Guangzhou features a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with dramatic swings in humidity and temperature. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant, while summer brings intense heat and heavy rain. These seasonal contrasts shape Guangzhou’s vibrant landscapes and travel experiences year-round.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Located in southern China, Guangzhou’s climate is characterised by its humid subtropical nature, shaped by the Asian monsoon. Summers (June–August) are hot, humid, and rainy, with daytime highs often reaching 32–35°C and humidity frequently above 80%. This is the city’s wettest period, with frequent thunderstorms, downpours, and occasional typhoons. Nights remain warm, and the air can feel stifling, but the rain brings lush greenery to the city. Sunshine alternates with cloud cover, and the South China Sea is warm enough for swimming from April to November.
Winters (December–February) are mild and mostly dry, with average highs of 16–20°C and lows around 10–13°C. Frost and snow are extremely rare, but cool evenings call for a light jacket. Spring (March–May) is warm and humid, with temperatures rising from 15°C to 28°C and increasing rainfall, especially in April and May. The city bursts into bloom, but showers are frequent. Autumn (September–November) is widely considered the best season, with comfortable temperatures (20–28°C), lower humidity, and clearer skies. Rainfall drops, and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Annual precipitation is high, averaging 1,700–1,800 mm, mostly from April to September. Winds are generally light to moderate, but can be brisk during storms or typhoons.
| Average climate data for Guangzhou, China | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 18 | 18 | 22 | 26 | 29 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 31 | 29 | 25 | 20 | 33 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 10 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 21 | 16 | 12 | 10 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 41 | 69 | 85 | 201 | 280 | 278 | 233 | 226 | 165 | 86 | 36 | 31 | 1,731 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 8 | 11 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 17 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 149 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 72 | 79 | 82 | 84 | 83 | 84 | 81 | 82 | 78 | 72 | 66 | 65 | 77 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Average UV index | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 10 |
The best time to visit Guangzhou is in autumn (October to December), when temperatures are comfortable (20–28°C), humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal. Clear skies and mild weather make this season ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and enjoying local festivals. Spring (March to early May) is also pleasant, but more humid and rain-prone.
The least favourable time to visit is during the peak summer months (June to August), when Guangzhou is hottest, most humid, and experiences the heaviest rainfall and frequent thunderstorms. Typhoon season can disrupt travel, and outdoor activities may be uncomfortable due to heat and humidity. May and September are also very wet and muggy.
Guangzhou has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Summers are wet and sticky, while spring and autumn are mild and pleasant. Winters are short and mostly dry.
Summer temperatures in Guangzhou often reach 32–35°C, with humidity above 80%. Nights remain warm, and the heat can feel intense, especially in July and August. Frequent rain and thunderstorms provide some relief.
The rainy season in Guangzhou runs from April to September, peaking in May, June, and August. Summer is the wettest time, with frequent thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and occasional typhoons.
Snow is extremely rare in Guangzhou, and frost is uncommon. Winters are mild, with daytime highs of 16–20°C and nighttime lows around 10°C. A light jacket or jumper is usually sufficient.
Pack light, breathable clothing and sun protection for summer. Bring an umbrella and mosquito repellent for spring and summer. In winter, a light jacket or jumper is enough. Wear comfortable, water-resistant shoes year-round.
Guangzhou is humid year-round, especially in summer and spring. Winds are generally light to moderate, but can be stronger during storms or typhoons, particularly from June to September.
Guangzhou can be visited year-round, but autumn (October–December) offers the most comfortable weather. Summer is hot and wet, while spring is beautiful but rainier. Winter is mild and pleasant for sightseeing.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (32.8 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (18.4 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 26.3 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (25.4 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (10.4 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 19 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is May (280 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is December (31.5 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,730.9 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is May (18.3 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is December (4.9 days). Over the whole year there are 149.2 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is April (83.7 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is December (65 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 77.3 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 13 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 10.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.7 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 6.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is April (Average sunshine: 2 h). Over the whole year there are 4 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are April, May, June, July and August (UV index: 12). The month with the lowest average UV index is December (UV index: 6). Over the whole year the average UV index is 10.
