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 11
C (about from 46 to 52
F) 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 20
C (68
F) 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 20
C (59 to 68
F). 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.
Detailed information about the Average, Maximun and Minimum Temperatures and the rainfall in Dalian.
| Average Data | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June |
| Average High ( | 28/32 | 31/35 | 42/45 | 56/59 | 67/70 | 74/77 |
| Average High ( | -2/0 | -1/1 | 5/7 | 13/15 | 19/21 | 23/25 |
| Average Low ( | 15/19 | 19/22 | 28/32 | 41/44 | 52/55 | 60/64 |
| Average Low ( | -9/-7 | -7/-5 | -2/0 | 5/7 | 11/13 | 16/18 |
| Rain (in) | 0.3/0.4 | 0.2/0.3 | 0.4/0.5 | 1.1/1.2 | 1.7/1.8 | 2.6/2.7 |
| Rain (mm) | 5/10 | 5/10 | 10/15 | 30/35 | 40/45 | 65/70 |
| Average Data | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Average High ( | 78/82 | 80/83 | 73/77 | 62/66 | 47/51 | 34/38 |
| Average High ( | 26/28 | 26/28 | 23/25 | 17/19 | 8/10 | 1/3 |
| Average Low ( | 68/71 | 69/72 | 60/64 | 49/52 | 34/38 | 22/25 |
| Average Low ( | 20/22 | 20/22 | 16/18 | 9/11 | 1/3 | -6/-4 |
| Rain (in) | 6.5/6.6 | 5.5/5.6 | 2.6/2.7 | 1.2/1.3 | 0.8/0.9 | 0.4/0.5 |
| Rain (mm) | 165/170 | 140/145 | 65/70 | 30/35 | 20/25 | 10/15 |
Travelers' Voices on Dalian Climate
1.
Aug. 11,2009 12:57 Reply
Ms.Sandra(Thai) said:
What kind of clothes should i bring, if i have to go to Dalian 18-22 Sep. 2009?
Thank you
Aug. 20,2009 00:19
Mr.Chua(Singapore) replied:
It'll be like in an air-conditioned room for the whole day. Avereage day time temperature is around 23 C during that period. So depending on your cold tolerance, you should dress appropriately. Obviously you'll need warm clothings when venturing out at night when temperature falls to 13 C.
2.
Jul. 30,2009 02:04 Reply
Ms.Help(Singapore) said:
I am going dalian in december.I want to buy my winter wears there. Is it possible?
Aug. 1,2009 21:59
Mr.Clark replied:
Yes, of course. But keep warm when you first get there. :-)
3.
Jul. 6,2009 09:21 Reply
Mr.peter klang(sweden) said:
what cloths will I have when I go to Dalian in july ?
Jul. 8,2009 01:15
Mr.Colin replied:
Short T-Shirt, shorts and other summer clothes.