Best Time to Visit Guangzhou: Monthly Weather & Travel Tips

Guangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with four seasons, but they're not evenly distributed. Summer is long (May to September), while spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November) are brief. Winter (December to February) is mild - nothing like the freezing temperatures you'd find in most parts of China.

Temperature-wise, the best time is from October to April (daytime 21-30°C / 70-86°F). However, these months also include factors that might affect your experience, such as overcrowding during public holidays, price hikes during the Canton Fair and difficulty booking guides.

Based on our multiple visits to Guangzhou, I personally believe the following times are the best to visit in 2026. These periods combine comfortable temperatures, moderate prices, and manageable tourist crowds:

• January 4 to February 10 (before the Spring Festival rush)
• February 25 to April 15 (before the Canton Fair spring session)
• October 9 to 15 (before the Canton Fair autumn session)
• November 6 to December 31

This guide will walk you through what to expect in each month, with practical tips to help you plan with confidence.

Best Time for Unique Experiences in Guangzhou

Different experiences peak at different times. Here's when to visit based on what you want to do:

• Spring Festival Celebrations (Feb 16 - 23, 2026): The Chinese Spring Festival usually falls in late January or early February. However, there are exceptional years. For example, in 2026, the Spring Festival will be on February 17. The most festive periods are the three days before and the four days after the Spring Festival.
• Lantern Fair (Jan 30 - March 8, 2026): The most iconic place to experience the Guangzhou Lantern Festival is at Yuexiu Park and the Cultural Park. During the Fair Period, these parks are transformed into a dazzling sea of light, with countless intricate lanterns shaped like mythical creatures, flowers, and the annual zodiac animal.
• Spring Flower Viewing (Late Feb - Apr 15): Guangzhou earns its "Flower City" nickname when kapok (flame-red), bauhinia (pink-purple), and cherry blossoms bloom simultaneously.

Spring Flower Blooming Schedule

• Autumn Foliage Viewing (November - December): The autumn foliage typically begins to change color from November, with leaves gradually turning from green to warm yellow and orange. By late December, the colors reach their peak, showcasing vibrant hues of golden yellow, fiery red, and deep russet against the lingering greenery of the south. The best spots are including Haizhu Wetland Park, Baiyun Mountain and South China Botanical Garden.
• Dragon Boat Festival Celebration (Usually in early June): Dragon boat practice sessions begin 1-2 weeks before the Dragon Boat Festival, with the most exciting races taking place on the festival day itself (June 19, 2026). The main viewing locations are Liwan Lake, Haizhu Wetland Park, and Liede Creek.

If you are interested in specific seasonal activities or experiences, feel free to contact us. Our Guangzhou experts will create a personalized itinerary for you.

Is It Good to Visit Guangzhou during the Canton Fair?

Visiting Guangzhou during the Canton Fair is not considered the ideal time for travel, but it is not necessarily a bad time either.

The Canton Fair, held in two sessions each year, the Spring Session (typically from April 15 to May 5) and the Autumn Session (October 15 to November 5). It significantly increases the city's activity level. While the city buzzes with international business energy, the experience for a leisure traveler comes with notable trade-offs.

If you choose to visit during this period, you should be prepared for the following realities:

• Accommodation prices surge by 50-100%, especially for hotels near the exhibition complex (in Haizhu, Liwan, and Yuexiu districts), and bookings become very difficult. A practical alternative is to stay in districts like Tianhe, which are about a half-hour drive from the city's core attractions.
• Major tourist attractions will be more crowded, likely leading to longer wait times. Consider visiting major attractions on weekdays or during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
• You may encounter heavier road traffic and more congested public transportation, particularly on subway lines connecting to the exhibition area.

The Worst Time to Visit Guangzhou

While Guangzhou is generally pleasant to visit in most time, there are a few periods when crowds surge, prices jump, and the overall experience suffers. Here's when to be cautious:

• National Day Golden Week (October 1-7): China's biggest domestic travel period. Attractions are packed, hotels fill up months in advance, and prices increase 50-100%. Transportation gets chaotic. Book hotels and tickets 2-3 months in advance.
• May Day Holiday (May 1-5): Similar crowd and price issues as National Day, but shorter. Weather is already getting hot and humid (30°C/86°F).
• Summer Vacation (July-August): Theme parks like Chimelong get extremely crowded with families. Expect long wait times under hot sunshine. To avoid the midday heat, it's recommended to stay at the Chimelong Hotel located inside the resort. Purchasing the hotel's package ticket allows unlimited park entry for two consecutive days starting from your check-in date. You can return to the hotel to rest during the midday period.

Month-by-Month Weather Guide

Here's what to expect in each month, with temperature data and rainfall to help you decide when to visit.

