Shanghai Weather in September

September weather

September feels warm, damp and changeable in Shanghai. Days can still feel sticky, but evenings are more comfortable than in August. Rain is common, so a shower can interrupt a walk along the Bund or through the Former French Concession.

You'll have around five hours of sun a day, with cloudy spells in between. It's a good month for museums, leafy streets and short walks between cafés. Avoid planning a full day outdoors without a rainy-day alternative. The humidity can make long walks feel tiring, and wet weather can spoil a riverfront stroll.

What to do

The Shanghai Tourism Festival usually runs in September, with events across the city. The Mid-Autumn Festival sometimes falls in September, too; its date changes each year. If it does, expect mooncakes in shops and more local visitors around the holiday.

If you hate crowds, avoid travelling during the Mid-Autumn holiday itself. Otherwise, September is calmer than August's school-holiday period, though festival events can bring busy weekends. It's also generally less crowded than October, when cooler weather and China's National Day holiday draw more visitors. Hotel prices can be easier on your budget than during that October peak.

Local tips

Travelling with kids? Keep the Shanghai Natural History Museum in mind for a rainy afternoon. Its indoor exhibits make a useful change from outdoor sightseeing.

For a drier walk, take the Metro to People's Square and explore nearby museums before heading to Nanjing Road. If the rain clears, finish at the Bund for the Pudong skyline. Carry a small umbrella for sudden showers, especially if you're walking between the Bund and the Old City. September's rain can arrive even when the morning starts bright.