Last updated: August 21, 2025
In May, Shanghai experiences a vibrant transition into the warmth of spring, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 34°C (94°F). The average temperature hovers around 21°C (71°F), offering pleasant days, while lows can dip to 12°C (53°F) at night. Residents and visitors should prepare for moderate rainfall, as the city sees 117 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation across 10 days of rain, contributing to a humidity level of 87%. This combination of warmth and moisture creates a lush environment, making May an ideal time to explore the city's blooming landscapes while staying mindful of occasional showers.
May in Shanghai marks a delightful transition into warmer weather, with temperatures showing a significant rise from previous months. With a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and an average of 21°C (71°F), the city basks in pleasant warmth, peaking at a maximum of 34°C (94°F). This month vividly contrasts with the colder early months of the year, where temperatures struggled to reach double digits. As spring blossoms, May brings not only higher temperatures but also a sense of vibrancy across the city, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring Shanghai's rich culture. The ascent into warmer weather hints at the hot summer days ahead, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy the city's dynamic atmosphere.
In May, Shanghai experiences a notable increase in precipitation, receiving approximately 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain over 10 days. This marks a significant rise from the earlier months, with March and April recording much lower totals of 83 mm (3.3 in) and 72 mm (2.8 in), respectively. May’s rainfall is a precursor to the even wetter months ahead, particularly June, which averages a hefty 201 mm (7.9 in). As spring transitions to summer, the rainfall pattern reflects a clear upward trend, soaking the city in preparation for the more intense precipitation that characterizes the peak of the rainy season.
In May, Shanghai experiences a notable continuation of its humid spring climate, with humidity levels peaking at 87%—a figure that mirrors April's conditions. This high level of moisture in the air often leads to a feeling of heaviness, setting the stage for the sweltering summer months ahead. As the city transitions into June, the humidity surges even further to 89%, highlighting a clear upward trend that persists through the warmer months. With each passing month, the atmospheric moisture levels steadily rise, indicating that May acts as a powerful precursor to the intensifying humidity, shaping the overall experience of warmth and dampness in Shanghai.
As May rolls into Shanghai, the UV Index peaks at 10, maintaining a very high exposure category that signifies the need for caution under the sun. With a burn time of just 15 minutes, residents and visitors must stay vigilant to prevent skin damage. This month mirrors April's UV levels, reflecting a consistent rise in intensity as spring transitions to summer. Notably, this is part of a trend that sees the UV Index escalate sharply in the warmer months, reaching its zenith in June at an extreme 11. Staying informed about UV conditions is essential for safe outdoor activities, especially during this vibrant period. For more details, visit Shanghai UV Index.
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As the warm embrace of spring transitions into summer, May shines brightly in Shanghai with an impressive 290 hours of sunshine, marking a delightful peak in daylight hours for the city. This month continues the upward trend established from January's modest 157 hours to the blooming 267 hours in April. The rising sunshine signals not only the approach of summer but also a vibrant energy that captures the city's spirit. Following May, June dips slightly but remains generous with 274 hours, while July and August soar even higher, highlighting the sun's increasing dominance as the summer months unfold. This gradual ascent in sunshine hours not only brightens the city's skyline but also elevates the mood of its residents, setting the stage for outdoor adventures and scenic explorations.
As we transition into May in Shanghai, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather takes a notable dip, with only a 29% chance of sunshine. This trend mirrors the city's unpredictable spring climate, where the chances of clear skies are lower than in the preceding months. Compared to earlier months like January (52%) and February (43%), May's weather feels increasingly elusive, trailing behind April’s 33%. As temperatures begin to rise in preparation for the sweltering summer, residents might find themselves yearning for those sunnier days that seem more sporadic in this part of the year. Thus, while May can occasionally surprise with bursts of warmth, the likelihood of extended sunshine remains modest, urging locals and visitors alike to keep an umbrella handy just in case.
In Shanghai, the progression of daylight duration throughout the year reveals a rhythmic dance of light that mirrors the changing seasons. Starting in January with a modest 10 hours of sunlight, the days gradually elongate, reaching 11 hours by February and maintaining that length through March. As spring unfolds, April delights with 12 hours, paving the way for May’s 13 hours of bright, invigorating daylight. This trend reaches its peak in June with a full 14 hours, creating a perfect backdrop for summer activities. However, just as the season shifts, daylight begins to wane again, returning to 13 hours in July and August. By September, the duration gently declines to 12 hours, and as the year closes, October and November embrace the shorter days of 11 and 10 hours, respectively, before settling into the winter months. This cyclical pattern not only marks the passing of time but also reflects the vibrant life of the city throughout the year.
In May, the winds in Shanghai continue a steady rhythm, maintaining an average speed of 3.7 m/s (8 mph), consistent with the preceding months of January through April. This gentle breeze sets a pleasant backdrop as the city transitions into late spring, offering a refreshing escape from the rising temperatures. However, a notable shift occurs in the coming months; July brings a more robust wind speed of 5.1 m/s (11 mph), signaling the onset of summer dynamics. Meanwhile, the wind slows in June and August, with averages dipping to 3.3 m/s (7 mph) and 3.1 m/s (7 mph), respectively. As the year progresses, September and October's winds regain momentum, returning to a comfortable pace. Overall, May represents a period of stability in Shanghai’s wind patterns, setting the stage for the more varied breezes of summer ahead.
