Best Time to Visit Shanghai: Seasons & Must-See Spots

Did you know that Thai citizens can now travel to China without a visa? Why not take advantage of this long holiday to visit China! Of course, when it comes to traveling to China, the first city many people think of and are most eager to visit is definitely Shanghai! Shanghai is renowned for its modernity, full of vibrant colors, and a harmonious blend of ancient cultures. Additionally, Shanghai is a major economic hub of China, featuring cutting-edge architecture, unique cuisine, and an exciting nightlife that makes it a must-visit global destination everyone should experience at least once! With this introduction, many of you are probably wondering: What is the best month to visit Shanghai? Which season is ideal? And what interesting attractions are there in Shanghai? Therefore, Gother will guide everyone through each season in Shanghai so you can plan your trip seamlessly!

Wondering when is the best time to visit Shanghai, or which season is ideal for traveling to Shanghai? It’s a popular question because many people may have never been to Shanghai before and are planning their first trip. They want to know which period or month offers pleasant weather, and which attractions to choose during that season to plan their itinerary. First, you need to understand that Shanghai has four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Each season has its own unique highlights. To save time, Gother will introduce the key features of each season.    

Winter (December - February)

For anyone who wants to experience cold weather at least once, we recommend traveling in the winter season from December to February. Average temperatures range from 0 - 10°C, and some days may drop below freezing. The sky is usually overcast, and light snow may fall. However, if you are sensitive to cold, you may want to avoid winter travel, as some areas have high humidity that can intensify the chill. During this period, you can enjoy many festivals, vibrant celebrations, and spectacular light displays. Keep in mind that tourist numbers increase, causing accommodation and food prices to rise. In addition to beautiful lights, there are many interesting activities to enjoy.

Highlights of winter in Shanghai

• See Christmas and New Year decorations: stroll through streets adorned with dazzling lights and large Christmas trees, perfect for photos.
• Shopaholics should visit Nanjing Road, the most popular shopping district in Shanghai.
• For a relaxing visit, head to The Bund, the world-famous waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River.
• Warm up with hot dishes like hot pot and soup, the most popular winter foods to keep you cozy.
• Enjoy panoramic city views from skyscrapers, seeing Shanghai covered in winter chill from a unique vantage point.

Spring Season (March - May)

  When is the best time to visit Shanghai? If you want to see beautiful flowers in pleasant weather, come in spring—from March through May. This season is popular with travelers, as you can enjoy cherry blossoms in full bloom and comfortably mild temperatures that rise from about 10 - 15°C in March to 20 - 25°C in May. Skies are clear with gentle sunlight, and occasional light rain adds freshness to the city, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Highlights of Shanghai in Spring

• Admire cherry blossoms at Shanghai Botanical Garden, Century Park, Gongqing Forest Park, and other public parks
• See spring flowers at Gucun Park, famous for its cherry blossoms and other blooms
• Stroll or picnic in Century Park, a vast green space perfect for relaxation and outdoor fun
• Explore Shanghai Botanical Garden, filled with a wide variety of flowers and plants
• Walk through the French Concession, enjoying colonial architecture amid fresh green foliage
• Visit Yu Garden, a lively classical Chinese garden that comes alive in spring

Summer (June – August)

If anyone wants to compare Thailand’s summer heat with Shanghai’s, book a flight for any time between June and August. This is Shanghai’s summer, when the weather is hot and humid with average temperatures of 25 - 35°C and sometimes rising to 40°C. For Thai travelers, summer in Shanghai can be very relaxing and enjoyable, although there may be occasional rain showers and the risk of stormy weather. Despite the heat and occasional rain, Shanghai offers a wide variety of attractions in different styles to satisfy those who love fun and lively experiences!

Highlights of Summer in Shanghai

• The Bund: Stroll along the Huangpu River at night to enjoy beautiful views and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Huangpu River Cruise at Night: Experience the beauty of illuminated riverside buildings in colorful lights.
• Fun at Shanghai Disneyland: Enjoy rides and various zones, especially water attractions.
• Cool Off at Maya Water Park or Century Park Beach: Play on water slides and enjoy other aquatic activities.
• Walk around the French Concession: Admire colonial architecture and the lush, shaded streets.
• Escape the Heat by Visiting Museums and Art Galleries: Immerse yourself in art and history.
• Panoramic City Views from Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl Tower: See Shanghai from above.
• Walk, Snap Photos, and Check In at The Bund: Appreciate both historic architecture and modern skyscrapers.

