Climate - Guangzhou (Guangdong)
Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours
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Climate chart - Guangzhou
The climate of Guangzhou (or Canton), the largest city of the metropolitan area of the Pearl River Delta, is subtropical, with very mild winters and hot, rainy and muggy summers due to the Asian monsoon.
Here are the average temperatures.
Guangzhou - Average temperatures (1991-2020) | Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
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| January | 9.8 | 18.7 | 14.2 | 50 | 66 | 57.6 |
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| February | 11.7 | 20 | 15.8 | 53 | 68 | 60.5 |
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| March | 14.8 | 22.3 | 18.5 | 59 | 72 | 65.4 |
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| April | 19.1 | 26.6 | 22.8 | 66 | 80 | 73.1 |
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| May | 22.6 | 30.2 | 26.4 | 73 | 86 | 79.6 |
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| June | 24.8 | 32.4 | 28.6 | 77 | 90 | 83.4 |
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| July | 25.5 | 33.8 | 29.7 | 78 | 93 | 85.4 |
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| August | 25.2 | 33.7 | 29.5 | 77 | 93 | 85 |
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| September | 23.8 | 32.4 | 28.1 | 75 | 90 | 82.6 |
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| October | 20.3 | 29.6 | 25 | 69 | 85 | 77 |
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| November | 15.8 | 25.4 | 20.6 | 60 | 78 | 69 |
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| December | 11 | 20.7 | 15.8 | 52 | 69 | 60.5 |
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| Year | 18.7 | 27.2 | 22.9 | 65.7 | 80.9 | 73 |
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Rainfall is abundant, in fact, it is around 1,700 millimeters (68 inches) per year. The rainiest period is from April to September, when rainfall exceeds 150 mm (6 in) per month, while the least rainy period is from November to January, when it drops below 50 mm (2 in) per month. Here is the average precipitation.
Guangzhou - Average precipitation| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
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| January | 45 | 1.8 | 8 |
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| February | 65 | 2.6 | 11 |
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| March | 85 | 3.3 | 15 |
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| April | 180 | 7.1 | 16 |
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| May | 285 | 11.2 | 18 |
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| June | 260 | 10.2 | 19 |
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| July | 230 | 9.1 | 16 |
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| August | 220 | 8.7 | 16 |
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| September | 170 | 6.7 | 13 |
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| October | 80 | 3.1 | 7 |
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| November | 40 | 1.6 | 6 |
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| December | 25 | 1 | 5 |
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| Year | 1685 | 66.3 | 150 |
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Winter, from December to February, is very mild, with highs around 19/21 °C (66/70 °F). The sun, which shines roughly half the time in December, gradually becomes less frequent, and the number of days with cloudy skies, fog and drizzle increases. There may also be windy days. Some days can be pleasantly warm, while in others, the temperature can drop to around 10/15 °C (50/59 °F) during the day, and the wind can increase the feeling of cold. Occasionally, it can even get cold, with lows close to freezing and highs around 10 °C (50 °F). On January 24, 2016, for the first time since 88 years, there was even a slight snowfall, which has been more abundant on Mount Baiyun, the hill overlooking the city, 382 meter (1,253 feet) high, or on the Canton Tower rooftop, at 459 meters (1,505 ft).
Spring, from March to May, is very mild or pleasantly warm, but the sky is almost always cloudy. In March, a cold wind can still blow, and highs can remain around 13/15 °C (55/59 °F), especially in the first half of the month. By mid-March, with the increase in temperature, the first thunderstorms occur. Already in May, there's sultry heat, with highs around 29 °C (84 °F), even though it's less intense than in the summer months; moreover, the rains become significant.
The long summer, from June to September, is hot, humid and rainy, with heavy showers or thunderstorms, although the sun shines on average for a few hours per day. Typically, daytime temperatures are around 32/34 °C (89/93 °F), but they quite easily reach 35/36 °C (95/97 °F). The heat is felt because of the urban heat island effect, together with moisture coming from the sea. Luckily, there is widespread use of air conditioning. Usually, the heat remains muggy even at night: lows rarely drop below 23 °C (73 °F), but they can even remain around 26/27 °C (79/81 °F). In the hills around the city and in the cities of the metropolitan area near the sea, at least sea breezes blow. In July, there is often a pause in the monsoon, a period of good weather lasting a week or two.
The probability of typhoons, which bring heavy rains and strong winds for a few days, with the risk of flooding and landslides, is highest in this season.