Weather in Shanghai varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Shanghai, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
The weather in May is characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity, with daily averages ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a comfortable maximum of 34°C (94°F), and an average humidity of 87%. In contrast, January presents a starkly different climate, with much colder temperatures, fluctuating between a minimum of -8°C (19°F) and an average of 6°C (44°F), peaking at 22°C (71°F). January experiences less precipitation at 55 mm (2.2 in) over about six days, compared to May's 117 mm (4.6 in) over ten days. The lower humidity of 70% in January also contributes to its distinctly crisp feel. For more detailed information, see Shanghai weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, the differences are particularly striking. May features much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and an average of 21°C (71°F), reaching highs of 34°C (94°F). In contrast, February is significantly cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), and an average of just 7°C (45°F). Additionally, May experiences higher precipitation levels, with 117 mm (4.6 in) spread over about 10 days, compared to February’s 60 mm (2.4 in) over 8 days. Finally, May has a higher humidity level at 87%, while February’s humidity sits at a more comfortable 73%. For a detailed look at February's climate, you can check Shanghai weather in February.
May and March present contrasting weather experiences. In May, temperatures are significantly warmer, ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 21°C (71°F). In contrast, March sees cooler temperatures, with lows of 2°C (37°F), highs of 26°C (79°F), and an average of 12°C (54°F). While May is wetter, receiving 117 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, March has a relatively milder 83 mm (3.3 in) of rainfall across 12 days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in May at 87%, compared to 81% in March. For more details on March's weather, check this link: Shanghai weather in March.
In comparison to April, May typically experiences warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching 34°C (94°F) compared to April's maximum of 31°C (87°F). The average temperature in May is also notably higher at 21°C (71°F) versus April's 16°C (61°F). However, May brings increased precipitation, with 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain over approximately 10 days, while April sees only 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain over 9 days. Humidity levels remain consistent between the two months at 87%. For a closer look at April's weather patterns, visit Shanghai weather in April.
May and June exhibit noticeable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of around 21°C (71°F). However, the month sees a significant amount of rainfall, totaling 117 mm (4.6 in) over about 10 days, accompanied by high humidity at 87%.
In contrast, June experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (65°F) and a maximum reaching 36°C (96°F), averaging 25°C (76°F). The month is also wetter, featuring 201 mm (7.9 in) of rainfall spread over 15 days and slightly higher humidity at 89%. For a detailed overview, you can check out Shanghai weather in June.
May and July in Shanghai exhibit distinct climatic differences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 21°C (71°F). This month experiences about 117 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days and enjoys relatively high humidity at 87%. In contrast, July is significantly warmer, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and soaring to a maximum of 39°C (102°F), while the average temperature reaches 29°C (84°F). Precipitation levels rise sharply to 250 mm (9.8 in) over 16 days, along with an increase in humidity to 93%. For more detailed insights on July weather patterns, visit Shanghai weather in July.
In May, the weather is generally milder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), alongside significant humidity at 87%. The month sees approximately 117 mm (4.6 in) of rainfall over 10 days. Conversely, August brings hotter conditions, with temperatures hitting an average of 29°C (85°F) and a maximum of 38°C (100°F). This month experiences even higher humidity at 91% and increased rainfall, totaling about 167 mm (6.6 in) over 15 days. For more details on the weather specifics in August, you can visit Shanghai weather in August.
In comparing the weather between May and September, we find notable differences in temperature and precipitation. May experiences a minimum temperature of 12°C (53°F) and averages around 21°C (71°F), while September starts at a higher minimum of 17°C (63°F) and averages 25°C (78°F). Both months can reach maximum temperatures of 34°C (94°F) and 35°C (94°F), respectively, indicating a similar peak summer heat.
However, September tends to be wetter, with total precipitation reaching 177 mm (7.0 in) over 13 days compared to May's 117 mm (4.6 in) across only 10 days, reflecting a shift towards the rainy season. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly lower in September at 81%, compared to May's high of 87%. For more information on September weather specifics, you can check Shanghai weather in September.
May and October present quite different weather experiences. In May, temperatures can range from a mild 12°C (53°F) at night to a warm 34°C (94°F) during the day, with an average of 21°C (71°F). The month is characterized by higher humidity at 87% and more rainfall, averaging 117 mm (4.6 in) over about 10 days. In contrast, October sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F), and an average temperature of 20°C (68°F). Rainfall is less frequent, totaling 69 mm (2.7 in) over just 7 days, and humidity decreases to 80%. For more information about weather conditions in October, you can check Shanghai weather in October.
May and November in Shanghai exhibit distinct weather patterns that showcase the transition from spring to autumn. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 21°C (71°F). The month is characterized by higher humidity at 87% and significant rainfall, totaling 117 mm (4.6 in) over about 10 days. In contrast, November experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (37°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). Precipitation drops to 51 mm (2.0 in) across fewer days, approximately 7, and humidity slightly decreases to 82%. For a detailed look at the weather in November, you can visit this link: Shanghai weather in November.
May and December present stark contrasts in weather. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 21°C (71°F), while humidity is high at 87%. The month is characterized by significant rainfall, with a total precipitation of 117 mm (4.6 in) occurring over 10 days. In contrast, December experiences much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (22°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F), averaging around 8°C (47°F). This month sees less rain, with only 50 mm (2.0 in) over 8 days and lower humidity at 77%. For more details on December's climate, you can check Shanghai weather in December.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Shanghai brings a delightful mix of warmth and humidity that sets it apart from the cooler months of early spring. With temperatures rising, this month often feels significantly hotter, welcoming the onset of the summer season with a peak that can reach a sweltering 34°C. However, the average temperature remains a comfortable 21°C, offering a pleasant contrast to the hotter peak days. Though rain does make an appearance, with approximately 10 days of precipitation, the atmosphere remains lush and vibrant. This month’s high humidity of 87% adds to the tropical feel, making May an invigorating time to explore the city. To learn more about how May weather stacks up against the rest of the year, check out Shanghai Climate.