Yichang Weather

Yichang, a city in southern China along the upper-middle reaches of Yangtze River, is in sub-tropical monsoon climate zone with four distinct seasons and enjoying abundant rainfall. Spring is mild and comfortable while summer is hot. The plum rainy season - a period of unsettled weather with frequent, soaking rains is also in summer. Autumn is short with cool and favorable weather. Winter, though chilly, is not as frigid as cities in northern China and thick snow cannot be seen in the downtown area. 
Yichang’s temperature varies largely all year round. The lowest temperatures can drop below freezing, while the highest temperature can reach over 40°C (104°F). Daily temperature variations are large in spring and autumn, being 18°C (64°F) at its largest.

Xiling Gorge in Yichang

 The Hottest Month in Yichang
July is the hottest month in Yichang with many torrid days. Days are heated up by scorching summer heat. Temperatures range from 25 to 35°C (77 - 95°F) generally and highest temperatures soar up to 40 Degrees Celsius in this burning month. Frequent rainfall contributes to the super-high humidity that drives up the sensible temperatures. Therefore, it’s not only hot, but damp and sticky. Even taking a few steps outside may leave you sweaty and wet shirts would stick to your body. 

Yangtze River Yichang Section in Rainy Season

Yangtze River Yichang Section in Hot Summer

 The Coldest Month in Yichang
January is the coldest month, with lowest temperatures potentially dropping to -5°C (23°F). Extreme low temperatures are rare. However, due to its basin location, high humidity and breezes from Yangtze River, the sensible temperature is often lower. The temperature also fluctuates significantly between day and night, with daytime highs reaching 15°C (59°F) and nighttime temperatures dropping to -1°C (30°F) and lower.

Three Gorges Dam in Cold Winter

 The riverside city is granted much precipitation each year, over 1,200mm. June-August is the rainy season and the rainfall accounts for nearly half of the annual total. During this period, heavy rains are frequent, even causing floods in low areas. The humidity exceeds 90%, and clothes may get moldy. December-February has the least precipitation which is mostly light rain or sporadic snow, with heavy snow rarely occurring; the humidity is the lowest throughout the year in a comfortable range.

Yichang in Rainy Season

 Spring from late March to May and autumn from September to November are the best times to visit Yichang for less rainfall and comfortable temperatures. The scenery is also beautiful. Vegetations along Yangtze River turn pale green in spring and red and yellow in autumn. November is a great time to admire the crimson mountain leaves. 

For those who intend to admire the water discharge of the Three Gorges Dam, it happens during June to September, but the exact timing is unpredictable and it takes some luck to see them.

Three Gorges Dam in Spring

 

  Spring is a mild season with gradually rising temperatures. The lowest temperature is around 10°C (50°F), and the highest in May is no more than 30°C (86°F). Precipitation in spring is characterized by drizzles. Rivers are clear, flowers bloom, and gentle breeze blows, making it a great time for sightseeing.
 What to Wear
The outfits in spring should be flexible. A windbreaker or a thick jacket is necessary for late March. A light jacket or cardigan is sufficient for mornings and evenings in April and May, and a long-sleeve shirt is advised for middays. 

 Travel Tips
1. Avoid Qingming Festival Holiday usually from Apr. 3 to 6 and May Day Holiday from May 1 to 5 when attractions are packed with tourists.
2. March and April, excluding public holidays, are generally the off-season with pleasant weather and charming scenery, and hotel and restaurant prices are moderate, making it a cost-effective time to travel.
3. Vast fields of blooming rape flowers surround the Three Gorges Dam in mid-March, creating a stunning scene. 
 Summer in Yichang is fairly scorching since temperatures often exceed 35°C (95°F). It also rains a lot, bringing super high humidity, given clothes go moldy in these months. Weather is changeable: showers may suddenly fall and vanish following a clear sky. The heavy rain yellows Yangtze River, which makes it less appealing.
 What to Pack: Wear breathable and quick-dry shirts and shorts. A sun-protective thin jacket is highly recommended for both sun protection and keeping warm in strong air-conditioned indoor places. Sunscreens, sun hats and sunglasses are musts. Moisture barrier bags protect your clothes from getting moldy.

 Travel Advice
Dragon-boat Festival Holiday falls in May or June when a large number of domestic travelers will spend their holidays in Yichang, so you need to book the tickets and accommodation in advance.

 Travel Recommendation 
1. The sweet navel oranges are harvested in August, so don’t forget to have a taste of the local specialty in this season. 
2. Zigui County holds dragon boat races yearly to celebrate the Dragon-boat Festival. Both locals and tourists come to the riverside to watch the races and cheer for the rowers, making the place super bustling and festive.
 Autumn is crisp and less rainy. More sunny days are expected and the humidity is much lower than in summer. Temperature gradually drops. September noon still remains the residual heat of summer, while November mornings and evenings are a bit cool, but warm in midday. The sunshine is mild and the river is calm. In mid-to-late November, the forests along the Yangtze River are covered with colorful leaves during the changing of seasons, which are perfect for your phone background.

Yichang in Autumn

 What to Wear: A windbreaker and a long-sleeve shirt for September and October; a woolen coat and thin sweater for November. Jeans and sweatpants work well for the bottom. 

 Travel Advice
It’s highly advised to avoid the National Day Holiday from October 1 to 7 and Mid-autumn Festival in September or October when almost all attractions in China are filled up and prices of everything soar up.

 Travel Recommendation
Yanjiang Avenue and Binjiang Park in Yichang are best places to stroll around to appreciate the autumn foliage along Yangtze River in November.

Crowds on Public Holidays

 Compared to very northern China, winter in Yichang is milder but obvious coldness still makes travelers flinch. The daily lows are generally around 5°C (41°F) and freezing temperatures are not common. However, the chilliness on the deck of a Yangtze River cruise ship is irresistible because of the cold wind from the river.

Three Gorges Dam in Cold Winter, Yichang

What to Wear: Be sure to pack a down coat along with a hat, gloves and scarf. And you may need underwear pants in addition to the outside layer for the bottom. 

 Travel Tips
Chinese New Year falls in January or February and Chinese people enjoy 8-9 days off. The city may welcome a lot of tourists then, so the hotel and tickets need to be reserved early once you make your travel plan.