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.
| Date | Average High | Average Low | Extreme High | Extreme Low |
| Jan 01 | 8℃ | 2℃ | 16℃(1953) | -7℃(1966) |
| Jan 02 | 8℃ | 1℃ | 16℃(1968) | -5℃(1952) |
| Jan 03 | 9℃ | 2℃ | 14℃(1975) | -6℃(1952) |
| Jan 04 | 8℃ | 1℃ | 18℃(1989) | -5℃(1952) |
| Jan 05 | 7℃ | 1℃ | 19℃(1972) | -8℃(1952) |
| Jan 06 | 8℃ | 0℃ | 16℃(1991) | -8℃(1952) |
| Jan 07 | 8℃ | 1℃ | 17℃(1990) | -6℃(1951) |
| Jan 08 | 9℃ | 1℃ | 17℃(1978) | -7℃(1967) |
| Jan 09 | 9℃ | 1℃ | 19℃(1978) | -7℃(1967) |
| Jan 10 | 9℃ | 1℃ | 20℃(1990) | -8℃(1956) |
| Jan 11 | 8℃ | 1℃ | 21℃(1955) | -8℃(1967) |
| Jan 12 | 8℃ | 1℃ | 15℃(1961) | -8℃(1967) |
| Jan 13 | 7℃ | 1℃ | 15℃(1951) | -7℃(1954) |
| Jan 14 | 7℃ | 1℃ | 16℃(1955) | -7℃(1969) |
| Jan 15 | 7℃ | 0℃ | 15℃(1977) | -7℃(1954) |
| Jan 16 | 7℃ | 1℃ | 15℃(1996) | -9℃(1967) |
| Jan 17 | 7℃ | 0℃ | 15℃(1958) | -8℃(1965) |
| Jan 18 | 7℃ | 0℃ | 15℃(1979) | -7℃(1965) |
| Jan 19 | 7℃ | 1℃ | 15℃(1992) | -7℃(1960) |
| Jan 20 | 8℃ | 1℃ | 15℃(1996) | -7℃(1960) |
| Jan 21 | 8℃ | 1℃ | 18℃(1951) | -7℃(1967) |
| Jan 22 | 8℃ | 1℃ | 18℃(1998) | -7℃(1967) |
| Jan 23 | 8℃ | 1℃ | 20℃(1963) | -7℃(1973) |
| Jan 24 | 8℃ | 0℃ | 18℃(1987) | -7℃(1953) |
| Jan 25 | 7℃ | 0℃ | 14℃(1987) | -8℃(1965) |
| Jan 26 | 8℃ | 0℃ | 19℃(1962) | -6℃(1973) |
| Jan 27 | 8℃ | 1℃ | 17℃(1987) | -5℃(1966) |
| Jan 28 | 9℃ | 1℃ | 20℃(1987) | -5℃(1991) |
| Jan 29 | 8℃ | 1℃ | 22℃(1987) | -6℃(1967) |
| Jan 30 | 7℃ | 0℃ | 15℃(2000) | -7℃(1967) |
| Jan 31 | 7℃ | 0℃ | 16℃(2001) | -10℃(1954) |
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.
Outdoor daytime wear: overcoat, thin down jackets, jeans, overcoat, layers and knit wear;
Outdoor evening wear: down jackets, or overcoat, knit wear ,jeans, winter hat, gloves and caps
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.
Though winter is not the best season to visit Shanghai in terms of weather, it doesn’t make much difference to visit Shanghai in winter from other seasons due to its static city landscapes. Shanghai winter tour has its own advantage – less crowded, big discounts for admission fees, hotels and flights. Check out Top Things to do in Shanghai in winter.
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:
Shanghai Tour
Shanghai Day Tour
Shanghai Multi-Day Tour
Shanghai Evening Tour
Shanghai Cruise Port ( Transfer& Excursions )
Shanghai Beijing Tour
Shanghai Xian Tour
Shanghai Car Rental with Driver
Further Readings
Top 10 Attractions in Shanghai
Shanghai’s Top 10 Iconic Landmarks
Top 10 Markets in Shanghai
Top 10 Shopping Malls in Shanghai
Top 10 Things to Do at night in Shanghai
Best Places for Autumn Leaves in Shanghai
Top 10 Things to Do in Winter in Shanghai
Top 10 Souvenirs in Shanghai
Top 10 Photo Spots in Shanghai
10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Shanghai
Huangpu River Cruise Ticket Booking (Tickets, Photos and Map)
Shanghai Cherry Blossom Festival
How to Plan a Trip to Shanghai
How to Visit Shanghai on a Budget
Where to stay in Shanghai
Shanghai Layout, the city layout of Shanghai
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
Public Transportation at Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, Hongqiao Airport Shanghai
Shanghai Hop On Hop Off
Ferry from the Bund to Pudong
The highest al fresco dining venue in China
Feeling Chinese New Year’s Atmosphere in Shanghai
Night walk along Nanjing Road in Shanghai
Top family-friendly spots to visit in Shanghai
Doing things the local way in Shanghai
How to Visit Wuzhen Water Town from Hangzhou and Shanghai
Shopping in Pudong Shanghai
Top 10 Shanghai Classic Vegetarian Restaurants
The Bund at Night pictures
Beijing Shanghai high speed rail
Ticket Booking for Beijing Shanghai High Speed Rail
Top 10 Shanghai Budget Hotels
Top 10 Shanghai Luxury Hotels
Top 10 Shanghai Boutique Hotels
Best time to visit Shanghai
Visit Shanghai in December
How to Visit Shanghai in November
Visit Shanghai in October
How to Visit Shanghai in March
Visit Shanghai in February
Shanghai in January Travel Guide
Tips for Visiting Nanjing Road in Shanghai
The Neon-Colored Nanjing Road
How to Visit the Bund in Shanghai (Tips, Photos & Map)
Foggy Pudong Skyline at Sunrise, Shanghai
The Bund and Small Pool of Rainwater
Early Morning Kite Flyers on the Bund in Shanghai
Historic Buildings on the Bund in Shanghai (the 22 heritage buildings)
Evening View of the Bund and Pudong Skyline Shanghai
How to Visit Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar
The Old World Charm in Shanghai (Tips, Photos & Map)
How to Visit Lujiazui in Pudong
How to Visit Zhujiajiao Water Town
How to Visit Qibao Ancient Town
How to Visit Tianzifang
How to Visit Xintiandi
How to Visit Shanghai World Financial Center
How to Visit Shanghai Tower
Tips for Visiting People’s Square, Shanghai
How to Visit Shanghai Auto Museum
Huangpu River in Shanghai VS River Thames in London
Some similarities and differences between Paris and Shanghai
Any questions, just drop a line.