What to Wear in Shanghai
China • Humid subtropical Climate
April-May, October-November
28°C / 82°F
5°C / 41°F
Current Weather & What to Wear Today
Essential Packing Tips for Shanghai
Stylish urban attire
Rain gear for rainy season
Layers for variable weather
Weather by Season in Shanghai
☀️ Summer Weather
Average temperature: 28°C (82°F)
Pack light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential. Choose moisture-wicking materials if you'll be walking extensively. Light colors reflect heat better than dark ones.
❄️ Winter Weather
Average temperature: 5°C (41°F)
A medium-weight jacket and layerable pieces work well for Shanghai's moderate winters. Pack a warm sweater, long-sleeve shirts, and a light scarf. Waterproof shoes are recommended as winter often brings rain.
🌧️ Rainy Season
The rainiest months in Shanghai are June, July. If you're visiting during these months, pack a waterproof jacket with a hood (more practical than an umbrella in windy rain), water-resistant shoes, and quick-dry fabrics that won't stay damp all day. A small packable umbrella is also useful for sudden downpours during otherwise dry days.
Month-by-Month Clothing Guide for Shanghai
Estimated average temperatures and what to wear each month, based on Shanghai's humid subtropical climate pattern.
January
Full winter gear. Insulated coat, thermal base layers, insulated boots, hat, gloves, scarf.
February
Heavy layers. Winter coat, warm sweaters, boots. Hat and gloves for cold mornings.
March
Heavy layers. Winter coat, warm sweaters, boots. Hat and gloves for cold mornings.
April
Warm layers. Sweaters, medium-weight jacket. Scarf recommended for windy days.
May
Medium layers. Long pants, light sweaters. A jacket for mornings and evenings.
June
Light layers. T-shirts with a light cardigan for evenings. Comfortable walking shoes. Pack waterproof outerwear and an umbrella.
July
Light, breathable fabrics. Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses. Sun hat and sunglasses essential. Pack waterproof outerwear and an umbrella.
August
Light, breathable fabrics. Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses. Sun hat and sunglasses essential.
September
Light layers. T-shirts with a light cardigan for evenings. Comfortable walking shoes.
October
Warm layers. Sweaters, medium-weight jacket. Scarf recommended for windy days.
November
Heavy layers. Winter coat, warm sweaters, boots. Hat and gloves for cold mornings.
December
Heavy layers. Winter coat, warm sweaters, boots. Hat and gloves for cold mornings.
Complete Guide to Dressing for Shanghai
Shanghai, China has a humid subtropical climate, which means your clothing choices should be guided by the specific conditions you'll encounter during your visit. Summers can be genuinely hot, reaching average highs of 28°C (82°F), so breathable, lightweight clothing is essential during the warm months. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton perform best in this heat.
Winters are moderate with averages around 5°C (41°F). A medium-weight jacket, sweaters, and long pants are the foundation of a winter wardrobe here. You won't need heavy thermal gear, but a warm layer and a water-resistant jacket will keep you comfortable during cooler days and occasional rain.
Practical packing advice for Shanghai: Stylish urban attire. Rain gear for rainy season. Layers for variable weather. Be aware that June, July tend to be the wettest months, so include waterproof outerwear and water-resistant footwear if you're visiting during this period.
For the most accurate clothing recommendations for your specific travel dates, use our personalized outfit planner above. It analyzes real weather data for your exact dates — much more precise than the monthly averages shown here, which can vary significantly from year to year.
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