There are several factors that can influence the time of year that you choose to travel to Shanghai. When you're considering the best time to visit Shanghai, make sure you consider the weather, festivals and tourist season. Here is a quick rundown of what you can expect, whenever you choose to travel to this beautiful city.

Weather

Shanghai has four seasons, but they aren't as distinct as in the more northern parts of China. Winter lasts from December through February with temperatures ranging from -1 to 12 degrees C. The coldest snap is usually a three day period in the last week of January. You will need warm clothes and a heavy coat in the winter, though it almost never snows. Spring temperatures from March through May usually range between 4 and 25 degrees C. It can rain on occasion, and you'll probably need a sweater to keep the chill at bay. Summers are hot and humid, with June and July bringing the "Plum Flower Rain Season," which usually consists of light showers. Late August through September, however, bring typhoon season with heavy rainfall. Temperatures throughout the season can reach 35 degrees C. In the autumn the rain is much less frequent, with mostly dry days. Temperatures range between 8 and 29 degrees C.

Festivals

In late January or early February is the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which brings with it tons of lanterns, fireworks and Chinese dragons. Keep in mind that this coincides with the coldest week of the year. The Longhua Temple Fair is the most popular in Shanghai and the largest traditional festival in eastern China. During this festival in mid-March you can see jugglers and stilt walkers as well as sample traditional foods. April brings the International Tea Festival and the Peach Blossom Festival, which is an amazingly beautiful sight to behold. In May you can experience the International Music Festival or the Fashion and Culture Festival. Another popular tradition is the Tourism Festival, which begins at the end of September and goes through October. During this time you can take part in parades, shop at the markets, see a traditional wedding ceremony and view the folklore enactments and fireworks. October brings the International Arts Festival with performances that range from orchestral or dramatic to comedic or acrobatic.

Tourist Season

Keep in mind that low season lasts from January through April and again from September through November. During these times you can expect to find great airfare deals and less crowds in the city. From May through August and in December you should expect to pay more for airfare and accommodation, assuming you can find it. Book well in advance!