February is slightly warmer than January. Average highs climb from 18°C in January to 20°C in February. Mornings are still cool at around 13°C (56°F), but afternoons feel pleasantly warm. February sees more rain than January, but it's still relatively dry, with only 5-6 rainy days.
Guangzhou transforms into a festival city in February. Streets fill with red lanterns. Flower markets bloom overnight. Lion dances echo through neighborhoods. It's loud - drums and firecrackers echo through the streets. And it's the kind of experience you'll be telling stories about for years.
Is February a Good Time to Visit?
Yes, February's temperatures are ideal for walking around outdoor markets and historical sites.
And it is a good chance to experience authentic Chinese culture. You'll witness traditions that have been celebrated for thousands of years - flower markets, lion dances, and temple fairs. It's a cultural immersion you can't get any other month.
Challenges to Consider:
- During the Spring Festival holiday (Feb 16 - 23, 2026), travel expenses and hotel prices typically rise by 30-50%. And most tour guides take time off to celebrate the New Year, making guide bookings extremely tight. It is recommended to book your Spring Festival trip 1-2 months in advance.
- There will be 3 to 5 days of "Spring Dampness" weather around late February. During this time, the air is very humid, and visibility is quite low, making it difficult to take very clear photos.
Will Restaurants and Attractions Be Closed?
Most restaurants and major attractions in Guangzhou remain open during the Spring Festival. While some small family-run eateries may close briefly for family reunions, plenty of dining options are available in malls, hotels, and chain restaurants.
Core tourist sites operate as usual, sometimes with slightly shorter hours on specific days. Planning ahead ensures a smooth visit.
What Are Some Special Experiences in Guangzhou in February
February's comfortable weather and Spring Festival celebrations create experiences you won't find any other time of year. The cool temperatures make outdoor markets enjoyable, and the festive energy brings the city to life.
Here are five activities that define February in Guangzhou:
1. Visit the Flower Markets (February 12-17, 2026)
Guangzhou Flower MarketThis is Guangzhou's most beloved New Year tradition. For five days before Chinese New Year, every district sets up massive flower markets. It's not just about buying flowers - it's a social event where locals come out to celebrate.
The markets open around 8:00 AM and run until 2:00 AM on New Year's Eve. Stalls sell lucky plants, decorations, snacks, and toys. Families stroll through, bargaining for kumquat trees and orchids. The atmosphere is festive and loud, with vendors calling out deals and music playing from every direction.
Liwan Flower Market is the most famous. It stretches along Liwan Road, and nearby Liwan Lake hosts Guangzhou's unique water-based flower market. Vendors sell flowers from boats, continuing a 100-year tradition. It's the only water flower market in China.
Best time to visit: Go on February 13-14 (before New Year's Eve) for a festive atmosphere without the absolute peak crowds. Avoid February 16 evening unless you enjoy being in a sea of people.
2. Watch Lion Dances and Street Celebrations
Spring Festival Lion DancesDuring Spring Festival, lion dances pop up in many places - shopping malls, temples, parks, even street corners.
Standing in a crowd watching a lion dance is an assault on the senses - in the best way. The drums pound so loud you feel them in your chest. The cymbals crash. The lion leaps and spins, its colorful body twisting impossibly. Kids scream with excitement. Adults cheer. It's chaotic, joyful, and utterly Chinese.
Pro tip: Performances usually happen between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM during the Spring Festival (Feb. 17-22, 2026). Arrive early for good viewing spots. The energy peaks around noon.
Where to watch:
- Baomo Garden (40 minutes’ drive from Canton Tower): Daily performances.
- Guangzhou Culture Park (30 minutes’ drive from Canton Tower): Lion dances, traditional opera, handicraft demonstrations.
- Lingnan Impression Park (30 minutes’ drive from Canton Tower): Organized lion dance parades with multiple teams.
3. Experience the Spring Festival Lantern Fair
the Spring Festival Lantern FairThe 2026 Guangzhou Spring Festival Lantern Fair runs from January 30 to March 8, but February is when it's at its most vibrant.
Walking into Yuexiu Park at night during the lantern fair feels like stepping into another world. Massive, illuminated dragons coil overhead. Glowing phoenixes spread their wings across entire pavilions. Families pose for photos, kids run between installations, and the air buzzes with excitement.
What to see:
- 100-meter light scroll: Depicts Guangzhou's 2,000-year history.
- XR dome theater: 4K projections tell Cantonese cultural stories.
- Water lanterns: Recreate ancient maritime trade scenes.
- 1,200+ performances: Traditional music, dance, and opera throughout the day.
Practical tips:
- Best time: Weekday evenings (February 10-14 or February 24-28) to avoid weekend crowds.
4. Savor Traditional Morning Tea (Yum Cha)
Cantonese dim sumGuangzhou is the birthplace of Cantonese dim sum, and there's no better way to start a cool February morning than with yum cha (饮茶) - literally "drinking tea," but really about gathering over baskets of steamed delicacies.
Picture this: settling into a bustling teahouse around 8 or 9 AM, servers pushing carts piled with bamboo steamers, the constant hum of Cantonese conversation. The clatter of teacups, steam rising from fresh har gow, and time slowing down as conversations stretch on.
Try the classic shrimp dumplings, pork siu mai, and BBQ pork buns. One cultural detail: tap the table twice with your fingers when someone pours you tea - the Cantonese way of saying thank you. I learned this special way in my last Yum Cha with my friends in Guangzhou.
Perhaps you're wondering how to find the most authentic local dim sum restaurants and delicacies? Book our Guangzhou customized food tour, and our local guides will help you discover the eateries most trusted by locals.
5. Explore Peach Blossom Valley at Baiyun Mountain
Peach Blossom in February As February brings the first whispers of spring to Guangzhou, Peach Blossom Valley (Taohuajian) in Baiyun Mountain begins to bloom with delicate pink and white peach flowers.
Walking along the streamside paths, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush hills and cascading blossoms - a serene “Lingnan-style peach blossom paradise.” Take the cable car up the mountain, then wander down to the valley, combining your visit with other scenic spots like Moxing Ridge and Mingchun Valley for a refreshing half-day hike in nature.
Suggested Route:
Enter from Baiyun Mountain South Gate → Take cable car to Summit Square → Walk to Peach Blossom Valley → Descend via Nengren Temple → Return.
Tip: Peach blossoms typically reach full bloom from mid to late February. The mountain area can be cool, so a light jacket is recommended. Read more about how to visit Baiyun Mountain.
What to Wear in Guangzhou in February
February weather is transitional - cool mornings, warm afternoons, and the possibility of sudden humidity late in the month.
Basic Outfit Daytime:
- Long-sleeve shirt or light sweater
- Jeans or long pants
- Light jacket (you'll take it on and off)
- Comfortable walking shoes (you'll be on your feet a lot)
Evening:
- Add a warmer layer
- Scarf (optional, but nice for cooler evenings)
Plan Your February Visit to Guangzhou with China Highlights
If you'd like help planning your Spring Festival trip - from booking hotels during the peak period to finding the best flower markets. We're here for that. We specialize in creating personalized itineraries that help you experience authentic Chinese culture while avoiding the biggest crowds.
Contact us to start planning your February adventure in Guangzhou.
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
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