Yangshuo Weather in May
Season: Spring
The average rainfall reaches about 312 mm in Yangshuo in May, the highest level in the year. On the one hand, the rain is frequent: there are 20 rainy days on average, and it’s even possible that you encounter no sunny days during your stay. On the other hand, in addition to light and moderate rain, heavy and torrential rain also occur. For example, in 2025, there were 4 heavy rains and 1 torrential rain in May; and in 2024, there were 3 heavy rains and 1 torrential rain.
The average humidity is also at the year’s highest level, 83%. You will feel how humid the air is the moment you step off the plane.
Average Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F)
The daily high temperature has a wide range: from around 20 to 35 degrees Celsius (68-95 degrees Fahrenheit). On most days, it stays at around 25-30°C (77-86°F), and you will feel warm. Days with the high of above 30°C (86°F) also show up a bit frequently. You should note that, combined with the high humidity, when it rises above 30°C (86°F), you will feel a bit hot, and when it reaches 35°C (95°F), you will feel stuffy. The days with the cool daily high of 20-25°C (68-77°F) is not many.
The daily low is around 15-25°C (59-77°F), a cool or warm level. The temperature difference between day and night can be small on most rainy days, at no more than 5°C (9°F), but quite large on most sunny days, at around 15°C (27°F).
Sunrise Time: 05:48-06:02
Sunset Time: 19:07-19:22
The daylight hours are from 13 to 13.5 this month, guaranteeing enough time for you to travel around. Judging from the large number of rainy days, you should know that the sun doesn’t show up much this month: on average, there are only 4 sunshine hours per day.
Even so, you should note that sun protection measures are quite necessary this month: first, the weather of Yangshuo is a little changeable this month, and the sun may appear soon after rain; second, the UV rays can peak to 11+, and you are prone to getting sunburn if you do outdoor activities, such as bamboo rafting, for extended periods under the sun without sun protection.
Actually, May is not a good time to explore Yangshuo, because a trip there this month will be full of uncertainties.
1. Temperature-wise, you may encounter some warm and cozy days, but may also experience stuffy and uncomfortable days.
2. The changeable weather will make the scenery you can see and the activities you can experience full of uncertainties. On sunny days, the sky is blue, mountains and land are covered in lush green vegetation, and the water is clear and abundant - you can witness Yangshuo’s most spectacular and beautiful natural scenery. On rainy days, if the rain is light, you might see a hazy yet unique natural landscape shrouded in mist. However, once the rain becomes heavy, in addition to the increasing inconvenience of traveling around, the visibility will drop considerably. Additionally, on days after heavy rain, the waters of the Li River and Yulong River turn muddy and yellow, making them less attractive. Furthermore, water levels will rise, sometimes leading to the closure of bamboo rafting.
Only have time during this month, or want to make a bet? Read the following content before your visit to gain a better travel experience.
Clothes: When visiting Yangshuo in May, you need to pack more thin and breathable summer clothes, like T-shirts, thin long pants, and long dresses. You are also recommended to bring sun-protective jackets to prevent the strong sunshine. For trips in the early morning and at night, you are advised to put on a thin jacket or knitwear. Besides, jeans and sweatpants are better choices at that time.
Shoes: You can bring waterproof and non-slip walking or hiking shoes, or, since the temperature is high enough this month, comfortable water shoes are also good choices. They are convenient and safe not only on rainy days, but also when you experience the bamboo rafting - during which process your shoes may also get wet.
Other Items: In addition to rain gear like umbrellas and raincoats, sun protection items, including sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, are also quite necessary this month. Besides, you are advised to prepare mosquito repellent.
1. May 1st to 5th, 2026, marks the May Day holiday, during which period large numbers of tourists will flock to Yangshuo. During this period in 2025, roads and attractions were congested, tickets for Yulong River bamboo rafting were hard to buy, and hotel prices skyrocketed. Therefore, if possible, you are advised to avoid visiting Yangshuo during this time. If you have already decided to go during this period, first, book hotels and attraction tickets in advance, and second, consider traveling by electric bicycle instead of car to get rid of the possible traffic congestion.
