Lantern show at Yu Garden during Spring Festival

January is the low season in Shanghai, with comparably chillier temperatures and a mixture of sun and rain, so packing a variety of layers and cold-weather clothes is a must. A good waterproof coat, gloves, and comfortable insulated shoes will protect you from the chill. The low temperatures mean that indoor activities, like visiting the Shanghai Museum or Oriental Pearl Tower, are excellent choices, but you'll also have a chance to celebrate Chinese New Year at the end of the month and visit Yu Garden, which is illuminated with festive lanterns and lights this time of year.

Nanjing Road

February is a touch warmer than January, but it is still in the heart of the cooler, low season in Shanghai, so visitors should bring their warmest clothes and layers. Waterproof items are necessary in February also because it tends to be pretty rainy. Those who brave the wet and cold will have the unique opportunity to experience Shanghai's Lantern Festival, where the city is aglow with jewel-bright lanterns celebrating the start of the New Year. Yu Garden is an excellent place to see the lanterns in their full glory.

Sakura in Gucun Park in early spring

Rainy, milder March is the start of Shanghai's shoulder season and an excellent time to experience the city's early blooming flowers, specifically cherry blossoms. Gucun Park and the Bund are fantastic places to see these delicate pink flowers in their full glory. Visitors can also visit Zhujiajiao Water Town for the fabulous and fragrant peach blossoms. Since the weather is warmer, you can pack sweaters, medium-heavy jackets, and layers. Just make sure that you also bring an umbrella.

Shanghai city view on a sunny day

April is a fabulous month to visit Shanghai because the flowers are in bloom and the temperature is perfect for all of your outdoor exploration. It's still fairly rainy during this month, so bring waterproof layers and a light jacket. Zhujiajiao Water Town, Yu Garden, and the Bund are excellent places to visit this month. You can also get a fresh view of the city on a Huangpu River cruise.

Tianzifang in Shanghai Huangpu District

May is humid and balmy and the ideal month for all of your outdoor activities. Visitors will want to bring an umbrella for those impromptu showers and keep in mind that the temperature may vary from day to night. Light sweaters and layers are a good way to stay comfortable any time of day. The Shanghai Zoo, Wild Animal Park, and Fengjing Ancient Town are all inspired choices as they combine plenty of outdoor time with great entertainment, and the Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place on May 31, is a must-experience for anyone in Shanghai during this month.

The stone lions at the gate of Shanghai Museum

June is the start of Shanghai's rainier season, so waterproof shoes and an umbrella are intelligent items to pack. Flexibility is really the name of the game in June, as the heat can be overwhelming. Opting for a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities is a smart play. The Shanghai Museum, Jinmao Tower, and Oriental Pearl Tower are excellent indoor options. On cooler evenings, you can stroll through the Bund or French Concession.

Western style buildings at the Bund

July is slightly drier than June, with sunnier days and hot temperatures that call for lightweight layers, comfortable, breathable shoes, and an umbrella or sunscreen lotion to protect you from the mid-day rays. Structuring your days to be inside during the most intensely hot part of the day is an excellent way to maximize your vacation. Excellent indoor options include the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium or the Shanghai Museum; just be aware that it's the beginning of the summer school holiday, so there may be more crowds than usual.

People's Square in Shanghai

August is an excellent time to sample Shanghai's amazing bounty of summer fruits. You'll find delicious peaches, mangosteen, and lychees on every corner. It's also a very warm, wet month that calls for light, loose clothing and an umbrella. Consider splitting your time between outdoor and indoor activities, with the majority of your outdoor excursions in the evening or night to beat the heat. Places like Xintiandi Street are aglow and full of fantastic shopping and dining options, even at night. Remember, Shanghai's school holidays run through the end of August, so there will be bigger crowds at popular attractions during this month.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

September is a truly wonderful time to visit Shanghai because the weather starts cooling off, and it's a drier month, making it ideal for long walks through the Bund or French Concession or a visit to nearby Zhujiajiao Water Town. If you're traveling in the middle or end of the month, bring a few lighter layers along with your summery clothes because the evenings can start to get chilly. Don't miss the Shanghai Tourism Festival, which offers visitors an immersive and magical dive into Chinese culture and history through live performances and gorgeous displays.

The widely cherished Mid-Autumn, or Mooncake Festival, happens in early October. It's a harvest and agricultural festival with a focus on celebrating family and the moon and eating many delicious mooncakes. If you're able to attend, it will certainly be one of the top highlights of your Shanghai itinerary. Additionally, October is an excellent time to visit the Jade Buddha Temple or stroll through Century Park to check out the early-changing leaves. While October is still a very pleasant time to visit, temperatures do start to get cooler, so layers are recommended.

Former French Concession

November is a crisp, dry month. It's an excellent time to put on your layers and stroll through the French Concession, Bund, or visit any ancient towns in and nearby Shanghai. It's a chilly but not completely cold month, with sunny days and changing leaves in places like Century Park.

Xintiandi

Shanghai is chilly and festive in December, with very little rain, bright sunny days, and world-class holiday entertainment that will delight every visitor. Nanjing Road and Xintiandi are excellent places to check out decorations, enjoy some Christmas shopping, and sample world-class food. There are also multiple Christmas markets throughout the city. Bring your cold-weather clothing, including layers and comfortable shoes, to celebrate the season in style.