Seasonal Information

Shanghai has very distinct seasons that affect what you can do throughout the year as well as festivals and other events that visitors and long term residents might need to know about. This page covers public holidays, annual events and also seasonal weather patterns.

Holidays & Festivals 2025/26

There are 3 major holiday each year in China as well as some smaller, one-day holidays that can impact your plans during these times. Travel within China, especially to major tourist destinations become very busy during these times and you may need to plan well ahead to ensure you are able to secure transport and accommodation. Prices generally also are higher during these peak times.

One very key point to know is that the government often will shift weekends around to enable people to enjoy more consecutive days off during major festivals, which means weekends can become work days, known as make up days.

• 1st January:
  New Years Day is a one day holiday in China. In 2026, 1st and 2nd will be a holiday.
• Jan / February (depending on lunar calendar):
  Chinese new year (also known as spring festival) is usually a 7-day holiday in China. Some businesses may close during this time as workers return to their home towns to visit relatives, but bigger malls and stores remain open. In 2026, Chinese new year holiday will be from 16th to 22nd February.
• Early April
  Tomb Sweeping Holiday. This is a one-day holiday, usually in early April. In 2026, this will fall on 6th April.
• Beginning of May
  Labour Day Holiday is usually on 1st May depending on when the weekend falls. In 2026, the holiday falls on 1st May.
• June
  Dragon Boat Festival usually falls in early June and is a one day holiday. In 2026, this holiday falls on 19th June.
• August / September
  Mid-autumn Festival falls in either August or September and is a one day holiday. In 2026, this holiday falls on 25th September.
• October
  National Day Holiday is usually from 1st to 7th October. In 2025, mid-autumn festival is combined, so 1st to 8th October is a holiday, while Sunday, 28th September and Saturday, 11th October are work days (make up days). In 2026, 1st to 7th October are holidays.

Christmas is not an official holiday in China so National Day is the last holiday of the year.

Weather

The Shanghai weather varies considerably throughout the year from bitterly cold in January / February to unpleasantly hot in July / August. Below is a summary of the key seasons.

January / February: By far the coldest months of the year/ Temperatures hover around 1-2 degrees (Celsius) but the humidity can make it feel much colder.

March / April: The bitterly cold winter starts to transition into spring and temperatures gradually warm up, especially in April, with temperatures becoming quite pleasant, between 10-20 degrees.

May / June: Temperatures start to be come pleasant in the mid 20s, similar to September and October. In mid-June, we usually have a prolonged rainy period known as the plum rain season which usually lasts for 2-3 weeks. Humidity is extremely high during this period.

July / August: Expect temperatures consistently in the high 30s, often reaching 40 degrees. It's too hot to do anything except stay inside with air conditioner cranked up to the max. Avoid if possible.

September / October: Temperatures start to cool down, especially in October when you can enjoy very comfortable temperatures in the 20s. Perfect for outdoor activities.

November / December: Temperatures start to cool down, but still comfortable for the most part (above 10 degrees) until mid to late December.