Nanjing has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are long, hot, and humid, often exceeding 33°C, while winters are cold and damp, with occasional light snow. Spring and autumn are short but pleasant, offering mild temperatures and comfortable weather. Rain falls throughout the year, peaking during the summer monsoon season.
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.
Nanjing’s climate is shaped by the East Asian monsoon, resulting in hot, humid summers and cold, damp winters. Summer (June–September) is the longest season, with average highs reaching 32–33°C in July and August. Humidity often exceeds 70%, making the heat feel oppressive. Rainfall is abundant, especially from June to August, when the city experiences its monsoon season. The 'plum rain' period in late June and early July brings persistent, steady drizzle and occasional heavy downpours. Sunshine is limited during these months, and thunderstorms are common.
Winter (December–February) is cold by Chinese standards, with average highs of 7–10°C and lows near or below freezing. Snow is infrequent and usually light, but the dampness makes the cold feel more intense. Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are brief but pleasant, with mild temperatures (15–25°C), lower humidity, and less rainfall. These transitional seasons are ideal for outdoor activities, as the city’s parks and historic sites come alive with blossoms in spring and colourful foliage in autumn. Nanjing receives about 1,100 mm of rain annually and enjoys roughly 1,900–2,100 hours of sunshine per year. Winds are generally light to moderate, but can be brisk during storms or cold fronts.
| Average climate data for Nanjing, China | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 7 | 8 | 13 | 20 | 25 | 29 | 32 | 32 | 27 | 22 | 16 | 10 | 32 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | -2 | -0 | 4 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 25 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 0 | -2 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 32 | 53 | 70 | 87 | 96 | 154 | 200 | 122 | 96 | 55 | 53 | 27 | 1,046 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 126 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Average UV index | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 7 |
The best time to visit Nanjing is in spring (April–May) and autumn (September–November). These periods offer mild, comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall, making them ideal for sightseeing, festivals, and enjoying the city’s parks and gardens. Autumn, in particular, is noted for clear skies and vibrant foliage.
The least favourable time to visit is during the peak of summer (June–August), when Nanjing is extremely hot, humid, and rainy. Temperatures often exceed 33°C, and the monsoon brings frequent downpours and thunderstorms. Winter (December–February) can also be challenging due to cold, damp conditions and occasional light snow.
Nanjing has hot, humid summers (up to 33°C), cold, damp winters (lows near 0°C), and short, mild spring and autumn seasons. Rain falls throughout the year, with the heaviest downpours in summer.
Snow is infrequent and generally light in Nanjing, mostly occurring in January and February. Accumulations are usually minimal and melt quickly, but the dampness makes winter feel colder.
The rainy season, or 'plum rain' period, runs from late June to early July, with heavy rainfall continuing through August. Summer months see the most rain, often with thunderstorms and high humidity.
Yes, Nanjing is humid year-round, especially in summer when humidity often exceeds 70%. Winters are also damp, which can make cold temperatures feel more intense.
Pack light, breathable clothes and sun protection for summer, layers and a rain jacket for spring and autumn, and warm, waterproof clothing for winter. An umbrella is essential year-round.
August and September are the sunniest months, each averaging around 200 hours of sunshine. Winter months are cloudier, with only 100–120 hours of sunshine in December and January.
Winter (December–February) and the peak of summer (July–August) see fewer tourists, but weather can be harsh. Spring and autumn are most popular, so book accommodations early if visiting then.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (32 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (7 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 20.1 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (25 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (-1.9 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 11.3 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is July (200.2 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is December (27.3 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,045.9 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is July (13 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is December (8 days). Over the whole year there are 125.5 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 10 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is August (Average sunshine: 8.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is November (Average sunshine: 4.9 h). Over the whole year there are 5.8 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 11). The months with the lowest average UV index are January and December (UV index: 3). Over the whole year the average UV index is 7.3.