In the short autumn, in October and November, the rains are rare and generally not abundant, and the sun is a bit more frequent than in the other seasons. In the first part of October, the heat can still be muggy, but gradually becomes more pleasant; in this month, however, and sometimes also in the first half of November, tropical cyclones can still arrive. In November, the temperature is generally pleasant, with highs around 25 °C (77 °F), but cool and windy days gradually become more likely, and sometimes, in the second part of the month, it can get a bit cold.
The amount of sunshine in Guangzhou is not great all year round, and it's scarce from February to April, when the sky is often overcast. In the rainy season, it improves a little, in fact, there is an alternation between sunshine and cloud banks, which can lead to showers and thunderstorms. In autumn, the amount of sunshine remains acceptable or improves slightly, however, cloudy days are possible in this season as well. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.
Guangzhou - Sunshine hours| Month | Average | Total |
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January | 4 | 120 | February | 2.5 | 70 | March | 2 | 60 | April | 2 | 65 | May | 3.5 | 105 | June | 4.5 | 140 | July | 6.5 | 200 | August | 5.5 | 175 | September | 5.5 | 170 | October | 6 | 180 | November | 6 | 175 | December | 5.5 | 165 | Year | 4.5 | 1630 |
The sea is warm enough for swimming from April to November, and in particular, it's definitely warm from May to October. In winter, the South China Sea is cool but not cold: the water temperature drops to around 20 °C (68 °F) in January and February.
Guangzhou - Sea temperature| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
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January | 20 | 68 | February | 20.5 | 69 | March | 21.5 | 71 | April | 23 | 74 | May | 26 | 79 | June | 28 | 82 | July | 29 | 84 | August | 29 | 84 | September | 28.5 | 83 | October | 26.5 | 80 | November | 24 | 75 | December | 21.5 | 71 | Year | 24.8 | 76.6 |
Typhoons
As mentioned earlier, Guangzhou can be hit by typhoons, the tropical cyclones of Southeast Asia. Typically, typhoons occur in this area from June to early November, but sometimes they have affected this area outside of this period, as happened in April 2008 with Typhoon Neoguri (or Ambo) and in May 2006 with Typhoon Chanchu (or Caloy).
Best Time
It's not easy to find the best time to visit Guangzhou. Winter can be a good period, although the sky is often cloudy, especially in the second part; moreover, it can be windy, and sometimes, though rarely, it can be a little cold. Spring is pleasantly warm, but it's still cloudy, and when the sun becomes a little more frequent, the rains begin as well, then by May, the air is muggy and there is some risk (though still low) of typhoons. In theory, autumn is the best season, but in October, a typhoon can still affect this area, while in November, there can be the first cool and windy days, and sometimes at the end of the month, it can already be a bit cold. All in all, the best times are from mid-March to mid-April, and from mid-October to late November.
What to pack
In winter: bring spring/autumn clothes, a sweatshirt or sweater, a jacket, a raincoat or umbrella, and a hat for colder days.
In summer: bring tropics-friendly, lightweight clothing, a light sweatshirt for air-conditioned places, and a light raincoat or umbrella.
Guangzhou - Weather by month
Based on the period 1991-2020
In January, the coldest month of the year, the weather in Guangzhou is usually mild. The average temperature is of 14.2 °C (58 °F), with a minimum of 9.8 °C (49.6 °F) and a maximum of 18.7 °C (65.6 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4 °C (39.5 °F). However, it dropped to 1.2 °C (34.2 °F) in January 2016.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26 °C (79 °F). However, it reached 28.4 °C (83.1 °F) in January 2006.
Precipitation amounts to 45 mm (1.8 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 4 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 35% of the time.
The average humidity is 65%.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20 °C (68 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.
In February, the weather in Guangzhou is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 15.8 °C (61 °F), with a minimum of 11.7 °C (53.1 °F) and a maximum of 20 °C (67.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5.5 °C (42 °F). However, it dropped to 1.4 °C (34.5 °F) in February 2018.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27.5 °C (82 °F). However, it reached 31 °C (87.8 °F) in February 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 2.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 22% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20.5 °C (68.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.
In March, the weather in Guangzhou is usually warm. The average temperature is of 18.5 °C (65 °F), with a minimum of 14.8 °C (58.6 °F) and a maximum of 22.3 °C (72.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 8.5 °C (47 °F). However, it dropped to 4.9 °C (40.8 °F) in March 2018.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29 °C (84 °F). However, it reached 32.1 °C (89.8 °F) in March 2000.
