October has the fewest rainy days of the year in Shanghai. From 1991 to 2020, Xujiahui Station averaged a high of 23.5°C and a low of 17.1°C, with about 70 mm of rain over just seven or eight rainy days. A long-sleeve T-shirt or shirt works for daytime; add a light jacket or cardigan in the morning and evening and you'll be comfortable. Early in the month you may still hit near 30°C, but by late October you'll want a hoodie and a windbreaker.
For a month-by-month comparison, see Shanghai year-round weather and what to wear. For the previous month's typhoon season, see Shanghai September weather and what to wear, and for the next month's changes, see Shanghai November weather and what to wear. October's best feature is the weather; its biggest challenge is the National Day holiday crowds. This article covers both.
October weather: the most reliably good days of the year
By meteorological standards, autumn usually arrives in Shanghai around October 5, during the second half of the National Day holiday. Once fall sets in, the subtropical high retreats south and dry, cool air from the north takes over. The sky opens up, humidity drops, and several sunny days in a row become the norm. The month averages only 7.5 rainy days with about 161 hours of sunshine—a combination unique to October in Shanghai.
Temperatures drop about 7–8°C from the start of the month to the end. In early October, daytime highs are 26–27°C, occasionally pushed near 30°C by a warm spell; Xujiahui Station's October record high is 36.0°C. Mid-October brings 23–24°C days and 17–18°C nights—ideal sightseeing weather. By late October, daytime highs sit around 20°C, and mornings after a cold front can dip to 12–13°C; the 30-year average for October's coldest day is 11.8°C.
Typhoons are rare in October. A late-season storm may occasionally pass through the East China Sea, bringing a day or two of wind and rain, but the odds are far lower than from July to September. For readers from Taiwan or Hong Kong, October days in Shanghai feel much like autumn back home, but nights are noticeably cooler and drier—your lips and skin will feel it. The day-night temperature swing is also wider. On a day when short sleeves are perfect, you'll often need a jacket after 9 p.m., especially if you're sitting by the river catching the breeze.
What to wear in October: change by the week
Early October (around National Day): Short sleeves or light long sleeves work during the day—breathable fabrics are key. Bring a light jacket for mornings, evenings and air-conditioned rooms. On warmer days, you'll still want a hat and sunscreen.
Mid-October: A long-sleeve T-shirt or shirt with a cardigan or denim jacket is the classic October outfit. If you take an evening river cruise, buttoning up that jacket feels just right.
Late October: Hoodies or light sweaters paired with a trench coat or jacket. After a cold front, mornings and evenings can drop into the low teens (°C), so check the daily low before heading out.
Rainy days: It doesn't rain much in October. Just keep a folding umbrella in your bag—no need for dedicated rain gear.
Indoors: Malls and the metro still run the AC in early October, but it's usually turned off from mid-month onward, so indoor and outdoor temperatures are about the same. Garden halls and old houses can feel a bit chilly in late October, so don't leave your jacket at the hotel.
Shoes, skincare and traveling with kids or seniors
October is the month you'll walk the most, so a comfortable pair of sneakers matters most. During the National Day holiday, you might stand in crowds for long stretches, and softer soles make a big difference. Once the air turns dry, lip balm, moisturizer, and eye drops all come in handy.
Older travelers need to conserve energy in the crowds: don't pack your National Day schedule too full. Hit popular attractions in the morning, rest at the hotel in the afternoon, and pick a less crowded spot for the night view. If you're traveling with kids, dress them in bright colors in busy areas and take a full-body photo that day so you can describe them easily if you get separated; agree in advance to find a uniformed staff member if anyone gets lost.
National Day Holiday: Shanghai's Busiest Seven Days
The 2027 National Day holiday runs from October 1 to 7. This week is one of the busiest times of the year in Shanghai, with out-of-town visitors pouring in. Long lines form at The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, City God Temple, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Disneyland. Crowd control is often enforced on The Bund every evening, and East Nanjing Road Metro Station may limit entry, close temporarily, or be skipped by trains—always follow that day's police and metro announcements.
Book tickets in advance for any popular attraction you plan to visit during the holiday: Yu Garden charges peak-season prices in October, opens 9:00–16:30, and usually requires timed-entry reservations during the holiday; Shanghai Disneyland sees some of its highest prices and crowds during National Day, with date-based pricing, so it's best avoided; small memorial sites like the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling are closed on Mondays and also draw bigger holiday crowds.
Crowd control usually works like this: The Bund viewing platform limits capacity and enforces one-way flow during peak hours, while police and volunteers direct foot traffic around the intersection of East Nanjing Road and Zhongshan East 1st Road. When it gets too packed, entrances are temporarily closed until enough people leave. Don't push against the flow—if you have seniors or kids with you, stay to the side and move slowly. To exit, head down the side streets toward East Beijing Road or Fuzhou Road; it's much faster than trying to return to East Nanjing Road Metro Station.
