China, Asia

Shanghai in August

Still sweltering and busy with family travel. Indoor sights and the Bund at night make it bearable.

TradeoffsHot and humid, highs near 90F (32C), typhoon risk

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

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Shanghai. Still sweltering and busy with family travel. Indoor sights and the Bund at night make it bearable.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 90F (32C), typhoon risk
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What August is like in Shanghai

August is still sweltering, with highs near 90F (32C) and heavy humidity. Family travel keeps the city busy, and typhoon risk continues. Indoor sights and the Bund at night make the month bearable. Prices are mid-range, and Disneyland and the aquarium are busy with school groups and families. Typhoons can suspend flights and outdoor attractions for a day or two.

This month works for families on summer break who plan around the heat. Keep outdoor time to early mornings and evenings, and plan a pool or museum break in the middle of the day. Book refundable in case a typhoon hits. Couples and first-timers should pick October or November instead, when the weather is dry and mild.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Shanghai this month.

Night views

The Bund and Pudong skyline are best after dark when it cools a little.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

A cool indoor stop that kids love.

Early starts

Morning visits to the French Concession avoid the worst heat.

What to pack for August

Light, loose clothing
An umbrella
A hat and sunscreen
A refillable water bottle

Our timing tip

Plan indoor sights for noon to 4pm, and head outside again in the evening.

Book Shanghai for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Shanghai
Opens a hotel search for Shanghai in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
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 August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

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.