Last updated: August 21, 2025
In August, Shanghai experiences a scorching climate, with maximum temperatures soaring up to 38°C (100°F), while the average settles around a warm 29°C (85°F). The evenings offer a slight respite, with lows of 20°C (69°F). This month also brings significant humidity at 91%, making the heat feel even more intense. Rainfall is commonplace, with 167 mm (6.6 in) accumulating over approximately 15 rainy days, providing brief but welcome relief from the sweltering conditions. Visitors should prepare for a mix of heat and occasional downpours while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling metropolis.
In August, Shanghai experiences some of its hottest temperatures of the year, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and an average hovering around 29°C (85°F). The peak can soar up to a sweltering 38°C (100°F), making it a month where the heat is undeniably felt. This pattern continues from the previous months of June and July, where warmer temperatures establish a notable trend. The warmth of August acts as a culmination of the summer heatwave, paving the way for the slightly cooler yet still pleasant temperatures of September. Thus, while the city buzzes with energy, it’s essential to stay refreshed and hydrated during this steamy period.
In August, Shanghai experiences notable rainfall, with a precipitation total of 167 mm (6.6 in) over approximately 15 days. This marks a significant drop from the deluge of 250 mm (9.8 in) recorded in July, yet it still contributes to the city’s humid summer climate. August's rainfall signals a transition as the summer peak begins to wane, leading into the cooler months of September and October, where precipitation tapers off. Despite the reduction from July, the consistent number of rainy days in August emphasizes the persistence of the monsoon influence, keeping the air heavy and the city lush as the summer heat gently recedes.
In August, Shanghai experiences a notable humidity level of 91%, making it one of the wetter months of the year. This peak follows July's sweltering 93%, showcasing a trend of high humidity during the summer months. As spring transitions into summer, humidity steadily increases, with April and May both holding at 87%, before hitting a summer high. Interestingly, while August remains humid, September sees a significant drop to 81%, marking the beginning of a cooling trend as the city edges towards autumn. This cyclical pattern highlights Shanghai's characteristic muggy summers, making August a prime time for both warmth and moisture.
In August, Shanghai experiences an UV Index of 11, placing it in the extreme exposure category, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This high level of UV radiation builds on the previously scorching months of July (UV Index 12) and June (UV Index 11), indicating a trend of elevated sun intensity during the peak summer season. As the city transitions from July to August, residents and visitors should remain vigilant about sun protection strategies, as the risk of skin damage remains significant. Notably, as summer wanes, the UV Index will start to decline, hitting 8 in October. For more insights and specifics on UV exposure throughout the year, check out Shanghai UV Index.
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In August, Shanghai basks in a remarkable 318 hours of sunshine, reaching its peak luminosity for the year. This dazzling month continues a trend of increasingly bright days, following July's impressive 301 hours. As summer transitions into autumn, the daylight gradually wanes, with September seeing a drop to 260 hours. This annual pattern showcases the city's vibrant summer climate, making August a particularly radiant time, perfect for outdoor activities and soaking up the sun's warmth before the cooler months set in. The trend not only highlights the glory of summer but also marks a gentle retreat into the softer light of fall.
In August, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather in Shanghai rises to 34%, a modest increase compared to the sunniest days of summer in July when the chance plummets to just 17%. This slight rebound signals the end of the peak rainy season, as residents anticipate more consistent sunlight leading into the fall. Overall, the month sits at a transitional point, where the sunny prospects begin to align more favorably, paving the way for a brighter September and October. With trends showing a gradual increase in clear skies as the year progresses, August serves as a reminder that while summer may be waning, the promise of sun still lingers in the air.
In August, Shanghai enjoys a generous 13 hours of daylight, a continuation of the city’s sunlit summer. This month marks a slight decline from the peak of 14 hours in June but remains consistent with July's brightness, showcasing a gradual and pleasant transition as summer wanes. From the year's start, daylight has progressively increased, peaking in mid-summer before beginning its slow descent towards fall. With September ushering in shorter days, August serves as a vibrant close to the lengthy daylight hours, inviting residents and visitors alike to revel in the warm, sun-drenched days before the cooler months arrive.
In August, the winds of Shanghai tend to whisper gently, averaging a mild 3.1 m/s (7 mph), marking it as one of the calmest months of the year. This decline follows a notable uptick in July, where the breeze picks up to a lively 5.1 m/s (11 mph), suggesting that summer’s peak heat draws in more energetic air currents. As the city transitions from the sweltering summer, the wind speed consistently hovers around 3.7 m/s (8 mph) for most other months, indicating a balanced air pattern throughout the spring and autumn. This gentle shift in wind dynamics enhances the city's vibrant atmosphere, offering a refreshing respite from the summer heat while preparing for the cooler months ahead.
Weather in Shanghai varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares August’s weather to other months in Shanghai, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
August and January weather in Shanghai present a striking contrast. In August, temperatures soar with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and an average high reaching 38°C (100°F). The month is marked by high humidity at 91% and considerable rainfall, receiving 167 mm (6.6 in) over about 15 days. In contrast, January brings a much cooler climate, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -8°C (19°F) and an average high of only 22°C (71°F). Additionally, January experiences significantly less precipitation, totaling 55 mm (2.2 in) across just 6 days and maintaining a lower humidity level of 70%. For a detailed look at January's conditions, check out Shanghai weather in January.
In August, Shanghai experiences warm and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a scorching maximum of 38°C (100°F), alongside high humidity levels of 91%. The month also sees significant rainfall, with 167 mm (6.6 in) of precipitation spread across approximately 15 days. In contrast, February offers a much cooler climate, with temperatures fluctuating between -3°C (27°F) and a comfortable maximum of 24°C (76°F). Precipitation is much lower, totaling 60 mm (2.4 in) over about 8 days, along with a humidity level of 73%. For more detailed information, you can explore Shanghai weather in February.
