China, Asia

Shanghai in October

Excellent weather once Golden Week (October 1 to 7) has passed. Hairy crab season begins, a Shanghai obsession.

BestMild and dry, highs near 73F (23C)

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

The straight answer

October is one of the best months of the year to visit Shanghai. Excellent weather once Golden Week (October 1 to 7) has passed. Hairy crab season begins, a Shanghai obsession.

Weather: Mild and dry, highs near 73F (23C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What October is like in Shanghai

October has excellent weather once Golden Week, October 1 to 7, has passed. Highs near 73F (23C) and dry air make it perfect for walking. Hairy crab season begins, and restaurants build menus around the city's favorite seasonal treat. During Golden Week, the Bund, Nanjing Road, and Yu Garden fill with huge domestic crowds, and prices jump.

This month suits everyone, as long as you avoid the first week. Book hotels early for mid-October, since it is a popular month. If you want even thinner crowds, November is a quiet, underrated pick.

Make the most of October

What is especially good about Shanghai this month.

Hairy crab season

Shanghai's favorite seasonal delicacy appears on menus across the city.

Clear skies

Fall days give the longest views from the Shanghai Tower.

Perfect walking weather

The Bund, the French Concession, and the Old City are all comfortable on foot.

What to pack for October

Light layers
A sweater for evenings
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses

Our timing tip

Avoid October 1 to 7, when Golden Week crowds make water towns and the Bund nearly impassable.

Book Shanghai for October.

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

What's on in October

Mid-Autumn Festival

September or early October, varies by lunar calendar

Mooncakes everywhere and a public holiday. Some years it merges with Golden Week.

National Day Golden Week

October 1 to 7 every year

The Bund, Nanjing Road, and Yu Garden fill with huge domestic crowds. Water towns can be impassable.

Hairy crab season

Roughly October through December

Shanghai's favorite seasonal delicacy, from Yangcheng Lake and nearby waters. Restaurants build menus around it.

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 October, quick answers

Is October a good time to visit Shanghai?

October is one of the best months of the year to visit Shanghai. Excellent weather once Golden Week (October 1 to 7) has passed. Hairy crab season begins, a Shanghai obsession.

What is the weather like in Shanghai in October?

Mild and dry, highs near 73F (23C).

Is Shanghai crowded in October?

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

What is happening in Shanghai in October?

Mid-Autumn Festival (september or early october, varies by lunar calendar); National Day Golden Week (october 1 to 7 every year); Hairy crab season (roughly october through december).