Shanghai in January Travel Guide (Weather, Wear, & Tips)

Plan your Shanghai tour in January? So for various reasons you choose to visit the international metropolis of Shanghai in January, the coldest month in a year.

The Weather in January in Shanghai

Situated south of Yangtze River, though its mercury drop is a bit higher than that in the northern China, it still feels very cold in January in Shanghai as its feeling temperature can be much lower due to its humid and windy weather in winter, plus the absence of the central heating systems popular in the northern China.

Shanghai features a humid subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. In January, Shanghai’s average temperature falls between 1℃ (Night) and 8℃ (Day).

There is a big temperature difference between day and night. This month is humid and windy and it feels much colder than what its mercury shows. Be ready for change of clothing and drink constantly on your day trip.

Historical Weather Data for January in Shanghai

We’ve summed up the following Shanghai’s historical daily weather data which may give you very useful weather information on Shanghai in terms of average daily lowest and highest temperature as well as extreme temperatures.

You can make use of the historical weather date to plan your January trip to Shanghai, deciding on what to wear and what to pack.

What to Wear and Pack in Shanghai in January

In January, Shanghai is cold, windy and humid with the average temperature between the highest 8℃ and the lowest 1 ℃ characterised by the big temperature drop between day and night.

Where to See in Shanghai in Janury

As you know, Shanghai is cut into two parts by Huangpu River: Pudong ( to the east of  Huangpu River ) and Puxi ( to the west of the Huangpu River ). Most of the historical and scenic sites in shanghai are in Puxi while Pudong is the new development area peppered with numerous futuristic high-rise buildings.

If it is your first time to visit Shanghai, we are happy to present you our version of Top 10 Things to Do in Shanghai for your reference. You are kindly advised to visit Shanghai per your personal taste. Hope our Top 10 Things to Do in Shanghai will be helpful in planning your Shanghai trip. Check out the link – Top 10 Attractions in Shanghai.

January Events, Holidays & Festivals

1. New Year Eve Ceremony

Each year Shanghai local tourism bureau will hold a fantastic “New Year Celebration” on the eve of the coming new year in a unique way. Turn to a local travel agency or visit Shanghai tourism bureau’s official website for the new year celebration.

2. Spring Festival

Spring Festival is the biggest and most celebrated festival in China as well as some countries of east and southeast Asia. People enjoy 3 day holiday. Chinese government makes it a 7 day holiday by moving the prior weekend and the upcoming one together.

This year's Spring Festival lasts from January 31 to February 6, 2022

Hassle-free Shanghai Guided Tours

If you don’t want to do a self-guided tour and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for guided tours to Shanghai:

Further Readings