Late spring · Weather & things to do
Shanghai in May
Shanghai warms up: highs climb to 77°F (25°C), from 68°F in April, with lows of 61°F (16°C) and about 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain.
It scores 74/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 77°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 61°F (16°C)
- Rain
- 4.1 in (104 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 70%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 35 min
- Comfort score
- 74/100 · Good
What May feels like
Highs settle around 77°F (25°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 61°F (16°C).
Humidity averages 77%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Some rain is likely, about 4.1 in (104 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April and October & November).
- First warm month: highs reach 77°F, up from 68°F in April.
- Humidity season begins: 77% on average, up from 77% in April.
- Comfort slips from 82/100 in April to 74/100.
- May sits inside the Apr – May, Sep – Oct window our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes77°F afternoons
- Quick-dry fabrics77% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Shanghai in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
The Bund
Riverside promenade of 1920s banks and hotels facing the Pudong skyline.
Why now May scores 74/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Long Bar at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai
Restored bar of the 1911 Shanghai Club on the Bund, known for its long counter.
Shanghai Museum
Bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and jade at People's Square, with a newer East branch in Pudong.
Yang's Fried Dumplings
Local chain known for shengjian bao, pan-fried pork buns with crisp bottoms.
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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Shanghai?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 74/100 against a best of 86 in April and October & November. Expect highs of 77°F (25°C) and 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain. May is inside the Apr – May, Sep – Oct window our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends.
How hot is Shanghai in May?
Average highs are 77°F (25°C) and average lows 61°F (16°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in May?
Some: about 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.6 in (1286 mm).
What should I pack for Shanghai in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (77°F afternoons), quick-dry fabrics (77% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Shanghai
Routes in season in May
- Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai Apr – May, Sep – Oct
Planning Shanghai in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.