Last updated: August 21, 2025
In January, Shanghai experiences a unique blend of winter chill and occasional sunshine, with temperatures fluctuating between a maximum of 22°C (71°F) and a minimum of -8°C (19°F). On average, the month's temperature hovers around 6°C (44°F), making it essential for visitors to layer up while exploring the city. The month sees about 55 mm (2.2 in) of rainfall over roughly 6 days, contributing to a humidity level of 70% that may add a slight bite to the cold. Embrace the atmospheric charm of Shanghai in January, as the city's vibrant culture contrasts beautifully with the wintery backdrop.
In January, Shanghai experiences a remarkable temperature range, with a minimum dipping to -8°C (19°F) and a maximum reaching 22°C (71°F). The average temperature hovers around 6°C (44°F), marking a stark contrast with the more temperate winter months that follow. As the city transitions into February, the cold gradually eases, with lows of -3°C (27°F) and highs of 24°C (76°F), indicating a hint of warmth returning as spring approaches. The month of January not only serves as a chilly curtain-raiser for the year but also sets the stage for the warming trend, where temperatures steadily rise until summer, showcasing Shanghai's vibrant climate shift from cold winter to the sultry heat of the following months.
January in Shanghai brings a refreshing start to the year with average precipitation of 55 mm (2.2 in) falling across approximately 6 days. This amount sets the stage for a gradually wetter early spring, as February sees a slight increase to 60 mm (2.4 in). The rain remains relatively light compared to the heavier deluges that characterize the summer months, peaking in July with an impressive 250 mm (9.8 in). As one transitions from winter to spring, there's a noticeable upward trend in both precipitation and rainy days, hinting at the intensifying weather patterns ahead. This gradual increase illustrates the city’s transition from the drier, cooler winter months to the vibrant and often rain-soaked days of summer, making January a distinct yet subtle herald of the wetter season to come.
In January, Shanghai experiences a relatively mild humidity level of 70%, setting the stage for a gradual increase as the year progresses. As winter transitions into spring, February sees a slight rise to 73%, followed by a significant jump in March, where humidity reaches 81%. This upward trend continues through the spring months, peaking in the sweltering summer with July hitting 93%, marking the city's most humid period. Interestingly, post-summer months bring a slight respite, with humidity levels tapering to 81% in September. However, the air remains consistently humid throughout the year, as evidenced by the closing months where even December maintains a solid 77%. This progression underscores Shanghai’s tropical climate, characterized by high humidity, especially during the peak summer months.
In January, Shanghai experiences a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for a burn time of approximately 30 minutes under the sun. As winter transitions to spring, the UV Index steadily rises, with February seeing a jump to 6, indicating a high level of exposure and reducing the safe sun time to 25 minutes. The trend continues upward, peaking in the warmer months, particularly from March to July, with indices soaring to 10 and beyond during April and May, where sun exposure becomes critical, and burn times shrink to just 15 minutes. June and July hit an extreme index of 11-12, necessitating vigilant sun protection for even brief exposures. As the season shifts into late summer and autumn, the UV levels begin to moderate again, with October and November reflecting very high to high exposure categories. Understanding these fluctuations is vital for sun safety and protecting your skin year-round, so be sure to stay informed through Shanghai UV Index resources.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Shanghai welcomes the year with 157 hours of sunshine, marking the beginning of a gradual increase in daylight as the months progress. By February, the sun shines a bit brighter with 211 hours, hinting at the promise of spring. The warmth continues to rise through March and April, where sunshine peaks at 244 and 267 hours respectively, inviting locals and visitors alike to bask in the emerging warmth. The true pinnacle of sunlight arrives in the summer months, with July and August boasting a remarkable 301 and 318 hours of sunshine, making them the sunniest months of the year. As fall sets in, the hours start to wane, with September offering 260 hours before transitioning into the softer light of October and November, which yields 245 and 224 hours respectively. Even as December closes the year with 214 hours of sunshine, the annual trend clearly reveals that Shanghai’s brilliance peaks in the summer, making it a vibrant city to explore under the sun.
