Shaoxing

Heading to Shaoxing? Check out the latest weather data in this section. Here you will find up-to-date information and forecasts to help you plan your stay.

Shaoxing, located in China, features a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. This means travelers can expect significant weather changes throughout the year, from cool winters to hot and humid summers. Understanding these seasonal variations will help you better plan your trip.

Winters in Shaoxing (December–February) are quite cool, with average temperatures around 6–7°C, though nighttime temperatures can drop lower. Spring (March–May) brings gradual warming, and by May, the average temperature reaches a comfortable 22°C, although the number of rainy days increases. Summer (June–August) is the hottest time of the year, with average temperatures often exceeding 30°C and high humidity. June stands out as the month with the most precipitation and rainy days, marking the peak of the wet season. Autumn (September–November) brings a pleasant cooling and less rainfall, making it a comfortable time to visit.

In general, Shaoxing's climate suggests that light clothing is needed for the summer months, while warmer items should be packed for winter and the shoulder seasons. Given the number of rainy days, especially from spring to early autumn, having an umbrella or raincoat is highly recommended. The driest periods occur in late autumn and early winter.

The climate of Shaoxing shows pronounced seasonal temperature fluctuations. The hottest months are July and August, when the average air temperature stays around 30.1°C and 30.3°C, respectively. During these summer months, daytime highs regularly reach 33.8°C - 34.2°C, and nighttime temperatures rarely drop below 26.4°C. The summer period is characterized not only by high temperatures but also by significant humidity, which makes the heat more palpable.

In contrast, winter in Shaoxing is quite cool. The coldest months are January and December. In January, the average temperature is around 6.0°C, with nighttime lows averaging 2.4°C and daytime highs around 9.6°C. December’s figures are very similar: an average temperature of 7.0°C, a minimum of 3.2°C, and a maximum of 10.9°C. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, offer more moderate temperatures. For example, in April, the average temperature is a comfortable 17.8°C, and in October, it’s a pleasant 19.3°C.

The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures in Shaoxing is noticeable throughout the year but is especially pronounced in the shoulder seasons and winter. For instance, in November, the difference between the average maximum (18.2°C) and average minimum (10.6°C) temperature is about 7–8 degrees. This difference is also present in summer, but due to the high overall temperatures, nights remain very warm. Such fluctuations should be taken into account when planning your wardrobe for the trip.

Shaoxing sees a clear distribution of precipitation throughout the year, allowing for distinct wet and drier seasons. The highest amount of rainfall and rainy days occur during the spring-summer period, while late autumn and winter are characterized by significantly lower amounts.

The peak of the rainy season in Shaoxing falls in June, which is the wettest month. On average, June sees 12 mm of precipitation, and the number of rainy days reaches 20. May (6 mm of rainfall, 15 rainy days) and July (6 mm, 16 rainy days) are also quite wet. Spring months like March and April bring a moderate amount of precipitation (4 mm each) and about 13–15 rainy days, signaling the onset of the wetter period. Precipitation during this time is likely to take the form of showers, especially in the summer months, given the subtropical climate.

The driest period in Shaoxing occurs from October to December. October, November, and December see the minimum amount of precipitation—just 2 mm in each of these months. The number of rainy days during this period is also the lowest: averaging 8 in October and December, and 10 in November. January and February are also relatively dry months in terms of rainfall volume (3 mm each), although they have a slightly higher number of rainy days (11–13 days). Given the temperature range, winter precipitation is most likely to be rain or light drizzle.

When planning a trip to Shaoxing, it's important to choose your wardrobe carefully, considering the distinct seasonal changes. In summer (June–August), it is hot and humid, with average temperatures often exceeding 30°C, so you should prioritize light, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Since June is the month with the most precipitation and rainy days (up to 20), and May, July, August, and September also have a significant number of rainy days, a compact umbrella or light raincoat will be your faithful companions. Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity year-round, as you'll likely want to explore the city on foot.

Winters (December–February) in Shaoxing are quite cool, with average temperatures hovering around 6–7°C and nights potentially dropping to 2–4°C. You will need warm clothes: sweaters, a jacket (possibly windproof and waterproof, as there are rainy days even with low overall precipitation), a hat, a scarf, and gloves. For the transitional seasons—spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November)—layering is the best approach. Days can be warm, especially in May or September, but mornings and evenings are often cool. A light jacket, cardigan, or fleece that you can easily put on or take off will come in very handy. Don't forget an umbrella, especially in the spring when the number of rainy days increases.