Hainan weather is warm and tropical all year round. The island has a distinct dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. Thanks to its mild climate and diverse scenery, Hainan is a popular destination throughout the year.
However, with its pleasant temperatures, abundant sunshine, and little rainfall, the dry season is the best time to visit Hainan, especially for enjoying beaches, water activities, and outdoor attractions in Sanya.
This guide will introduce Hainan’s weather by month, the best travel seasons, and what to prepare for your trip.
- Average Yearly Temperature: 20℃(68℉) – 25℃(77℉)
- Hottest Time: June – August, with the average monthly temperature being 28℃(82℉)-33℃(91℉)
- Dry Season: November – next April
- Rainy Season: May – October
- Typhoon Season: July – October
Content Preview
- What is the Weather Like in Hainan?
- The Best Time to Visit Hainan: November to Next April
- Hainan Off Season: May to October
- Hainan Weather by City: Sanya VS Haikou
- Plan Your Hainan Tour with Us
What is the Weather Like in Hainan?
Located in southern China, Hainan has a tropical monsoon climate, featuring warm temperatures, which seldom makes people feel cold, high humidity at 75% – 85%, and abundant rainfall. Unlike most places in China, Hainan does not have four distinct seasons. Instead, the year can be generally divided into a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October.
Dry season
Hainan in dry season experiences abundant sunshine and little rainfall and an average temperature of 22℃(72℉). The cool weather makes it very suitable for outdoor activities.
Rainy season
In rainy season, Hainan climate features short thunderstorms in the afternoon, which usually passes quickly. This makes the humidity rise to 80% – 85%. With the daytime temperature usually ranging from 32℃(90℉) to 34℃(93℉), it feels very stuffy. In addition, typhoon occurs more frequently from July to October, which brings both the strong wind and heavy rain.
Hainan Weather by Month
Month |
Average Temperature |
Average Rainy Days |
Climate Features |
January |
16℃(61℉) – 20°C(68℉) |
less than 10 days |
Mild and comparatively dry |
February |
18°C(64℉) – 22°C(72℉) |
5 – 10 days |
Warm and comfortable |
March |
20°C(68℉) – 24°C(75℉) |
10 – 20 days |
Cozy, higher humidity |
April |
24°C(75℉) – 28°C(82℉) |
15 – 20 days |
A little hot, a higher humidity, and occasional showers |
May |
26°C(79℉) – 30°C(86℉) |
20 – 25 days |
Rainy season begins, hot and humid |
June |
28°C(82℉) – 32°C(90℉) |
20 – 25 days, |
Hot, humid, frequent showers or thunderstorms |
July |
28°C(82℉) – 33°C(91℉) |
20 – 25 days |
Very hot, humid, and rainy; typhoon season begins |
August |
28°C(82℉) – 34°C(93℉) |
Many rainy days |
the most rainfall throughout the year |
September |
26°C(79℉) – 30°C(86℉) |
20 – 25 days |
Much rain, humid;
typhoon is possible |
October |
24°C(75℉) – 28°C(82℉) |
10 – 15 days |
Rainfall would reduce and the weather becomes comfortable |
November |
22°C(72℉) – 26°C(79℉) |
5 – 10 days |
Warm, dry, comfortable; |
December |
18°C(64℉) – 22°C(72℉) |
5 – 10 days |
Mild and comparatively dry
|
A 6-day Hainan island tour from Haikou to Sanya featuring volcanic geoparks, betel palm valleys, rainforest trekking and pristine beaches.
The Best Time to Visit Hainan: November to Next April
What to Wear：During daytime, it is warm, so a shirt, shorts/lightweight trousers, and sneakers/ sandals are enough. However, it is a little cooler in the early morning and at night, so you need a hoodie or thin sweater.
Note that quick-drying clothing is preferred as your clothes would get wet on beaches.
Other Necessities：The UV index still remains high in Hainan, so sun protection is necessary. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof bag and a swimsuit.
Top Things to Do: The pleasant weather makes it very suitable for swimming and snorkelling at Yalong Bay, diving to view coral reefs at Wuzhizhou Island, surfing at Riyue Bay, having a boat trip, or cycling along the coastline while admiring the sunset.
