Guangzhou Weather

Guangzhou features subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by long and hot summers from May to September, short and mild winters from January to February, and high humidity throughout the year. Spring and autumn are short but mild, with unstable temperature fluctuations, though. Rainfall is abundant, mostly concentrated from April to September. 

1. Due to its low latitude and monsoon climate, Guangzhou enjoys a warm or hot climate year-round. The temperature is higher than that of many cities of China, like Shanghai, let alone Beijing and Xi’an, generally ranging from 10 to 33 degrees Celsius (50-91 degrees Fahrenheit), rarely dropping below freezing. 

2. In Guangzhou, high temperatures can last up to eight months, from late March to mid-November. Winter here is not distinctively cold: no frost or snow. Spring and autumn are very brief, with slightly greater temperature fluctuations.

3. Guangzhou has a distinct maritime climate: compared with inland cities such as Xi’an, the city experiences a milder temperature difference between day and night. However, in spring and autumn, especially when the weather is relatively dry and sunny, the day-night temperature gap in Guangzhou usually hovers between 10°C and 15°C (18-27°F), which cannot be underestimated. In summer and winter, it tends to range from 4-8°C (7-14°F). 

4. In the northern suburbs of Guangzhou, with an altitude of 500-1,000 meters, sub-zero temperatures can occur in January under the influence of strong cold air, sometimes accompanied by frost or freezing conditions.
 July is the hottest month in Guangzhou, featuring frequent high-temperature weather and muggy and sticky feelings. The daytime high temperature usually ranges from 34 to 37°C (93-99°F), with the extreme reaching over 38°C (100°F). Additionally, humid air makes the heat feel even more intense, just like bathing in a sauna. It’s quite challenging for long-time outdoor sightseeing. Plus, July is in the typhoon season. Before a typhoon arrives, cloud cover decreases, the sun shines brightly, and high temperatures are common. 
 January is Guangzhou’s coldest month. But temperatures rarely drop below freezing. So many people don’t think winter actually exists in Guangzhou. The daytime highs in January hover between 18 and 26°C (64-79°F), and nighttime lows of 6-12°C (43-54°F). 

It does not seem particularly cold. However, Guangzhou doesn’t adopt central heating system, and the damp air can make people feel chilly. Many visitors from northern China are shocked by this damp coldness when they arrive in Guangzhou and find it very hard to adjust. Some even feel it’s colder than sub-zero temperatures in dry northern cities. So, we strongly recommend that you don’t take this lightly and pack appropriate, warm clothing.
 Guangzhou experiences a quite long rainy season, from April to September, when the rainfall accounts for approximate 80% of annual total. 
 The first phase of the rainy season, from April to June, is influenced primarily by frontal rain. Due to the convergence of cold and warm air masses, Guangzhou during this period experiences persistent rainfall characterized by high cumulative precipitation, frequent downpours, and a high number of rainy days.

It’s important to note that the rain occurring between May 21 and June 20 is known as the Dragon Boat Rain, coinciding with the Dragon Boat Festival. The rainfall in this period is caused by the onset of the southwest monsoon and frontal activity and also marks the high time of the first phase of the rainy season, bringing frequent and continuous rainfall. It typically occurs from late night through the early morning or during commute rush hours - around 8:00 and around 18:00. 
 The second phase of the rainy season, from July to September, is characterized by concentrated and intense rainfall brought by typhoons. On average, 3-5 typhoons each year cause a significant impact on the city. The maximum hourly rainfall intensity can reach 40-80 mm. Plus, it is often accompanied by strong winds, thunder, lightning, and localized tornadoes. The duration often lasts about one to three days, even longer, causing urban flooding, closure of attractions and cancellation of flights. Therefore, it’s a smart move to monitor the weather alerts in advance if you visit Guangzhou during this period. 

Apart from typhoon rainfall, convective rainfall also occurs frequently during the second phase. This kind of rainfall is highly unpredictable; the moment when you step out of the hotel, the sky is clear blue, but after walking for just ten or so minutes, it may suddenly start raining out of the blue. This serves as a reminder to visitors to carry rain gear. 
 The rest of the year is considered the dry season, influenced by cold and dry air from inland. Thus, you’ll experience abundant sunshine hours. 
 Guangzhou’s weather is largely influenced by the sea, remaining a high humidity level throughout the year, about 66%-84%. 

From February to April, Guangzhou experiences its most humid period, with relative humidity reaching as high as 90% to 100%. You may find water droplets form on walls and floors, and it is difficult to air-dry clothes. Summers are hot and rainy, with humidity often exceeding 80%. Autumn and winter are relatively dry, with humidity ranging from 66% to 75%, though it is still significantly more humid than in the northern parts of China.
 Guangzhou experiences abundant sunshine with distinct seasonal variations. The average annual sunshine hours are about 1,600-1,800 hours. From July to December, Guangzhou receives the most sunshine hours, with the longest daily sunshine hours of around 7 hours in July and August. During April to June, the climate of Guangzhou appears quite gray and overcast; in March, it has only less than 3 sunshine hours per day on average.  

The average UV index in Guangzhou is very high, so sun protection is necessary year-round. From March to September, the maximum UV index reaches over 11. Even though it’s a rainy day, it’s still necessary to apply sunscreen. From October to February, the UV Rays tend to be lighter, but still should not be underestimated. 


The best times to enjoy the charm of Guangzhou are: November to December - autumn season, and March to April - spring season. 

The former period is widely considered the most comfortable time to visit Guangzhou. Temperatures are mild and pleasant; humidity drops to a comfortable level; there are more sunny days and clearer skies. Compared with colder regions in northern China, Guangzhou feels especially welcoming during this period, making it ideal for city walks and outdoor sightseeing.

Spring is another good time, especially for nature lovers. Guangzhou in Spring enjoys mild temperatures and moderate rainfall - it rarely disrupts plans significantly if you carry proper rain gear. But you need to prepare well for the humid air. Plus, this season marks the blossoming period, including kapok, cherry blossoms and orchids. During this period, Guangzhou offers various seasonal flower markets and exhibitions.