Select units of measurement for the temperature and rainfall tables (metric or imperial).
Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours
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.
Rainfall is abundant, in fact, it is 1,950 millimeters (76.5 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 is is equal to or lower than 50 mm (2 in) per month.
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 32/33 °C (89/91 °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.
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.
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 - Climate data
In Guangzhou, the
average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of
14.6 °C, that of the warmest month (July) is of
29.6 °C. Here are the average temperatures.
Guangzhou - Average temperatures (1991-2020) |
| Month | Min | Max | Mean |
|---|
| January | 10.6 | 18.7 | 14.6 |
|---|
| February | 12.5 | 20 | 16.2 |
|---|
| March | 15.5 | 22.3 | 18.9 |
|---|
| April | 19.6 | 26.4 | 23 |
|---|
| May | 23.1 | 30 | 26.6 |
|---|
| June | 25.1 | 32 | 28.6 |
|---|
| July | 25.8 | 33.3 | 29.6 |
|---|
| August | 25.5 | 33.2 | 29.4 |
|---|
| September | 24.2 | 32 | 28.1 |
|---|
| October | 20.9 | 29.3 | 25.1 |
|---|
| November | 16.7 | 25.3 | 21 |
|---|
| December | 11.9 | 20.7 | 16.3 |
|---|
| Year | 19.3 | 27 | 23.1 |
|---|
amounts to
1950 millimeters per year: it is therefore abundant. It ranges from
33.4 millimeters in the driest month (December) to
364.9 millimeters in the wettest one (June). Here is the average precipitation.
Guangzhou - Average precipitation| Month | Days |
|---|
| January | 51 | 5 |
|---|
| February | 56 | 6 |
|---|
| March | 101 | 9 |
|---|
| April | 194 | 11 |
|---|
| May | 329 | 14 |
|---|
| June | 365 | 16 |
|---|
| July | 243 | 14 |
|---|
| August | 270 | 14 |
|---|
| September | 203 | 10 |
|---|
| October | 67 | 4 |
|---|
| November | 37 | 3 |
|---|
| December | 33 | 4 |
|---|
| Year | 1950 | 110 |
|---|
The
sea temperature ranges from
20 °C in January to
29 °C in July, August. Here are the average sea temperatures.
Guangzhou - Sea temperature| Month |
|---|
| January | 20 |
|---|
| February | 20.5 |
|---|
| March | 21.5 |
|---|
| April | 23 |
|---|
| May | 26 |
|---|
| June | 28 |
|---|
| July | 29 |
|---|
| August | 29 |
|---|
| September | 28.5 |
|---|
| October | 26.5 |
|---|
| November | 24"> |
|---|
| December | 21.5 |
|---|
| Year | 24.8 |
|---|
There are on average around 1560
sunshine hours per year. Here are the average hours of sunshine per day.
Guangzhou - Sunshine hours| Month | Average | Total |
|---|
| January | 3.5 | 115 |
|---|
| February | 3 | 80 |
|---|
| March | 2 | 60 |
|---|
| April | 2.5 | 70 |
|---|
| May | 3.5 | 105 |
|---|
| June | 4 | 130 |
|---|
| July | 6 | 180 |
|---|
| August | 5.5 | 165 |
|---|
| September | 5.5 | 165 |
|---|
| October | 6 | 180 |
|---|
| November | 5.5 | 160 |
|---|
| December | 5 | 155 |
|---|
| Year | 4.3 | 1560 |
|---|
Guangzhou - Weather by month
Based on the period 1991-2020
January, the coldest month of the year, is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of
14.6 °C, with a minimum of
10.6 °C and a maximum of
18.7 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
4 °C. However, it dropped to
1.2 °C in January 2016.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
26 °C. However, it reached
28.4 °C in January 2006.
Precipitation amounts to
51.1 mm, distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 3.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 33% of the time.
The average humidity is 65%.
The average wind speed is of
9 kph.
The average sea temperature is of
20.1 °C. Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.
