Climate - Xiamen (China)

In Xiamen (formerly known as Amoy), and on the small neighboring island of Gulangyu (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the climate is subtropical, with mild winters and hot, rainy, and muggy summers (due to the monsoon).
The city is also an island, and it's located in southeastern China, just north of the Tropic of Cancer, in Fujian province, in a bay on the Taiwan Strait. At a short distance, we find other small islands, belonging to Taiwan, the Kinmen Islands (or Quemoy).
Here are the average temperatures.

Rainfall is around 1,300 millimeters (52 inches) per year: this area is a little less rainy than the neighboring provinces (Zhejiang and Guangdong). The rainiest period is from April to September, when rainfall exceeds 140 mm (5.5 in) per month, while the least rainy period is from October to January, when it drops below 45 mm (1,8 in) per month. Here is the average precipitation.

Winter, from December to February, is mild, with highs around 18/20 °C (64/68 °F). The sun, which shines roughly half the time in December, gradually becomes less frequent, and there are more and more days with cloudy skies, fog and drizzle. 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 also blow, increasing the feeling of cold. Occasionally, it can even get cold, with lows around 5 °C (41 °F) and highs around 10 °C (50 °F).

Spring, from March to May, is very mild or pleasantly warm, but the sky is almost always cloudy, in addition, there may be fog in March and April. 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. In April, with the increase in temperature, the first thunderstorms can occur. In May, the weather is often already hot and sultry, though less than in the summer months.

The long summer, from June to September, is hot, humid, and rainy. June is the wettest month, and it is not very sunny, then the situation improves a bit. Daytime temperatures are around 31/33 °C (88/91 °F). High humidity produces an uncomfortable feeling, but luckily, the breeze blows from the sea. Usually, sticky heat lingers even at night: lows rarely drop below 25 °C (77 °F), but they can also remain around 28/29 °C (82/84 °F). On sunny days, the temperature can reach 35 °C (95 °F). In July, there is often a pause, 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 become rare and generally not abundant, and the sun is more frequent than in spring. In the first part of October, the weather can still be hot and muggy, but then 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 24.5 °C (76 °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 Xiamen is not great all year round, and it's scarce from February to May, when the sky is often overcast. In July and August, the sun shines paradoxically 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 May to October, and it becomes pleasantly warm from June to September. In winter, the South China Sea at this latitude is quite cool, if not cold: it drops to 17 °C (63 °F) in January and February.

Typhoons

As mentioned earlier, Xiamen can be hit by typhoons, the 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 May 2006 with Typhoon Chanchu (or Caloy).

Best Time

It's not easy to find the best time to visit Xiamen. Winter can be a good period, but it is not so mild, in addition, the sky is often cloudy in the second part; moreover, it can be windy, and sometimes, though rarely, it can be a little cold. Spring is mild or pleasantly warm, but it's also cloudy and rainy, 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 a typhoon can still occur in October, 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 little cold. All in all, the best times are the month of April, and from mid-October to late November. Those who stand the heat can also choose the July-September period.

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.

