Fall in Shanghai really marks a shift from those hot, sticky summer days to something much cooler and way more comfortable. You’ll notice average highs drop from the mid-80s °F (about 29°C) in early September down to the mid-50s °F (around 13°C) by late November.
At night, things cool off even more, giving you a break from that muggy summer air.
As fall rolls on, the air dries out and the skies clear up. Rain chances go down, humidity drops fast, and daylight hours shrink, which gives you those crisp mornings and mild afternoons—pretty much perfect for being outside.
These conditions turn autumn into one of the best seasons for exploring Shanghai.
If you’re figuring out what to pack or planning outdoor adventures, it helps to understand how the weather shifts month by month.
Typical Fall Temperatures in Shanghai
Fall in Shanghai brings a steady cooling trend. Warm September days fade into chilly November nights.
Daytime highs and nighttime lows both change a lot as the weeks go by. The gap between day and night temps gets wider too.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
September still feels like summer. Highs hit about 29°C (85°F), and lows hover near 24°C (75°F).
October cools off to highs around 23°C (73°F) and lows near 16°C (61°F). Honestly, October might be the sweet spot for being outside.
By November, the chill sets in. Highs average 18°C (64°F), and lows drop to about 9°C (48°F). You’ll want a jacket or sweater, especially after dark.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 29°C / 85°F | 24°C / 75°F |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 16°C / 61°F |
| November | 18°C / 64°F | 9°C / 48°F |
Temperature Trends from September to November
The season kicks off warm but cools down pretty quickly.
From early September to late November, daily highs fall by almost 17°C (30°F). Nighttime lows drop more than 17°C (31°F) too.
You’ll notice the change week by week, not all at once.
By late November, it really starts to feel like winter’s around the corner. Mornings and evenings get brisk, even if afternoons stay kind of mild.
Nighttime and Daytime Variations
As fall goes on, the gap between daytime and nighttime temps gets bigger.
In September, the difference is usually 5–7°C (9–12°F). By November, it jumps to 9–10°C (16–18°F).
You might feel warm in the afternoon sun, but once the sun goes down, layers are a must. Nights can feel especially chilly when the air dries out.
If you’re planning to be outside, late morning or early afternoon are usually the most comfortable. For evenings and early mornings, keep a jacket or sweater handy.
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
Rain and humidity both change a lot in fall.
You’ll see summer’s heavy rains fade away, and while humidity starts out high, it drops as November approaches.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
Rainfall drops steadily from September to November.
September usually gets 130–150 mm of rain, making it the wettest fall month. By October, that drops to 60–80 mm, and November averages only 40–50 mm.
This drop lines up with the end of the East Asian monsoon. September can still bring some storms, but November’s rain is lighter and less frequent.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Typical Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| September | 130–150 | Frequent showers, some storms |
| October | 60–80 | Moderate rainfall, fewer storms |
| November | 40–50 | Light rain, mostly short showers |
Expect wetter weather in early fall, but things dry out a lot as winter gets closer.
Humidity Changes Through Fall
Humidity in Shanghai sticks around 75–80% in September, which makes the heat feel heavier. By October, it usually drops to about 70%, and by November, it’s often 65% or less.
You’ll feel the difference. September evenings can still feel sticky, but October mornings start to feel fresher. By late November, even rainy days feel cooler and less damp.
If you’re packing for September, go for light, breathable clothes. By November, you’ll need layers for both the cool temps and drier air.
Rainy Days and Dry Spells
Rainy days become less common as fall goes on.
September brings about 10–12 rainy days. October gets 7–9, and November only 5–6.
In September, rain often comes in heavy bursts, followed by humid breaks. October brings longer dry spells between moderate showers. By November, dry days are the norm, and rain is usually brief and light.
If you want fewer weather interruptions, late fall is usually the easiest time to explore Shanghai.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Shanghai’s fall sunshine changes a lot from September to November.
You get fewer daylight hours as the season goes on, and the mix of sunny and cloudy hours shifts too.
Average Daily Sunshine
September averages about 5 hours and 16 minutes of sunshine each day, which is roughly 43% of the daylight.
October actually bumps up to 5 hours and 36 minutes—a pretty nice balance between sun and clouds.
November drops down to 4 hours and 42 minutes of sunshine daily, with about 45% of daylight hours sunny, but the days are shorter overall.
October tends to be the sunniest stretch, thanks to the balance of clear skies and decent daylight. By late November, you’ll notice both more clouds and less time in the sun.
Length of Daylight by Month
Daylight hours shrink as fall moves along.
In September, you get about 12 hours and 19 minutes of daylight. That’s a pretty long window for being out and about.
By October, daylight is down to 11 hours and 20 minutes. Sunsets come earlier and it’s noticeable.
November drops even further to 10 hours and 32 minutes. That’s nearly two hours less than early September.
Plan with earlier evenings in mind as fall progresses.
