Xiamen Weather

Located in the southeastern coastal region of China, Xiamen has a subtropical maritime monsoon climate, with mild temperatures, abundant precipitation, high humidity, and rich sunshine. The seasonal changes are quite regular and obvious: in spring, it gets warm, and rainfall gradually increases; sea breeze and thunderstorms in summer help cool down the weather, and meanwhile, typhoons occasionally strike; in autumn, there is less rain and more sunshine; entering winter, the northeast monsoon from the sea makes the climate less cold.
The temperature remains pleasant all year round. In other words, it’s free of scorching heat in summer and severe cold in winter. The high temperature varies between 17 - 32 degrees Celsius (62.6 - 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit), and low temperature between 10 - 25℃ (50 - 77℉) annually. Obviously, it doesn’t change significantly among seasons under the significant influence of the ocean. The same is true of the day-night difference, with a maximum of 9℃ (16.2℉). Besides, Xiamen has a frost-free period of over 350 days in a year, so its vegetation remains green all the time. Even in winter, it is still lively everywhere. 

 What is the hottest month in Xiamen?
July is the hottest month in Xiamen, with an average temperature of 25 - 32℃ (77 - 89.6℉). The extreme value at noon exceeds 35℃ (95℉) sometimes, but it doesn’t last for a long time regulated by the southeast wind from the ocean. So, not like in some inland cities, people don’t feel scorching.

 What is the coldest month in Xiamen?
January is the coldest month in Xiamen, but actually, it isn’t very cold. During the day, the temperature remains 14 - 19℃ (57.2 - 66.2℉) and sometimes even rises above 20℃ (68℉). The value for night is 6 - 14℃ (42.8 - 57.2℉) and hardly drops below 5℃ (41℉). Only in places with strong winds by the seaside do people need to wear warm clothes.

Popular Gulangyu Island in Summer

The annual precipitation of Xiamen is usually high, with an average of 1,200 mm (47.2 in). It gets rainy from March and ends thoroughly in September, covering the whole spring and summer. During May to June, warm and humid air and cold air meet often, bringing consistent light or moderate rain, and around half of these months are rainy. In July to August, it is more prone to be short-term heavy rainfall, which often occurs in parts of the city and is accompanied by thunderstorms and huge winds. 

The air humidity remains above 70% all year round in Xiamen and exceeds 80% from March to August, making people feel wet and sticky. 

 Does Xiamen have snow?
It hardly snows in Xiamen. The reason lies in that the low temperature in winter often remains above 5℃ (41℉) and the value below 0℃ (32℉) can rarely be seen even under cold waves. The warm weather of Xiamen makes it difficult to form snow. Even if it snows, what you see may only be small snowflakes that quickly melt away.
 Xiamen enjoys rich sunshine from the whole, with an annual average duration of 1,800 - 2,200 hours. Sunny days account for more from October to April, especially December to February, when sunshine remains long and soft. Continuous rainfall from May to September blocks the sunshine greatly, but the UV level is always high. The daylight varies between 11 - 14 hours in a year, which is sufficient for outdoor sightseeing.
 According to historical records, Xiamen sees the most and strongest typhoons in August, followed by July and September. People in the city can encounter 4 to 5 typhoons each year.
 October to November and March to April serve as the best times to visit Xiamen, particularly for family outings, leisure vacations, and outdoor exploration. The weather is pleasing with moderate temperature and a lot of sunny days. Natural scenery is also charming: a variety of flowers bloom, and clearly blue sky always accompanies. Besides, there are fewer tourists during the two periods, when you can fully enjoy your trip without being in a hurry all the time. 

   Average Temperature: 12 - 23℃ (54 - 73℉)
Precipitation: 282 mm (11.1 in)

The convergence of cold air and warm air in spring makes the climate of Xiamen changeable. The temperature is mild and climbs gradually, but a sudden drop is also likely to occur. There are about 30 rainy days this season. The rainfall often appears in the form of light rain and showers. When it stops, the air gets fresher and the streets are washed clean, providing a more comfortable environment. The air humidity is high, often over 80%. Besides, there are about 20 foggy days, so pay attention to the weather forecast in advance and plan accordingly.
 Up: breathable long-sleeve T-shirt or shirt with thin knitwear in sunny days in downtown area; add a windbreaker for cold rainy days and for outings near the sea in the evening. 
Bottom: jeans
Shoes: sneakers
 1. You are advised to admire kapok at South Putuo Temple, cherry blossom at Huweishan Park, camellias at Xiamen Botanical Garden, rhododendrons at Huli Park, vast rape flower field at Dongping Mountain other than visiting those popular attractions in Xiamen like Gulangyu Island, Hulishan Fortress and Baicheng Beach.
2. Take an umbrella or a raincoat with you particularly in April.
3. If you are allergic to pollen, wear a mask all the time and pack some anti-allergy medicine. 
4. Try not to wash your clothes during the trip as they are difficult to dry. Pack some spare ones.

