China
Best Time to Visit Guangzhou
Guangzhou's subtropical climate means humid, warm weather year-round, with a distinct wet season from April to September. The sweet spot is autumn, when temperatures drop to comfortable levels and rainfall decreases, making it the easiest time to explore this sprawling industrial and commercial hub.
✦ Visit in October or November for the best balance of comfortable weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable pricing.
✅ Best months
October and November. Daytime temperatures hover between 20–28°C, humidity drops noticeably, and typhoon risk has passed. Hotel rates remain reasonable before the December peak, and the city's notorious pollution levels tend to improve with autumn winds.
🔥 Peak season
December and January. Winter attracts Chinese domestic travellers escaping northern cold, and international visitors avoid the summer heat. Room rates climb 30–50% above shoulder months. The Canton Fair (twice yearly: April and October) also drives spring occupancy, though October's fair coincides with shoulder-season pricing.
💷 Shoulder (best value)
March to early April and November. March offers warming spring weather (18–25°C) with lower crowds and stable pricing. November maintains autumn's comfort as temperatures ease downward. Both months see discounts of 15–25% versus peak season.
🌙 Quietest & cheapest
June to August. Summer heat soars to 32–38°C with oppressive humidity (often exceeding 80%), creating a sauna-like environment and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Hotels offer deep discounts (40% off peak rates), but exploring outdoors becomes gruelling. Typhoon season (July–September) adds weather unpredictability.
Guangzhou season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Weather: 18–32°C, increasing humidity; heavy April–May rainfall and occasional typhoons
Crowds: medium
The Canton Fair (April) draws traders, pushing business-hotel rates up sharply; leisure travel manageable
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Weather: 32–38°C, 75–85% humidity; frequent thunderstorms and typhoon threat
Crowds: low to medium
Cheapest rates of the year, but oppressive heat makes sightseeing uncomfortable; best for air-conditioned shopping malls and museums
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Weather: 22–32°C cooling toward 18°C; low rainfall, falling humidity below 70%
Crowds: medium to high (October peak fair; November surge before winter)
Ideal for walking tours and outdoor markets; pollution often clears; October Canton Fair brings traders but manageable leisure-travel crowds
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Weather: 12–22°C, occasionally below 10°C at night; dry, cool; occasional frost inland
Crowds: high
Coldest season but still mild for most visitors; highest prices; many Chinese domestic tourists and expatriate residents drive accommodation demand
🎭 Events worth timing a trip around
The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) occurs twice yearly in April and October at the China Import and Export Fair Complex; October's edition is larger. Lunar New Year (January or February) transforms the city into a festival of markets, temple fairs, and closures—book accommodation well in advance or avoid entirely.
🧳 What to pack
Carry a lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella year-round; Guangzhou's afternoon thunderstorms are sudden and brief, especially April–September. Even in winter, indoor air conditioning is aggressive, so layering helps bridge the gap between outdoor cool and indoor chill.
Found your dates? Get your hotel briefing.
Room tips, the 14-day forecast for your exact stay, dining, transport and more — free for any Guangzhou hotel.
Guide last updated June 2026.