People pack for Shanghai like it's one climate. It's two. Summers hit 34°C (93°F) with heavy rain, and winter lows drop to 1°C (34°F), in a city where buildings aren't always well heated. Check the month before you pack anything.
Shanghai weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 10°C50°F | 10°C50°F | 17°C63°F | 22°C72°F | 26°C79°F | 28°C82°F | 33°C91°F | 34°C93°F | 30°C86°F | 24°C75°F | 18°C64°F | 12°C54°F |
| Low | 1°C34°F | 3°C37°F | 7°C45°F | 12°C54°F | 16°C61°F | 21°C70°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 24°C75°F | 17°C63°F | 10°C50°F | 4°C39°F |
| Rain days | 5 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 18 | 17 | 11 | 17 | 8 | 6 | 3 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 10–12°C (50–54°F) and lows of 1–4°C (34–39°F). December is the driest month with only 3 rain days, while February gets 10. It's a damp cold, so pack a warm coat, a sweater and layers you can peel off in heated malls and the Metro.
Spring
March–MayHighs run 17–26°C (63–79°F) and lows 7–16°C (45–61°F), with 8 to 10 rain days a month. This is one of the best times to walk the Bund, the old French Concession and Yu Garden. Bring light layers and a rain jacket.
Summer
June–AugustHighs of 28–34°C (82–93°F) and lows of 21–26°C (70–79°F). June is the wettest month at 18 rain days, the plum rain season, and July brings 17. It's sticky and hot, so pack breathable clothes, a rain shell and a way to stay cool between air-conditioned stops.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still hot and wet at 30°C (86°F) and 17 rain days. October cools to 24°C (75°F) with 8 rain days, and November sits at 18°C (64°F) with just 6. October and November are the most comfortable months to be out walking all day.
What to bring to Shanghai
0 of 21 packedJune's plum rain gives Shanghai 18 rain days, and this light shell packs small enough to live in your bag.
A waterproof jacket that folds down small is what you want for sudden summer downpours on the Bund.
China's A, C and I sockets match this adapter's US, EU and AU plugs, and it has an AC outlet plus five USB ports.
- Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank 5,000mAh (Qi2)Tech & Power
Your phone does everything in Shanghai, from maps to paying, and if it's a MagSafe or Qi2 phone, this magnetic bank tops it up on the Metro without a cable.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Keeps your passport, phone and cards in one lockable crossbody on packed Metro trains and Nanjing Road.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
July and August highs hit 33–34°C (91–93°F), and a handheld fan makes the walk between air-conditioned stops bearable.
- Sony WH-1000XM5Tech & Power
Noise cancelling takes the edge off a long-haul flight into Pudong and the hum of a high-speed train.
Clothing
- Breathable summer shirts · 4Summers hit 34°C
- Warm coat · 1Winter lows drop to 1°C
- Thermal layers · 1 setBuildings are not always well heated
- Cover-up for temples · 1Cover shoulders and knees
Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes · 1 pair
- Water-resistant sneakers · 1 pairJune has 18 rain days
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1
- Packable face mask · 2
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
Documents and money
- Passport
- China visa, or check visa-free entry rulesRules depend on your passport; confirm before booking.
Tech
- Phone charging cable · 1
- Offline maps and translation appSome apps are blocked
What shoes should you pack for Shanghai?
Comfortable sneakers. You'll walk a lot of Metro corridors, long stretches along the Bund and the lanes of Tianzifang. In the wet summer months, add a pair of sandals that handle puddles, because streets flood quickly in heavy rain.
What do people wear in Shanghai?
Shanghai is one of China's most fashion-aware cities, and people dress well, especially in Jing'an and Xintiandi. Smart casual fits in everywhere. For temples like Jing'an Temple and the Jade Buddha Temple, keep shoulders and knees covered.
What plugs does Shanghai use?
Mainland China uses type A, C and I sockets at 220V. That covers US flat-pin, European round-pin and Australian angled-pin plugs, so a universal adapter with those three works. Check your chargers say 100-240V before you plug in.
Tours and things to do in Shanghai
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Shanghai.
What should you leave at home for Shanghai?
Heavy jeans for summer. They'll be soaked with sweat by noon. Leave white canvas shoes at home in the rainy months too, since they won't stay white for long.
Packing for Shanghai: questions people ask
What should I wear in Shanghai in summer?
Light, breathable clothes and a rain jacket. Highs reach 33–34°C (91–93°F) in July and August, and June has 18 rain days.
What should I wear in Shanghai in winter?
A warm coat, a sweater and layers. Highs are only 10–12°C (50–54°F) and lows get down to 1°C (34°F) in January.
What is the best month to visit Shanghai?
October and November are the most comfortable, with highs of 18–24°C (64–75°F) and 6 to 8 rain days. April and May are good too.
Do I need an adapter in Shanghai?
It depends on where you're from. Sockets are type A, C and I at 220V, so US, European and Australian plugs often fit, but a universal adapter saves the guesswork.
When is the rainy season in Shanghai?
The plum rain season arrives in June, the wettest month with 18 rain days. July and September are also wet, with 17 each.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.