Autumn (September - November)

  When is the best time to visit Shanghai when the weather is cool and comfortable, the sky is clear, and it is not too hot or too cold? You can explore the entire city of Shanghai. We recommend visiting during the autumn season, from September to November. The city becomes vibrant with pleasant temperatures, bright blue skies, and leaves turning various shades of yellow, orange, and red. Average temperatures gradually drop from around 20-25°C in September to 10-15°C in November. The skies are mostly clear with gentle sunshine and occasional light rain, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Highlights of Shanghai in Autumn

• View fall foliage at various locations such as Shanghai Botanical Garden, Gongqing Park, Century Park, and Yu Garden
• Cycle in Century Park, a vast public park perfect for biking around nature and the lake
• Stroll through the French Concession to admire beautiful colonial architecture amid changing leaves
• Shop along Nanjing Road, a popular shopping street featuring numerous designer brands
• Visit Yu Garden and the Old City to experience traditional Chinese culture and enjoy local snacks in a cool atmosphere
• Take a cruise on the Huangpu River to see city views from both banks in the refreshing atmosphere

 As mentioned, Shanghai has four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Each season has different weather. Below is a brief summary of the average temperatures for each season by month, so you can plan which season and month suit you best to enjoy your ideal weather.  

1. Spring: when flowers bloom, with quite pleasant weather, perfect for traveling

• March: average temperature around 10 °C
• April: average temperature around 15 °C
• May: average temperature around 21 °C. The weather starts to warm up and flowers bloom until mid-month

2. Summer: hot and humid, with temperatures that may rise up to 40 °C

• June: average temperature around 24 °C
• July: average temperature around 29 °C. It is the hottest month
• August: average temperature around 28 °C. Typhoons may occur from late August to mid-September

3. Autumn: when leaves change color, with great weather, ideal for traveling

• September: average temperature around 25 °C. It is still relatively warm, with leaves changing color in late month
• October: average temperature around 20 °C. Excellent weather and the high season in Shanghai
• November: average temperature around 14 °C. The weather starts to get chilly

4. Winter: cold weather, with possible snowfall in some areas

• December: average temperature around 7 °C
• January: average temperature around 5 °C
• February: average temperature around 6 °C

Visiting Shanghai is possible year-round. However, if you ask which period to avoid traveling, we recommend avoiding the summer season because rainstorms can make sightseeing less enjoyable and sometimes even dangerous. You should also avoid months with major holidays in Shanghai, such as Chinese New Year in late January - February, Tomb Sweeping Day on April 4 or 5, Labor Day from May 1 - 3, the Dragon Boat Festival, normally in June, and China National Day on October 1. During these times, traffic is extremely heavy, most people go out for leisure, and, importantly, accommodation and product prices rise significantly.

Now that you’re familiar with the weather each month across the seasons, for anyone packing their bags to fly to Shanghai but not sure where to visit, Gother has gathered 14 attractions in Shanghai, including seasonal festival activities that every visitor shouldn’t miss! Let’s dive in.  
 

1. The Bund: Shanghai’s Iconic Nighttime Landmark

Check in! The must-see attraction in Shanghai is The Bund, also known as Waitan, the riverside promenade along the Huangpu River that serves as the city’s heart. One side features classic colonial architecture, while the other showcases Pudong’s ultramodern skyscrapers. At night, the buildings light up, and their reflections shimmer on the water. It is a breathtakingly beautiful and romantic scene you’ll never forget. Best of all, you can visit this landmark in any season.  
 

2. Laser Tunnel (The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel)

 Join us for a hip photoshoot at China’s first underwater river tunnel. Inside, the tunnel is decorated with multicolored laser lights forming dazzling shapes, combining light, color, and sound. The scenes continually change along the route—at times you’ll feel as if you’re traveling through space. The tunnel spans 646 meters from the Bund to the Oriental Pearl Tower, 9 meters below the water’s surface, and the ride takes just 3-5 minutes. This Shanghai attraction is not to be missed.  
 

3. Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland, a land of happiness for all ages and another Shanghai landmark that draws visitors, is the second-largest Disneyland in the world and the largest in Asia. Here, you’ll meet adorable Disney characters and explore many themed areas such as Toy Story, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Zootopia.  
 

4. Yuyuan Garden

  Yuyuan Garden is an ancient Chinese garden located in the heart of the city, with a history spanning over 400 years. It has been beautifully restored in the traditional classical Chinese style, featuring ponds, pavilions, and rare flowering plants. It’s the perfect place to relax or chill out, with plenty of scenic spots for photography. Additionally, it’s a bustling shopping area filled with tea houses, restaurants, clothing shops, and even a Starbucks.  
 

5. Nanjing Road

  Nanjing Road is a shopper’s paradise, one of the liveliest commercial districts in Shanghai, and ranks among the busiest pedestrian areas in the city. Stretching over 5 kilometers, it is lined with a diverse range of shops, from luxury department stores to world-renowned brand boutiques. You’ll also find handmade crafts and an abundance of dining options, including both Chinese and international cuisine. If you love shopping, this is an absolute must-visit!  
 

6. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

  Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, a must-see attraction in Shanghai! This ancient town is over 1,700 years old and has been nicknamed “Venice of the East” because of the river flowing through the town. The town offers a pleasant riverside ambiance with bridges and small canals. There are also shops renting traditional Chinese outfits for photo shoots, and you can take a boat ride to enjoy the views along the banks.  
 

7. Longhua Temple

Longhua Temple is one of Shanghai’s oldest and most historic temples, with a history spanning over 1,700 years. It is also the largest temple in Shanghai in terms of grounds area. Within the temple, there are numerous beautifully carved Buddha statues such as the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, Sangharaja, and other Buddha figures. The highlight here is the towering seven-story octagonal pagoda, built during the Three Kingdoms period. If you visit Shanghai, you shouldn’t miss the chance to pay your respects at this temple.  
 

8. Jade Buddha Temple

The Jade Buddha Temple is another temple you should visit at least once! It’s the most popular place of worship for both Shanghai locals and tourists. This temple houses the famous white jade Buddha statues in seated and reclining poses, brought from Myanmar. It also stores various ancient artifacts such as Buddha images, Tipitaka scriptures, and historic paintings. There’s even a hall enshrining other golden antiquities. If you’d like to pay respects and make merit, be sure to stop by this temple.  
 

9. Former French Concession District

Another popular Shanghai attraction, anyone who thinks traveling in China is only about experiencing Chinese culture and atmosphere will be surprised by the Former French Concession district, which hides a European vibe and lets you stroll around in a relaxed way. This historic neighborhood is full of brightly colored colonial architecture, boutique shops, famous brand outlets, trendy cafés, galleries, and shaded trees—perfect for walking around, taking photos, and sipping coffee in a laid-back atmosphere.  
 

10. Chenghuangmiao 100-Year-Old Market (Chen Wang Miao)

11. Yuyuan Lantern Festival

  This is a winter festival. This magnificent lantern festival is held in Yuyuan Garden, featuring lantern displays in various shapes according to each year’s theme. The people of Shanghai go all out every year. The event runs from January to February. Plan ahead and come see it!  
 

12. Peach Blossom Festival

  To admire the beautiful cherry blossoms, visit during the spring festival, which invites tourists to stroll among the stunning blooms in various public parks around Shanghai. You can also enjoy a variety of performances and traditional Chinese folk music, with local artists performing live both day and night. In addition, there are many fun activities to take part in. The event runs from March to April.  
 

13. Dragon Boat Festival

  If you’re visiting Shanghai in summer, don’t miss the Dragon Boat Festival (Dragon Boat Festival), which commemorates Qu Yuan, the patriotic poet. The festival offers a wide variety of zongzi, both savory and sweet, for you to indulge in. One highlight is the exciting dragon boat races, which feel similar to the long-tail boat races we have back home. The event runs from May 31 to June 2. If you plan to attend, we recommend double-checking the exact dates.  

14. Shanghai International Art Fair