Vast Rape Flower Field in Xiamen in Spring

Average Temperature: 20 - 32℃ (68 - 90℉)
Precipitation: 837 mm (33 in)

Xiamen has a long, hot, and humid summer. 

Entering May, the plum rain season starts, and it doesn’t end until late June, when Xiamen sees continuous rainfall. It usually lasts for several days each time, with a longest record of 10 days; it also rains heavily. As a result, the humidity reaches its peak of a year, 84% - 85%. With the high temperature being 27 - 30℃ (80.6 - 86℉), it can be extremely muggy, and you will find that both the roads and your clothes in the wardrobe are always wet. 

July to August is the high summer, when the temperature remains above 30℃ (86℉). There are about 12 - 15 days with a high temperature over 35℃ (95℉). But luckily, the southeast wind blowing from the ocean can slightly lower the perceived temperature. Thunderstorms often appear in the afternoon, accompanied by strong wind. Besides, typhoon occasionally comes to visit.
 Clothes: summer dress, sun-protection jacket, short shirt with shorts
Shoes: sandals, and water shoes or slippers for water activities by sea
Other items: sunglasses, sunhat, and sunscreen
 1. Raincoats are more advisable than umbrella considering the windy conditions. 
2. Insects are active in summer, so be sure to carry insect repellent with you during the trip, especially when visiting Gulangyu Island.
3. Have a rest in hotel during hottest periods and make full use of cool morning and evening for outings.
4. Indoor sites like Hi Heaven Villa and Piano Museum on Gulangyu Island and Tan Kah Kee Memorial Hall at Jimei Study Village are suitable for rainy and hot periods.

Delightful Sea View in Xiamen in Summer

Average Temperature: 16 - 27℃ (70 - 73℉)
Precipitation: 67 mm (2.6 in)

It’s the most pleasant season in a year in Xiamen. The high temperature remains 20 - 27℃ (68 - 80.6℉), and low value doesn’t go lower than 15℃ (59℉). A small difference exists between day and night, around 4 - 8℃ (7.2 - 14.4℉). Under the sun, it is a little hot; after night falls, you feel cool. There is no much rainfall. Only 7 days are rainy on average, and completely sunny days make up the majority. The humidity is moderately 70%, neither dry nor wet.
 Up: T-shirt with sun protective clothing during the daytime, additional thin overcoat for activities by the sea in cool evenings
Bottom: jeans or light pants
Shoes: casual shoes or light sneakers
 1. You can taste the freshest seafood in season at Zengcuo’an Village and Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street. 
2. Try to avoid the National Day holiday on October 1 - 7, 2026, when a short tourist peak season will appear.

Sunny Autumn in Xiamen

Average Temperature: 10 - 20℃ (50 - 68℉)
Precipitation: 161 mm (6.3 in)

Strictly speaking, Xiamen doesn’t have winter from the perspective of climatology, as its temperature is hardly lower than 10℃ (50℉). But according to the actual feeling of people, December to February of the next year with a low perceived temperature is considered as the winter. 

During the day, the high temperature varies between 11 - 20℃ (51.8 - 68℉) and sometimes reaches higher than 20℃ (68℉), making people not that cold in downtown areas. At night when the air cools down, it can be a bit cold. At the seaside where the wind is strong, the perceived temperature is several degrees Celsius lower. Occasionally, cold air invades, further cooling down the weather. Meanwhile, the humidity is not low, strengthening the feeling of coldness. 

The precipitation is not high. It’s mostly sunny or cloudy, and a total of 24 days in the three months see some rain. 
 At noon: bottoming shirt with a hoodie or knitwear, thick sweatpants, long johns for people afraid of the cold
In the early morning and late evening: Add a thick jacket or a wool overcoat. Those who are sensitive to temperature changes can prepare a thin down coat. Wear a hat in case of catching a headache at windy seaside.
Shoes: sneakers
 1. If feeling cold after staying a long time near the sea, transfer to some indoor spots for a break.
2. It’s the slack travel season, so you can have a low-pace tour according to your own schedule if you visit Xiamen in the winter of 2025.

Hulishan Fortress

South Putuo Temple in Winter