Xiamen features a monsoonal humid subtropical climate with long, hot, humid summers and short, mild, dry winters. Summer highs reach 32–34°C, while winter lows rarely fall below 10°C. Rain is abundant from May to September, and typhoons are possible in summer. Sunshine is most plentiful in July and August, making Xiamen a pleasant year-round destination.
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.
Xiamen’s climate is shaped by its subtropical coastal location, resulting in four distinct seasons and abundant rainfall. Summers (June–September) are long, hot, and humid, with average highs of 32–34°C and lows around 25°C. This period is also the wettest, with heavy rainfall peaking in June and July, and typhoons occasionally affecting the city from July to September. Despite the rain, July and August are the sunniest months, with up to 8 hours of sunshine per day. The sea is warm for swimming from May to October, reaching its peak in summer.
Winters (December–February) are short, mild, and relatively dry, with average highs of 17–19°C and lows around 10–12°C. Rainfall is minimal, and frost is extremely rare. Spring (March–May) is mild and increasingly humid, with temperatures rising from 15°C to 27°C and frequent showers, especially in May. Autumn (October–November) is warm, dry, and sunny, with highs of 20–27°C and pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. Sunshine is most abundant from July to October, while spring is often cloudier. Winds are generally moderate, with stronger breezes during typhoons and in winter. Xiamen receives about 1,300 mm of rain annually and enjoys nearly 1,900 hours of sunshine each year.
| Average climate data for Xiamen, China | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 17 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 29 | 32 | 32 | 30 | 27 | 24 | 19 | 32 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 10 | 10 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 10 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 34 | 99 | 124 | 157 | 163 | 185 | 140 | 210 | 143 | 36 | 31 | 28 | 1,352 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 7 | 12 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 121 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 74 | 79 | 82 | 82 | 84 | 87 | 81 | 83 | 78 | 72 | 70 | 70 | 78 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 15 | 15 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 22 | 18 | 22 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Average UV index | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 10 |
The best time to visit Xiamen is from March to May and September to November. These months offer mild to warm temperatures (15–27°C), manageable humidity, and less rainfall than the summer peak. Spring brings blooming gardens, while autumn features clear skies and comfortable conditions for sightseeing, making both seasons ideal for travel.
The least favourable time to visit is from June to September, when heat, humidity, and heavy rainfall are at their peak. Typhoons are possible, especially from July to September, which can disrupt travel plans. While summer is lively and good for beaches, the weather can be uncomfortable for extended outdoor activities.
Xiamen has hot, humid summers (32–34°C), mild, dry winters (17–19°C), and abundant rainfall from May to September. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, with less rain and comfortable temperatures.
The rainy season runs from May to September, with the heaviest rainfall in June and July. Typhoons are possible from July to September, bringing intense rain and strong winds.
Snow is extremely rare in Xiamen. The last recorded snowfall was in 1893. Winters are mild, with lows rarely dropping below 10°C, and frost is almost unknown.
July and August are the sunniest months, with up to 8 hours of sunshine daily. Autumn (September–October) is also bright and pleasant, while spring tends to be cloudier and damper.
Yes, the sea is warm enough for swimming from May to October, with peak temperatures in summer. Summer is popular for beach activities, but be aware of heavy rain and possible typhoons.
Pack light, breathable clothes and sun protection for summer, layers and a rain jacket for spring and autumn, and a jumper for cooler winter evenings. An umbrella is useful year-round, especially in summer.
Xiamen is least crowded in winter (December–February) and early spring. These periods offer quieter attractions and lower prices, though some outdoor activities may be less enjoyable due to cooler weather.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (32 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is February (16.6 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 24.6 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (24.9 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (9.6 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 17.6 °C.
The months with the highest average water temperature are July and September (26.9 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is February (15 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 21.8 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is August (210.3 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is December (27.8 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,351.6 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is March (15.5 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is October (3.1 days). Over the whole year there are 121.1 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is June (87.2 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is November (69.7 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 78.4 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 13.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 10.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 7.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is March (Average sunshine: 2.1 h). Over the whole year there are 4.7 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index: 12). The months with the lowest average UV index are January and December (UV index: 6). Over the whole year the average UV index is 9.8.
