Yichang Weather

Yichang, a city in southern China located in the upper-middle reaches of Yangtze River, is in a sub-tropical monsoon climate zone with four distinct seasons. It enjoys abundant sunshine and rainfall. Spring is mild and comfortable while summer is hot and rainy. July and August are the hottest months, as well as the plum rain seasons - a period of unsettled weather with frequent, soaking rains. Autumn is short with cool and favorable weather. Winter, though chilly, is not as frigid as cities in northern China and deep snow won't be seen in the downtown area. 
Yichang's temperature fluctuates with the seasons, with cold winters, hot summers, and mild springs and autumns. Spring, roughly April and May, temperatures range from 10 - 25°C (50 - 77°F), while summer heat is pronounced in July and August: temperatures range from 25 to 35°C (77 - 95°F) generally, and there are many torrid days with extreme highs exceeding 40°C (104°F). From September to early November in autumn, the temperatures are moderate, hovering around 15 - 25°C (59 - 77°F), with each rainfall accompanied by a temperature fall. The average daily lows on most days in winter hover around 5°C (41°F). January is the coldest month, with lowest temperatures potentially dropping to -5°C (23°F).

Xiling Gorge in Yichang

 The Hottest Month in Yichang
July is the hottest month in Yichang. Days are heated up by scorching summer heat. 2 - 5 days’ highest temperatures soar up to 40 Degrees Celsius in this burning month. Rainfall contributes to the super-high humidity that drives up the sensible temperatures. It’s not only hot, but damp and sticky. Even taking a few steps 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. Extreme low temperatures are rare, with the lowest temperature typically around -2°C (28°F). However, due to its basin location, high humidity and river breezes, 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) to 6°C (43°F).

Three Gorges Dam in Cold Winter

 The riverside city is granted much precipitation each year, over 1,200mm. Precipitation in spring is characterized by continuous drizzle and rising humidity. Summer (June - August) is the rainy season as the rainfall accounts for nearly half of the annual precipitation. Heavy rains are frequent, even causing floods in localized areas. The humidity exceeds 90%, and clothes may get moldy. In autumn (September - November), precipitation decreases significantly, with more clear days. Accordingly, humidity falls. Winter (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 with mild weather, less rainfall and comfortable temperatures. Three Gorges turn green in spring and red and yellow in autumn. November is a great time to admire the crimson mountain leaves. Water discharge of the Three Gorges Dam happens during the rainy season of July and August, but the 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 3°C (37°F). Rivers are clear, flowers bloom, and a gentle breeze blows, making it a great time for sightseeing.
 What to Wear
The outfits in spring should be flexible. A wind coat 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 are advised for midday heatwave. 

 Holidays to Avoid
Qingming Festival Holiday usually from Apr. 3 to 6 & May Day Holiday from May 1 to 5.
 Summer is Yichang is fairly scorching. July is the height of summer since temperatures of 8 - 15 days exceed 35°C (95°F). Summer is also the rainy season which is also called mildew rain season by locals, given clothes go moldy in these months. Rain dominates this season and weather is changeable: showers may suddenly 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 indoor air conditioning. Sunscreens, sun hats and sunglasses are a must. Moisture barrier bags protect your clothes from getting moldy.

 Recommendation: The warm, moist weather makes it an ideal area for growing oranges which are harvested in August. 

 Holidays to Avoid: Dragon-boat Festival Holiday
 Autumn is crisp and less rainy. More sunny days are expected and the humidity is much lower than in summer. September noon still remains the residual heat of summer, while November mornings and evenings are a bit cool, but warm in midday. The sun is mild but not scorching and the river is calm. In mid-to-late November, the forests along the riverside are covered with colorful flowers 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 coat and thin sweater for November. Jeans and sweatpants work well for the bottom. 

Holidays to Avoid: Mid-autumn Festival and National Day Holiday

Crowds on Public Holidays

 Compared to very northern China, winter in Yichang can be milder but obvious coldness still makes travelers flinch. The daily lowers are around 5°C (41°F) and freezing temperatures are not common even in the coldest January. However, the chilliness on the deck of a Yangtze River cruise ship is irresistible with the cold blast on 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 for the bottom.

 Holidays to Avoid: New Year's Day Holiday