China, Asia

Shanghai in April

Spring at its best: comfortable walking weather and gardens in bloom. Qingming in early April brings a small domestic surge.

BestMild, highs near 68F (20C), some showers

The Bund Shanghai, China — ShanghaiPhoto: King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Shanghai. Spring at its best: comfortable walking weather and gardens in bloom. Qingming in early April brings a small domestic surge.

Weather: Mild, highs near 68F (20C), some showers
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What April is like in Shanghai

April is spring at its best in Shanghai. Highs near 68F (20C) and some showers make for comfortable walking weather, and gardens are in bloom. The French Concession's tree-lined streets are perfect on foot. Qingming in early April brings a small domestic travel surge. The Grand Prix sometimes falls in April, lifting hotel rates for that weekend.

This month suits almost everyone: couples, families, first-timers, and food lovers. It is a great time for Shanghai Disneyland on weekdays. Book museum and Disneyland tickets online ahead. If you want warm evenings, May is similar but more humid.

Make the most of April

What is especially good about Shanghai this month.

Gardens in bloom

Yu Garden and city parks are full of spring color.

French Concession walks

Mild days are perfect for exploring lane houses, cafes, and boutiques on foot.

Shanghai Disneyland on weekdays

Spring weekdays bring some of the shortest lines of the year.

What to pack for April

Light layers
A light rain jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
A small umbrella

Our timing tip

Avoid Shanghai Disneyland and Yu Garden around Qingming in early April, when domestic crowds spike.

Book Shanghai for April.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Shanghai
Opens a hotel search for Shanghai in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for April
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Shanghai
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Shanghai
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Shanghai for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in April

Chinese Grand Prix

Spring, recently in March or April, varies by year

Formula 1 at the Shanghai International Circuit. Hotel prices jump for race weekend.

Things to do in Shanghai

Full guide

The Bund

Walk it at dusk as the lights come on, then again early in the morning when locals practice tai chi along the river.

Tickets and tours →

Yu Garden and the Old City

A classical Ming garden surrounded by a busy bazaar. Go at opening time; afternoons and holidays are packed.

Tickets and tours →

Shanghai Museum

One of China's best museums for bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy. Reserve free timed tickets online in advance.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shanghai Tower observation deck

Among the highest observation decks in the world. Clear fall days give the longest views.

Tickets and tours →

The former French Concession

Tree-lined streets, lane houses, cafes, and boutiques. Best explored on foot in spring or fall.

Tickets and tours →

Shanghai Disneyland

Avoid Chinese holidays and summer weekends; weekdays in spring and fall bring the shortest lines.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Keep your Shanghai days out of October 1 to 7 and the early May Labor Day holiday; the Bund and Yu Garden become crowd-control operations.
Visit Yu Garden right at opening, and the Bund early in the morning or late at night after the light show crowd thins.
Do water towns on weekdays and pick the less famous ones; Zhujiajiao gets tour buses, smaller towns get far fewer.
Book Shanghai Museum reservations as soon as they open; weekend slots go fast.

Know before you go

Many museums, including the Shanghai Museum, close on Mondays. Check each one before planning.
Around Chinese New Year, smaller restaurants and family businesses close for several days while staff travel home; hotels, malls, and major attractions stay open.
Typhoons between July and September can suspend ferries, flights, and outdoor attractions for a day or two.
Many attractions require advance online booking with passport details, and popular slots can sell out on weekends.

Shanghai in April, quick answers

Is April a good time to visit Shanghai?

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Shanghai. Spring at its best: comfortable walking weather and gardens in bloom. Qingming in early April brings a small domestic surge.

What is the weather like in Shanghai in April?

Mild, highs near 68F (20C), some showers.

Is Shanghai crowded in April?

Crowds in Shanghai are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Shanghai in April?

Chinese Grand Prix (spring, recently in march or april, varies by year).