February is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of
16.2 °C, with a minimum of
12.5 °C and a maximum of
20 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
5.5 °C. However, it dropped to
1.4 °C in February 2018.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
27.5 °C. However, it reached
31 °C in February 2009.
Precipitation amounts to
56.1 mm, distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 3 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 24% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
8.6 kph.
The average sea temperature is of
20.3 °C. Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.
March is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of
18.9 °C, with a minimum of
15.5 °C and a maximum of
22.3 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
8.5 °C. However, it dropped to
4.9 °C in March 2018.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
29 °C. However, it reached
32.1 °C in March 2000.
Precipitation amounts to
101 mm, distributed over 9 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 of
8.3 kph.
The average sea temperature is of
21.5 °C. Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.
April is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of
23 °C, with a minimum of
19.6 °C and a maximum of
26.4 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
12.5 °C. However, it dropped to
8 °C in April 2018.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
32 °C. However, it reached
35 °C in April 2011.
Precipitation amounts to
193.8 mm, distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 2.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 18% of the time.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
8.1 kph.
The average sea temperature is of
23.1 °C. Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.
May is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of
26.6 °C, with a minimum of
23.1 °C and a maximum of
30 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
18.5 °C. However, it dropped to
16 °C in May 1991.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
34.5 °C. However, it reached
38 °C in May 2018.
Precipitation amounts to
329 mm, distributed over 14 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 of
8.1 kph.
The average sea temperature is of
25.9 °C. Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.
June is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of
28.6 °C, with a minimum of
25.1 °C and a maximum of
32 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
22 °C. However, it dropped to
18 °C in June 1992.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
36 °C. However, it reached
38.9 °C in June 2004.
Precipitation amounts to
364.9 mm, distributed over 16 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 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 31% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
8.5 kph.
The average sea temperature is of
27.9 °C. Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
July, the hottest month of the year, is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of
29.6 °C, with a minimum of
25.8 °C and a maximum of
33.3 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
23.5 °C. However, it dropped to
21 °C in July 1992.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
37.5 °C. However, it reached
40 °C in July 2005.
Precipitation amounts to
242.6 mm, distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 43% of the time.
The average humidity is 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
8.8 kph.
The average sea temperature is of
28.8 °C. Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
August is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of
29.4 °C, with a minimum of
25.5 °C and a maximum of
33.2 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
23 °C. However, it dropped to
22 °C in August 2003.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
37 °C. However, it reached
39 °C in August 2004.
Precipitation amounts to
270.3 mm, distributed over 14 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 42% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
7.7 kph.
The average sea temperature is of
28.8 °C. Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
September is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of
28.1 °C, with a minimum of
24.2 °C and a maximum of
32 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
20.5 °C. However, it dropped to
15.8 °C in September 1997.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
36 °C. However, it reached
39 °C in September 2008.
Precipitation amounts to
203.2 mm, distributed over 10 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 45% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
8.3 kph.
The average sea temperature is of
28.4 °C. Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
October is generally a warm to hot month. The average temperature is of
25.1 °C, with a minimum of
20.9 °C and a maximum of
29.3 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
15.5 °C. However, it dropped to
11 °C in October 1992.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
33.5 °C. However, it reached
37 °C in October 2005.
Precipitation amounts to
67.3 mm, distributed over 4 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 of
9.2 kph.
The average sea temperature is of
26.6 °C. Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
November is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of
21 °C, with a minimum of
16.7 °C and a maximum of
25.3 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
10 °C. However, it dropped to
6.1 °C in November 2013.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
31 °C. However, it reached
33.4 °C in November 2003.
Precipitation amounts to
37.4 mm, distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 62%.
The average wind speed is of
9.1 kph.
The average sea temperature is of
24.1 °C. Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.
December is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of
16.3 °C, with a minimum of
11.9 °C and a maximum of
20.7 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
5 °C. However, it dropped to
0 °C in December 1999.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
27 °C. However, it reached
29.5 °C in December 2001.
Precipitation amounts to
33.4 mm, distributed over 4 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 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 46% of the time.
The average humidity is 60%.
The average wind speed is of
9.7 kph.
The average sea temperature is of
21.4 °C. Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.