A few practical tips for avoiding the crowds: visit The Bund at 7 or 8 a.m., when there are fewer people and better light; watch the night view from Lujiazui Riverside across the river or North Bund, which are far less packed than The Bund promenade; arrive at Yu Garden and City God Temple right at opening, since crowds build after 10 a.m.; during the busiest midday-to-afternoon stretch, visit a museum, stroll through a neighborhood, or head back to your hotel to rest.
The two weeks after the holiday: October's best window
If your dates are flexible, roughly October 8 to 20 is the most rewarding two-week stretch of the entire autumn. The National Day crowds have gone, hotel prices drop, and popular attractions return to normal on weekdays. The weather is at its most stable since the start of fall, with daytime highs around 23–24°C and evenings around 17–18°C—mostly sunny, rarely rainy. Sweet osmanthus usually blooms at its peak during this time. The only thing to watch out for is the weekends right after the holiday, when locals still head out in large numbers; visiting popular spots on weekdays is far more relaxed.
Families traveling with kids can also save theme parks and museums for these two weeks: weekday lines at the parks are short, it isn't scorching during the day, and evening fireworks aren't too cold. The Shanghai Natural History Museum and Science and Technology Museum often require booking well in advance during National Day, but things get much easier afterward.
October in Shanghai: sweet osmanthus, neighborhoods, and the waterfront
The tourism festival's National Day season
In recent years, the Shanghai Tourism Festival has followed a "one festival, two seasons" format, running from summer through the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day. During National Day, districts across the city host festive events, shopping areas put up decorations, and nighttime light displays go up. Specific programs change every year, so check the published event list before you travel. Popular outdoor events tend to draw big crowds, so families with seniors or young children should opt for daytime sessions when fewer people are around.
A city full of osmanthus fragrance
In Shanghai, osmanthus usually blooms from late September to mid-October. In recent years it has often been delayed until after National Day—on October 10, 2026, Shanghai News Radio was still reporting that "the osmanthus has finally bloomed" and warning that the flowering period would be short that year. When it blooms, neighborhoods, streets and parks are filled with its scent. Guilin Park in Xuhui is a classic spot for viewing osmanthus, and it often hosts lantern displays between the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day.
Old villa neighborhoods
October is neither too cold nor too hot, making it perfect for exploring old Shanghai on foot. Start at the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling and stroll along Wukang Road, Anfu Road and West Fuxing Road. The plane trees are still green and the sunlight is just right; for the route, see our Wukang Road and Anfu Road walking tour. If you want to see yellow leaves, you'll need to wait until late November. With extra time, head east to Sinan Road and the shikumen neighborhoods around Xintiandi. Dining and strolling there in the evening means fewer crowds and a better vibe than The Bund.
The Bund and Huangpu River
On clear October days, The Bund offers the best views of the details on its historic buildings. Sunset comes around 5:30 p.m., followed by the lights coming on along both banks. Outside the National Day holiday, taking the ferry across the river from The Bund and looking back at Lujiazui from the waterfront is the most pleasant way to enjoy an evening cruise this month. For ferry tips, see our Bund ferry guide.
Nearby getaways: Hangzhou and water towns
October is the best month to leave the city and explore Jiangnan. Crowds at Hangzhou's West Lake drop off after National Day, and the osmanthus in Manjuelong is often at its most fragrant then. Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden and Zhouzhuang are comfortable to explore all day in the crisp autumn air. If you travel nearby during the National Day holiday, expect heavy traffic on expressways and at attractions—it's best to go after October 8. If you can only go during the holiday, pick a smaller, closer ancient town near Shanghai, leave before 7 a.m. and head back early in the afternoon. For route comparisons, see How to choose a day tour from Shanghai.
Great light for photos
In October, the air is clear and the sun sits lower in the sky, creating two especially good lighting windows each day. From 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., slanting sunlight hits the facades of The Bund's buildings, bringing out the stone textures and carvings. From 4:00 p.m. until sunset, golden light shines from the west across the Huangpu River, and Lujiazui's glass curtain walls reflect warm tones. If you want city shots under blue skies and white clouds, the first sunny day after a cold front is ideal—visibility is often the best of the year.
Weather risks: few, but watch out for these
Cold fronts: The first real cold front in late October can drop temperatures by 6 to 8 degrees in a single day, accompanied by northerly winds. Visitors dressed too lightly are most likely to catch a cold then.
Late-season typhoons: In early October, a typhoon occasionally passes through the East China Sea. The odds are low, but if one hits, expect a day or two of wind and rain, and boat tours and outdoor activities may be suspended.
Dryness: As humidity drops, your lips, skin, and eyes dry out easily. Drink plenty of water and bring enough skincare products.
Morning fog: Fog sometimes appears in the mornings in late October, so allow extra time if you're catching an early flight.
