China, Asia

Shanghai in February

Chinese New Year often falls now: Yu Garden's lanterns are spectacular, but travel is hard and many small businesses close for days.

TradeoffsCold, highs near 50F (10C), drizzly

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

The straight answer

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Shanghai. Chinese New Year often falls now: Yu Garden's lanterns are spectacular, but travel is hard and many small businesses close for days.

Weather: Cold, highs near 50F (10C), drizzly
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What February is like in Shanghai

February is cold and drizzly, with highs near 50F (10C). Chinese New Year often falls this month, and the Yu Garden lanterns are spectacular. But travel in and out of the city is at its hardest, and many small restaurants and family businesses close for several days while staff go home. Hotels, malls, and major sights stay open.

This month suits travelers who want to see the New Year lanterns and do not mind closures and crowds at Yu Garden. It is a tough month for a relaxed first trip. If you want spring blossoms and easier travel, wait for late March or April.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Shanghai this month.

Yu Garden Lantern Festival

The Old City is lit with elaborate lantern displays around Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival.

A quieter city

With many residents away for the holiday, some streets and metro lines feel calm.

Indoor family days

The Shanghai Natural History Museum and the Ocean Aquarium are great on cold, wet days.

What to pack for February

A warm, water resistant coat
Layers for heated malls and cold streets
An umbrella
Comfortable waterproof shoes

Our timing tip

Visit Yu Garden right at opening during the New Year period, since evenings are shoulder to shoulder.

Book Shanghai for February.

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 February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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 February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Chinese New Year

Late January to mid February, varies by lunar calendar

Many residents leave town, so the city is quieter, but travel in and out is at its hardest and some local businesses close.

Yu Garden Lantern Festival

Around Chinese New Year through the Lantern Festival, January to March

The Old City is lit with elaborate lantern displays. Spectacular, and extremely crowded in the evenings.

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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Shanghai?

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Shanghai. Chinese New Year often falls now: Yu Garden's lanterns are spectacular, but travel is hard and many small businesses close for days.

What is the weather like in Shanghai in February?

Cold, highs near 50F (10C), drizzly.

Is Shanghai crowded in February?

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

What is happening in Shanghai in February?

Chinese New Year (late january to mid february, varies by lunar calendar); Yu Garden Lantern Festival (around chinese new year through the lantern festival, january to march).