Best Time to Visit Guangzhou: A Complete Month-by-Month Weather & Travel Guide

The weather in Guangzhou is generally warm with abundant rainfall. It does not usually experience four distinct seasons. Summers tend to be longer and winters shorter with gradual seasonal shifts in between.

Spring is mild but has frequent rain. Summer is hot and wet, and typhoons pass over the city from time to time. Autumn is relatively cool and pleasant. Winter is rather temperate with occasional drizzle.

For better weather conditions and travel experiences, the best time to visit Guangzhou is from late September to April. Thanks to the 240-hour visa-free policy, eligible international tourists can visit China for 10 days without a visa. If time permits, you can also extend your Guangzhou tour to other cities.

Before visiting Guangzhou, read on to learn more about detailed monthly weather, times to avoid, dressing guide, etc.

Content Preview

• Best Time to Visit
• Time to Avoid
• Guangzhou Climate & Weather
• Monthly Weather and Recommended Activities
• What to Wear
• Travel with China Xian Tour
• FAQs

Best Time to Visit Guangzhou

The best time to visit Guangzhou is late September to April. We’ll divide it into three periods to talk more about seasonal weathers and unique experiences.

September to November: Autumn Scenery

Autumn marks Guangzhou’s dry season, featuring declining temperatures, crisp air, warm sunshine, and lower humidity. With the most pleasant days of the year, autumn is the golden season perfect for exploring the city.

On the streets, the pink flowers on silk floss trees are in full bloom. The maple trees and cypresses in the parks are gradually turning crimson.

With the cool weather, you can stroll leisurely along Shamian Island or Pearl River waterfront and ascend the Canton Tower to have a bird’s-eye view of the city.

• Best Dates for Visit: Sep. 1 – Sep. 30, Oct. 7 – 15, Nov. 5 – Nov. 30

December to February: Spring Festival

Guangzhou stands out in the winter for its warm weather. At an average temperature between 10°C and 21°C (50°F and 70°F), it is a top destination for a winter retreat. However, it is still relatively cold in the morning, at night, and on overcast days.

In December, the commercial areas are all decorated with Christmas trees and lights. You can enjoy a joyous and lively atmosphere.

The highlight of this period is the Spring Festival (usually in January or February), offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Flower markets, light shows, fireworks, and temple fair parades are held across the city. It’s also a time for all kinds of traditional foods and seasonal delicacies.

The Flower Fair and Canton Temple Fair are the best events to experience the customs and culture of the Lingnan Region. Typically, the festivities last for about a week around Lunar New Year.

• Best Dates for Visit: Dec. 1 – Dec. 31, Jan. 4 – Feb. 28

March to April: Flower City

The warm and comfortable weather in spring transforms the whole city into a garden with all kinds of blossoms, such as common bombax, yellow jacarandas, and bauhinia flowers. They complement the city’s characteristic architecture beautifully. The air of Guangzhou becomes lively and romantic.

Enjoy a Pearl River night cruise to feel the gentle breeze and see the impressive skyline.

• Best Dates for Visit: Mar. 1 – Apr. 14

Best Time for Special Activities in Guangzhou

• Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Race: This flagship event typically takes place on the weekend around the Dragon Boat Festival(usually mid-to-late June). You can witness intense races between colorful dragon boats as well as cruising performances held on the Pearl River.
• Nightlife experience in Guangzhou: Mid-October to the first half of December is the most recommended time for going out at night, as the weather is pleasantly cool making it enjoyable even just for wandering around or sitting at a table chatting with friends. It’s the best season for night cruises to see the colorful lights come on along the banks. Night markets and food stalls also attract lots of travelers.

Times Not Recommended for Traveling to Guangzhou

Try to avoid visiting Guangzhou between May and August, particularly June and July. The temperature reaches over 35 ℃ during the summer months, and it tends to be very humid. You will likely be drenched in sweat very easily and even be prone to heatstroke.

It is also the typhoon season. Sudden downpours are common, and some storms may continue for several days. The traffic may be disrupted, and some scenic spots may be closed.

July and August is also the summer holiday for schools in China when many families go on vacations around the country, resulting in more crowds and higher travel cost.

Additionally, you should try to avoid public Chinese holidays like the Labor Day Holiday from May 1 to 5 and National Day Holiday from Oct 1 to 7. They mark the peak times of domestic travel with massive crowds and soaring prices for flights and hotels.

Is it Recommended to Visit Guangzhou During the Canton Fair?

For most travelers, it is not an ideal time. The Canton Fair consists of Spring Session (April 15 to May 5) and Autumn Session (October 15 to November 4). During these periods, larger crowds of business travelers and exhibitors flock into the city, resulting in higher hotel prices and more crowded attractions.

