2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Shanghai — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Shanghai. Warm weather with highs of 25°C—great for outdoor activities. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

7.3
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

25°C

Avg Low

18°C

Rainy days

10days

Daylight

13.7h

Rainfall

115mm

Sunshine

8.5h/day

Humidity

75%

Humid
Sun Strength

7.6

Very High
Wind

19 km/h (gusts 36)

Is May a good time to visit Shanghai?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

05:00

Sunset

18:43

13.7h daylight

Visiting Shanghai in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices

Things to Do in May

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Shanghai Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 10°C 3°C 6d (52mm) 6.6h
72% Humid
4 Moderate
Good
Feb 11°C 5°C 9d (59mm) 5.9h
74% Humid
4.4 Moderate
Good
Mar 16°C 9°C 11d (95mm) 6.9h
73% Humid
5.8 High
Excellent
Apr 21°C 13°C 11d (104mm) 8.1h
72% Humid
7.2 Very High
Excellent
May Current 25°C 18°C 10d (115mm) 8.5h
75% Humid
7.6 Very High
Excellent
Jun 28°C 23°C 17d (296mm) 6.7h
83% Very Humid
6.2 High
Wet
Jul 32°C 27°C 17d (265mm) 8.6h
81% Very Muggy
7 High
Wet
Aug 33°C 27°C 11d (95mm) 10.3h
78% Muggy
7.8 Very High
Good
Sep 29°C 24°C 14d (159mm) 8h
80% Very Muggy
5.7 High
Excellent
Oct 24°C 18°C 8d (54mm) 7.2h
75% Humid
4.7 Moderate
Excellent
Nov 19°C 12°C 7d (60mm) 6.8h
73% Humid
4 Moderate
Excellent
Dec 11°C 4°C 4d (16mm) 7.2h
69% Humid
3.9 Moderate
Good

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Your Best MonthJulScore: 7.6
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4.710.Apr
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4.312.Mar
2.9

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Shanghai – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Shanghai

Futuristic metropolis with Bund colonial waterfront, skyscraper skyline, street food alleys, and high-speed maglev trains.

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What to Pack for May

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Moderate Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Shanghai?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Shanghai?
May is typically excellent for visiting Shanghai, with average highs of 25°C and around 10 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Shanghai in May?
Evenings in Shanghai during May are mild at 18°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Shanghai in May?
With highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C in May, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Lightweight breathable clothes, Sunscreen SPF 30+. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in May?
Shanghai typically sees around 10 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Shanghai in May?
In May, Shanghai gets approximately 13.7 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Shanghai?
Yes, May is peak season in Shanghai. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Asia/Shanghai)

Last Updated: February 2026

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