Shanghai in March
In March, Shanghai averages 13°C (55°F) during the day and 5°C (41°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (90 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
March in Shanghai is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How March compares to the rest of the year in Shanghai
March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Shanghai (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 7°C below the annual average (20°C). March runs 3°C warmer than February (10°C) and warms a further 6°C into April (19°C).
March sunrise & sunset in Shanghai
Times shown for Shanghai local time (Asia/Shanghai), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Shanghai — March
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Shanghai's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Shanghai in March
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on March's tier (Shoulder) and Shanghai's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — March in Shanghai
Shanghai is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — March in Shanghai
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Shanghai in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C / 46°F | 1°C / 34°F | 50 mm | 9 | 0 |
| February | 10°C / 50°F | 2°C / 36°F | 60 mm | 9 | 0 |
| March | 13°C / 55°F | 5°C / 41°F | 90 mm | 11 | 0 |
| April | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 95 mm | 12 | 0 |
| May | 24°C / 75°F | 15°C / 59°F | 110 mm | 12 | 0 |
| June | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 165 mm | 13 | 0 |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 145 mm | 11 | 0 |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 150 mm | 10 | 0 |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 130 mm | 10 | 0 |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 70 mm | 8 | 0 |
| November | 16°C / 61°F | 8°C / 46°F | 55 mm | 7 | 0 |
| December | 10°C / 50°F | 3°C / 37°F | 40 mm | 7 | 0 |
Other cities with similar March weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Shanghai in March →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Shanghai in March?
In March, Shanghai averages a high of 13°C (55°F) and a low of 5°C (41°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in March?
March can be fairly wet in Shanghai, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is March a good time to visit Shanghai?
March is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Shanghai in March?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for Shanghai for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.