Changsha Weather in May

Season: Spring to Summer
In short:
1. The weather of Changsha in May changes from being warm to hot on the whole.
2. Shower is the main form of precipitation, making a limited impact on sightseeing.
3. If you want to visit Changsha in May, 2026, please skip the first five days this month.
 (1) With the spring-to-summer transition, Changsha has warm and hot days in May. The high temperature is no lower than 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Celsius), and can reach 35°C (95°F) the highest. Before summer really comes, the weather is still pleasant for people to fully enjoy outdoor sightseeing. But there are also about 15 days on which the high temperature is 30°C (86°F) and above, making people feel hot in the open air. As to the low temperature, it’s mainly between 18 and 23°C (64 and 73°F), so the weather in the evening is still agreeable, making night tour activities worth a try.

(2) Changsha receives moderate precipitation of about 151 mm, which happens mainly in forms of slight and moderate rain. Although precipitation days are about 13, accounting for about half of the month, shower happens more on rainy days, and the alternation between sunny and rainy weather is very frequent. Given this, the rainfall basically has no great impact on people’s tours, and you just need to respond to sudden precipitation during your visit.

(3) The climate of Changsha in May is humid, especially at the end of the month. The relatively high temperature and the moisture-abundant air together cause the high humidity of about 82%, so in periods just before and during precipitation, people are likely to feel hot and damp.

(4) Air quality of Changsha in May is quite well. With a low AQI of about 43, the excellent air quality with little pollution offers a good condition to visit scenic spots.
 In May, Changsha enjoys increasingly long daytime from about 13.5 to 14 hours, with the earlier sunrise in 05:39-05:21 and the later sunset in 19:01-19:20. Since the length of day is long enough and the weather is sometimes hot, to feel more comfortable during sightseeing, you can consider visiting outdoor attractions in early morning, late afternoon, and night, and staying indoors around noon. You need to further note that the UV index can be up to 11, so sun protection is a must on sunny days.
 Clothes: Short-sleeved shirts are recommended clothes in the daytime, and you can add a thin jacket at dawn and dusk. For bottoms, shorts, skirts, and thin long pants are all suitable. Ladies can also bring your dresses.

Shoes: Breathable sneakers make you more comfortable in a long-time stroll in the city. In view of the humid weather, you can further pack sandals into your luggage.

Requisites: Sun-protective items such as sunscreen is requisite to block strong UV radiation, and an umbrella helps you cope with sudden rain. Plus, pollen concentration in the air is relatively high this month, so those who are allergic to pollen need to bring masks.
 1. In early morning of clears days, good visibility and fresh air make it ideal to commune with nature, and it’s recommended to climb the Yuelu Mountain to view lush plants and the quaint pavilion, and also have an overall view of downtown Changsha. In addition, the Orange Isle with a huge statue of Mao Zedong in his young age is also a good place to visit, and gentle breezes will make you comfortable when strolling on the isle.

2. In view of the showers from time to time, you’re suggested to flexibly arrange your itinerary. For example, when it’s raining, visit Hunan Provincial Museum and Changsha Museum to view ancient cultural relics unearthed in Changsha; after the rain, the weather gets a little cooler, perfect for a city walk or a city ride.

3. A night tour in cooler weather is also highly recommended. Taking a cruise ship on the Xiangjiang River, and you can view the traditional pavilion, the high-rise buildings, and also the illuminated Orange Isle in one time.
 The May Day Holiday of China from May 1 to 5 is the most crowded period of Changsha in this month. Transportation and attraction ticket, and also hotel rooms are in great demand. Therefore, you’d better arrange your tour between May 6 and 31 to get a better travel experience.