What February feels like in Shanghai
February is late winter in Shanghai. Days are chilly rather than freezing, and walking is comfortable with a proper jacket. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cold and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Shanghai in February
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 6.6 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 10.1 mm per rainy day.
Daylight and sunshine in February
Mid-month, Shanghai gets 11 h 4 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:36 am to sunset near 5:40 pm. Days are getting longer: 45 min more daylight than in mid-January. About 54% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How February compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, February comes out as the 2nd coolest month in Shanghai. Against January, the average high is 1.3°C (2.3°F) higher, with 12 mm more rain. March continues the upward trend. March averages a high of 15.1°C (59.2°F).
Who February suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Shanghai in February
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Shanghai in February?
Expect around 10.2°C (50.4°F) in the afternoon and 2.8°C (37°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in February?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 66 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Shanghai in February?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is February or March better for visiting Shanghai?
March scores better on our climate ranking (#5 of 12 vs #10), rated Good against Fair. March is warmer.