When to visit Shanghai: weather, holidays and crowds

The short answer. Go in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). The Shanghai government calls spring the best season for tourism and describes autumn as ideal for strolling the Bund. The hard parts of the year are the plum-rain weeks of mid-June to early July, the heat of July and August, the typhoon peak of late August to mid-September, and the multi-day public holidays, when domestic travel makes everything busier.

What is each season like?

The figures in this section are from the Shanghai government’s English-language weather guide, which describes a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons.

Spring, March to May. About 11 to 21 °C, with chilly mornings, warm afternoons and frequent light drizzle. A light jacket is the usual outer layer.
Summer, June to August. Hot and humid; in 2024 highs often passed 35 °C, typically in July and August. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. The “plum rain” (梅雨, méiyǔ) season runs from mid-June to early July: a long stretch of continuous rain or cloud that the guide calls less favourable for travel.
Autumn, September to November. Cooling from about 25 °C in early autumn to about 15 °C by late autumn. Peak typhoon season is roughly late August to mid-September, with strong winds and heavy rain. The plane trees shed their leaves in November.
Winter, December to February. Averages 3 to 11 °C, and humidity makes it feel colder. Snow is rare and some years have none. The coldest period is typically late January to early February, with sharp north winds.

Is it cold indoors in winter?

It can be. Areas south of the Qinling-Huaihe line, which includes Shanghai, generally have no central heating, and a 2015 China News Service report says southern residents rely on their own heating equipment. Heating therefore depends on the individual building. When you book a winter stay, look for a room with working heating, pack thermal layers, and do not assume every lobby, restaurant or museum will be warm. See where to stay in Shanghai.

What should I pack?

Spring: a light jacket and an umbrella.
Summer: light, breathable clothes and sun protection, plus an umbrella that works for rain and sun. The government guide suggests air-conditioned malls and cafés for cooling off; museums are another option (see booking sights with a passport).
Autumn: layers, and an umbrella in early autumn during typhoon season.
Winter: gloves, scarf, hat and a warm coat, as the government guide recommends.

When are the public holidays?

China sets its public holidays each year in a State Council notice. The General Office of the State Council published the 2026 arrangements on 4 November 2025:

Holiday	2026 days off	Length
Spring Festival (春节)	15 to 23 February	9 days
Qingming (清明节)	4 to 6 April	3 days
Labour Day (劳动节)	1 to 5 May	5 days
Dragon Boat Festival (端午节)	19 to 21 June	3 days
Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节)	25 to 27 September	3 days
National Day (国庆节, “Golden Week”)	1 to 7 October	7 days

New Year’s Day was 1 to 3 January. Some weekend days next to each holiday become working days to make up the time.

The notice for 2027 had not been published when we checked on 22 October 2026. The 2026 notice came out in early November of the previous year, so look for the 2027 one on the central government’s website before you fix dates. Spring Festival follows the lunar calendar, so its dates change each year.

How do the holidays affect a visit?

The State Council notice itself encourages people to combine holidays with paid leave and to avoid peak travel times, a sign of how many people move at once. In practice:

Sights need earlier booking. The Shanghai Museum names national holidays, summer and winter school breaks and popular special exhibitions as the times it still requires reservations. See booking sights with a passport.
Day trips are best on ordinary weekdays. See day trips by train.
Opening hours vary by venue. The Shanghai Museum’s two branches stay open on public holidays, but each venue decides for itself. Check the venue’s official channel.
Book accommodation as soon as your dates are firm.

A simple plan

Aim for April, May, October or early November.
If you must come between June and August, put outdoor time in the morning and indoor sights in the afternoon, and watch the forecast in late August and September.
In winter, plan for cold, damp days and check that your room has heating.
Whenever you go, avoid the multi-day holidays or book everything ahead.
Check a forecast a few days before you leave.