Select units of measurement for the temperature and rainfall tables (metric or imperial).
Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours
The climate of Shenzhen, a metropolis located in southern China, at 22 degrees north latitude, in the Guangdong Province, on the Pearl River Delta, is
subtropical, with very mild winters and hot, muggy, and rainy summers.
Rainfall is abundant and it's around 1,950 millimeters (76.5 inches) per year. The rainiest period is from May to September, when the rainfall exceeds 200 mm (8 in) per month, while the least rainy period is from November to February, when it drops below 40 mm (1.6 in) per month.
Winter, from December to February, is very mild, with highs around 20 °C (68 °F). The sun, which shines roughly half the time in December, gradually becomes less frequent, while days with cloudy skies, fog, and drizzle become more and more frequent. 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) even during the day, and the wind can blow, increasing the feeling of cold.
Occasionally, it can even get cold, with lows close to freezing and highs around 10 °C (50 °F). In January 2016, there was a day with a minimum of 2 °C (35.5 °F) and a maximum of 5 °C (41 °F), while in December 1991, the maximum was only 4 °C (39 °F).
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, with highs 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 is sultry heat, with highs around 30 °C (86 °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. Daytime temperatures are around 32 °C (90 °F), and the heat is felt because of both the urban heat island effect and the 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 25 °C (77 °F), but they can even remain around 27/28 °C (81/82 °F). In the hills around the city and in the districts overlooking the sea, at least, the sea breeze blows. On sunny days, the temperature can reach 35 °C (95 °F) and more. In July, there is often a pause, a period of good weather lasting a week or two.
The probability of typhoons, which bring heavy rainfall 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, rainfall becomes 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 it gradually becomes more pleasant; in this month, however, and sometimes even 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 Shenzhen is not great all year round, and it's scarce from February to April, when the sky is often overcast. In the rainy season, paradoxically, the sun shines more often, since the rains occur in the form of downpours or thunderstorms, which do not last long, so the sun comes back after a while, except when typhoons hit the area. 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 is definitely warm from May to October. In winter, the South China Sea is cool but not cold: it drops to 20 °C (68 °F) in January and February.
Typhoons
As mentioned earlier, Shenzhen can be hit by typhoons, tropical cyclones of Southeast Asia. Typically, typhoons occur in this area from June to early November, but they have sometimes 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 Shenzhen. Winter can be a good period, although in the second part, the sky is often cloudy; 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 becomes 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 at the end of the month, it can sometimes already be a little 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.
Shenzhen - Climate data
In Shenzhen, the
average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of
16.4 °C, that of the warmest month (July) is of
29.4 °C. Here are the average temperatures.
Shenzhen - Average temperatures (1991-2020) |
| Month | Min | Max | Mean |
|---|
| January | 13 | 19.8 | 16.4 |
|---|
| February | 14.2 | 20.8 | 17.5 |
|---|
| March | 17 | 23.2 | 20.1 |
|---|
| April | 20.7 | 26.7 | 23.7 |
|---|
| May | 24 | 29.7 | 26.8 |
|---|
| June | 26 | 31.3 | 28.6 |
|---|
| July | 26.6 | 32.3 | 29.4 |
|---|
| August | 26.3 | 32.2 | 29.2 |
|---|
| September | 25.5 | 31.5 | 28.5 |
|---|
| October | 22.9 | 29.2 | 26 |
|---|
| November | 19 | 25.7 | 22.4 |
|---|
| December | 14.5 | 21.5 | 18 |
|---|
| Year | 20.8 | 27 | 23.9 |
|---|
amounts to
1935 millimeters per year: it is therefore abundant. It ranges from
29.6 millimeters in the driest month (December) to
368.7 millimeters in the wettest one (June). Here is the average precipitation.
Shenzhen - Average precipitation| Month | Days |
|---|
| January | 35 | 6 |
|---|
| February | 37 | 8 |
|---|
| March | 64 | 10 |
|---|
| April | 140 | 11 |
|---|
| May | 237 | 14 |
|---|
| June | 369 | 18 |
|---|
| July | 310 | 17 |
|---|
| August | 364 | 17 |
|---|
| September | 242 | 13 |
|---|
| October | 73 | 6 |
|---|
| November | 32 | 5 |
|---|
| December | 30 | 5 |
|---|
| Year | 1935 | 130 |
|---|
The
sea temperature ranges from
20 °C in January to
29 °C in July, August. Here are the average sea temperatures.
Shenzhen - 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 1855
sunshine hours per year. Here are the average hours of sunshine per day.
