What August feels like in Shanghai
August is late summer in Shanghai. The midday hours are hot; shade and water matter on long walks. Evenings ease the heat only slightly, and nights remain very warm. Thick, humid air means clothes cling and the heat feels stronger than the number.
Rain in Shanghai in August
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. Wet days average about 8.5 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Shanghai's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 10.1 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in August
In mid-August, sunrise is at about 5:19 am and sunset at about 6:39 pm (local time) — 13 h 19 min of daylight. Compared with mid-July, the day has lost 41 min. About 75% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How August compares to the rest of the year
In Shanghai's temperature order, August sits as the warmest month. It is about as warm as July, with 59 mm less rain. The cooling trend carries on into September. By September, typical highs are 27.6°C (81.7°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Shanghai in August
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sun Protection
Loose, breathable clothing plus sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Shanghai in August?
It feels hot: typical highs are 31.9°C (89.4°F), with lows near 25.9°C (78.6°F).
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in August?
It does: about 15 rainy days bring roughly 127 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Shanghai in August?
Based on the averages: rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is August or September better for visiting Shanghai?
On our 12-month climate ranking, September comes out ahead (#6 of 12 vs #7). September is cooler and has fewer rainy days.