Guangzhou, located in Guangdong, China, experiences a subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters.
The hottest month is July with average highs reaching 91°F and lows around 80°F.
Over the summer months, temperatures regularly stay above 86°F from mid-May to early October, making air conditioning a necessity.
In contrast, the cool season spans from December to early March, during which the daily high temperatures typically stay below 70°F.
Visitors during this time will enjoy much more comfortable weather.
The climate is also marked by high humidity and sufficient annual rainfall, often peaking during the summer months.
Guangzhou weather is best experienced in the fall, particularly from late September to early December when temperatures are more moderate.
For those interested in historical weather data, detailed climate graphs and weather averages are available, providing valuable insight into the area’s weather conditions throughout the year.
This makes planning a visit or even long-term stay much easier and more predictable.
For a detailed overview, check this thorough guide on Guangzhou’s climate year-round.
Average Temperature in Guangzhou, China
The climate of Guangzhou, China, varies significantly throughout the year. The city’s weather features a hot season from mid-May to early October, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 86°F.
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 64 | 50 |
| February | 67 | 53 |
| March | 73 | 59 |
| April | 81 | 67 |
| May | 87 | 74 |
| June | 90 | 77 |
| July | 91 | 80 |
| August | 91 | 80 |
| September | 88 | 76 |
| October | 82 | 70 |
| November | 74 | 60 |
| December | 66 | 52 |
July is typically the hottest month, with an average high of 91°F and a low of 80°F.
During this time, it is common for humidity to be high and for temperatures to reach their peak.
On the other hand, the coolest period extends from December to early March.
The average high temperatures in these months range from 64°F to 73°F, and the lows range from 50°F to 59°F.
January holds the title for being the coldest month, where the city records the lowest temperatures of the year.
The fluctuating temperatures in Guangzhou contribute to its distinct seasonal variations.
The balance of hot and cool periods creates a diverse environment.
Average Precipitation in Guangzhou, China
Precipitation in Guangzhou varies significantly throughout the year, with the wettest months being the summer months. Snowfall is rare to nonexistent due to the subtropical climate.
Average Rainfall in Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou experiences high rainfall, especially during the summer months. The city receives around 68 inches of rain annually.
The wettest months are from May to September, with June typically being the wettest, accumulating approximately 11 inches of rainfall.
Here’s a breakdown of average monthly rainfall:
| Month | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 1.8 |
| February | 2.5 |
| March | 3.9 |
| April | 7.2 |
| May | 10.4 |
| June | 11.0 |
| July | 8.2 |
| August | 8.1 |
| September | 6.9 |
| October | 2.8 |
| November | 1.7 |
| December | 1.3 |
Thus, Guangzhou has significant rain during the warmer months, contributing to its lush greenery and high humidity levels.
Average Snow in Guangzhou, China
Snowfall in Guangzhou is virtually nonexistent due to its humid subtropical climate. The temperatures rarely drop low enough for snow to form.
The region’s winter months, from December to February, see cooler temperatures but no snow. The average lows during these months stay around 50°F.
Snow and ice events are extremely rare and have not been recorded in recent history.
For more information on snow and ice climates, you can visit Snow and Ice.
Average Sun in Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou experiences significant variations in sunshine hours throughout the year. Sunlight and UV index levels are also noteworthy, reflecting the city’s diverse climate patterns.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou receives various amounts of shortwave solar energy depending on the time of year. The average daily sunlight ranges highly across the months, impacting the total hours of sun received.
Monthly Average Sunshine Hours:
| Month | Average Daily Sunshine Hours | Total Monthly Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7.01 | 217.46 |
| February | 6.41 | 179.48 |
| March | 5.11 | 158.41 |
| April | 7.80 | 234.00 |
| May | 6.50 | 201.50 |
| June | 5.70 | 171.00 |
| July | 7.60 | 235.60 |
| August | 7.51 | 233.81 |
| September | 7.32 | 219.60 |
| October | 7.21 | 223.51 |
| November | 6.84 | 204.00 |
| December | 6.29 | 189.00 |
This table shows that January and July provide the most daily sun due to longer clear conditions, while months like June and March have fewer sunshine hours, possibly due to increased cloud cover or rain.