How to plan a day in October
During the National Day holiday: Head to The Bund at 7:00 AM, line up at the Yu Garden entrance by 8:30 AM, and enter when it opens at 9:00 AM. Have lunch in a quieter neighborhood, then spend the afternoon at the Shanghai Museum East or return to your hotel. In the evening, watch the sunset and lights come on from Lujiazui Riverside or North Bund, avoiding the main viewing platform at The Bund. When heading back to your hotel at night, take the subway or book a car in advance—taxis are nearly impossible to hail near The Bund when the crowds disperse, so walking to a less busy intersection will make getting a ride much easier.
After the holiday: Visit Yu Garden and the Old City in the morning, stroll around Wukang Road in the afternoon, head to The Bund by evening, take the ferry across the river, have dinner in Lujiazui, and then head back. You'll be outdoors all day without feeling tired.
An October packing list
Early October: two or three short-sleeve shirts, two light long-sleeve shirts, one light jacket, breathable pants, sneakers, sunscreen, and a hat. Mid to late October: three or four long-sleeve shirts, one cardigan or hoodie, one trench coat or jacket, two pairs of pants, sneakers, plus lip balm, moisturizer, and a folding umbrella.
Transportation is the biggest variable during National Day
October weather rarely disrupts your plans—the real things to prepare for are transportation and queues during the National Day holiday. Hailing a taxi near popular attractions often takes a long wait, and subway stations around Nanjing East Road may restrict entry in the evening. Families traveling with seniors, kids, or luggage should book Pudong or Hongqiao Airport transfers in advance. Within the city, booking a private car in Shanghai lets you get picked up and dropped off away from the crowds and visit attractions in an order that avoids peak times. If you want to visit Hangzhou or Suzhou after the holiday, a private car from Shanghai to Hangzhou or a private car from Shanghai to Suzhou makes a round trip possible in a single day. Hiring a private tour guide in Shanghai also makes queuing, entrances, and commentary much smoother. For attractions like Yu Garden that require reservations during National Day, be sure to book your tickets in advance.
Shanghai 1-day tour: Shanghai, Oriental Pearl Tower
Private day tour with Shanghai airport transfers: walk the 259-meter glass corridor on the second sphere of the Oriental Pearl Tower, visit the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling, and explore Yu Garden. Ideal for layovers or short stays in Shanghai. Includes vehicle, guide and admission tickets. English-speaking and other foreign-language guides available on request.
Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai 5 days 4 nights: Leifeng Pagoda - West Lake cruise - Hefang Street - Songcheng - Lion Grove Garden - Shantang Street - Nanjing Road pedestrian street - The Bund night view - Disneyland
A 5-day, 4-night private tour with airport transfers in Shanghai: Leifeng Pagoda, a West Lake cruise, Hefang Street and the Romance of the Song Dynasty show in Hangzhou; Lion Grove Garden and Shantang Street in Suzhou, returning to Shanghai in the evening for The Bund; a full day at Shanghai Disneyland on day four. Includes transport, guide, 4 nights' hotel and admission tickets. English-speaking guide available.
Old Dreams 6-day, 5-night tour: Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuzhen and Xitang
A private tour visiting three water towns: Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen West Scenic Zone and Xitang, plus the Humble Administrator's Garden and Hanshan Temple in Suzhou, Lingyin Temple and a boat ride on West Lake in Hangzhou. Includes Shanghai airport transfers, transportation, guide, 5 nights' hotel and admission tickets. English or other language guides available on request. Flights not included.
FAQs
What to wear in Shanghai in October?
Early October: short sleeves or thin long sleeves with a light jacket. Mid-October: long sleeves with a cardigan or denim jacket. Late October: hoodies or light sweaters with a windbreaker. Rain is scarce all month, so just bring a folding umbrella as a backup.
Is Shanghai cold in October?
No. With an average high of 23.5°C and low of 17.1°C, it's one of the most comfortable months of the year. After cold fronts arrive in late October, mornings and evenings can drop to 12–13°C, so you'll need a slightly thicker jacket.
Is Shanghai crowded during National Day? How can I avoid the crowds?
Very crowded. The 2027 National Day holiday runs from October 1 to 7. Visit popular attractions right when they open in the morning, switch your night views to Lujiazui Riverside or North Bund, and book tickets for Yu Garden and other sites in advance. If possible, schedule your Shanghai leg for after October 8.
Is October a good time to visit Shanghai Disneyland?
We don't recommend it during the National Day holiday due to crowds and higher prices. Weekdays after the holiday are ideal—daytime temperatures hover around 20°C, making lines more comfortable, and a single jacket is enough for the evening fireworks.
Does it rain in Shanghai in October?
Yes, but rarely. The 30-year average is just 7.5 rainy days and 70 mm, making it the driest month of the year. Occasionally, a late-season typhoon brings a day or two of wind and rain.
Can you smell osmanthus in Shanghai in October?
In most years, yes. Osmanthus in Shanghai usually blooms from late September to mid-October, though in recent years it often comes after National Day. Early to mid-October offers the best chance.