Many travelers planning a trip to China quickly realize that weather can make or break an experience, and Guangzhou’s subtropical climate offers distinct seasons, from muggy summers to pleasantly mild winters. Based on historical climate data, October and November emerge as the sweet spot — comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer crowds make them ideal for exploring the city.

4 related posts

Hottest month average high: 91°F (33°C) in July · Coldest month average low: 51°F (10°C) in January · Rainiest month: June with 300 mm (11.8 in) · Month with clearest skies: December

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • July is the hottest month, with average highs of 33°C (91°F) (The Weather Guide)
  • June is the wettest month, averaging 289 mm (11.4 in) of rain (The Weather Guide)
  • November is one of the best months for travel, with highs of 25°C (77°F) and low rainfall (The Weather Guide)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact dates of typhoon landfall in any given year (Nomad Season)
  • How future weather patterns may shift due to climate change (Nomad Season)
  • Some sources report slightly different rainfall totals for June (289 mm vs 300 mm) (Nomad Season)
3Timeline signal
  • Rainfall peaks from May to June, then tapers through autumn (The Weather Guide)
  • Winter (Dec–Feb) sees the driest and coolest conditions (The Weather Guide)
  • Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable travel windows (The Weather Guide)
4What’s next
  • Plan autumn trips (Oct–Nov) for optimal weather (The Weather Guide)
  • Check typhoon forecasts if visiting in July–September (Climates to Travel)
  • Book early for Canton Fair periods (China Highlights)

Guangzhou’s climate breaks down into a few clear numbers. Here’s a snapshot of the annual averages:

Category Value
Annual average temperature 22°C (72°F)
Hottest month average high 33°C (91°F) in July
Coldest month average low 10°C (51°F) in January
Wettest month June with 300 mm (11.8 in)
Driest month December with 40 mm (1.6 in)
Number of rainy days per year Approximately 150

Which month is best to visit Guangzhou?

What is the weather like in each month?

Understanding what each month brings helps narrow down the perfect travel window. The following figures come from The Weather Guide, a climate aggregator.

Month Avg High Avg Low Rainfall (mm)
January 18°C (65°F) 10°C (50°F) 69
April 26°C (79°F) 18°C (64°F) 191
July 33°C (91°F) 26°C (79°F) 200
October 29°C (84°F) 21°C (70°F) 73
November 25°C (77°F) 16°C (61°F) 40
December 20°C (68°F) 11°C (52°F) 29
The upshot

October and November offer the best combination of mild temperatures and low rainfall, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.

The pattern is clear: late autumn months—October and November—offer the best trade-off between warmth, low rainfall, and comfortable humidity. Real China Guide (travel planning site) also recommends October through December as the prime window.

“November is one of the best months for travel, with highs of 25°C (77°F) and low rainfall.” — The Weather Guide

Bottom line: For most travelers, October and November deliver the best weather for exploring Guangzhou.

When to avoid travelling to Guangzhou?

What are the worst months for weather?

While every season has its merits, summer can test even the most heat-tolerant traveler. According to Climates to Travel (climate data resource), June through August bring extreme heat and the highest rainfall, with typhoon risk peaking between July and September.

  • Summer (June–August): average highs above 33°C (91°F) and humidity above 80% make sightseeing uncomfortable.
  • Typhoon season: July–September carries the highest risk of storms and flight disruptions.
  • Spring (March–May): frequent rain showers, especially in April (191 mm).

What this means: travelers who prefer comfort over cost should skip June through August and aim for October or November instead.

Is it cold in Guangzhou in November?

What is the temperature range in November?

November’s average high of 75°F (24°C) and low of 58°F (14°C) mean it is not cold, but evenings can be cool. The Weather Guide notes that November sees only about 40 mm of rain, making it one of the driest and most pleasant months. A light jacket or sweater is sufficient for after dark.

What should I wear in Guangzhou now?

What to wear in different seasons?

Packing right depends entirely on the season you choose. China Highlights (travel specialist) advises:

  • Summer (June–August): lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen), sun hat, and an umbrella for sudden downpours.
  • Winter (December–February): a light jacket or sweater for mild 10–20°C (50–68°F) days; no heavy coat needed.
  • Spring and autumn: layers – a t-shirt with a thin jacket works well for variable conditions.
The catch

Visitors who come in summer expecting comfortable walking tours will likely end up ducking into air-conditioned shops every half hour.

What this means: pack strategically based on your travel dates.

“Winter (December–February): a light jacket or sweater for mild 10–20°C days; no heavy coat needed.” — China Highlights

How many days in Guangzhou is enough?

What is a typical itinerary length?

Trip.com Singapore (travel booking platform) suggests 3–4 days are sufficient for the main attractions – Canton Tower, Shamian Island, and Chen Clan Academy. A week allows for day trips to nearby Foshan or Shenzhen, while two weeks is overkill unless you are exploring the broader Pearl River Delta.

The implication: for a focused city visit, plan 4 days; for region exploration, extend to 7 days.

Pros and cons of visiting Guangzhou by season

Upsides

  • October and November offer perfect sightseeing weather – warm, sunny, low humidity.
  • Winter is mild and dry, making December a great low-season alternative.
  • Canton Fair in spring and autumn brings business travelers together during pleasant weather.

Downsides

  • Summer heat and humidity can be oppressive, with feels-like temperatures above 40°C (104°F).
  • Typhoon risk from July to September may disrupt travel plans.
  • Spring rain can make outdoor activities less enjoyable, especially in April and May.
The trade-off

While summer flights and hotels are cheapest, the oppressive humidity can make long days outdoors uncomfortable. The autumn premium often pays for itself in comfort.

For travelers weighing when to visit, the choice is clear: aim for October or November to enjoy Guangzhou at its most comfortable, or accept the heat of summer if budget is the priority.

Additional sources

travelchinaguide.com, monthlyclimate.com, weatherjourney.com, tour-guide.com, thingstodoguangzhou.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Guangzhou for good weather?

October and November are widely considered the best months, with average highs of 24–29°C (75–84°F), low rainfall, and comfortable humidity.

Does it snow in Guangzhou?

No, snow is extremely rare. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 5°C (41°F).

What is the rainy season in Guangzhou?

The rainy season runs from April to June, with May and June typically receiving the most precipitation – around 283–300 mm per month.

How hot does Guangzhou get in summer?

Summer highs average 33°C (91°F), but humidity often makes it feel like 40°C (104°F) or more.

What is the average temperature in Guangzhou in December?

December averages a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F), with very little rain (about 29 mm).

Is Guangzhou humid in spring?

Yes, spring (March–May) is humid, with increasing rainfall and humidity levels often above 75%.

What is the typhoon season in Guangzhou?

The typhoon season peaks from July to September, though storms can occur as early as May and as late as October.

These answers cover the most common questions travelers have about Guangzhou’s weather.