Early spring · Weather & things to do
Shanghai in March
Shanghai warms up: highs climb to 58°F (14°C), from 50°F in February, with lows of 42°F (5°C) and about 3.5 in (88 mm) of rain.
It scores 72/100 for comfort, 5th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 58°F (14°C)
- Avg low
- 42°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 3.5 in (88 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 64%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 46 min
- Comfort score
- 72/100 · Good
What March feels like
Highs near 58°F (14°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Lows average 42°F (5°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.5 in (88 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around March
March is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April and October & November).
- Comfort improves from 59/100 in February to 72/100.
- Our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends Apr – May, Sep – Oct, so March falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for March
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 42°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Shanghai in March
March is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Yu Garden
Ming dynasty classical garden of rockeries, ponds and pavilions in the old city.
Why now March scores 72/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Tianzifang
Maze of shikumen lane houses filled with small shops and studios.
Why now Highs near 58°F and 3.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
The Bund
Riverside promenade of 1920s banks and hotels facing the Pudong skyline.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Shanghai?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 72/100 against a best of 86 in April and October & November. Expect highs of 58°F (14°C) and 3.5 in (88 mm) of rain. Our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends Apr – May, Sep – Oct, so March is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Shanghai in March?
Average highs are 58°F (14°C) and average lows 42°F (5°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in March?
Some: about 3.5 in (88 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.6 in (1286 mm).
What should I pack for Shanghai in March?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 42°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 March?
Share this March plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.