Guizhou Weather

With a location in the subtropical humid monsoon climate zone, Guizhou enjoys a mild and humid climate. It’s not very cold in winter from December to February, and free of severe heat in summer from June to August, making it a summer resort. It often rains, and about 150 days of a year see some rain. The sunshine is so rare that a local saying goes like this: “Sunny weather seldom lasts for more than three days”. 

The complex terrain, with the altitude ranging between 137 meters (450 feet) and 2,900 meters (9,515 feet), leads to significant climate differences in various regions of Guizhou. You may experience four seasons on one mountain, and different weather conditions every several miles. 

Huangguoshu Waterfall in High Flow Period

 (1) There is no extreme high or low temperature.
The average annual temperature of Guizhou is around 14 - 16℃ (57.2 - 60.8℉). July is the hottest month, when the high temperature remains 20 - 29℃ (68 - 84.2℉) and seldom rises above 35℃ (95℉). January in winter is the coldest, with an average low temperature of 3 - 6℃ (37.4 - 42.8℉). It rarely drops below 0℃ (32℉).

(2) The temperature varies from region to region.
The average value gradually increases from west to east, with a maximum difference of 15℃ (27℉). For example, in summer, people in eastern Libo County with an average high temperature of 33℃ (91.4℉) cannot live without air-conditioning, while those in western high-altitude areas such as Liupanshui, where the high temperature is only around 19℃ (66.2℉), even need to cover themselves with a thick quilt when sleeping at night.
 The annual precipitation of Guizhou is about 800 - 1,700 mm (31.5 - 66.9 in), which is considered abundant. The rainy season usually starts in June and ends in August, more than half of which can be rainy days. The total precipitation in the three months accounts for about 48% of that of the whole year. The good point is that about 75% of rainfall takes place at night, making the air clear and contributing to people’s comfortable travel in the daytime; rainstorms sometimes occur.

Closed terrain, abundant rainfall, and dense vegetation make the humidity remain above 70% throughout the year. But unlike in other regions, high humidity in Guizhou does not bring muggy weather in summer.
 Cloudy or rainy days account for most of the year. The average annual sunshine duration in Guizhou is about 1,000 - 1,400 hours, only 50% - 70% of the eastern provinces in China at the same latitude. It is similar to that of high latitude regions in Northern Europe. For instance, Oslo in Norway receives 1,480 hours’ sunshine per year on average. But the causes are different. The short sunshine in Guizhou is mainly influenced by its terrain and climate. 

Regional differences exist, too. The figure for northern Zunyi is 893 hours, while southern Qiannan and Qianxinan areas can see the sun for more than 2,000 hours yearly. 
 Guizhou has relatively slow winds, and strong winds can rarely be seen. In spring and autumn, gentle breezes brush against people’s faces; in summer, cool winds often blow; in winter, there are no piercing cold winds. They contribute to air circulation and heat dissipation without affecting people’s activities.

Night View of Jiaxiu Building

 To enjoy your Guizhou travel, the best time is from March to November, with pleasant weather and wonderful natural and cultural attractions. 

Coming to Guizhou in March to May, you can see colorful azalea flowers filling up the whole mountain at the One-Hundred-Li Azalea Belt Scenic Spot in Bijie, and large fields of golden rapeseed flowers in Libo. 

Besides, Guizhou is famous for its waterfalls, especially the Huangguoshu Waterfall. They are rich in water volume in the three months from June to August, making it the best viewing time. 

From September to November, many traditional festivals are celebrated in minority areas in Guizhou, such as Lusheng Festival of Gejia People, Bullfight Festival of Miao People, Duan Festival of Shui People, etc. You have the chance to admire or even participate in all kinds of activities.

  

 

Average temperature: 12 - 20℃ (53.6 - 68℉)
Precipitation: 290 mm (11.4 in)

Guizhou’s spring in some years comes early in late February. However, the temperature rises slowly, and it is easy to become cold again. It remains at 12 - 18℃ (53.6 - 64.4℉) in early spring, and climbs a little to 15 - 22℃ (59 - 71.6℉) entering April. By the end of the season, the high temperature reaches about 20 - 25℃ (68 - 77℉). Rainfall increases month by month, and a total of 30 days see some rain. In mountainous areas, fog starts to appear.

Clothes to wear:
In early spring, you still need to wear a sweater with thick sweatpants, and a thick jacket is required to cope with a sudden temperature drop. In later warmer times, a blouse or hoodie would be fine, with jeans or light pants for the bottom; put on a trench coat in the early morning and evening. Ladies can also prepare a long-sleeve dress for visiting the colorful flower sea. Anti-slip hiking shoes are suitable for walking on mountain roads after rain.

Travel advice
1. Adjust the schedule in time according to weather conditions. For example, choose some indoor destinations on rainy days, such as Guizhou Provincial Museum and attractions in Qingyan Ancient Town, and have outdoor sightseeing when it’s sunny, like admiring azalea at One-Hundred-Li Azalea Belt Scenic Spot.
2. Those allergic to pollen are advised to wear a protective mask all the time when going out, and carry anti-allergy medicine.
4. Be careful not to get lost when encountering fog in mountainous areas. 
5. Raingear is necessary.