January - Cool and Dry

January is one of the coldest months in Guangzhou. Here is what you need to know:

• Temperature: 11-19°C (52-66°F)
• Rainfall: 40-50mm, about 2-3 rainy days
• Humidity: 40-55% (the driest month)
• Sunshine: 5-8 hours per day
• Clear days: About 75% of the time

January is low season, which means better deals and fewer crowds. The city is quiet after New Year's Day, making it perfect for exploring without the tourist rush. You'll find hotel prices 20-40% cheaper than peak season, and popular attractions are pleasantly uncrowded.

From December 28 through January 3, Canton Tower and the city's skyline light up with a massive light show. For the best experience, head to the Haixinsha Park or the Pearl River night cruise after dusk. These spots provide the perfect open views of the Canton Tower as it lights up the night sky with special festive displays. It’s a vibrant and photogenic way to join the city’s festive start to the year.

February - Spring Festival Month

February is slightly warmer than January. Here is a brief guide:

• Temperature: 14-21°C (57-70°F)
• Rainfall: 50-70mm, about 12 rainy days
• Humidity: 70-75%
• Sunshine: 4-5 hours per day
• Clear days: About 65% of the time

February is all about Chinese New Year - the biggest celebration of the year. From February 12-17 (2026), flower markets at Liwan Road take over entire streets. You could see families bargaining for lucky kumquat trees. On New Year's Eve, the markets stay open until 2 AM, packed with people buying last-minute decorations.

Guangzhou flower markets

In Guangzhou Baomo Garden, there are daily performances during the 2026 Spring Festival (Feb. 17-22, usually happen between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM). The 2026 Guangzhou Spring Festival Lantern Fair runs from January 30 to March 8 at Yuexiu Park. It features massive light installations and numerous performances.

March - Spring Flowers Bloom

Tram near Canton Tower

March marks the real start of spring. Here is what you can expect:

• Temperature: 20°C to 24°C (68-75°F)
• Rainfall: 80-100mm, about 3-4 rainy days
• Humidity: 76-82%
• Sunshine: 4-8 hours per day
• Clear days: About 40% of the time

March is when winter finally lets go and spring takes over. The city bursts into bloom with three major flowers appearing simultaneously - flame-red kapok, pink-purple bauhinia, and delicate cherry blossoms. Walking through the city feels like moving through a living painting. Plan to enjoy Spring blossoms in Guangzhou? Read more at our 4-day Guangzhou Spring Tour.

The Lantern Festival (March 3, 2026) marks the official end of New Year celebrations, with families gathering to eat sweet rice balls and solve lantern riddles. The Spring Festival Lantern Fair continues through March 8 (2026), offering festive atmosphere without the massive Spring Festival crowds. Popular spots to attend the lantern fairs are including Yuexiu Park, Beijing Road and the Culture Park.

April - Warm Spring

April marks the transition into warmer weather and the start of rainy season.

• Temperature: 19-27°C (66-80°F)
• Rainfall: 150-200mm, about 13 rainy days
• Humidity: 77-80%
• Sunshine: 4-6 hours per day
• Clear days: About 30% of the time

I visited Guangzhou one April, and what surprised me was how the rain didn't really disrupt the day. It would pour for 30 minutes, then clear up. I learned to carry an umbrella and plan indoor activities for early afternoon when rain is most likely happening.

The Canton Fair Spring Session (April 15th to May 5th) brings international energy to the city. Even if you're not here for business, the cosmopolitan atmosphere is interesting - restaurants cater to international tastes, and you'll find many shopping malls offering great discounts.

Pazhou Exhibition Center

Remember that hotel prices rise 50-100% during Canton Fair. And main hotels around Pazhou Exhibition Center sold out quickly. It is recommended to book 2-3 months in advance.

May - Getting Hot and Wet

May is when summer really begins.

• Temperature: 23-30°C (55-86°F)
• Rainfall: 300-400mm, about 19 rainy days
• Humidity: 78-83%
• Sunshine: 5-7 hours per day
• Clear days: About 30% of the time

The May Day Golden Week (May 1-5) brings the crowd and price challenges as domestic tourists flood the city. Popular attractions become uncomfortably packed.

If you plan to visit Guangzhou during the May Day holiday, I strongly recommend staying near the core scenic area. For example, at Chimelong, staying at a resort hotel can help you avoid traffic congestion and also allow you to enter the park earlier.

June - Hot, Humid, and Rainy

June is one of the hottest and wettest months of the year.

• Temperature: 25-32°C (70-90°F)
• Rainfall: 300-400mm, about 20 rainy days
• Humidity: 80-84%
• Sunshine: 5-6 hours per day
• Clear days: About 30% of the time

But June has one major draw - the Dragon Boat Festival. Guangzhou comes alive with colorful dragon boats racing through channels like Liwan Lake and Che Bei Street. The main events typically take place on the morning of the festival day (June 19, 2026), with races often starting as early as 8:30 or 9:00 AM and continuing through the late morning. Arrive early to secure a good spot along the bank.