Best Time for a Beach Walk: November to April, after 17:00 to escape high UV radiation
Best Time for Water Sports and Diving: November to May
Best Time for Experiencing Local Custom: November to April
Notes for Traveling to Hainan from November to April
- During the Spring Festival, more time is needed for taking taxi.
- For some hiking‑lovers, Hainan’s rainforests are less lush during the dry season, and mountain views are not as attractive as in the rainy season.
Take a classic private tour exploring Nanshan Temple, Sanya Romance Park, Yalong Bay Forest Park, and Binglanggu Minority Culture Park with excellent performances.
Hainan Off Season: May to October
From May to October, Hainan’s high temperature, frequent rainfall, high humidity, intense sunshine, strong UV radiation, and a higher risk of typhoons may influence your travel plan. In addition, flights, ferries, water activities, outdoor attractions and transport may occasionally be affected. As a result, this period is considered Hainan’s low season, although it can still be a good time for travelers seeking lower prices and fewer crowds.
Other Necessities: raincoat/umbrella/waterproof bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat; mosquito repellent products are also needed as there are mosquitoes along the coast and on mountains.
Can I Go to Hainan in Rainy Season?
Yes, you can. Although it rains more frequently during this period, the rain doesn’t last all day long. Instead, showers alternate with sunshine, and the sky often clears quickly after rain. This way, you can still visit many outdoor tourist attractions and try water sports. When it clears up, Yanoda Rainforest or Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park are both good places, the lush vegetation makes you feel like stepping into a primeval forest.
Tips for Travelling to Hainan in Rainy Season
- Check the weather forecast daily and keep your itinerary flexible. Prepare alternative travel plans when it rains or typhoon occurs, or change your touring order to avoid spending an entire day indoors at your hotel.
- Take the rain gear with you in case of sudden rain
- Travel in May or June if possible, as the risk of typhoons is lower in these two months.
- Do not swim in bad weather.
- Avoid the summer holiday (July and August) and National Holiday from October 1st to 7th for the large crowds in most attractions.
Hainan Weather by City: Sanya VS Haikou
From May to October, Sanya and Haikou share similar weather patterns. Both cities experience high temperatures, high humidity, strong UV radiation and frequent rainfall. However, compared with Sanya, Haikou has a higher chance of heavy rain in these months. If you don’t want your itinerary disrupted, traveling to Sanya is a better choice.
However, from November to April, Sanya and Haikou differ a lot in climate. During this period, Sanya is warm in general; for Haikou, sometimes, the cold air makes it a little cold, unsuitable for swimming and other water activities. For kids and elderly people, the warm Sanya is a better choice.
Already planning a trip to Sanya but not sure when is the best time to visit Sanya? Or, with so many beautiful beaches to choose from, you feel it difficult to decide which one suits you best. Feel free to read Sanya Travel Guide for more helpful travel advice.
Average Temperature & Average Rainy Days |
Sanya |
Haikou |
January |
23℃(73℉); 2 days |
18℃(64℉); 8 days |
February |
24℃(75℉); 2 days |
19℃(66℉); 11 days |
March |
26℃(79℉); 3 days |
22℃(72℉); 10 days |
April |
28℃(82℉); 5 days |
25℃(77℉); 12 days |
May |
29℃(84℉); 10 days |
27℃(81℉); 17 days |
June |
29℃(84℉); 11 days |
28℃(82℉); 16 days |
July |
29℃(84℉); 12 days |
28℃(82℉); 15 days |
August |
29℃(84℉); 14 days |
28℃(82℉); 15 days |
September |
28℃(82℉); 15 days |
27℃(81℉); 14 days |
October |
27℃(81℉); 12 days |
25℃(77℉); 13 days |
November |
25℃(77℉); 5 days |
22℃(72℉); 8 days |
December |
24℃(75℉); 2 days |
20℃(68℉); 7 days |
Plan Your Hainan Tour with Us
Whether you prefer the sunny and relatively dry weather from November to April, or wish to travel in the less-crowded rainy season, choosing the right travel time will make your Hainan trip enjoyable.
After reading the article, if you still feel confused about how to plan your Hainan tour, like when to come or what to do, or feel it troublesome to prepare two sets of alternative travel plans in rainy season, contact our travel consultants at China Xian Tour. We will arrange suitable travel plans according to your interests, budgets, and travel dates.