Besides, it’ll be more likely to encounter traffic jams. Your travel experience will be greatly affected.

But if you are visiting specifically for the Canton Fair or can only visit during this time. Here are some useful tips.

1. Book hotels two months in advance. The closer to the opening date, the more expensive and difficult it will be to book. It is wise to choose hotels along metro line 8like in Changgang or Kecun, rather than near Pazhou Metro Station. Being about 30 minutes away will give you lower prices. If you are not here for the Canton Fair, just avoid the area near Pazhou Exhibition Hall.
2. To avoid traffic jams, public transportation can be more reliable than taxis and ride-hailing services.
3. For tourists planning to explore scenic spots in the city, there will be fewer crowds during weekdays.

Guangzhou Climate & Weather – Warm and Humid

Guangzhou features a humid subtropical climate. With an average temperature between 21°C and 23°C (70°F and 73°F) and annual rainfall of 1,736 mm, it’s warm and humid all year long.

Guangzhou has long and hot summers from April to September. During this time, rainfall frequently occurs, making the whole city very wet. Affected by the monsoon, typhoons and heavy storms may take place in July and August. Y

ou may have heard of the expression “plum rain” season. It’s a typical period of high humidity that Guangzhou experiences sometime from late April to mid-June. The consistent rain together with a high temperature makes it feel muggy and damp. It is usually when plums are getting ripe, hence the name.

Winter in Guangzhou is much milder and drier with little rainfall. As the temperature keeps above freezing, seldom does it snow. The transitional spring and autumn are short with the most comfortable temperatures in a year.

Month-by-Month Guide to Guangzhou Weather & Travel

Average Monthly Temperature in Guangzhou

Month	Average Temperature (°C / °F)	Rainfall	Rainy Days
January	10°C – 18°C (50°F – 64°F)	41 mm	8 days
February	12°C – 19°C (54°F – 66°F)	70 mm	11 days
March	15°C – 21°C (59°F – 70°F)	85 mm	15 days
April	19°C – 26°C (66°F – 79°F)	201 mm	16 days
May	23°C – 29°C (73°F – 84°F)	333 mm	18 days
June	25°C – 32°C (77°F – 90°F)	386 mm	18 days
July	26°C – 33°C (79°F – 91°F)	233 mm	16 days
August	25°C – 33°C (77°F – 91°F)	227 mm	17 days
September	24°C – 31°C (75°F – 88°F)	166 mm	13 days
October	21°C – 29°C (70°F – 84°F)	87 mm	7 days
November	16°C – 25°C (61°F – 77°F)	35 mm	6 days
December	11°C – 21°C (52°F – 70°F)	32 mm	5 days

January in Guangzhou: Cool and Overcast

• Temp: 14°C / 57°F
• Weather: Moderate, little rainfall, sometimes overcast.
• Key Events: New Year, Chinese New Year/Spring Festival (date varies).
• Major pros for visiting: An escape from the cold winter in other cities; taste the most authentic New Year’s Eve dinner; have fun at the Spring Festival flower fair; watch the New Year firework show.
• Cons: The Spring Festival travel rush begins from this month, leading to traffic jam and massive crowds.

February in Guangzhou: Lingering Winter Chill

• Temp: 15°C / 59°F
• Weather: Rising temperature, still cool and dry.
• Key Event: Lantern Festival.
• Major pros: Experiencetraditional folk customs of Guangzhou during the Spring Festival; visit temple fairs; watch dragon and lion dances; savor sweet dumplings.
• Cons: Massive crowds,rocketing prices for hotels.

March in Guangzhou: Spring Blooms and Rain

• Temp: 18°C / 64°F
• Weather: The start of rainy season, humid, slowly getting warmer.
• Major pros: A colorful world of spring blossoms,less crowds.
• Cons: Very humid,changeable weather with unexpected rain.

April in Guangzhou: Frequent Rain

• Temp: 22°C / 72°F
• Weather: The best temperature in the year,a lot of rain.
• Key Events: Spring Canton Fair (Apr. 15 to May 5), Qingming Festival.
• Major pros: Suitable for outdoor activities like walkingand seeing the flowers; observe how locals pay respects to their ancestors during the Qingming Festival.
• Cons: Frequent rain may disturb your itinerary; hotels may be hard to book withswarming businessmen attending the Canton Fair.

May in Guangzhou: Sweltering With Storms

• Temp: 26°C / 79°F
• Weather: Muggy, frequent thunderstorms and rainstorms.
• Key Event: Spring Canton Fair (Apr. 15 to May 5)
• Major pros: fewer crowds and lower costs.
• Cons: High temperature and humiditycan make you feel sticky; storms may disrupt your outdoor plans.

