Weather in Quanzhou

Planning a trip or just interested in the weather in Quanzhou? Below is up-to-date information, forecasts, and useful meteorological data to help you stay informed about all changes.

The climate in Quanzhou can be characterised as subtropical monsoon, with warm and humid weather throughout most of the year. The seasons are clearly defined here, offering diverse weather conditions for travellers.

Winters in Quanzhou (from December to February) are relatively mild and dry, with an average temperature of around 14-15°C. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming and an increase in rainfall, especially in May. Summer (from June to September) is hot and humid, with average temperatures reaching 27-29.5°C. June and August stand out as the months with the highest number of rainy days, indicating the peak of the wet season. Autumn (October-November) brings back more comfortable, dry, and warm weather, ideal for walks and exploring the city.

Overall, Quanzhou offers pleasant weather conditions for visiting year-round, though one should consider the high humidity and rainfall during the summer months. The driest periods occur in late autumn and winter.

The temperature regime in Quanzhou demonstrates distinct seasonality, characteristic of a subtropical climate. The annual range of average temperatures fluctuates from approximately 14.1°C in January to 29.5°C in July. The hottest month is typically July, when the average maximum temperature reaches 32.7°C, and the average minimum does not drop below 26.4°C. The coolest month is considered to be January, with an average temperature of 14.1°C, while nighttime lows can drop to 10.4°C, and daytime highs rise to 17.8°C.

The summer months in Quanzhou, from June to August, are characterised by hot weather. Average daytime temperatures during this period confidently stay above 27°C, and in July and August, they often exceed 30-32°C. Nights also remain very warm, with minimum temperatures rarely falling below 24-26°C. Combined with high humidity, as evidenced by the large number of rainy days, the summer weather can feel quite sultry and stuffy.

Winter in Quanzhou, covering the period from December to February, is distinguished by mildness and coolness, but without severe frosts. Average temperatures during these months fluctuate in the range of 14-15°C. During the day, the air can warm up to 17-19°C, while at night, the temperature usually drops to 10-12°C. Temperature fluctuations between day and night are present year-round but are not extreme, averaging 6-8°C. This ensures relatively comfortable conditions even during transitional seasons.

Quanzhou observes marked seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. A distinct wet season can be identified, which falls on the summer months, and a drier period covering autumn and winter. Snow, considering the average monthly temperatures, is not a characteristic phenomenon for this region; precipitation predominantly falls as rain.

The highest amount of precipitation falls from May to August. June is the wettest month both in terms of total rainfall volume (8 mm) and the number of rainy days (an average of 21 days). It is followed by August with 7 mm of precipitation and 19 rainy days. Significant rainfall is also noted in May (6 mm) with 16 rainy days. July, despite slightly less precipitation (5 mm), still remains rainy with 14 days of precipitation. During these months, rains can be quite frequent, which is typical for the summer monsoon period.

The dry season in Quanzhou is most pronounced from October to December, as well as in January. January, October, and December are the driest months, with minimal precipitation of just 1 mm. December also stands out with the lowest number of rainy days — only 3. In October and January, the number of days with precipitation is 5 and 6 respectively. February and November are transitional, with a slight increase in precipitation (2 mm) and the number of rainy days (7 days in each).

The spring months, March and April, show a gradual increase in both the amount of precipitation (3 mm in each) and the frequency of rains (11 days in each), heralding the arrival of the main wet season. September, following the peak of summer rains, also has 3 mm of precipitation and 12 rainy days, indicating a gradual transition to drier autumn weather.

When planning a trip to Quanzhou, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly to feel comfortable in any weather. Given the subtropical monsoon climate, clothing should be ready for both warmth and potential rainfall. Regardless of the season, comfortable shoes for long walks around the city and its attractions will be your best companion. Also, do not forget sunscreen, especially if your trip falls during the spring-summer period, and a hat.

In summer (from June to September), Quanzhou is hot and humid, with average temperatures of 27-29.5°C and a significant number of rainy days, especially in June and August. Therefore, light, breathable fabrics — cotton, linen — should go into your suitcase. Be sure to take an umbrella or a light raincoat. In winter (December-February), the weather is mild, with an average temperature of about 14-15°C. You will need warmer items: sweaters, a light jacket or windbreaker, and possibly a scarf. In spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November), the weather is most changeable. The principle of layering is recommended: T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, light jumpers, and a jacket that can be taken off or put on depending on the temperature. In spring, the amount of rainfall increases, so an umbrella will not be amiss, whereas autumn will delight you with drier and more comfortable weather.

Since the weather in Quanzhou can change, especially in transitional seasons, it is always useful to have several layers of clothing with you. For example, a light cardigan or windbreaker can easily be packed in a bag if it gets hot, or thrown on during a cool evening. Given the number of rainy days in certain months, a compact umbrella or raincoat is a practical addition to your luggage year-round, but especially relevant from May to August.