August and March showcase a stark contrast in weather patterns. In August, temperatures can soar, with averages around 29°C (85°F) and highs reaching up to 38°C (100°F), while humidity remains high at 91%. This month also experiences considerable rainfall, totaling 167 mm (6.6 in) over approximately 15 days. In contrast, March offers a much cooler climate, with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F) and maximums reaching only 26°C (79°F). The precipitation in March is less intense, averaging 83 mm (3.3 in) over 12 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 81%. For a more detailed look at March weather, visit Shanghai weather in March.
In comparing the weather of August and April, it's clear that August is significantly warmer and more humid. While April experiences milder temperatures with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F), August sees much higher temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to an average of 29°C (85°F) and reaching up to 38°C (100°F). Additionally, August has more rainfall, with 167 mm (6.6 in) across 15 days, in contrast to April's 72 mm (2.8 in) over 9 days. Despite April's cooler temperatures, it still maintains a high humidity level of 87%, while August's humidity peaks at 91%. For a deeper understanding of April's climate, you can visit Shanghai weather in April.
In comparing the weather of August and May, August is significantly warmer with average temperatures reaching 29°C (85°F) and maximums peaking at 38°C (100°F), while May offers a milder experience with an average of 21°C (71°F) and a maximum of 34°C (94°F). August also sees higher humidity levels at 91%, compared to May's 87%, which can make the heat feel more intense. Additionally, August tends to be wetter, with 167 mm (6.6 in) of precipitation over 15 days, as opposed to May's 117 mm (4.6 in) over 10 days. For more detailed insights into May’s weather patterns, you can visit Shanghai weather in May.
In comparing the weather of June and August, we find that August tends to be hotter, with average temperatures reaching 29°C (85°F) compared to June's 25°C (76°F). While both months have a similar number of rainy days at 15, June experiences slightly more precipitation at 201 mm (7.9 in) versus August's 167 mm (6.6 in). Humidity levels remain fairly consistent, with August at 91% and June at 89%, making both months quite muggy. For more details on June's weather, you can visit Shanghai weather in June.
In comparing the weather between July and August, both months exhibit similar temperature ranges, with average temperatures around 29°C (85°F). However, July tends to be slightly hotter, reaching a maximum of 39°C (102°F), compared to August's maximum of 38°C (100°F). Precipitation also plays a significant role in these months, with July experiencing a higher total of 250 mm (9.8 in) over 16 days, while August sees 167 mm (6.6 in) over 15 days. Additionally, humidity levels are marginally lower in August at 91%, compared to July's 93%. For a more detailed look at July's weather, you can check Shanghai weather in July.
August and September present a transition in weather patterns, with August typically being hotter and more humid. In August, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 38°C (100°F), with an average of 29°C (85°F). This month also sees significant rainfall, totaling 167 mm (6.6 in) over 15 rainy days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 91%. In contrast, September experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 17°C (63°F), an average of 25°C (78°F), and a maximum of 35°C (94°F). Although September has a bit more rainfall at 177 mm (7.0 in) over 13 days, the humidity is lower at 81%. This gradual decline in both temperature and humidity makes September generally more comfortable. For more detailed information, you can check the Shanghai weather in September.
August and October exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In August, temperatures are quite high, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and an average of 29°C (85°F), peaking at 38°C (100°F). The month is also characterized by significant rainfall, with 167 mm (6.6 in) of precipitation over 15 days and high humidity levels at 91%. In contrast, October brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F), an average of 20°C (68°F), and a maximum of 31°C (89°F). Precipitation decreases to 69 mm (2.7 in) spread across just 7 days, and humidity drops to 80%. For more detailed weather insights, check out Shanghai weather in October.
August and November present vastly different weather experiences. In August, temperatures soar with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and an average high reaching 38°C (100°F), accompanied by high humidity at 91%. This month also sees significant rainfall, with 167 mm (6.6 in) of precipitation spread over 15 days. In contrast, November brings a much cooler climate, with minimum temperatures dropping to 2°C (37°F) and average highs around 27°C (81°F). Rainfall is considerably less, totaling only 51 mm (2.0 in) over just 7 days, and humidity decreases slightly to 82%. For more details on this month’s climate, check out Shanghai weather in November.
August and December present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In August, temperatures soar with a minimum of 20°C (69°F), an average of 29°C (85°F), and can reach a scalding maximum of 38°C (100°F). Coupled with high humidity levels at 91%, the summer months in August are often characterized by significant precipitation, averaging 167 mm (6.6 in) over 15 days. In contrast, December experiences much cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -5°C (22°F) to an average of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F). Rainfall is significantly reduced to 50 mm (2.0 in) over about 8 days, and humidity levels drop to 77%. For a more detailed analysis of weather in December, you can refer to Shanghai weather in December.
As summer reaches its peak, August in Shanghai is characterized by intense heat and high humidity, making it notably warmer than other months. With temperatures often soaring above 30°C (86°F), the city experiences an average of 29°C (85°F), prompting many to seek relief from the sweltering conditions. Rainfall is also prevalent, with 15 days of precipitation leading to a total of 167 mm (6.6 in), adding to the already muggy atmosphere. This combination of heat and moisture gives August a distinctive tropical feel that sets it apart from the milder months of spring and autumn. For a deeper understanding of how the weather in August fits into Shanghai's overall climate patterns, visit Shanghai Climate.