Shanghai Weather in November

Mild days, cool evenings

November feels like a gentle step down from October. Afternoons reach about 18°C, but evenings can feel chilly, especially beside the Huangpu River. Rain falls on around 10 days, so expect occasional damp spells rather than a washout. There's still enough daylight for a relaxed day out.

It's a good month for walking the Bund, exploring the leafy lanes of the Former French Concession, or visiting the Shanghai Museum. The cooler air makes sightseeing more comfortable than summer. Save long beach days for another trip, and don't count on every evening being pleasant for a riverfront stroll.

Events and crowds

The China International Import Expo usually takes place in November at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. It draws business visitors, so hotels near the venue can feel busier during the event. November 11 is Singles' Day, a major online shopping event in China, but it isn't a public holiday.

If you hate crowds, you'll usually find November calmer than October, when China's National Day holiday brings a rush of domestic travel. Prices are often less pressured than in October, though they can rise around the expo.

Make the most of your visit

With five hours of sun a day on average, you can fit outdoor sights around showers. Keep indoor stops, such as the Shanghai Museum or a tea house in the Former French Concession, in mind for wet afternoons. December is cooler and drier, so November is a useful middle ground if you want milder weather.

Travelling with kids? Take the Bund ferry across the Huangpu River instead of relying on a long riverside walk. It gives you skyline views and a handy break if the weather turns. At dinner, try xiaolongbao, Shanghai's soup dumplings, at a busy local dumpling shop.