Wuhan has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. The ideal travel months to Wuhan are March-April, and September-October. Travelers are advised to avoid the scorching summer period of July and August with its 40C (104F) heat, and the cold winter time from November to later January with its severe cold. Another weather caution is the summer period from June to August with its heavy rain. Click here to see average Wuhan monthly temperatures.

Summer in Wuhan is renowned for its scorching heat and high humidity. Unlike most areas in northern China, which have dry-heat summers, in summer Wuhan is known as an instant "steam box. Cotton, rather than nylon clothing is recommended.

Although the temperature in Wuhan's winter is not as low as those in the northern cities in China, the river winds and humidity can make it as cold as ten degrees below zero, and some travelers suffer from chilblains. Moreover, many hotels and guesthouses in Wuhan do not have heaters. For winter travel, bring heavy overcoats, gloves and scarves to protect against the wind and cold.

Festivals

Wuhan International Tourist Festival
Date: Late September - Mid October
Place: Hankou, Wuhan
This festival began in 2002, and is a great annual event usually held from the end of September to mid-October on the avenue beside the river (Yanjiang Dadao). It is somewhat like a carnival in western countries; thousands of joyful crowds, streets ablaze with activity, grand parades accompanied by Chinese drum groups. Artists and performing groups from different regions in China and from other countries are invited and present wonderful music, dancing and acrobatic performances. The events last for more than twenty days. If you ever have this time period on your itinerary in Wuhan, we'd recommend that you don't miss the Wuhan International Tourist Festival.

Plum Blossom Festival
Date: February - March
Place: East Lake, Hankou, Wuhan
Plum blossom is the city flower of Wuhan. From late February to early March each year, the Plum Blossom Festival is held at the scenic East Lake. Over 200 varieties of plum blossoms from different areas in China are exhibited. Activities on the theme of plum blossom such as Chinese calligraphy and paintings, plum mini-garden design contests, music and dance performances are presented. Citizens whose names have the Chinese character of plum can visit the whole East Lake scenic area free. Enthusiastic photographers and young lovers always go to find their "beloved".

This year, the festival started on February 18th, due to the winter cold that had delayed the blossoms.