Precipitation amounts to 85 mm (3.3 in), distributed over 15 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 2 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 17% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21.5 °C (70.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.
In April, the weather in Guangzhou is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 22.8 °C (73 °F), with a minimum of 19.1 °C (66.4 °F) and a maximum of 26.6 °C (79.8 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 12.5 °C (55 °F). However, it dropped to 8 °C (46.4 °F) in April 2018.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 32 °C (90 °F). However, it reached 35 °C (95 °F) in April 2011.
Precipitation amounts to 180 mm (7.1 in), distributed over 16 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 2 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 17% of the time.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 23 °C (73.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.
In May, the weather in Guangzhou is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 26.4 °C (80 °F), with a minimum of 22.6 °C (72.7 °F) and a maximum of 30.2 °C (86.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 18.5 °C (65.5 °F). However, it dropped to 16 °C (60.8 °F) in May 1991.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 34.5 °C (94 °F). However, it reached 38 °C (100.4 °F) in May 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 285 mm (11.2 in), distributed over 18 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 3.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 25% of the time.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26 °C (78.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.
In June, the weather in Guangzhou is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 28.6 °C (83 °F), with a minimum of 24.8 °C (76.6 °F) and a maximum of 32.4 °C (90.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 22 °C (71.5 °F). However, it dropped to 18 °C (64.4 °F) in June 1992.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 36 °C (97 °F). However, it reached 38.9 °C (102 °F) in June 2004.
Precipitation amounts to 260 mm (10.2 in), distributed over 19 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 30 minutes. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 35% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 28 °C (82 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In July, the hottest month of the year, the weather in Guangzhou is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 29.7 °C (85 °F), with a minimum of 25.5 °C (78 °F) and a maximum of 33.8 °C (92.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 23.5 °C (74.5 °F). However, it dropped to 21 °C (69.8 °F) in July 1992.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 37.5 °C (99.5 °F). However, it reached 40 °C (104 °F) in July 2005.
Precipitation amounts to 230 mm (9.1 in), distributed over 16 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 49% of the time.
The average humidity is 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29 °C (84 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In August, the weather in Guangzhou is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 29.5 °C (85 °F), with a minimum of 25.2 °C (77.4 °F) and a maximum of 33.7 °C (92.6 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 23 °C (74 °F). However, it dropped to 22 °C (71.6 °F) in August 2003.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 37 °C (99 °F). However, it reached 39 °C (102.2 °F) in August 2004.
Precipitation amounts to 220 mm (8.7 in), distributed over 16 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 43% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29 °C (84 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In September, the weather in Guangzhou is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 28.1 °C (83 °F), with a minimum of 23.8 °C (74.9 °F) and a maximum of 32.4 °C (90.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 20.5 °C (69 °F). However, it dropped to 15.8 °C (60.4 °F) in September 1997.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 36 °C (97 °F). However, it reached 39 °C (102.2 °F) in September 2008.
Precipitation amounts to 170 mm (6.7 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 46% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 28.5 °C (83 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In October, the weather in Guangzhou is usually warm to hot. The average temperature is of 25.0 °C (77 °F), with a minimum of 20.3 °C (68.6 °F) and a maximum of 29.6 °C (85.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 15.5 °C (60 °F). However, it dropped to 11 °C (51.8 °F) in October 1992.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33.5 °C (92.5 °F). However, it reached 37 °C (98.6 °F) in October 2005.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 51% of the time.
The average humidity is 62%.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26.5 °C (80 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In November, the weather in Guangzhou is usually warm. The average temperature is of 20.6 °C (69 °F), with a minimum of 15.8 °C (60.4 °F) and a maximum of 25.4 °C (77.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 10 °C (50 °F). However, it dropped to 6.1 °C (43 °F) in November 2013.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31 °C (87.5 °F). However, it reached 33.4 °C (92.1 °F) in November 2003.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 52% of the time.
The average humidity is 62%.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24 °C (75.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.
In December, the weather in Guangzhou is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 15.8 °C (61 °F), with a minimum of 11 °C (51.8 °F) and a maximum of 20.7 °C (69.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5 °C (41 °F). However, it dropped to 0 °C (32 °F) in December 1999.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27 °C (81 °F). However, it reached 29.5 °C (85.1 °F) in December 2001.
Precipitation amounts to 25 mm (1 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 40 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 50% of the time.
The average humidity is 60%.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21.5 °C (70.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.
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