Shanghai Weather in May

May weather in Shanghai

May feels warm and increasingly humid. Afternoons can be sticky, and rain falls on about 11 days, often interrupting plans rather than washing out a whole visit. It's spring, with longer days and some sunshine between cloudy spells.

You'll enjoy walks along the Bund or through the leafy lanes of the Former French Concession when the sky is clear. Yu Garden and its nearby teahouses make a good stop if rain sets in. Save long outdoor strolls for breaks in the weather; June is hotter and much wetter.

Holidays and crowds

China's Labour Day holiday falls in early May, and Shanghai can feel crowded as local families travel. Popular sights, trains and hotels get busier, with prices often higher around the holiday than on ordinary May weekdays. The rest of the month is generally calmer, though it's not as quiet as a low-season visit.

If you hate crowds, avoid the Labour Day travel period and visit the Bund on a weekday.

Making the most of May

May is a good month for a city break, but it's not Shanghai's driest or best-value time. Rainfall is higher than in April, while October is considered the best month overall. For outdoor plans, keep a nearby indoor stop in mind: the Shanghai Museum at People's Square works well after a wet walk.

For a local route, take the Huangpu River ferry from Jinling East Road Pier to Dongchang Road Pier. You'll cross between Puxi and Pudong and get river views without committing to a long riverside walk. If rain is heavy, use the Metro instead; the ferry is best when the sky clears.