Weather in Shantou

Planning your visit to Shantou? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including forecasts and handy charts, to help you prepare for your trip in the best possible way.

The climate of Shantou can be characterised as humid subtropical, strongly influenced by the ocean. Thanks to its location, the city enjoys mild weather throughout the year: there are no severe frosts in winter, and the summer heat is tempered by sea breezes. This makes the region comfortable to visit in almost any season, although the character of the weather changes significantly from month to month.

There is a distinct seasonality to rainfall throughout the year. Summer, especially the period from June to August, is the wettest time of the year: the number of rainy days is high, and the average temperature hovers around 28–29°C. During this time, an umbrella will become your essential companion, as it can rain almost daily.

Winter and late autumn, by contrast, offer tourists dry and pleasant weather. From November to February, precipitation is minimal, and the air temperature remains comfortable — averaging around 16–17°C, rarely dropping below 12°C even at night. October and November are often considered the "golden season", when the summer heat has subsided and the rainy season has ended, giving way to clear and sunny days.

The climate in Shantou is characterised by its mildness and lack of extreme fluctuations, making the city attractive to visit at any time of year. The coolest month is traditionally January, with an average temperature of about 15.6°C. Even in the height of winter, there are no harsh frosts here: night-time readings rarely fall below 12°C, and during the day the air often warms up to a comfortable 19–20°C, allowing you to enjoy long walks without heavy winter clothing.

The summer season brings warmth and high humidity. The hottest month is considered to be July, when the average temperature reaches 29.1°C and daytime highs exceed 31°C. A characteristic feature of summer in Shantou is the minimal difference between day and night temperatures: even after sunset, the air remains very warm (around 26–27°C), creating a "tropical night" effect. From June to September, be prepared for the sultry weather typical of the subtropics.

The transitional seasons — spring and autumn — offer the most balanced conditions. By April, pleasant warm weather sets in with average values around 22.8°C. October is also considered one of the best months for a visit: the summer heat subsides, giving way to a "mellow" season with a comfortable temperature of around 25°C, when you can still wear light clothing during the day without the exhausting heat.

In Shantou, there is a clearly defined seasonality of rainfall, which is typical for the subtropical climate of this region of China. The wettest period begins in May and lasts until September. The peak of the rainy season falls on the summer months: in June and August, the maximum amount of precipitation is recorded, and the number of rainy days can reach 26–27 per month. Travellers planning a trip at this time should definitely take a reliable umbrella or raincoat, as it rains almost every day.

The dry season arrives with the middle of autumn and continues throughout the winter. Starting from October, the number of wet days decreases sharply. The "driest" months are December and January, when rainfall is extremely rare — on average only 4–5 days per month, and the volume is minimal (about 1 mm). This time of year is excellent for long excursions and walks around the city.

Since the temperature in Shantou remains positive even in the coldest months (minimum around 12°C), precipitation here falls exclusively as rain; there is no snow in this region. The spring months, March and April, are a transitional period: the frequency of rain gradually increases to 11 days per month, preparing nature for the humid summer.

The climate in Shantou is subtropical, so the approach to packing a suitcase depends heavily on the season, although extreme cold is a rarity here. Winter (from December to February) is mild and dry, with temperatures around 15–17°C. For a trip at this time of year, heavy down jackets will not be needed: it is enough to take jeans, long-sleeved T-shirts, and a light jacket or warm sweater for evening walks when the air cools down to 12–13°C. Comfortable closed shoes will be the ideal choice for exploring the city's sights.

Summer and late spring are times of heat and high humidity. From May to September, temperatures often exceed 28°C, and the number of rainy days increases sharply, peaking in June. During this period, be sure to pack clothes made of light natural fabrics (cotton, linen), sunglasses, a hat, and high SPF cream. Given the frequent rainfall (up to 27 rainy days a month in summer), a reliable umbrella or compact raincoat, as well as waterproof shoes, will become your main helpers.

In the off-season, especially in spring and late autumn, the weather can be changeable, so it is best to stick to the principle of layering. A light windbreaker over a T-shirt will allow you to feel comfortable during the day when it is warm, and not freeze if the wind picks up. Also, do not forget that even in the hot months, powerful air conditioners often work in premises and transport, so a light scarf or a long-sleeved cardigan may be useful in any season.