Verdict: Excellent month
Shanghai Weather in May
May hits the sweet spot in Shanghai — highs around 25°C (77°F), ideal for a full day on foot. Expect showers on roughly 11 days of the month — rarely trip-ruining, worth planning around. Overall, May is one of the best months of the year to be in Shanghai.
Average high
25°C / 77°F
Average low
16°C / 61°F
Rain days
~11
Precipitation
110 mm
What to pack for Shanghai in May
- Summer clothes, plus one light layer for air-con and evenings
- A packable rain shell or compact umbrella earns its space
- Comfortable walking shoes — every guide on this site assumes you'll use them
May against the rest of the year
Warmest in Shanghai: Aug (33°C / 91°F) · Coolest: Jan (10°C / 50°F) · Wettest: Jun (~18 rain days)
10°
2°
Jan
11°
3°
Feb
16°
7°
Mar
20°
11°
Apr
25°
16°
May
29°
21°
Jun
32°
25°
Jul
33°
26°
Aug
28°
22°
Sep
23°
16°
Oct
18°
11°
Nov
11°
3°
Dec
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)