Shanghai Weather in April

April weather

Shanghai feels mild in April, with afternoons around 21°C and cooler evenings near 11°C. Rain comes often, but usually not all day, so you can still enjoy walks along the Bund or through the leafy French Concession. The spring air can feel damp, and grey skies are common.

April suits sightseeing, café stops and a stroll through Yu Garden. It's less comfortable for a full day outdoors if rain sets in. The Huangpu River can feel chilly on a boat ride, so pick a clearer spell. May is warmer and wetter, while March is cooler.

Events and crowds

Qingming Festival, also called Tomb-Sweeping Day, falls in early April. Families visit ancestors' graves, and travel gets busier around the holiday. Gucun Park's cherry blossoms are another seasonal draw, though bloom timing varies.

If you hate crowds, avoid Gucun Park on a sunny weekend and go on a weekday instead. April is generally a more comfortable time for city visits than October, Shanghai's popular autumn month, when crowds and prices tend to rise. Qingming can be an exception, especially on transport routes.

Make the most of it

April's changeable weather makes indoor and outdoor plans easy to mix. Visit the Shanghai Museum or browse the shops on Nanjing Road when showers arrive, then head back outside when the clouds lift. With about five hours of sun a day, you'll often get a useful break in the weather.

Travelling with kids? Pair Yu Garden with a warm bowl of xiaolongbao, Shanghai's soup dumplings, nearby. At the garden, stone paths can get slippery after rain, so take your time. Check the Qingming holiday dates before choosing travel days; they change each year.