2. You are recommended to reserve hotels with higher floors and newer construction, as rooms in these hotels may be less damp.
3. If you are interested in bamboo rafting, check the weather forecast in advance and schedule it on a sunny day, ideally following a dry day as well, to ensure a smooth experience. Also, your clothes may get wet during the activity, though they will dry quickly if the sun is shining. You might want to bring a raincoat if you don’t want to get wet.
Highest Rainfall & Humidity Throughout the Year
The average humidity is also at the year’s highest level, 83%. You will feel how humid the air is the moment you step off the plane.
Warm or A Bit Hot Day and Cool or Warm Night
The daily high temperature has a wide range: from around 20 to 35 degrees Celsius (68-95 degrees Fahrenheit). On most days, it stays at around 25-30°C (77-86°F), and you will feel warm. Days with the high of above 30°C (86°F) also show up a bit frequently. You should note that, combined with the high humidity, when it rises above 30°C (86°F), you will feel a bit hot, and when it reaches 35°C (95°F), you will feel stuffy. The days with the cool daily high of 20-25°C (68-77°F) is not many.
The daily low is around 15-25°C (59-77°F), a cool or warm level. The temperature difference between day and night can be small on most rainy days, at no more than 5°C (9°F), but quite large on most sunny days, at around 15°C (27°F).
Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours
Sunset Time: 19:07-19:22
The daylight hours are from 13 to 13.5 this month, guaranteeing enough time for you to travel around. Judging from the large number of rainy days, you should know that the sun doesn’t show up much this month: on average, there are only 4 sunshine hours per day.
Even so, you should note that sun protection measures are quite necessary this month: first, the weather of Yangshuo is a little changeable this month, and the sun may appear soon after rain; second, the UV rays can peak to 11+, and you are prone to getting sunburn if you do outdoor activities, such as bamboo rafting, for extended periods under the sun without sun protection.
Is May A Good Month to Visit Yangshuo?
1. Temperature-wise, you may encounter some warm and cozy days, but may also experience stuffy and uncomfortable days.
2. The changeable weather will make the scenery you can see and the activities you can experience full of uncertainties. On sunny days, the sky is blue, mountains and land are covered in lush green vegetation, and the water is clear and abundant - you can witness Yangshuo’s most spectacular and beautiful natural scenery. On rainy days, if the rain is light, you might see a hazy yet unique natural landscape shrouded in mist. However, once the rain becomes heavy, in addition to the increasing inconvenience of traveling around, the visibility will drop considerably. Additionally, on days after heavy rain, the waters of the Li River and Yulong River turn muddy and yellow, making them less attractive. Furthermore, water levels will rise, sometimes leading to the closure of bamboo rafting.
Only have time during this month, or want to make a bet? Read the following content before your visit to gain a better travel experience.
What to Wear When Visiting Yangshuo in May
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Clothes: When visiting Yangshuo in May, you need to pack more thin and breathable summer clothes, like T-shirts, thin long pants, and long dresses. You are also recommended to bring sun-protective jackets to prevent the strong sunshine. For trips in the early morning and at night, you are advised to put on a thin jacket or knitwear. Besides, jeans and sweatpants are better choices at that time. Shoes: You can bring waterproof and non-slip walking or hiking shoes, or, since the temperature is high enough this month, comfortable water shoes are also good choices. They are convenient and safe not only on rainy days, but also when you experience the bamboo rafting - during which process your shoes may also get wet. Other Items: In addition to rain gear like umbrellas and raincoats, sun protection items, including sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, are also quite necessary this month. Besides, you are advised to prepare mosquito repellent.Tips for Visiting Yangshuo in May
2. You are recommended to reserve hotels with higher floors and newer construction, as rooms in these hotels may be less damp.
3. If you are interested in bamboo rafting, check the weather forecast in advance and schedule it on a sunny day, ideally following a dry day as well, to ensure a smooth experience. Also, your clothes may get wet during the activity, though they will dry quickly if the sun is shining. You might want to bring a raincoat if you don’t want to get wet.
7-Day Yangshuo Weather Forecast
Yangshuo Weather by Month
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- Last updated on Nov. 05, 2025 by Demi Li -