spot.

Summer is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Shanghai, and although the weather is hot, tourists are not put off by these high temperatures and simply dress accordingly. However, if this often uncomfortable climate is not really your thing, both spring and autumn and especially pleasant times to visit this exciting city.

Tips for Travelers
Shanghai starts the year shivering in midwinter, when temperatures can drop below freezing and the vistas are gray and misty. Spring brings warmth; April to Mid-May is probably one of the best times to visit there, along with Autumn (late September to Mid-November). In summer the hot and humid weather makes conditions outside uncomfortable, with temperatures sometimes as high as 40°c (104°f) in July and August. In short, silk long johns and down jackets are needed in winter, an ice block for each armpit in summer and an umbrella wouldn't go astray in either of these seasons.

Average minimum and maximum temperature over the year
(The monthly mean minimum and maximum daily temperature.)

Average monthly precipitation over the year (rainfall, snow)
This is the mean monthly precipitation, including rain, snow, hail etc.

Average monthly hours of sunshine over the year
This is the monthly total of sunhours