Month guide · Shanghai · China
Shanghai in April
What April is really like in Shanghai: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
April is one of the best months to visit Shanghai. Expect average highs of 20°C (68°F), lows of 11°C (52°F), about 11 rainy days and roughly 12.9 hours of daylight. One of the best months: mild, green and good for long walks; the Qingming holiday brings busy days.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 20°C (68°F) / 11°C (52°F)
- Rainy days
- About 11
- Daylight
- About 12.9 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in April
April is the 7th-warmest month in Shanghai: days average 20°C (68°F) against a yearly average high of 21°C (70°F), and nights fall to about 11°C (52°F). Rain falls on roughly 11 of its 30 days. Compared with March (14°C (57°F)), April is warmer; by May highs climb to around 25°C (77°F).
- Sunrise (15 April)
- About 05:26
- Sunset (15 April)
- About 18:22
- Daylight
- About 12.9 hours
Spring (March–May). Blossom in parks, mild temperatures and comfortable walking, with drizzly spells in March and busy national holidays in early April and early May.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, April rates 4 for crowds (the peak is April at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in April). Book accommodation early: April is one of the pricier months.
Events in April
- Chinese Grand Prix — Formula One at the Shanghai International Circuit (usually spring)
- Qingming Festival holiday (early April)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in April
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Neighbourhood · Xintiandi and Tianzifang
Tianzifang
Off Taikang Road, Tianzifang is a warren of narrow lanes where former workshops and homes now hold craft shops, tea stalls, small galleries and cafés.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Shopping
- Free
- Food
- Photo spot
Religious site · Jing'an
Jing'an Temple
Toss a coin at the bronze urn in the main courtyard as worshippers do, and visit late afternoon when the gold roofs catch the light.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Architecture
- Photo spot
- History
Waterfront · Xuhui riverside
West Bund and Long Museum
The former industrial riverbank in Xuhui is now a long promenade for cycling and skateboarding, with the Long Museum West Bund, built around an old coal-unloading bridge, and other private galleries along the way.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
- Active
Park · Former French Concession
Fuxing Park
Go before 9am to see the park at its liveliest, when dancers and tai chi groups fill the paths.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
- Kids
What to pack
For highs near 20°C, lows near 11°C and 11 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is April a good time to visit Shanghai?
One of the best months to visit Shanghai, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are May and October–November. Compare every month.
Shanghai in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is April a good time to visit Shanghai?
It is one of the best months to visit Shanghai. One of the best months: mild, green and good for long walks; the Qingming holiday brings busy days.
+How warm is Shanghai in April?
Average highs are around 20°C (68°F) and lows around 11°C (52°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Shanghai in April?
Expect rain on about 11 days of the month.