Shanghai in May
In May, Shanghai averages 24°C (75°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (110 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Shanghai, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Shanghai
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Shanghai (5th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (20°C). May runs 5°C warmer than April (19°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (28°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Shanghai
Times shown for Shanghai local time (Asia/Shanghai), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Shanghai — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Shanghai's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Shanghai in May
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 May's tier (High season) and Shanghai's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Shanghai
This is a busy month in Shanghai — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Shanghai in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Shanghai in May?
In May, Shanghai averages a high of 24°C (75°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in May?
May can be fairly wet in Shanghai, with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Shanghai?
May is warm. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Shanghai in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Shanghai for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.