What May feels like in Shanghai
For Shanghai, May is late spring on the calendar. Afternoons are warm and pleasant, good for long days out. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights stay mild. The air is muggy, so it feels hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Rain in Shanghai in May
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 11.5 mm (0.5 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. That is close to Shanghai's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 10.1 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in May
On 15 May the sun rises at about 4:59 am and sets around 6:42 pm local time, giving 13 h 43 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 49 min more daylight than mid-April. Measured sunshine covers about 63% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Shanghai's temperature order, May sits as the 5th warmest month. Against April, the average high is 4.6°C (8.3°F) higher, with 18 mm more rain. June continues the upward trend. June averages a high of 27.6°C (81.7°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Shanghai in May
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Shanghai in May?
Expect around 24.8°C (76.6°F) in the afternoon and 16.5°C (61.7°F) at night, which most visitors would call warm.
Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in May?
It does: about 10 rainy days bring roughly 115 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Shanghai in May?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is May or June better for visiting Shanghai?
On our 12-month climate ranking, May comes out ahead (#3 of 12 vs #12). June is warmer and has more rainy days.