In January, Shanghai boasts a 52% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the brighter months in the city's cooler climate. This likelihood stands out against the backdrop of the winter season, particularly when compared to the following months, where the chances of sunshine decline significantly. For instance, February drops to 43%, and March further diminishes to 29%. Interestingly, November and December place higher on the spectrum, with probabilities of 57% and 64%, respectively, hinting at an overall trend where late autumn and early winter may offer more sunny days than the heart of winter itself. As the dampness of January gives way to the grayness of early spring, those seeking sunlight in Shanghai will find January a promising month to enjoy the sun's occasional warmth.
In Shanghai during January, daylight lasts for about 10 hours, marking the beginning of a gradual transition into longer days. As the month progresses into February and March, daylight inches up to 11 hours, hinting at the approaching spring. By April, the sunlight expands to 12 hours, offering a pleasant increase in brightness. May welcomes even longer days with 13 hours of daylight, setting the stage for the warm summer ahead. June peaks at 14 hours, providing ample time for outdoor activities before a slight decline in daylight begins in July and August, where it averages around 13 hours. As the year transitions to autumn, daylight gradually decreases with 12 hours in September and returning to 11 hours by October. Finally, both November and December settle back to 10 hours, echoing January’s daylight duration. This cyclical pattern captures the essence of seasonal change, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the evolving landscape of Shanghai throughout the year.
In January, Shanghai experiences a tranquil breeze with an average wind speed of 3.7 m/s (8 mph), mirroring the winds of the previous month and hinting at a consistency that weaves through the early year. As the city transitions from winter to spring, this steady wind pattern largely remains unchanged, continuing into February and March. However, the gentle whisper of January’s winds begins to alter slightly as we approach summer; the winds pick up noticeably in July, reaching a notable 5.1 m/s (11 mph). This seasonal shift introduces a more vibrant atmosphere, demonstrating how Shanghai’s winds transform throughout the year, with the summer months offering a refreshing contrast to the calmer winter days.
Weather in Shanghai varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Shanghai, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February display noticeable differences in weather patterns. In January, the minimum temperature can drop as low as -8°C (19°F), while the average temperature stands at 6°C (44°F), peaking at 22°C (71°F). With precipitation totaling 55 mm (2.2 in) over about 6 days, January also has a relative humidity of 70%. In contrast, February brings slightly warmer conditions, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F), reaching a maximum of 24°C (76°F). Precipitation increases marginally to 60 mm (2.4 in) over 8 days, with humidity rising to 73%. For a more in-depth look at February's weather, you can visit Shanghai weather in February.
January and March present notable contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -8°C (19°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F). This month experiences around 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 6 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 70%. In contrast, March showcases a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (37°F) to a much warmer maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F). However, it also sees increased precipitation, totaling 83 mm (3.3 in) across 12 days and higher humidity at 81%. For more specific details, you can refer to Shanghai weather in March.
January and April exhibit distinctly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -8°C (19°F) to a comfortable maximum of 22°C (71°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F). This month also experiences 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 6 days and a humidity level of 70%. In contrast, April sees a significant rise in temperatures with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum reaching 31°C (87°F), yielding an average temperature of 16°C (61°F). Rainfall increases to 72 mm (2.8 in) over about 9 days, and humidity rises to 87%. For more detailed insights, check out Shanghai weather in April.
January and May present stark contrasts in weather conditions. January experiences a chillier climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (19°F) to an average of 6°C (44°F), peaking at 22°C (71°F). Despite having only 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 6 days, the humidity is relatively low at 70%. In stark contrast, May boasts significantly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F), an average of 21°C (71°F), and a maximum reaching 34°C (94°F). Additionally, May sees increased precipitation at 117 mm (4.6 in) over 10 days and higher humidity levels at 87%. For more detailed information, you can view Shanghai weather in May.
