China, Asia

Shanghai in January

Quiet and cheap, but the damp cold feels colder than the thermometer suggests. Chinese New Year may fall late in the month.

Quiet valueCold and damp, highs near 46F (8C), little central heating in older buildings

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

The straight answer

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Shanghai. Quiet and cheap, but the damp cold feels colder than the thermometer suggests. Chinese New Year may fall late in the month.

Weather: Cold and damp, highs near 46F (8C), little central heating in older buildings
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What January is like in Shanghai

January in Shanghai is cold and damp, with highs near 46F (8C). The damp air feels colder than the thermometer says, and older buildings often have little central heating. The upside is that the city is quiet and hotel prices are low. If Chinese New Year falls late in the month, many residents leave town, the Yu Garden lanterns go up, and travel in and out of the city gets hard.

This month suits budget travelers, museum lovers, and anyone curious about Chinese New Year. It is less fun for families who want long walks outdoors. Pack warm layers and plan indoor stops. If you want comfortable walking weather, April or November are much better picks.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Shanghai this month.

Shanghai Museum on a cold day

Bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy fill a free museum that is perfect for a chilly afternoon. Reserve a timed ticket online.

Yu Garden lanterns

In years when Chinese New Year lands in late January, the Old City fills with lantern displays. Evenings are extremely crowded.

Quiet Bund mornings

Early mornings on the Bund are calm, with locals practicing tai chi by the river.

What to pack for January

A warm, insulated coat
Thermal base layers for poorly heated buildings
Waterproof shoes
Gloves and a hat

Our timing tip

Check the Chinese New Year dates for your year, and avoid traveling in or out of the city in the days right before it.

Book Shanghai for January.

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

What's on in January

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Shanghai?

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Shanghai. Quiet and cheap, but the damp cold feels colder than the thermometer suggests. Chinese New Year may fall late in the month.

What is the weather like in Shanghai in January?

Cold and damp, highs near 46F (8C), little central heating in older buildings.

Is Shanghai crowded in January?

January is one of the quieter months in Shanghai; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Shanghai in January?

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).