Season: Summer
Nanning’s weather in May is hot and humid. Visitors often feel oppressive and sticky at midday hours; nights are relatively less hot. May is the rainy season, but the rain usually occurs in the afternoon, and lasts very short time. So sunshine hours are abundant and the sunshine intensity can be quite harsh. May Day Holiday in early month is a peak travel period, but after that, the city returns to a peaceful situation, making it suitable for budget-friendly travel.
Summer Heat
In May, Nanning experiences quite hot climate, with the daytime highs of 26-33 degrees Celsius (79-91 degrees Fahrenheit), showing the arrival of summer. When the sun reaches its peak, the highest temperature can get to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). Influenced by the humid air, the perceived temperature may feel like 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Celsius). Therefore, visitors are advised to stay indoors during midday hours. After sunset, the weather doesn’t feel really cool, but it’s a bit more comfortable than daytime hours. The nighttime lows range from 21 to 26 degrees Celsius (70-79 degrees Fahrenheit).
However, it’s possible to experience temperature drop this month, with daytime highs hovering between 20 and 23°C (68-73°F). Thunderstorms or showers also help cool things down.
Rainy Season
Nanning in May gets abundant rainfall, with the average monthly precipitation of 188 mm from 12 rainy days. The rain is usually in the form of sudden downpours, accompanied with thunders and winds. Particularly, it tends to occur in the afternoon and only lasts for 15 minutes or so. Therefore, as long as you pack the umbrella and plan your trip wisely, there’s no problem having fun during the rainy season. What’s more, after rain, the sky turns bluer, the air becomes fresher, and the vegetation on the streets is washed cleaner and greener, which is perfect for a casual city walk.
Humid Air
Nanning in May remains humid, with the average humidity level maintaining 80%. After the rain, it can significantly rise. Also with the influence of high temperature, people may feel oppressive and uncomfortable. If you walk outside for extended periods, especially during 10:00-16:00, you may feel like in the sauna, and the clothes may stick to your body.
Sunshine Hours and Daytime Hours
Sunrise Time: 6:01 – 6:13
Sunset Time: 19:13 – 19:27
Entering May, the daytime periods continue to extend, as long as 13-13.5 hours per day. Despite that, considering the hot weather during midday periods, visitors are still advised to plan their trips wisely to make the most of time. For example, they can arrange indoor activities at 10:00-16:00, such as tasting local food or drink or visiting museums. At around 18:00, go to Tingzi Dock or Nanhu Park to wait for a perfect sunset view. The charm of Nanning is hidden in the nights, including night markets, Yong River night tour, and the Three Streets and Two Alleys.
Nanning enjoys plentiful sunshine hours in May, averaging 8-9 hours per day. Despite the rainy season, the UV rays can’t be ignored, as the peak UV index can exceed 11. Therefore, it’s essential to take precautions on intense sunshine.
What to Pack for Nanning in May 2027
Upper Clothing: It’s advisable to wear T-shirts in breathable and quick-dry materials. Given the humid weather, you’d better prepare extra more T-shirts for changes. A light sun-protective shirt is practical to deal with both cool moments and intense sunshine.
Bottom Clothing: You can choose shorts, skirts or light summer pants. But long pants are more recommended if you plan to explore the nature, as they can protect you from insect bites.
Footwear: Opt for comfortable and breathable sneakers or sandals. After the rain, roads and steps may become slippery, so it’s best to wear non-slip ones.
Accessories:
1. It’s necessary to pack insect repellent as the hot and humid weather are prone to breeding mosquitoes.
2. Considering the intense sunshine, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat.
3. The weather forecast isn’t always accurate, so it’s best to pack an umbrella even if it says there’s no rain.
Travel Recommendations and Tips
1. For people who want to catch a perfect sunset view, it’s highly recommended to check the weather forecast the latest at around 14:00. If the prediction says it’s a sunny afternoon or there might be a brief shower, there’s a high probability to watch a golden evening glow. Recommended sites include Qingxiu Mountain, Nanhu Park, Yong River Bank, and Tingzi Dock. It’s best to arrive there half an hour earlier to secure a nice spot.
2. Qingxiu Mountain is a lovely place to visit in May. On the one hand, there are various flowers in bloom, including hydrangea flowers, red bougainvillea, and Chinese roses. It’s best to arrive at the place early in the morning to avoid crowds and high temperatures. Plus, the light can be softer, perfect for photography. On the other hand, there are lots of shaded tree areas in the scenic spot, so it can help relieve the oppressive feeling. But we still recommend that you stay indoors around midday periods.
3. May is an off-peak season, offering a quiet and cost-effective travel experience. However, it’s worth noting that May Day Holiday falling in May 1st to May 5th of 2027 is one of the busiest holidays in China. You can for sure have fun if you avoid this holiday.