Average UV Index in Guangzhou
The UV index in Guangzhou is generally high, reflecting strong sun intensity.
In July, the UV index can peak as high as 11 or more, indicating a need for strong sun protection.
During winter months like December, the UV index can drop to around 5, suggesting moderate sun exposure.
Impact of Sun on Local Climate
With up to almost 2457 hours of sunlight annually, Guangzhou’s weather patterns are closely tied to its solar energy received.
The city experiences an average of 6 to 8 sunlight hours daily, contributing to its humid subtropical climate.
Sun exposure affects daily activities, energy usage, and even overall temperatures.
For more on Guangzhou’s sunshine hours and detailed monthly breakdown, visit Guangzhou climate data.
Average Humidity in Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou, China experiences a humid climate throughout the year. The city’s relative humidity levels tend to stay high, contributing to the overall moist environment.
Humidity is generally highest during the summer months. July, for example, often features the peak of humidity.
Monthly Average Humidity in Guangzhou:
| Month | Average Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 70 |
| February | 75 |
| March | 80 |
| April | 82 |
| May | 86 |
| June | 88 |
| July | 90 |
| August | 88 |
| September | 85 |
| October | 80 |
| November | 75 |
| December | 70 |
Higher relative humidity can make the air feel warmer than it actually is.
The dew point is another key factor in understanding Guangzhou’s humidity.
Higher dew points, especially during the warmer months, indicate more moisture in the air.
Dew points in Guangzhou can reach uncomfortable levels in the summer, making the city feel sticky. In winter, the dew point drops, making the air feel drier.
Guangzhou’s humid climate is typical of a subtropical region, with consistent moisture in the air year-round. This high humidity can be challenging for those not accustomed to such conditions.
For more detailed weather data, you can refer to Average Weather in Guangzhou.
Average Wind in Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou experiences varying wind speeds throughout the year. The average wind speed ranges from light breezes to moderate winds.
The wind speed in Guangzhou is generally calm, but there are times when it picks up.
Monthly Average Wind Speed (in mph):
| Month | Avg Wind Speed |
|---|---|
| January | 6.0 |
| February | 6.3 |
| March | 6.0 |
| April | 5.7 |
| May | 5.3 |
| June | 5.0 |
| July | 4.7 |
| August | 4.3 |
| September | 4.0 |
| October | 4.7 |
| November | 5.7 |
| December | 6.0 |
Wind Direction:
Wind in Guangzhou typically comes from the north or northeast during the cooler months. In summer, it often shifts to come from the south or southeast.
Windiest Month:
The windiest month is often February, with speeds averaging around 6.3 mph.
For more insights on wind and related topics, you can read further details.
Guangzhou’s wind patterns play a role in the climate, affecting temperature and humidity levels.
The changes in wind direction also influence seasonal weather conditions, contributing to the unique climate of the region.
Average Air Quality in Guangzhou, China
The air quality in Guangzhou has seen improvements over recent years. According to IQAir, the air quality index (AQI) often hovers between “Moderate” and “Good”. Here’s a breakdown by month:
| Month | AQI | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| January | 52-56 | Moderate |
| February | 48-50 | Good |
| March | 45-49 | Good |
| April | 42-47 | Good |
| May | 38-41 | Good |
| June | 36-40 | Good |
| July | 33-38 | Good |
| August | 31-35 | Moderate |
| September | 33-37 | Moderate |
| October | 35-40 | Moderate |
| November | 42-45 | Moderate |
| December | 48-52 | Moderate |
During the year, Guangzhou experiences varying levels of humidity which can affect visibility and air pressure.
For instance, in the summer, it’s common to have high humidity levels around 70-75%, which might cause fog and reduced visibility.
Air Pressure: Typically around 29.8 inches of mercury (Hg).
Cloud cover and fog are more frequent during the winter months, leading to lower visibility. The climate conditions, along with industrial activity, play significant roles in the air quality experienced in the city.
This table provides a snapshot of air quality with key months highlighted to show variability across the year.
Topography of Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou’s topography varies significantly. The city sits in the Pearl River Delta, with the Pearl River running through it. The average elevation is around 69 feet.
