January · China
Best time to visit Shanghai in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Shanghai in January
Average temperature 6°C, 53 mm of rain, about 2 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 79% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
5.7/10
Ranked #7 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 6°C
- Rainfall
- 53 mm
- Humidity
- 79%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 2
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
January in Shanghai scores 5.7/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #7 of 12. Expect around 6°C, 53 mm of rain, and roughly 2 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Bund nights, gardens, and riverfront walks thrive in late spring through early autumn.
January in Shanghai — workable with trade-offs
January averages 6°C (42°F) — jacket weather. Comfortable for walking and museums, too cool for anything water-based.
Rainfall runs 53 mm, so plan one flexible day in three; you still get about 2 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 10.2 hours of daylight.
It scores 5.7/10 here, 7th of 12 months, against 7.9/10 in the destination's best month.
Pack a mid-weight jacket, long sleeves and shoes you can walk 15 km in, a packable rain layer.
Plan for mid-season pricing, with crowds are moderate.
Flexible dates? May scores 2.2 points higher here — enough to change the trip.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Shanghai in January?
- In January, Shanghai averages 6°C, 53 mm of rain, and about 2 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 5.7/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Shanghai?
- January earns a 5.7/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Shanghai in January?
- Expect about 53 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 79% and there are about 2 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
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