Bordered by the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea, Dalian is situated at the southern end of the Liaodong Peninsula in northeastern China. This is a warm temperate zone with a semi-moist monsoon climate and ocean climate features. The annual average temperature of Dalian is from 8 to 11C (about from 46 to 52F) and it has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Influenced by the mild ocean winds from the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea, the city has a good climate with an annual rainfall of 550 to 1000 millimeters, over 60% of which falls during the summer period.

Dalian's spring begins in late March or early April when the warm southeast ocean winds bring the temperatures up. You need to wear jackets, sweaters, shirts and jeans to protect yourself from the last of the winter's cold.

The best time to travel is from May onwards when the Dalian Chinese Scholar Tree Blossom Affairs and Commodity Export Fair open in the city. They run through to mid-September. These mild and comfortable months welcome huge numbers of tourists from different areas in China and the world. The summer period from July to early September has an average temperature of around 20C (68F) and in the hottest month of August thousands of people come to the southern seashore in the city to enjoy the sunshine, the sea and exciting water sports. Bring T-shirts, shorts, skirts, sandals, sunglasses, hats and suntan oil with you. The summer is also the rainy period in Dalian, however most rain falls at night. You will still need to take an umbrella or rainwear with you in the evenings.

In late September, Dalian welcomes autumn and the cold air begins to control this area. The average temperature drops down to around 15 to 20C (59 to 68F). Whilst tourist crowds retreat from the seashores, it is a perfect time for fishing as it is the migrating season for fish.

From late November, the cold north winds become stronger and dominate the city till the following February. January is the coldest month and you need to wear an overcoat, sweater, jeans, gloves and warm shoes.

In recent years, the government has advocated a special '3S' (spring, sports and shopping) tourist program in the city in order to attract more tourists during the low winter season. Winter sports such as skiing, mountain climbing, horse-racing and winter swimming have attracted many sports adventurers who wish to spend the New Year period in the city. The Ice Festival in Bingyu Valley and the hunting sports in Jinshitai Scenic Area are two of the most popular sightseeing options.

Festivals

Dalian Spring Fireworks Festival
Period: 2nd to 8th, January depending on lunar calendar
Activities: Ice carving exhibitions, fireworks displays, acrobatic shows, folk art performances including ballad singings, story telling and locally-flavored snacks. This is a great festive event in the city and thousands of tourists both at home and abroad come to participate in it.

Dalian Chinese Scholar Tree (Pagoda Tree) Blossom Affairs
Period: Later May
Activities: Dalian is reputed to be the City of the Scholar Tree and in May Scholar Trees blossom in the city. The Scholar Tree Affair is a big annual event in Dalian. Kite flying contests, folk dancing performances, Chinese painting and calligraphy displays are usually held. In the kite flying contest participants from over all the country bring all sorts of Chinese kites to compete. The Dalian Commodity Export Fair also falls in the period between 23rd and 28th May.

Dalian International Beer Festival
Period: Begins from late July or August and lasts for half a month
Activities: This is a summer carnival held on Xinghai Square each year. Usually the opening ceremony begins with a parade of festooned vehicles and drum dancing groups. A variety of beer companies advertise new products by sponsoring activities including disco performances, beer culture exhibitions, beer drinking contests, photography contests, artwork displays and other festival events. It is a large celebration time for local people and foreigners alike.

Dalian International Fashion Festival
Period: Early September
Activities: Dalian is at the forefront of the country's fashion industry. The International Fashion Festival is a highlight in the city in which thousands of dazzling celebrities, stars and artists both in China and abroad get together and present the top in fashion in the world. It is a good opportunity for clothes designers from western counties to communicate with their oriental counterparts.

Dalian International Marathon Contest
Period: The last Sunday of October
Activities: It is a great event for sports lovers to challenge each other and compete. Participants come from China and other countries all over the world.