Last updated: January 18, 2025
Shanghai, China, is characterized by a humid subtropical climate (Köppen-Geiger class Cfa), exhibiting significant seasonal variations. The city experiences a cold winter, with January temperatures plummeting to a minimum of -8°C (18°F), while summer months unleash scorching heat, with July temperatures soaring to a maximum of 42°C (107°F). The annual average temperature hovers around 18°C (64°F), showcasing Shanghai's dynamic weather patterns that fluctuate between frigid winters and oppressively warm summers, all influencing its vibrant urban life.
Shanghai experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns, reflecting its humid subtropical climate. Winters are typically cold, with January and February temperatures dipping to minimal values of -8°C (18°F) and -5°C (23°F), while average highs only reach 23°C (73°F) and 26°C (79°F), respectively. As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in April with an average of 16°C (62°F) and maximums of 33°C (91°F). The city transitions into a hot and humid summer, with July and August yielding peak temperatures around 42°C (107°F) and 39°C (103°F), respectively, and average daily highs consistently in the upper 30s°C (upper 90s°F). As autumn approaches, temperatures begin to cool again, with October and November showcasing averages around 20°C (68°F) and dropping to 0°C (33°F) by November’s end. This fluctuation between warm summers and cold winters underscores the diverse climatic conditions that define Shanghai throughout the year.
Zhujiajiao experiences a range of temperatures with a minimum of -7°C (19°F) in January and a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in July, as detailed here. Pudong sees slightly cooler winters, with a minimum of -8°C (19°F) in January and a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in July, which can be explored here. Similarly, Shanghai shares the same minimum of -8°C (19°F) in January and peaks at 39°C (102°F) in July, as shown here.
Shanghai experiences a distinct precipitation pattern throughout the year, with notable variations between seasons. The early months of January and February see relatively moderate rainfall, accumulating 59 mm (2.3 in) and 63 mm (2.5 in) respectively, accompanied by fewer rainy days. As spring progresses into March and April, precipitation increases, with March recording 88 mm (3.5 in) and April 76 mm (3.0 in), leading to an uptick in rainy days. However, the onset of summer marks the city's wettest months, where May witnesses a significant jump in rainfall to 124 mm (4.9 in), culminating in June, July, and August, which collectively produce heavy downpours, with July alone reaching 246 mm (9.7 in) over approximately 15 days.
The summer months not only bring the highest rainfall totals but are also responsible for a substantial proportion of Shanghai's annual precipitation, primarily due to the East Asian monsoon. After the peak in July, rainfall begins to taper off in August and September, with totals of 174 mm (6.8 in) and 169 mm (6.7 in), respectively. Autumn and winter see a decline in precipitation, with October through December recording lighter rainfalls of 63 mm (2.5 in), 51 mm (2.0 in), and 52 mm (2.1 in), often spread over fewer rainy days. This seasonal distribution emphasizes the critical role summer rains play in replenishing the city’s water supply, while the drier winter months offer a respite from the otherwise humid conditions.
Shanghai's sunshine duration displays a clear seasonal trend, characterized by a steady increase from winter to summer. In January, the city experiences a modest 153 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises through February and March, reaching a welcoming 237 hours by the latter month. This upward trajectory continues into spring, with April and May offering 259 hours and an impressive 283 hours, respectively. The arrival of summer in June marks a peak in sunlight, although this is soon eclipsed in July and August, when sunshine hours soar to 292 hours and 313 hours. These summer months represent the zenith of sunshine for Shanghai, providing ample daylight and warmth.
As autumn approaches, sunshine begins to taper off, yet the city still enjoys substantial daylight. September sees a slight decline to 254 hours, followed by October and November, with 240 hours and 221 hours, respectively. While December experiences a further reduction, totaling 212 hours of sunshine, it remains a stable winter month compared to January's lows. Overall, the analysis highlights Shanghai’s sunniest periods occurring during the height of summer, while also showcasing a gradual decline in sunlight as the year progresses into the cooler months, reflecting the city’s diverse climatic conditions throughout the seasons.
The UV Index in Shanghai shows significant seasonal variation, reflecting the city's transition from winter to summer. In January, with a UV Index of 5, exposure is considered moderate, allowing for approximately 30 minutes of safe unprotected sun exposure. As winter gives way to spring, February sees a rise to a UV Index of 6, moving into the high exposure category with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The conditions become increasingly intense in March and April, peaking at 9 and 10, respectively, a sign of the very high UV levels and requiring more caution for sun exposure, with burn times drastically falling to just 15 minutes.
The summer months bring the highest UV Index values, with May through August recorded at 11 and 12, indicating an extreme exposure risk and necessitating sun protection for no more than 10 minutes. Even in September, the UV Index remains elevated at 11, before tapering back to 8 in October, which is still categorized as very high. This shift continues into late autumn and winter, with November's index dropping to 6 and December lowering further to 4, reflecting moderate exposure levels again and extending safe burn times to 30 minutes. These insights emphasize the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during the peak summer months when UV levels can pose serious health risks.
UV Risk Categories
In Shanghai, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal rhythm, transitioning from shorter days in winter to longer exposures in summer. January and December each offer about 10 hours of daylight, while February sees a modest increase to 11 hours. As spring approaches, March maintains this 11-hour duration but quickly progresses into April, when daylight extends to 12 hours. The peak occurs in June with 14 hours of daylight, marking the height of summer when the sun illuminates the city for the longest time of the year.
