Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Shanghai in January
This is the coldest month in Shanghai: highs average 46°F (8°C) and lows 33°F (1°C), with about 2.6 in (67 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 55/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 46°F (8°C)
- Avg low
- 33°F (1°C)
- Rain
- 2.6 in (67 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 65%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 11 min
- Comfort score
- 55/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Cool days top out near 46°F (8°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Nights cool to an average low of 33°F (1°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.6 in (67 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around January
January sits mid-table; the best months are April and October & November.
- Comfort slips from 68/100 in December to 55/100.
- Our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends Apr – May, Sep – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 46°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Shanghai in January
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Yu Garden
Ming dynasty classical garden of rockeries, ponds and pavilions in the old city.
Tianzifang
Maze of shikumen lane houses filled with small shops and studios.
The Bund
Riverside promenade of 1920s banks and hotels facing the Pudong skyline.
Long Bar at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai
Restored bar of the 1911 Shanghai Club on the Bund, known for its long counter.
Jia Jia Tang Bao
Plain local shop making xiaolongbao soup dumplings to order.
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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Shanghai?
It's middling, scoring 55/100. The best months are April and October & November, at up to 86. Expect highs of 46°F (8°C) and 2.6 in (67 mm) of rain. Our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends Apr – May, Sep – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Shanghai in January?
Average highs are 46°F (8°C) and average lows 33°F (1°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in January?
Some: about 2.6 in (67 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.6 in (1286 mm).
What should I pack for Shanghai in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 46°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Shanghai
Planning Shanghai in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.