Dragon Boat Races

Fresh lychees also hit their peak in late June. Markets overflow with sweet, juicy varieties from Zengcheng and Conghua.

July and August - Peak Summer Heat

The weather in July and August is similar. These two months are the hottest months of the year.

• Temperature: 26-34°C (79-93°F)
• Rainfall: 200-300mm, about 18 rainy days
• Humidity: 82-83%
• Sunshine: 5-8 hours per day
• Clear days: About 30% of the time

It's worth noting that July and August coincide with China's summer vacation. During this time, popular amusement parks in Guangzhou, such as Chimelong, can become very crowded, with wait times potentially reaching 1-2 hours. Try to stay at the Chimelong Hotel located inside the resort. Consider purchasing the package ticket allows unlimited park entry when you can have a rest during the mid-day heat.

Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park

I visited Chimelong Safari Park with my kids last August. Within 30 minutes, I was drenched in sweat and looking for any shade I could find. I learned quickly - if you must visit in July or August, go when the park opens at 9:00 AM, see as much as you can before noon, then retreat to air-conditioned spaces or water park for the afternoon.

September – Still Hot, Less Rain

September remains hot like summer.

• Temperature: 25-33°C (77-92°F)
• Rainfall: 190-280mm, about 13 rainy days
• Humidity: 72-78%
• Sunshine: 7-8 hours per day
• Clear days: About 50% of the time

Mid-Autumn Festival lantern displays

A highlight in September is the Mid-Autumn Festival (September 25, 2026). The festival brings families together for moon viewing and mooncake sharing. It's a quieter, more intimate celebration compared to Spring Festival, but still culturally rich. You could enjoy some lantern displays at Culture Park, Yuexiu Park, and fire dragon dances in Baiyun District villages.

October - Autumn Arrives

October is when Guangzhou's weather becomes truly pleasant.

• Temperature: 22-30°C (72-86°F)
• Rainfall: 70-90mm, about 8 rainy days
• Humidity: 70-71%
• Sunshine: 8-10 hours per day
• Clear days: About 75% of the time

However, October comes with a major caveat - National Day Golden Week (October 1-7). The entire country travels during this period, and Guangzhou gets overwhelmed with domestic tourists. If you can avoid this week, October is fantastic. Late October (after October 15) offers perfect weather without the chaos.

The Canton Fair Autumn Session (October 15th to November 4th) brings international business travelers and a cosmopolitan buzz to the city.

November - Peak Comfort

November offers some of the best weather conditions of the year.

• Temperature: 15-24°C (59-75°F)
• Rainfall: 35-42mm, about 3 rainy days
• Humidity: 65-70%
• Sunshine: 8-9 hours per day
• Clear days: About 80% of the time

Views from Baiyun Mountain

The Canton Fair may continue into early November, but outside those dates, the city is pleasantly quiet. I've spent some November days hiking Baiyun Mountain and cycling along the Pearl River, and the weather never disappointed. You can be outside all day without overheating or needing constant water breaks.

December - Cool and Clear

December brings cool, crisp weather, good for outdoor exploration.

• Temperature: 14-24°C (57-75°F)
• Rainfall: 20-40mm, about 3 rainy days
• Humidity: 60-70%
• Sunshine: 7-8 hours per day
• Clear days: About 75% of the time

I particularly love December mornings in Guangzhou. The air is cool and fresh, the city feels calm before the holiday rush begins, and the low humidity means you can walk for hours without feeling sticky.

I've explored historic neighborhoods like Yongqing Fang and Shamian Island during December visits, and the comfortable weather made every moment enjoyable.

From mid-December onward, autumn foliage in many of Guangzhou's parks enters its prime viewing season. You can visit places with lush vegetation, such as the South China Botanical Garden, Haizhu Wetland Park, and Baiyun Mountain, to enjoy the autumn leaf scenery.

Plan Your Guangzhou Visit with China Highlights

No matter which month you choose, China Highlights could help you tailoring your trip - from avoiding the crowds to finding the best dim sum spots. Contact us to start planning your Guangzhou trip. All our Guangzhou tours are customizable to fit your schedule and preferences.

Guangzhou Climate Information by Month

• Guangzhou Weather in January
• Guangzhou Weather in February
• Guangzhou Weather in March
• Guangzhou Weather in April
• Guangzhou Weather in May
• Guangzhou Weather in June
• Guangzhou Weather in July
• Guangzhou Weather in August
• Guangzhou Weather in September
• Guangzhou Weather in October
• Guangzhou Weather in November
• Guangzhou Weather in December