Golden Rapeseed Flowers in Libo

Average temperature: 18 - 26℃ (64.4 - 78.8℉)
Precipitation: 560 mm (22 in)

Controlled by monsoons and terrain, Guizhou enjoys cool summers without extreme heat. The high temperature remains 20 - 28℃ (68 - 82.4℉). Even in the hottest late July, it is generally below 30℃ (86℉). Only in the eastern flat areas are there hot days with temperatures exceeding 35℃ (95℉). Summer is also the rainy season of Guizhou, when 35 - 40 days are rainy on averagely. Most rainfall occurs in mid-June to late July. Heavy showers are common, particularly in Qiannan and Qiandongnan areas, where there are about 5 - 7 thunderstorm days each summer.

Packing list:
1. Summer clothes: 
T-shirt with skirt or shorts is OK for most of the time, but you should better prepare a thin coat, especially for visiting mountainous areas. Quick-drying clothes are advised when viewing the waterfall to avoid catching a cold after getting wet. Anti-slip sneakers are suitable for stone roads in ancient towns, especially after rain, while wading shoes are useful for water areas.
2. Necessities: 
(1) A disposable raincoat is more convenient than an umbrella, especially when visiting waterfalls, as water mist can be blown from all directions. 
(2) Sun protection items are necessary under strong UV rays in highland, such as a sunhat, sunscreen and protective clothing.
(3) If there is still space in the suitcase, pack a portable drying hanger, because clothes are difficult to dry on rainy days.

Travel advice
1. Sudden rainstorms are likely to occur after noon, so it is recommended to take rain gear at all times; for mountainous areas where landslides are possible, it’s not recommended to go during rainy period.
2. Guizhou serves as a summer resort in China. Visiting Guizhou in July to August 2025, the summer vacation, you may meet peak tourists. So, book flight tickets and hotels as well as attractions as early as possible.
3. Some scenic spots temporarily close their facilities during thunderstorms, such as boating at Xiaoqikong and drifting at Maling River Canyon. You need to check the notice in advance.

Xiaoqikong Scene in Summer

Average temperature: 9 - 21℃ (48.2 - 69.8℉)
Precipitation: 230 mm (9.1 in)

The temperature is comfortable in early autumn, averagely 18 - 21℃ (64.4 - 69.8℉). Day-night difference is high, reaching 10℃ (18℉) sometimes. With the acceleration of autumn, the temperature drops gradually. Entering November, it gets a little cold with a high temperature of 9 - 14℃ (48.2 - 57.2℉). The rainfall is moderate overall, which concentrates in September and greatly decreases in the remaining two months. A total of 20 - 30 days are rainy. It often appears at night in the form of light rain. In some cases, it lasts for about 3 days at most. Every time it rains, the temperature drops a little.

Clothes to wear:
In early autumn: short shirt for those loving coolness, blouse, thin coat for rainy days, jeans, casual shoes or sneakers
In mid to late autumn: long-sleeve T-shirt, knitwear for people afraid of cold, thick coat for cold evenings, sweatpants, sneakers or walking shoes
Special recommendation: You can experience the clothing of the local ethnic minority.

Seasonal highlights: 
It’s a good time to visit Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, when the Miao minority people celebrate their harvest, specifically, in early November. Also, the Zhaoxing Dong Village holding traditional activities can be your choice. In Liupanshui, vast Wumeng Grassland gradually turns yellow from green, which is a unique scene.

Tip:
Try to avoid the short high travel season during the National Day holiday from October 1 to 7, 2026.

Miao People Celebrating Their Festival in Autumn

Average temperature: 4 - 14℃ (39.2 - 57.2℉)
Precipitation: 90 mm (3.5 in)

People will not experience extreme cold in Guizhou in winter. The high temperature remains 5 - 12℃ (5 - 53.6℉), and seldom drops below 0℃ (32℉). Only in high-altitude areas, such as Liupanshui, does the temperature drop to -5 ~ -2℃ (23 - 28.4℉). Consecutive rainfall is common, usually lasting for 3 - 5 days each time. However, it usually doesn’t rain heavily, so the total precipitation is not high. What’s more, there are many foggy days. 

Clothes to wear:
It’s necessary to wear warm winter clothes, including sweater or thick sweatpants, and padded overcoat or downcoat. Walking boots work well in cold weather; at the same time, bring some warm socks.

Travel advice:
1. It’s the low tourist season in Guizhou, so you can fully enjoy your trip without meeting crowds at popular destinations. Besides, some attractions may offer discounted tickets. On the other hand, some scenic areas adopt the low-season timetable, for example, the Huangguoshu Waterfall scenic area adjusted its open time from 7:00 to 7:30 in November 2024. So, be sure to check it in advance. 
2. Although it’s the low-water season, you can still appreciate the clear Huangguoshu Waterfall, the flow of which is guaranteed by reservoir regulation upstream. 

Zhaoxing Dong Village on Sunny Day in Winter