Shanghai in May
Spring in Shanghai: expect warm weather with highs of 26°C.
Photo: Ralf Leineweber / Unsplash
May Weather in Shanghai
🌡️
Average High
26°C
❄️
Average Low
17°C
🌧️
Rain Days
11.2
🌤️
Season
Spring
What to Expect
May in Shanghai brings warm weather with daytime highs around 26°C and nighttime lows of 17°C. You can expect approximately 11.2 days of rain during the month. This is shoulder season with moderate crowds. A good balance of decent weather and reasonable prices.
Packing tip: Bring layers for comfortable days and cooler evenings. A light jacket is advisable. An umbrella or rain jacket is essential.
May Costs in Shanghai
Budget
CNY 400
per day
Mid-Range
CNY 900
per day
Luxury
CNY 2500
per day
Things to Do in Shanghai in May
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Shanghai
Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.
Shanghai Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Shanghai on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
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Shanghai Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Shanghai with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
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Best of Shanghai: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Shanghai's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
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Day Trip from Shanghai: Scenic Excursion
Escape Shanghai for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
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Shanghai Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Shanghai's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
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Hotels in Shanghai for May
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FAQ: Shanghai in May
What is the weather like in Shanghai in May?
Shanghai in May has average highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C, with around 11.2 rainy days. The weather is generally warm.
Is May a good time to visit Shanghai?
May is a shoulder season in Shanghai, which means decent weather with fewer crowds and often lower prices than peak months.
How crowded is Shanghai in May?
May sees moderate tourist numbers in Shanghai. Popular spots will be busy but manageable.
How much does it cost to visit Shanghai in May?
Budget travellers can get by on around CNY 400/day. Mid-range travellers should budget CNY 900/day. Shoulder season often offers good value compared to peak months.
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