Late summer · Weather & things to do
Shanghai in August
Little changes in Shanghai from July: highs stay near 89°F (31°C), lows near 78°F (25°C), and about 6.8 in (173 mm) of rain falls.
With a comfort score of 49/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by rain.
- Avg high
- 89°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 78°F (25°C)
- Rain
- 6.8 in (173 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 61%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 08 min
- Comfort score
- 49/100 · Fair
What August feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 89°F (31°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Even at night it stays warm, around 78°F (25°C).
With 80% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Expect regular rain: about 6.8 in (173 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around August
August is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April and October & November.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, June – August.
- Comfort holds steady from July (47 → 49/100).
- Our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends Apr – May, Sep – Oct, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 89°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Quick-dry fabrics80% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Shanghai in August
With 6.8 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Yang's Fried Dumplings
Local chain known for shengjian bao, pan-fried pork buns with crisp bottoms.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 6.8 in of rain.
Long Bar at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai
Restored bar of the 1911 Shanghai Club on the Bund, known for its long counter.
Why now Easy to slot in when August's rain moves in.
Jia Jia Tang Bao
Plain local shop making xiaolongbao soup dumplings to order.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter August days.
Shanghai Museum
Bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and jade at People's Square, with a newer East branch in Pudong.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 6.8 in of rain.
Tianzifang
Maze of shikumen lane houses filled with small shops and studios.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 89°F.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Shanghai in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Shanghai?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 49/100, held back mainly by rain. The best months are April and October & November. Expect highs of 89°F (31°C) and 6.8 in (173 mm) of rain. Our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends Apr – May, Sep – Oct, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Shanghai in August?
Average highs are 89°F (31°C) and average lows 78°F (25°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in August?
Yes: about 6.8 in (173 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.6 in (1286 mm).
What should I pack for Shanghai in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 89°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), quick-dry fabrics (80% average humidity) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain).
More on Shanghai
Planning Shanghai in August?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.