China, Asia

Shanghai in July

The end of the plum rains gives way to fierce heat and humidity. School holidays bring crowds. The hardest month to enjoy the city.

Think twiceHot and humid, highs near 91F (33C), storms, typhoon risk

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

The straight answer

July is a month to think twice about visiting Shanghai. The end of the plum rains gives way to fierce heat and humidity. School holidays bring crowds. The hardest month to enjoy the city.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 91F (33C), storms, typhoon risk
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What July is like in Shanghai

July is the hardest month to enjoy Shanghai. The end of the plum rains gives way to fierce heat and humidity, with highs near 91F (33C), storms, and typhoon risk. School holidays bring crowds to Disneyland, Yu Garden, and the Bund. Typhoons can suspend flights and outdoor attractions for a day or two.

If you have a choice, pick another month. October and November are the best. If July is your only window, plan indoor sights for the middle of the day and save the Bund for evenings. Book a hotel near a metro line to cut down on walking in the heat.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about Shanghai this month.

The Bund at night

Evenings are the most bearable time to walk the waterfront.

Indoor sights

Museums, the aquarium, and malls are cool escapes from the heat.

Early mornings

Yu Garden at opening is cooler and calmer than later in the day.

What to pack for July

The lightest clothes you own
A small umbrella for sun and storms
Sunscreen and a hat
Electrolyte packets

Our timing tip

Book refundable plans, since typhoons can shut flights and attractions for a day or two.

Book Shanghai for July.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Shanghai
Opens a hotel search for Shanghai in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for July
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 July. 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.

Shanghai in July, quick answers

Is July a good time to visit Shanghai?

July is a month to think twice about visiting Shanghai. The end of the plum rains gives way to fierce heat and humidity. School holidays bring crowds. The hardest month to enjoy the city.

What is the weather like in Shanghai in July?

Hot and humid, highs near 91F (33C), storms, typhoon risk.

Is Shanghai crowded in July?

Shanghai is busy in July, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.