Climate - Shenzhen (Guangdong)

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.
Here are the average temperatures.

Rainfall is abundant and it's around 1,900 millimeters (76 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 January, when it drops below 40 mm (1.6 in) per month. Here is the average precipitation.

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 - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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In January, the coldest month of the year, the weather in Shenzhen is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 16.1 °C (61 °F), with a minimum of 12.2 °C (54 °F) and a maximum of 19.9 °C (67.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6.5 °C (44 °F). However, it dropped to 1.7 °C (35.1 °F) in January 2016.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26.5 °C (79.5 °F). However, it reached 29.1 °C (84.4 °F) in January 1998.
Precipitation amounts to 25 mm (1 in), distributed over 7 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 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20 °C (68 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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In February, the weather in Shenzhen is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 17.2 °C (63 °F), with a minimum of 13.6 °C (56.5 °F) and a maximum of 20.8 °C (69.5 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 8 °C (46.5 °F). However, it dropped to 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) in February 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27.5 °C (81.5 °F). However, it reached 30.3 °C (86.5 °F) in February 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 10 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 29% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20.5 °C (68.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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In March, the weather in Shenzhen is usually warm. The average temperature is of 19.9 °C (68 °F), with a minimum of 16.4 °C (61.6 °F) and a maximum of 23.3 °C (74 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 10.5 °C (50.5 °F). However, it dropped to 6.3 °C (43.3 °F) in March 2010.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29.5 °C (84.5 °F). However, it reached 35.4 °C (95.7 °F) in March 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 70 mm (2.8 in), distributed over 11 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 26% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21.5 °C (70.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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In April, the weather in Shenzhen is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 23.5 °C (74 °F), with a minimum of 20.3 °C (68.5 °F) and a maximum of 26.8 °C (80.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 15 °C (59 °F). However, it dropped to 9.1 °C (48.4 °F) in April 1996.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31.5 °C (88.5 °F). However, it reached 36.5 °C (97.7 °F) in April 1995.
Precipitation amounts to 155 mm (6.1 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 3.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 28% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 23 °C (73.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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In May, the weather in Shenzhen is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 26.8 °C (80 °F), with a minimum of 23.7 °C (74.7 °F) and a maximum of 29.8 °C (85.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 20 °C (68 °F). However, it dropped to 14.1 °C (57.4 °F) in May 1999.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33.5 °C (92 °F). However, it reached 35.1 °C (95.2 °F) in May 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 235 mm (9.3 in), distributed over 16 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 36% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26 °C (78.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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In June, the weather in Shenzhen is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 28.6 °C (84 °F), with a minimum of 25.8 °C (78.4 °F) and a maximum of 31.4 °C (88.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). However, it dropped to 19.5 °C (67.1 °F) in June 2010.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 34.5 °C (94.5 °F). However, it reached 37 °C (98.6 °F) in June 2004.
Precipitation amounts to 345 mm (13.6 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 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 40% of the time.
The average humidity is 80%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 28 °C (82 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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In July, the hottest month of the year, the weather in Shenzhen is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 29.4 °C (85 °F), with a minimum of 26.4 °C (79.5 °F) and a maximum of 32.5 °C (90.5 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 24 °C (75 °F). However, it dropped to 22.1 °C (71.8 °F) in July 2010.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 36 °C (97 °F). However, it reached 37.5 °C (99.5 °F) in July 2004.
Precipitation amounts to 320 mm (12.6 in), 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 12 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29 °C (84 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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In August, the weather in Shenzhen is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 29.3 °C (85 °F), with a minimum of 26.1 °C (79 °F) and a maximum of 32.4 °C (90.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 23.5 °C (74.5 °F). However, it dropped to 21.4 °C (70.5 °F) in August 1994.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 36 °C (96.5 °F). However, it reached 38 °C (100.4 °F) in August 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 355 mm (14 in), distributed over 18 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 46% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29 °C (84 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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In September, the weather in Shenzhen is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 28.5 °C (83 °F), with a minimum of 25.2 °C (77.3 °F) and a maximum of 31.7 °C (89.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). However, it dropped to 18 °C (64.4 °F) in September 1997.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 38 °C (100.4 °F) in September 2008.
Precipitation amounts to 255 mm (10 in), distributed over 15 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 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 28.5 °C (83 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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In October, the weather in Shenzhen is usually warm to hot. The average temperature is of 26.0 °C (79 °F), with a minimum of 22.5 °C (72.5 °F) and a maximum of 29.6 °C (85.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 18.5 °C (65 °F). However, it dropped to 10 °C (50 °F) in October 1994.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33 °C (91.5 °F). However, it reached 36 °C (96.8 °F) in October 2017.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 8 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 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26.5 °C (80 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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In November, the weather in Shenzhen is usually warm. The average temperature is of 22.0 °C (72 °F), with a minimum of 18.2 °C (64.7 °F) and a maximum of 25.9 °C (78.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 12.5 °C (54.5 °F). However, it dropped to 7.3 °C (45.1 °F) in November 2009.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30.5 °C (87 °F). However, it reached 33.1 °C (91.6 °F) in November 1996.
Precipitation amounts to 35 mm (1.4 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 53% of the time.
The average humidity is 64%.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24 °C (75.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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In December, the weather in Shenzhen is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 17.6 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 13.7 °C (56.6 °F) and a maximum of 21.5 °C (70.7 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 7.5 °C (45.5 °F). However, it dropped to 2.2 °C (36 °F) in December 1991.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27.5 °C (81.5 °F). However, it reached 29.8 °C (85.6 °F) in December 2001.
Precipitation amounts to 25 mm (1 in), distributed over 6 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 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 50% of the time.
The average humidity is 62%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21.5 °C (70.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.