Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Shanghai in September
Shanghai cools off: highs slip to 82°F (28°C), from 89°F in August, with lows of 70°F (21°C) and about 5.4 in (137 mm) of rain.
It scores 68/100 for comfort, 6th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 82°F (28°C)
- Avg low
- 70°F (21°C)
- Rain
- 5.4 in (137 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 11 min
- Comfort score
- 68/100 · Good
What September feels like
Highs settle around 82°F (28°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
Lows average 70°F (21°C).
Humidity averages 78%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Rain is a real factor, with about 5.4 in (137 mm) across the month.
Plan around September
September is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April and October & November).
- Comfort improves from 49/100 in August to 68/100.
- September sits inside the Apr – May, Sep – Oct window our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clothes82°F afternoons
- Quick-dry fabrics78% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes5.4 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Shanghai in September
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
Deck on the 118th floor of China's tallest building.
Long Bar at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai
Restored bar of the 1911 Shanghai Club on the Bund, known for its long counter.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 5.4 in of rain.
Yang's Fried Dumplings
Local chain known for shengjian bao, pan-fried pork buns with crisp bottoms.
Why now Easy to slot in when September'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 September days.
The Bund
Riverside promenade of 1920s banks and hotels facing the Pudong skyline.
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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Shanghai?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 68/100 against a best of 86 in April and October & November. Expect highs of 82°F (28°C) and 5.4 in (137 mm) of rain. September is inside the Apr – May, Sep – Oct window our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends.
How hot is Shanghai in September?
Average highs are 82°F (28°C) and average lows 70°F (21°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in September?
Yes: about 5.4 in (137 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.6 in (1286 mm).
What should I pack for Shanghai in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (82°F afternoons), quick-dry fabrics (78% average humidity), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (5.4 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Shanghai
Routes in season in September
- Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai Apr – May, Sep – Oct
Planning Shanghai in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.