Shanghai Weather and Climate in March

March in Shanghai marks the transition from late winter to early spring. The weather gradually warms up but remains unpredictable, with occasional cold snaps, wind, and rain. Despite this, the city becomes lively, fresh, and full of early blossoms, making it an excellent month for sightseeing, city walks, and early flower viewing.

1. Shanghai Weather & Climate in March

1.1 Overview

• Season: Early Spring (Late winter → Spring)

• Temperature: 7–15°C (45–59°F)

  • Daytime: 11–16°C (52–61°F)

  • Nighttime: 4–9°C (39–48°F)

• Humidity: 75–90% → damp-cold feel

• Rainfall: 90–140 mm, 8–14 rainy days

• Wind: Moderate to strong, especially along riversides

• Flowering Season: Early cherry blossoms, tulips, and peach blossoms

Traveler Tip: March is best for city exploration, indoor cultural attractions, and light outdoor activities. Early spring flowers make parks and gardens especially picturesque.

1.2 Temperature & Weather by Period

Other Facts:

• Sunrise: 05:45–06:21 | Sunset: 17:53–18:13

• Air Quality (AQI avg): 63 → moderate

1.3 Rain, Wind & Safety Notes

• Frequent light rain; umbrella is essential

• Damp mornings/evenings feel colder than actual temperature

• Wind along the Bund and rivers can make the chill more noticeable

• Flu season: wash hands frequently and carry cold medicine

• Avoid visiting outdoor flowers very early in the morning due to dampness

2. What to Wear in March

2.1 Core Principles

• Layering is key: breathable inner layer + warm mid-layer + windproof outer layer

• Focus: warmth, wind protection, flexibility for fluctuating temperatures

• Footwear: comfortable, anti-slip for rainy days

2.2 Recommended Clothing

Tops:

• Inner layer: long-sleeve T-shirts, thin knits, shirts

• Mid-layer: sweater, fleece, vest

• Outer layer: trench coat, light wool coat, thin down jacket, windbreaker

Bottoms:

• Jeans, casual pants, fleece-lined pants

• Skirts with leggings/tights

• Avoid thin or short pants

Shoes:

• Sneakers, casual shoes, short boots

• Waterproof / anti-slip recommended

• Avoid canvas or open shoes

Accessories:

• Scarf (wind + warmth)

• Hat (sun + wind)

• Gloves (early mornings/evenings)

• Umbrella for frequent rain

2.3 Clothing by Traveler Type

3. Health & Safety Tips

• Early mornings and evenings are colder than numbers suggest

• High humidity makes temperatures feel chillier → focus on windproof and layered clothing

• Umbrella and waterproof shoes are essential

• Indoor/outdoor temperature difference is significant → plan for sudden chills

• Few tourists in March → sightseeing is less crowded

• Popular attractions (Disneyland, museums) still require advance reservations

4. Transportation Tips

• Metro: Fast, reliable, covers all major attractions

• Taxi / Ride-Hailing: Rainy days can cause traffic delays

• Bikes / Shared Bikes: Optional for short trips if weather permits

• Ferry: Bund ↔ Lujiazui scenic route (cheap and pleasant)

• Apps: Metro 大都会, Gaode Map, Baidu Map

• Peak Hours: 07:30–09:00, 17:30–19:00 → avoid if possible

5. Attractions & Things to Do in March

5.1 Flower & Outdoor Attractions

• Longhua Pagoda (龙华寺): Temple fair on 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month; peach blossoms in full bloom

• Zhujiajiao (朱家角) Dianfeng Village: 600+ acres of peach trees, newly developed species

• Peach Blossom Bay (桃花湾): Scenic early spring spot

• Chenshan Botanical Garden / Shanghai Botanical Garden: Early tulips, cherry blossoms, plum blossoms

5.2 Water Towns & Historical Streets

• Zhujiajiao, Qibao, old town alleys → enjoy misty spring riverside atmosphere

5.3 Indoor & Cultural Attractions

• Shanghai Museum (人民广场)

• China Art Museum (中华艺术宫)

• Shanghai Science & Technology Museum (亲子-friendly)

• Historical streets: Wukang Road, Anfu Road, Sinan Road

5.4 Theme Parks & Entertainment

• Shanghai Disneyland / Happy Valley: Early March → fewer visitors, cooler temperatures → dress warmly

6. Food Recommendations

Classic Shanghai Cuisine:

• Red-braised pork (红烧肉)

• Smoked fish (熏鱼)

• Crab tofu (蟹粉豆腐)

• Fried eel (响油鳝糊)

Shanghai Snacks:

• Shengjianbao (生煎), Xiaolongbao (小笼包)

• Potstickers (锅贴), small wontons (小馄饨)

• Scallion noodles (葱油拌面)

Seasonal Specials (March):

• Bamboo shoots, Chinese toon (香椿), shepherd’s purse (荠菜), Qing Tuan (青团)

7. Suggested 3-Day Itinerary – March (Early Spring Edition)

Day 1 – City Landmarks & Riverside Walks

• Morning: People’s Square → Shanghai Museum

• Afternoon: Nanjing Road → Bund → Waibaidu Bridge

• Evening: Lujiazui skyline / night photography

Day 2 – Gardens & Old Shanghai Streets

• Morning: Yu Garden (豫园) + City God Temple (城隍庙)

• Afternoon: Xintiandi → Wukang Road / Anfu Road stroll

• Evening: Jing’an or Nanjing West Road for dinner

Day 3 – Choose Your Theme

• Option A – Family / Amusement: Shanghai Disneyland – early entry, enjoy rides, parade, fireworks (dress warmly)

• Option B – Spring Nature: Chenshan Botanical Garden / Gucun Park → Riverside night walk

8. Quick Reference Tips

• Clothing: Layered dressing + windproof coat; emphasis on warmth

• Photography: 09:00–11:00 & 15:00–17:30, soft light; evening Bund nightscape

• Transport: Metro fastest; ferry scenic for Bund ↔ Lujiazui

• Health: Umbrella, anti-cold medicine, mask if pollen allergic

Shanghai in March: Late winter → early spring, damp, windy, and variable temperatures. Layered, windproof clothing is essential. Ideal for indoor cultural sites, city walks, early spring flower viewing, and Jiangnan-style water town experiences. Late March warms up noticeably, offering pleasant sightseeing and excellent travel value before peak season.