Question 1

Which season is the wettest in Shanghai?

Accepted Answer

Summer (June to August) is by far the wettest season in Shanghai, driven by the East Asian monsoon and the early-summer "plum rain" period. In 2025, Shanghai recorded **711.7 mm (28.0 in)** of rainfall across the summer months, which is roughly **59% of the city's entire annual total** of 1,212.2 mm (47.7 in).

The wettest single month was June 2025 with **359.8 mm (14.2 in)** of rain, followed by July with 274.0 mm (10.8 in). These two months alone delivered more precipitation than the rest of the year combined. Summer was also the most humid stretch, averaging around 77% relative humidity, with mean temperatures near 28.5°C (83.2°F).

By contrast, the seasons sit far behind: spring (March–May) brought 265.2 mm (10.4 in), autumn (September–November) 193.9 mm (7.6 in), and the January–February winter portion of 2025 just 35.2 mm (1.4 in).

For visitors, this means Shanghai's summer is warm but frequently wet, so an umbrella and flexible indoor plans are essential from June onward. If you prefer drier conditions, the autumn and late-autumn months are a noticeably better bet, with November 2025 seeing only 12.0 mm (0.5 in) of rain. Understanding this strong seasonal rainfall contrast helps you time a trip to Shanghai around the weather you want.

Question 2

When is the sunniest time of year in Shanghai?

Accepted Answer

The sunniest time of year in Shanghai is **late summer**, with August 2025 recording the most sunshine of any month at 349 hours — roughly 11.3 hours of sun per day. July 2025 followed closely with 322 hours (about 10.4 hours per day), making the mid-to-late summer stretch the brightest period on the calendar.

Across all of 2025, Shanghai accumulated 2,882 hours of sunshine, averaging a generous 7.9 hours per day over the year. Spring was the next-sunniest season: May delivered 299.9 hours and April 292.9 hours, both close to 9.7–9.8 hours of sun per day. By the meteorological seasons, summer (June–August) was clearly the brightest at 860.9 total hours, ahead of spring (787.7 hours) and autumn (635.5 hours).

One quirk stands out in Shanghai's 2025 record: June was unexpectedly dull at just 189.9 hours, a dip caused by the early-summer "plum rain" period before skies cleared dramatically in July and August. At the other extreme, February 2025 was the cloudiest month with only 156.6 hours of sunshine.

For visitors, this means July and August offer the longest, brightest days in Shanghai — ideal for sightseeing along the Bund, though they also bring heat and humidity. If you prefer sunshine with milder temperatures, late spring (April and May 2025) is the sweet spot, pairing nearly 10 hours of daily sun with comfortable conditions.

Question 3

What was the hottest day in Shanghai in 2025?

Accepted Answer

The hottest day in Shanghai in 2025 was **August 24**, when the temperature peaked at **40.6°C (105.1°F)**. This single-day high was the warmest reading of the entire year and capped off an intense late-summer heatwave.

The extreme heat was not an isolated spike. Shanghai recorded its three hottest days in a tight cluster, with **August 23 reaching 39.5°C (103.1°F)** and **August 21 hitting 39.2°C (102.6°F)**. An earlier hot spell in early July also pushed daily highs up to around 39°C (102°F), so the city saw multiple bouts of severe heat across the summer of 2025.

Across the full year, Shanghai logged **41 days at or above 35°C (95°F)** and **126 days reaching at least 30°C (86°F)**, underlining just how warm 2025 was. During the meteorological summer (June to August 2025), the average daily high was a sweltering **33.0°C (91.4°F)**.

What made the peak day especially taxing was the combination of heat and humidity, with humidity around 62% on August 24 and overnight temperatures staying near **29.0°C (84.2°F)**, offering little relief after dark.

For visitors, these figures suggest that late August is the most punishing time for outdoor sightseeing in Shanghai. If you are sensitive to heat, planning indoor activities during midday, staying well hydrated, and visiting in spring or autumn instead will make the experience far more comfortable.

Question 4

How cold does Shanghai get in winter 2024/2025?

Accepted Answer

Shanghai stays cool but rarely freezing in winter, with the coldest day of Winter 2024/25 (December 2024 to February 2025) hitting a low of **-5.3°C (22.5°F)** on 8 February 2025.

Across the full meteorological winter, Shanghai averaged a daily mean temperature of **6.3°C (43.3°F)**. Daytime highs typically reached around **10.8°C (51.5°F)**, while overnight lows settled near **2.3°C (36.2°F)**. The single coldest stretch came on 8 February 2025, when the temperature peaked at just **1.6°C (34.9°F)** and never climbed out of the cold.

Frost was occasional rather than constant. Over the 90-day winter, Shanghai recorded **19 days with sub-zero overnight lows (below 0°C / 32°F)**, mostly clustered in mid-January and early February. February 2025 was the chilliest month, with an average temperature of **5.7°C (42.3°F)**, edging out December 2024 at 6.8°C (44.2°F).

For travelers, this means winters in Shanghai are mild compared with northern China but still call for a warm coat, especially after dark. Daytime conditions are usually manageable for sightseeing, with most afternoons reaching the low double digits Celsius. The brief cold snaps in late winter are short-lived, and by the end of February 2025 temperatures had already rebounded, with highs back above 20°C (68°F). Overall, Shanghai's winter weather is best described as crisp and changeable rather than harshly cold.

Question 5

How much does the temperature vary throughout the year in Shanghai?

Accepted Answer

Shanghai has a strongly seasonal climate, with monthly average temperatures swinging about 25.4°C (45.7°F) between the coldest and warmest months in 2025.

The coldest month was February 2025, with an average temperature of 5.7°C (42.3°F), while the warmest was August 2025 at 31.1°C (88.0°F). Across the full year, Shanghai averaged 18.6°C (65.5°F). When you look at daily extremes rather than monthly averages, the contrast is even larger: the temperature ranged from a low of -5.3°C (22.5°F) in February to a high of 40.6°C (105.1°F) in August, an annual spread of roughly 45.9°C (82.6°F).

The seasonal progression in 2025 was clear and steady:

- **Spring (March–May):** 17.5°C (63.4°F) average
- **Summer (June–August):** 28.5°C (83.2°F) average
- **Autumn (September–November):** 21.4°C (70.5°F) average

This wide annual range means visitors to Shanghai should pack very differently depending on the season. Light, breathable clothing is essential for the hot, humid summer, while a warm coat is needed for the chilly winter months when overnight lows can dip below freezing. The mild spring and autumn periods offer the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Tongji Lüyuan

Shanghai

FAQ

Which season is the wettest in Shanghai?

When is the sunniest time of year in Shanghai?

What was the hottest day in Shanghai in 2025?

How cold does Shanghai get in winter 2024/2025?

How much does the temperature vary throughout the year in Shanghai?