The terrain transitions from flatlands in the southwest to hills in the northeast. The minimum elevation is about -49 feet, while the maximum elevation reaches up to 1,194 feet.
Elevations
- Average Elevation: 69 feet
- Lowest Point: -49 feet
- Highest Point: 1,194 feet
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is located at an elevation of 15 feet. This low-lying area contributes to its accessibility. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport lies nearby, also benefiting from the flat terrain.
The diverse elevations and its positioning along the Pearl River enhance Guangzhou’s scenic beauty and play an important role in its climate and agriculture.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou experiences various extreme weather events throughout the year. These events often include thunderstorms and typhoons.
Thunderstorms are common from spring to summer. They bring intense rainfall, lightning, and sometimes hail.
These storms can lead to flooding and power outages. Electrical storms are particularly dangerous due to frequent lightning strikes.
Typhoons occur mostly between July and September. These powerful storms can produce heavy rain and strong winds. Typhoons can cause significant damage to infrastructure and homes.
Monthly Breakdown of Extreme Weather Events
| Month | Event Type | Average Rainfall (inches) | Average Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | None | 1.8 | 59 |
| February | None | 2.4 | 61 |
| March | Thunderstorms | 3.5 | 65 |
| April | Thunderstorms | 7.1 | 70 |
| May | Thunderstorms | 10.1 | 75 |
| June | Thunderstorms | 12.3 | 80 |
| July | Typhoons | 9.8 | 83 |
| August | Typhoons | 10.5 | 83 |
| September | Typhoons | 7.5 | 80 |
| October | Thunderstorms | 3.2 | 75 |
| November | None | 1.7 | 68 |
| December | None | 1.3 | 60 |
Guangzhou’s weather is marked by significant seasonal variations. The summer months, particularly June through September, are when most extreme weather events can be expected. This period sees the highest rainfall and the occurrence of both typhoons and thunderstorms.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou experiences humid subtropical weather. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild and dry. The best months to visit are typically in autumn, when the climate is most favorable.
What is Guangzhou, China Like in Spring
Spring in Guangzhou runs from March to May. The weather during this season is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. Rainfall begins to increase as the monsoon season approaches.
March is cool with temperatures around 64°F. April sees a rise in temperature reaching up to 77°F, making light jackets or sweaters ideal.
May becomes warmer and more humid, with temperatures reaching 82°F. This is also the start of the rainy season, so carrying an umbrella or raincoat is advisable.
Tourists in spring can enjoy blooming flowers in parks and scenic spots, but it is essential to be prepared for unexpected showers.
What is Guangzhou, China Like in Summer
Summers in Guangzhou are from June to August. These months are characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall.
June kicks off with temperatures averaging around 84°F and consistent rain.
In July, the temperature peaks, with daily highs often exceeding 90°F. This heat, combined with high humidity, makes it uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
August remains hot, with temperatures around 88°F and continued heavy rain.
Air conditioning is common in most indoor places. If visiting during this period, hydration and lightweight clothing are essential.
Travelers may find fewer crowds at attractions due to the less favorable weather.
What is Guangzhou, China Like in Fall
Fall, from September to November, is widely considered the best time to visit Guangzhou.
September starts with cooler temperatures averaging around 81°F and lessening rainfall.
October and November are particularly pleasant. October has temperatures ranging from 64°F to 79°F and clear skies.
November brings even cooler weather, between 61°F to 73°F, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Tourists can enjoy historical attractions and scenic views with minimal discomfort from the climate. This season is perfect for exploring local festivals and enjoying the city’s vibrant culture.
What is Guangzhou, China Like in Winter
Winter in Guangzhou spans December to February. The weather is mild and dry compared to the hot summers.
December sees temperatures fluctuating between 49°F and 64°F.
January is the coldest month, with temperatures dropping to around 46°F at night and reaching up to 63°F during the day. February begins to warm up slightly but remains cool, making it a comfortable month for visits.
Winter in Guangzhou means clear skies and fewer tourists. Travelers can enjoy festivals and events with ease, wearing light sweaters or jackets.
Unlike northern China, winters are not harsh, allowing for pleasant outdoor experiences.