China, Asia
Shanghai in September
Early September is still sticky and can bring a typhoon, but late September turns pleasant. Mid-Autumn Festival often falls now.
The straight answer
September is a good month to visit Shanghai. Early September is still sticky and can bring a typhoon, but late September turns pleasant. Mid-Autumn Festival often falls now.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 82F (28C), humidity easing
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What September is like in Shanghai
September starts sticky and ends pleasant. Early in the month, highs near 82F (28C) come with humidity and the chance of a typhoon. By late September, the air turns comfortable and the city is great for walking again. The Mid-Autumn Festival often falls this month, bringing mooncakes everywhere and a public holiday. Typhoon risk fades as the month goes on.
Late September suits couples, first-timers, and families traveling outside school terms. Check whether the Mid-Autumn holiday merges with Golden Week in your year. If you want the most reliable weather, October after Golden Week is ideal.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about Shanghai this month.
Mid-Autumn Festival
Mooncakes fill bakeries and hotels, and families gather to watch the moon.
Late September comfort
The heat breaks and walking the city becomes a pleasure again.
Shanghai Disneyland on weekdays
With schools back, weekday lines shorten.
What to pack for September
- Light layers
- An umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
Our timing tip
Aim for the last two weeks of September, when the weather improves and before Golden Week.
Book Shanghai for September.
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- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ShanghaiOpens a hotel search for Shanghai in September, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in ShanghaiWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in ShanghaiTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Shanghai for September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in September
Mid-Autumn Festival
September or early October, varies by lunar calendar
Mooncakes everywhere and a public holiday. Some years it merges with Golden Week.
Things to do in Shanghai
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.
Yu Garden and the Old City
A classical Ming garden surrounded by a busy bazaar. Go at opening time; afternoons and holidays are packed.
Shanghai Museum
One of China's best museums for bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy. Reserve free timed tickets online in advance.
Shanghai Tower observation deck
Among the highest observation decks in the world. Clear fall days give the longest views.
The former French Concession
Tree-lined streets, lane houses, cafes, and boutiques. Best explored on foot in spring or fall.
Shanghai Disneyland
Avoid Chinese holidays and summer weekends; weekdays in spring and fall bring the shortest lines.
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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Shanghai?
September is a good month to visit Shanghai. Early September is still sticky and can bring a typhoon, but late September turns pleasant. Mid-Autumn Festival often falls now.
What is the weather like in Shanghai in September?
Warm, highs near 82F (28C), humidity easing.
Is Shanghai crowded in September?
Crowds in Shanghai are moderate in September; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Shanghai in September?
Mid-Autumn Festival (september or early october, varies by lunar calendar).
Keep planning Shanghai.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in September
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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