January and June present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -8°C (19°F) to a mild maximum of 22°C (71°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F). The month experiences approximately 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over about 6 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 70%. In contrast, June boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (65°F) and a peak reaching 36°C (96°F), averaging at 25°C (76°F). This summer month is notably wetter, receiving 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain over 15 days and featuring higher humidity at 89%. For more detailed information, you can visit Shanghai weather in June.
The weather in January and July exhibits stark contrasts. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -8°C (19°F) to a pleasant maximum of 22°C (71°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F). The month sees around 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over just six days, coupled with a humidity level of 70%. In striking contrast, July experiences significantly warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures starting at 20°C (69°F) and soaring to a scorching maximum of 39°C (102°F), averaging 29°C (84°F). This month also receives abundant rainfall, totaling 250 mm (9.8 in) over 16 days, and the humidity reaches a sweltering 93%. For more detailed insights, visit Shanghai weather in July.
January and August present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -8°C (19°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F), with an average of around 6°C (44°F). The month sees 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over just 6 days, and the humidity hovers at 70%. In contrast, August experiences warm temperatures, with minimums of 20°C (69°F) and soaring maximums reaching up to 38°C (100°F), averaging at 29°C (85°F). Precipitation increases significantly to 167 mm (6.6 in) over 15 days, and humidity rises to a stifling 91%. This dramatic shift underscores the transition from the cold of winter to the sweltering heat of summer. For more details, visit Shanghai weather in August.
In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (19°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F), accompanied by an average of 6°C (44°F). The month experiences around 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 6 days, with humidity levels averaging 70%. In contrast, September brings much warmer conditions, featuring temperatures that range from a minimum of 17°C (63°F) to a maximum of 35°C (94°F), with an average temperature of 25°C (78°F). This month is also wetter, with precipitation reaching 177 mm (7.0 in) over 13 days and higher humidity levels at 81%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Shanghai weather in September.
In January, temperatures in the region range from a chilly -8°C (19°F) at their lowest to a mild 22°C (71°F) at their peak, with an average of 6°C (44°F). The month sees approximately 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over about 6 days, and humidity levels hover around 70%. In contrast, October presents a much warmer climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 69 mm (2.7 in) over 7 days, accompanied by higher humidity at 80%. For more detailed insights on the October climate, you can refer to Shanghai weather in October.
January and November present notably different weather conditions in Shanghai. In January, the temperatures range from a chilly -8°C (19°F) at their lowest to a milder 22°C (71°F) at their highest, with an average of 6°C (44°F). The month sees about 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 6 days, paired with a humidity level of 70%.
In contrast, November experiences a more temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (37°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), averaging at 15°C (59°F). The precipitation slightly decreases to 51 mm (2.0 in) over 7 days, but the humidity rises to 82%. For more detailed insights into this month, you can check Shanghai weather in November.
January's weather is characterized by colder temperatures compared to December, with minimums dropping to -8°C (19°F) and an average of 6°C (44°F), while December sees milder conditions with a minimum of -5°C (22°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F). Precipitation levels are quite similar, with January receiving 55 mm (2.2 in) over 6 days and December slightly less at 50 mm (2.0 in) over 8 days. Furthermore, January's humidity is lower at 70%, compared to December’s 77%, making January feel slightly drier overall. For a more detailed comparison of weather patterns, you can explore Shanghai weather in December.
In January, Shanghai experiences a distinct shift in weather compared to other months, with chilly temperatures that can plunge to as low as -8°C (19°F) during the night, making it one of the coldest times of the year. Although daytime highs can reach a mild 22°C (71°F), the overall average hovers around a brisk 6°C (44°F). Humidity levels are relatively high at 70%, creating a damp atmosphere that permeates the air. Additionally, the city sees about 55 mm of precipitation over approximately six days, contributing to the winter chill. This unique blend of cold temperatures and moisture sets January apart, making it a time for cozy indoor activities and warm meals. For a deeper understanding of how Shanghai's climate varies throughout the year, visit Shanghai Climate.