Wind and Air Quality During Fall
Winds in Shanghai shift as the city moves from humid summer into cooler, drier air. Air quality usually gets better than in winter, but it can still change depending on the weather and local pollution.
Prevailing Winds and Gusts
In fall, winds mostly come from the north and northwest, bringing in cooler, drier air after the summer monsoon.
Average wind speeds stay moderate, around 8–12 km/h (5–7 mph). Strong gusts don’t happen as often as in spring, but sometimes a cold front brings a burst of brisk wind.
This wind shift helps cut down on the sticky humidity from summer, making it much nicer for walking and sightseeing.
If you hang out along the Bund or by the Huangpu River, you’ll probably notice stronger breezes in the open areas. They’re steady but not too harsh—just enough to make fall feel fresh.
Seasonal Air Quality Trends
Air quality in fall usually beats winter.
Cooler temps and lower humidity keep smog from building up like it does in hot, still summer air.
You might get some hazy days in September, especially when humidity lingers and pollution hangs around. By October and November, clearer skies show up more often and visibility improves.
Winter brings more pollution from heating, so fall’s PM2.5 levels are usually lower. You’re less likely to need a mask or spend time indoors because of air quality.
If you’re sensitive to pollution, check the daily AQI just in case. Most fall days land in the moderate to good range, so it’s a pretty comfortable time to get out and explore.
What to Wear in Shanghai During Fall
Fall brings cool mornings, mild afternoons, and the occasional rain shower.
You’ll want clothes that keep you comfy but can adjust as temps swing throughout the day.
Recommended Clothing by Month
September stays warm, with highs near 25°C (77°F). Go for cotton shirts, thin pants, and breathable fabrics. A light jacket or cardigan is good for evenings.
October cools to 15–20°C (59–68°F). Long-sleeve shirts, jeans, and a medium jacket work well. A waterproof layer is smart for those light rains.
November feels a lot cooler, with lows around 10°C (50°F). Pack sweaters, thicker pants, and a warm jacket. A scarf helps on windy days.
| Month | Daytime Wear | Evening/Extra Layer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | T-shirts, light pants | Cardigan or light jacket | Still warm, humid |
| October | Long sleeves, jeans | Medium jacket, rain layer | Mild, some rain |
| November | Sweaters, thicker pants | Warm coat, scarf | Cooler, breezy nights |
Layering Tips for Changing Conditions
Shanghai’s fall weather can flip between warm afternoons and cool nights. Dressing in layers is the way to go.
Start with a cotton shirt or thin long-sleeve as your base. Add a light sweater or fleece for cooler times. Bring a jacket that keeps out wind and light rain.
Shoes should be versatile. Sneakers or casual shoes with good grip work for both dry and wet weather. If rain’s in the forecast, pack something that dries fast.
Scarves and small umbrellas are handy. A scarf keeps you warm when temps drop, and an umbrella’s great since showers can pop up out of nowhere.
Travel Advice for Visiting Shanghai in Fall
Mild temps, colorful leaves, and fewer rainy days make fall comfortable for walking tours and sightseeing.
You get the best of both worlds—cultural activities and outdoor scenery—without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.
Best Time to Visit in Autumn
Shanghai’s fall stretches from September through November. Early autumn, especially late September, brings warmer days around 25°C (77°F). Mornings and evenings cool off to about 15°C (59°F).
By November, you’ll notice daytime highs dropping closer to 17°C (63°F).
Rainfall usually stays moderate, with 60–70 mm per month. Humidity hovers around 70–75%. Showers tend to be light, so they rarely mess up your plans. You can count on this season for outdoor activities.
Try to avoid the National Day Holiday (October 1–7). Crowds and higher prices make travel way less enjoyable. If you can’t change your trip, you really should book hotels and train or flight tickets early.
When you’re packing, toss in light jackets, sweaters, and long-sleeved shirts. A windproof coat comes in handy during early mornings or if it gets breezy at night.
Don’t forget some comfortable walking shoes, especially if you want to wander through gardens or stroll along the riverside.
Popular Outdoor Activities
People flock to the Bund in autumn, soaking in the golden light that bounces off the skyline at sunrise and sunset. Cooler air and clear views make a night cruise on the Huangpu River feel almost magical.
You’ll find gardens like Qiuxiapu bursting with red maple leaves in late autumn. The Former French Concession comes alive as sycamore trees turn golden, and honestly, those tree-lined streets make for some of the best walks and photos in the city.
Seasonal food really stands out this time of year. Locals and visitors both rave about steamed hairy crab, which tastes best between September and November. Spots like Wang Bao He and Tu’an Crab Restaurant usually get crowded since people know they serve it right.
Maybe you’d rather take it easy—just grab a seat at a café under the sycamores and watch the world go by. With the weather staying so mild, eating outside or wandering around feels comfortable all day long.