Shanghai in September

In September, Shanghai averages 28°C (82°F) during the day and 20°C (68°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (130 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

September offers comfortable temperatures in Shanghai, with some rain to plan around.

28°C
Avg high
20°C
Avg low
10
Rain days
130 mm
Rainfall

How September compares to the rest of the year in Shanghai

4th
warmest month of the 12
7th
wettest month of the 12
11%
of yearly rainfall falls in September
12 h 23 min
daylight on the 15th

September is in the middle of the year for warmth in Shanghai (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C above the annual average (20°C). September runs 4°C cooler than August (32°C) and cools 6°C in October (22°C).

September sunrise & sunset in Shanghai

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:37 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:01 PM
Day length
12 h 23 min

Times shown for Shanghai local time (Asia/Shanghai), calculated for the 15th of September. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Shanghai — September

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of September, in Shanghai's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:37 AM – 5:17 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:17 AM – 6:17 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:21 PM – 6:21 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:21 PM – 7:01 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Shanghai in September

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 September's tier (Shoulder) and Shanghai's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — September in Shanghai

Shoulder

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.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — September in Shanghai

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
10.9
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

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

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 September weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Shanghai in September →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Shanghai in September?

In September, Shanghai averages a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 20°C (68°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in September?

September can be fairly wet in Shanghai, with about 10 rainy days on average.

Is September a good time to visit Shanghai?

September 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 September?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full September packing list for Shanghai for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Shanghai on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.