June in Guangzhou: The Most Rainfall

• Temp: 28°C / 82°F
• Weather: Hot and wet, frequent rain and storms.
• Key Event: Dragon Boat Festival (date varies)
• Major pros: Watchdragon boat racing; enjoy Cantonese Zongzi.
• Cons: It rains almost every day; intense heat and humidity.

July in Guangzhou: The Hottest Month

• Temp: 29°C / 84°F
• Weather: The start of typhoon season, thunderstorms oftenoccur in the afternoon.
• Things to Do: Get a break fromthe summer heat at Chimelong Water Park; feel the hustle and bustle of the night markets; take a night cruise on the Pearl River.
• Cons: Extreme,high temperature, intense sunlight, potential typhoons.

August in Guangzhou: Consistent Heat & Active Typhoon

• Temp: 28°C / 82°F
• Weather: continuing heat; typhoonslikely to occur.
• Key Event: Qixi Festival (Double Seventh Festival).
• Major pros: Less crowds, low prices for accommodation.
• Cons: May be affected by typhoons;scenic areas may be closed, and public transport may be disrupted.

September in Guangzhou: Gets Cool Gradually

• Temp: 27°C / 81°F
• Weather: End of Typhoon season,gradually cools down.
• Key Event: Mid-Autumn Festival.
• Things to Do: Taste mooncakes; feel the cheerful atmosphere during the Mid-Autumn Festival; go to the lantern fair and guess the riddles.
• Cons: It may still be hot in early September.

October in Guangzhou: The Start of Prime Travel Season

• Temp: 24°C / 75°F
• Weather: Clear skies, low humidity,ideal for travel.
• Key Events: Autumn Canton Fair (Oct. 15 to Nov. 4), National Day Holiday (Oct. 1 to Oct. 7, this period sees more tourists, thus not recommended).
• Major pros: Excellent weather; climb the White Cloud Mountain; take a leisurely city walk.
• Cons: A mass of crowds,soaring prices of hotels and flights.

November in Guangzhou: Perfect Weather

• Temp: 20°C / 68°F
• Weather: Golden autumn, consistent sunny days, cool and dry.
• Key Events: Autumn Canton Fair (Oct. 15 to Nov. 4), Guangzhou International Light Festival (A major,unique attraction of the city).
• Major pros: Decrease in the number of tourists,pleasant weather suitable for slow-paced travel.
• Cons: Be prepared for abig difference between the day and night.

December in Guangzhou: Mild and Pleasant

• Temp: 15°C / 59°F
• Weather: mildand pleasant with little rain.
• Key Events: Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrationsin places like Tianhe.
• Major pros: Abundant sunshine and comfortable temperature.
• Cons: Occasional cold snaps which can be wet and chilly.

What to Wear in Guangzhou in Four Seasons

• Spring (February – March): Breathable and quick-drying T-shirts, waterproof lightwindbreaker or down jacket, casual pants, mesh sports shoes, quick-drying socks
• Summer (April – September): quick-drying short-sleeved shirts, thin sun-protective jacket, shorts, non-slip shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, rain gear
• Autumn (October – November): long-sleeved shirts, thin sweater, jean jacket, casual pants, trench coat
• Winter (December – January): thermal underwear, sweater, light down jacket, thick long trousers

Plan Your Guangzhou Tour with China Xian Tour

If you’re planning a Guangzhou tour right now, don’t hesitate to contact China Xian Tour with questions. We are a professional travel agency offering 24/7 online service and customized itinerary plans from local experts. Our experienced tour guides can tailor the trip to your needs, help you avoid long queues and other concerns.

FAQs About Guangzhou Weather and Climate

When is the rainy season in Guangzhou?

The rainy season in Guangzhou usually starts from April and ends in September. During this time, Guangzhou receives over 80% of the city’s whole precipitation for the year. Heavy rainstorms are common from April to mid-June, while typhoons mostly occur from July to September. Although they may exert more impact, typhoons usually only affect the city for a short time.

How does Guangzhou’s climate compare to other cities in South China?

Compared with other popular travel destinations in southern China, including Shenzhen, Shanghai, Sanya, and Xiamen, Guangzhou is characterized by a longer, hotter, and wetter summer. It is also warmer than other cities in the winter except Sanya.

Is Guangzhou suitable for visit during Chinese New Year?

If you enjoy the lively atmosphere and authentic cultural traditions, Chinese New Year is an excellent time to visit Guangzhou even though it may be a more expensive season. But if you prefer a quieter holiday, it is not so recommended.