October is when Shanghai’s French Concession reaches its annual peak. The China Meteorological Administration confirms October as Shanghai’s driest month. The London plane trees (planted along Huaihai Road and Fuxing Road in the 1920s by French planners) start turning yellow in the last two weeks of October. The temperature has dropped from summer humidity to something pleasant for walking. The rooftop bars are still open. There is no rain. If you can only visit Shanghai once, this is the month. For the full seasonal picture: Best Time to Visit China.
October Weather by Week
| Week | High / Low | Conditions |
| Oct 1 to 7 (Golden Week) | 24°C / 16°C | Excellent weather. Heavy domestic crowds. |
| Oct 8 to 14 | 23°C / 15°C | Best window. Post-holiday calm. Good weather. |
| Oct 15 to 21 | 21°C / 13°C | Comfortable. Plane trees starting to turn. |
| Oct 22 to 31 | 18°C / 10°C | Noticeably cooler. Autumn colour peak. |
Golden Week in Shanghai
The October 1 to 7 national holiday is the single busiest week for domestic tourism in China. In Shanghai this means: the Bund is very crowded from 10am to 9pm, Yu Garden has queues, and the metro during peak hours is extremely congested. Hotels fill up. Prices rise. If you cannot avoid Golden Week: the French Concession, Tianzifang (before 9am), and the ¥2 ferry are less affected than the main tourist sites. For Golden Week detail: Golden Week in China.
What Makes October Special
The French Concession in autumn
The plane trees along Wukang Road, Huaihai Road, and Fuxing Road were planted between the 1900s and 1930s. They now form a canopy over the street. In late October, the leaves turn yellow and drift down onto the cobblestone footpaths. The combination of 1920s Art Deco architecture and autumn light is the Shanghai photograph that most visitors remember longest.
October food: hairy crab season
Hairy crab (大闸蟹, da zha xie) season runs from September to December, with October being considered peak. Lake Tai hairy crabs are the most prized: small freshwater crabs with buttery roe. Female crabs (with orange roe) are best in October. Male crabs (with white roe) are best in November. Book a hairy crab dinner at least 3 to 5 days in advance. Expect to pay ¥200 to ¥400 per person for a proper crab meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Shanghai overview: Shanghai Travel Guide. For Golden Week: Golden Week in China. For packing: China Packing List.