Shenzhen - Sunshine hours| Month | Average | Total |
|---|
| January | 4.5 | 135 |
|---|
| February | 3.5 | 105 |
|---|
| March | 3 | 100 |
|---|
| April | 4 | 115 |
|---|
| May | 5 | 155 |
|---|
| June | 5.5 | 170 |
|---|
| July | 7 | 215 |
|---|
| August | 6 | 180 |
|---|
| September | 5.5 | 170 |
|---|
| October | 6 | 190 |
|---|
| November | 5.5 | 170 |
|---|
| December | 5 | 155 |
|---|
| Year | 5.1 | 1855 |
|---|
Shenzhen - 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
16.4 °C, with a minimum of
13 °C and a maximum of
19.8 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
6.5 °C. However, it dropped to
1.7 °C in January 2016.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
26.5 °C. However, it reached
29.1 °C in January 1998.
Precipitation amounts to
35.2 mm, distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 41% of the time.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is of
11.2 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
17.5 °C, with a minimum of
14.2 °C and a maximum of
20.8 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
8 °C. However, it dropped to
3.3 °C in February 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
27.5 °C. However, it reached
30.3 °C in February 2009.
Precipitation amounts to
36.8 mm, distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 3.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 32% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
10.9 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
20.1 °C, with a minimum of
17 °C and a maximum of
23.2 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
10.5 °C. However, it dropped to
6.3 °C in March 2010.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
29.5 °C. However, it reached
35.4 °C in March 2007.
Precipitation amounts to
64 mm, distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 3 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 27% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
10.9 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
23.7 °C, with a minimum of
20.7 °C and a maximum of
26.7 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
15 °C. However, it dropped to
9.1 °C in April 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
31.5 °C. However, it reached
36.5 °C in April 1995.
Precipitation amounts to
140.1 mm, distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 4 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 30% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
11.1 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
26.8 °C, with a minimum of
24 °C and a maximum of
29.7 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
20 °C. However, it dropped to
14.1 °C in May 1999.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
33.5 °C. However, it reached
35.1 °C in May 2018.
Precipitation amounts to
237.1 mm, distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 37% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
11.6 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
26 °C and a maximum of
31.3 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
22.5 °C. However, it dropped to
19.5 °C in June 2010.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
34.5 °C. However, it reached
37 °C in June 2004.
Precipitation amounts to
368.7 mm, distributed over 18 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 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 42% of the time.
The average humidity is 80%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
12.4 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
29.4 °C, with a minimum of
26.6 °C and a maximum of
32.3 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
24 °C. However, it dropped to
22.1 °C in July 2010.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
36 °C. However, it reached
37.5 °C in July 2004.
Precipitation amounts to
309.5 mm, distributed over 17 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 52% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
12.3 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
29.2 °C, with a minimum of
26.3 °C and a maximum of
32.2 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
23.5 °C. However, it dropped to
21.4 °C in August 1994.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
36 °C. However, it reached
38 °C in August 2009.
Precipitation amounts to
364.3 mm, distributed over 17 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 45% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
10.8 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
28.5 °C, with a minimum of
25.5 °C and a maximum of
31.5 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
22.5 °C. However, it dropped to
18 °C in September 1997.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
35 °C. However, it reached
38 °C in September 2008.
Precipitation amounts to
242.5 mm, distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 47% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is of
10.7 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
26 °C, with a minimum of
22.9 °C and a maximum of
29.2 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
18.5 °C. However, it dropped to
10 °C in October 1994.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
33 °C. However, it reached
36 °C in October 2017.
Precipitation amounts to
73.4 mm, distributed over 6 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 53% of the time.
The average humidity is 65%.
The average wind speed is of
11.3 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
22.4 °C, with a minimum of
19 °C and a maximum of
25.7 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
12.5 °C. However, it dropped to
7.3 °C in November 2009.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
30.5 °C. However, it reached
33.1 °C in November 1996.
Precipitation amounts to
31.7 mm, distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 51% of the time.
The average humidity is 64%.
The average wind speed is of
11.5 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
18 °C, with a minimum of
14.5 °C and a maximum of
21.5 °C.
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around
7.5 °C. However, it dropped to
2.2 °C in December 1991.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around
27.5 °C. However, it reached
29.8 °C in December 2001.
Precipitation amounts to
29.6 mm, distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 50 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 62%.
The average wind speed is of
11.8 kph.
The average sea temperature is of
21.4 °C. Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.