Following the summer solstice, daylight begins to decrease gradually, with July and August providing 13 hours each. As autumn sets in, September offers a slight reduction to 12 hours, followed by a further decline in October with 11 hours of daylight. Finally, November returns to 10 hours, similar to January, completing the cycle. This pattern emphasizes the significant variations in daylight hours throughout the year, impacting daily activities and the overall lifestyle of Shanghai’s residents.
Fengjing, China experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter months, particularly January and February, have minimum temperatures reaching as low as -7°C (19°F) and moderate rainfall, while summers from June to August are characterized by high humidity and average temperatures around 29°C (85°F) with significant precipitation peaking in July at 243 mm (9.6 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in August, which boasts around 310 hours of sunlight. This climate supports a rich environment for agriculture and outdoor activities. For more details, visit Fengjing climate.
Hongkou, China experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters can be quite cold, with January temperatures ranging from -8°C (19°F) to 22°C (71°F), while summers are warm and humid, especially in July and August, where average temperatures reach 29°C (84°F) and 85°F, respectively. Precipitation is prominent in the summer months, peaking at 250 mm (9.8 in) in July, contributing to the overall humidity. Sunshine hours are abundant during the summer as well, with August boasting the highest at 318 hours. For more detailed information, visit Hongkou climate.
Nanxiang, China experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters. January temperatures range from -8°C to 22°C, while July sees highs of up to 41°C, making it the hottest month. Rainfall peaks during the summer months, particularly in July with 252 mm, contributing to a humid atmosphere. Sunshine hours reach their maximum in August at 310 hours, offering plenty of bright days. For more details, visit Nanxiang climate.
Pudong, China experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (19°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in July. Summers are hot and humid, with July and August receiving the heaviest rainfall, while winters can be quite cold, often dipping below freezing. The region benefits from considerable sunshine, particularly in the summer months of July and August, when it sees over 300 hours of sunlight. For more detailed climate information, visit Pudong climate.
Shanghai experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters (December to February) are cool, with temperatures ranging from -8°C (19°F) to 22°C (71°F), while summers (June to August) are hot and humid, peaking between 20°C (69°F) and 39°C (102°F). Precipitation is highest in summer, particularly in July, averaging 250 mm (9.8 in), while January and December are relatively drier with about 55 mm (2.2 in) of rainfall. The city enjoys ample sunshine, especially in summer, with July recording up to 301 hours of sun. For more information, visit Shanghai climate.
The climate in Sheshan, China, features a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with January averaging 6°C (43°F) and July peaking at an average of 29°C (84°F). Precipitation is heaviest in the summer months, particularly in June and July, with over 242 mm (9.5 in) recorded in June. Sunshine hours are abundant, especially from May to August, reaching a peak of 310 hours in August. Overall, Sheshan experiences warm summers and cool winters with moderate rainfall. For more details, visit Sheshan climate.
The climate in Songjiang, China, is characterized by a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with January averaging 6°C (43°F) and July reaching an average of 29°C (84°F). Precipitation peaks during the summer months, particularly in June and July, with nearly 242 mm (9.5 in) and 252 mm (9.9 in) respectively. Sunshine hours are abundant, especially in August, which sees around 310 hours of sunlight. This combination of warm temperatures and substantial rainfall supports a lush environment. For more detailed information, visit Songjiang climate.
Xuhui, China experiences a diverse climate with notable seasonal variations. Winter months like January and February see temperatures ranging from -8°C to 24°C, while summer peaks in July and August can reach up to 39°C. Precipitation is most abundant during the summer, with July receiving 250 mm, while the driest months are November and December, each averaging around 50 mm. The region enjoys substantial sunshine throughout the year, especially in summer with up to 318 hours in August. For more detailed insights, visit Xuhui climate.
Yangpu, China experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. January temperatures range from -8°C (19°F) to 22°C (71°F), while July sees highs of up to 39°C (102°F). Precipitation is most frequent in the summer months, peaking in July at 250 mm (9.8 in), with a total annual average of approximately 1,570 mm (61.8 in). The area enjoys considerable sunshine, particularly in July and August, with around 301 and 318 hours, respectively. For more detailed information, visit Yangpu climate.
Yueyang, China, experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by significant temperature variability throughout the year. Winter months are chilly, with January temperatures averaging around 6°C (43°F), while summer peaks in July, reaching an average of 29°C (84°F). Precipitation is abundant, particularly in the summer, with June recording the highest rainfall at 242 mm (9.5 in). The city enjoys a good amount of sunshine, especially in August, which boasts around 310 hours. For more details, visit Yueyang climate.
Zhujiajiao, China, experiences a diverse climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations. Winter temperatures can drop to a minimum of -7°C (19°F) in January, while summers can soar to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in July. Precipitation peaks in June and July, with averages exceeding 240 mm (9.4 in), contributing to a humid atmosphere. The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly from May to August, reaching up to 310 hours in August. For more detailed information, visit Zhujiajiao climate.
In conclusion, the climate and daylight patterns of Shanghai, China, reveal a dynamic interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine, UV exposure, and daylight duration throughout the year. Residents experience distinct seasonal changes, from the cold and damp winters to the hot and humid summers, with considerable variations in sunshine and UV Index levels impacting daily activities and health considerations. Notably, the city's peak daylight hours and elevated UV exposure during the summer months underscore the importance of sun safety and awareness. As Shanghai continues to grow and evolve, understanding these climatic trends remains vital for fostering a resilient urban environment and ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants.