Guangzhou Weather by Month: A Journey Through Climate Shifts

The oppressive heat of July was still lingering in my mind as I landed back in Guangzhou in the dead of winter. Despite the cool breeze brushing against my face, I knew this city’s weather was unpredictable. But just how much does it change month by month? That’s what I set out to explore, and as I sat by the Pearl River on a chilly December night, the question echoed louder.

December - February: The "Cold" Season

Winter in Guangzhou is a curious thing. Unlike the icy cold you might expect in Northern China, here it's more like a long autumn. December temperatures hover around 12°C to 20°C (53°F to 68°F), making it one of the more pleasant times to visit. You can walk around without breaking a sweat, which is a rarity in Guangzhou. Rainfall is minimal, with an average of just 30mm to 40mm in these months, but be prepared for dampness in the air—it’s not quite cold enough to feel crisp, yet not warm enough to shed layers entirely. It’s a constant balancing act between comfort and chill.

By February, things start warming up. Daytime highs rise to about 16°C to 21°C (60°F to 70°F). With low humidity and gentle winds, this is the perfect time to explore outdoor attractions like the Canton Tower or Shamian Island, where the old colonial architecture provides a striking contrast to the modern cityscape. This is the season when locals pull out their jackets, while visitors from colder climates may find it comfortably mild. Still, a few cold snaps can surprise you, bringing nighttime lows close to 10°C (50°F), which feels much colder due to the humidity.

March - May: A Season of Transitions

Spring is where Guangzhou’s weather starts to change its personality. March is a month of unpredictable shifts, where you can experience both chilly mornings and warm afternoons, sometimes in the same day. The temperature rises to 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F), and the humidity begins to creep up. The air feels heavier, the sky turns gray, and rain showers become more frequent, with rainfall increasing to around 80mm to 150mm. It’s still pleasant, but the city is on the edge of its most notorious weather: the rainy season.

April brings the full embrace of spring, with temperatures between 20°C and 27°C (68°F to 81°F). This is when the rains come in earnest, and by May, you’re in the middle of Guangzhou’s wet season. May sees up to 200mm of rainfall, and if you don’t like getting wet, this is a time to stay indoors or be prepared with a sturdy umbrella. The air is thick, the heat more oppressive, and yet the city buzzes with activity as people go about their daily lives.

June - September: The Monsoon Season

And then there’s summer. Ah, summer in Guangzhou. It’s not for the faint of heart. I still remember walking out of my apartment in June, only to feel like I’d stepped into a steam room. The humidity is relentless. June temperatures reach highs of 30°C to 34°C (86°F to 93°F), but it’s not the heat that gets to you—it’s the sheer weight of the air. Every step feels like an effort. You sweat constantly, and the air conditioning becomes a life-saving necessity.

July and August are the true beasts of summer, with temperatures peaking at 33°C to 36°C (91°F to 97°F). These are the hottest months, with humidity regularly pushing 90%. Rainstorms become more frequent in the afternoons, a quick relief from the heat but often followed by even more oppressive humidity. July alone can see over 230mm of rainfall, often in short, intense bursts.

By September, the weather begins to break. The rains lessen, and while temperatures remain high, hovering around 30°C (86°F), the intensity of summer begins to fade. It’s still humid, still warm, but the city starts to breathe again, preparing for the much more pleasant autumn months ahead.

October - November: The Golden Months

When October arrives, Guangzhou is at its best. Temperatures settle between 20°C and 28°C (68°F to 82°F), the rain tapers off, and the air feels cleaner, fresher. The heat of summer is finally gone, replaced by crisp mornings and warm, sunny afternoons. This is the perfect time for outdoor activities—whether it's hiking Baiyun Mountain or wandering through the street markets of Beijing Road. It’s also the driest season, with rainfall dropping to around 60mm to 80mm.

November is much the same—balmy, comfortable, and ideal for sightseeing. You’ll still get the occasional rain shower, but nothing like the torrential downpours of the summer months. By now, you can safely say that Guangzhou has entered its "golden season," where the weather is as close to perfect as it gets.

The Unique Impact of Typhoon Season

One crucial thing to understand about Guangzhou’s weather is the impact of the typhoon season, which typically runs from May to September. While Guangzhou itself isn’t often directly hit by typhoons, it’s close enough to the coast that storms can still bring heavy rains and winds, especially in late summer. These storms can be disruptive, with flight delays, power outages, and street flooding. On the bright side, they often bring cooler weather—albeit at a price.

In summary, Guangzhou’s weather is a study in contrasts, shifting from cool and mild winters to hot, humid, and rain-soaked summers. The best times to visit are October through December when the city is at its most comfortable. But no matter when you go, one thing is certain: you’ll never be bored by the weather.

Table: Guangzhou Monthly Climate Overview

Month	Average Temperature (°C)	Rainfall (mm)	Humidity (%)
January	12-20	30-40	70
February	16-21	40-50	75
March	18-24	80-100	78
April	20-27	100-150	80
May	23-30	150-200	85
June	26-34	180-220	90
July	30-36	230-250	92
August	30-36	220-240	91
September	28-33	150-180	88
October	20-28	60-80	75
November	18-25	50-70	70
December	12-20	30-40	68