Xiamen - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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In January, the coldest month of the year, the weather in Xiamen is usually mild. The average temperature is of 13.9 °C (57 °F), with a minimum of 10 °C (50 °F) and a maximum of 17.8 °C (64.1 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5 °C (41.5 °F). However, it dropped to 0.1 °C (32.2 °F) in January 2016.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25 °C (76.5 °F). However, it reached 28.4 °C (83.1 °F) in January 2008.
Precipitation amounts to 35 mm (1.4 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 40% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 17 °C (62.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In February, the weather in Xiamen is usually mild. The average temperature is of 14.3 °C (58 °F), with a minimum of 10.4 °C (50.6 °F) and a maximum of 18.2 °C (64.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6.5 °C (43.5 °F). However, it dropped to 3.9 °C (39 °F) in February 2018.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26.5 °C (79.5 °F). However, it reached 30 °C (86 °F) in February 2004.
Precipitation amounts to 85 mm (3.3 in), distributed over 12 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 27% 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 17 °C (62.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In March, the weather in Xiamen is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 16.4 °C (61 °F), with a minimum of 12.3 °C (54.1 °F) and a maximum of 20.4 °C (68.8 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 8 °C (46 °F). However, it dropped to 4 °C (39.2 °F) in March 2005.
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 31 °C (87.8 °F) in March 2000.
Precipitation amounts to 110 mm (4.3 in), distributed over 15 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 24% of the time.
The average humidity is 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18.5 °C (65.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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In April, the weather in Xiamen is usually warm. The average temperature is of 20.6 °C (69 °F), with a minimum of 16.4 °C (61.6 °F) and a maximum of 24.7 °C (76.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 11.5 °C (52.5 °F). However, it dropped to 6.4 °C (43.5 °F) in April 1996.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 32 °C (89 °F). However, it reached 34 °C (93.2 °F) in April 2001.
Precipitation amounts to 145 mm (5.7 in), distributed over 15 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 3.5 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 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21 °C (70 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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In May, the weather in Xiamen is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 24.2 °C (76 °F), with a minimum of 20.4 °C (68.8 °F) and a maximum of 28 °C (82.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 16 °C (60.5 °F). However, it dropped to 12 °C (53.6 °F) in May 2014.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33.5 °C (92.5 °F). However, it reached 37 °C (98.6 °F) in May 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 170 mm (6.7 in), distributed over 15 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 32% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24 °C (75 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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In June, the weather in Xiamen is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 27.4 °C (81 °F), with a minimum of 23.9 °C (75 °F) and a maximum of 30.8 °C (87.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 20.5 °C (69 °F). However, it dropped to 16.3 °C (61.3 °F) in June 2000.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 38 °C (100.4 °F) in June 2011.
Precipitation amounts to 200 mm (7.9 in), distributed over 15 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 35 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 81%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26.5 °C (79.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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In July, the warmest month of the year, the weather in Xiamen is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 29.3 °C (85 °F), with a minimum of 25.4 °C (77.7 °F) and a maximum of 33.2 °C (91.7 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 23 °C (73.5 °F). However, it dropped to 20.7 °C (69.3 °F) in July 1992.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 36.5 °C (98 °F). However, it reached 39.2 °C (102.6 °F) in July 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 130 mm (5.1 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 56% of the time.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 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 August, the weather in Xiamen is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 29.0 °C (84 °F), with a minimum of 25.1 °C (77.2 °F) and a maximum of 32.9 °C (91.2 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 23 °C (73 °F). However, it dropped to 21.5 °C (70.7 °F) in August 1998.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 36.5 °C (98 °F). However, it reached 39 °C (102.2 °F) in August 2005.
Precipitation amounts to 205 mm (8.1 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 53% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 28 °C (82.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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In September, the weather in Xiamen is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 27.6 °C (82 °F), with a minimum of 23.8 °C (74.8 °F) and a maximum of 31.5 °C (88.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 21 °C (69.5 °F). However, it dropped to 16.7 °C (62.1 °F) in September 1997.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 37 °C (98.6 °F) in September 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 150 mm (5.9 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 27.5 °C (81.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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In October, the weather in Xiamen is usually warm to hot. The average temperature is of 24.4 °C (76 °F), with a minimum of 20.5 °C (68.9 °F) and a maximum of 28.3 °C (83 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 17 °C (62 °F). However, it dropped to 12.2 °C (54 °F) in October 1992.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33 °C (91 °F). However, it reached 37 °C (98.6 °F) in October 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 45 mm (1.8 in), distributed over 3 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 52% of the time.
The average humidity is 65%.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25.5 °C (77.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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In November, the weather in Xiamen is usually warm. The average temperature is of 20.6 °C (69 °F), with a minimum of 16.6 °C (61.9 °F) and a maximum of 24.6 °C (76.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 11.5 °C (53 °F). However, it dropped to 7.1 °C (44.8 °F) in November 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29.5 °C (85 °F). However, it reached 32 °C (89.6 °F) in November 2005.
Precipitation amounts to 30 mm (1.2 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 50% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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In December, the weather in Xiamen is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 16.0 °C (61 °F), with a minimum of 12 °C (53.7 °F) and a maximum of 20 °C (68.1 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6.5 °C (43.5 °F). However, it dropped to 1.5 °C (34.7 °F) in December 1991.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26 °C (78.5 °F). However, it reached 30 °C (86 °F) in December 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 30 mm (1.2 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 35 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 68%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 19 °C (66.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.