Xiamen Climate & Weather

Briefing

Located in the subtropical zone, Xiamen belongs to maritime climate, warm and rainy. It is like spring all the year round with an annual average temperature of 21 °C, without hot summers and cold winters, February is the coolest, with an average temperature of 12 °C; August is the hottest, with an average temperature of 28 °C.

Much of the climate in Xiamen is influenced by its coastal setting and the hottest and sunniest weather falls between July and September, when temperatures are between 25°C to 30°C and the beaches quickly fill up. Xiamen boasts an average of more than six hours of sunshine each day, meaning that there is usually plenty to go around, whatever the time of year.

The typhoon season runs from July to September. Xiamen’s lush foliage, colourful flowers, gentle breezes and plentiful sunshine can be enjoyed year-round. The combination of a clean environment, picturesque scenery and near-ideal climate conditions has led to Xiamen ranking in the top 10 of China’s most habitable cities
 

Characters of the four season in Xiamen

*Spring (March to May)

Spring is mild to pleasantly warm, though the sky is often overcast, and fog is common, especially in March and April. In March, cold winds still prevail, with daytime highs around 13-15°C (55-59°F). By April, temperatures rise, bringing the first thunderstorms. By May, the weather becomes warmer and more humid, though still less oppressive than in the summer months.
 

* Summer (June to September)

Summer in Xiamen is hot, humid, and rainy. June is the wettest month, with cloudy skies and infrequent sunshine, though conditions improve slightly as the season progresses. Daytime temperatures average 31-33°C (88-91°F), and high humidity can make it feel uncomfortable. Nights remain sticky, with lows rarely below 25°C (77°F) and often around 28-29°C (82-84°F). On sunny days, temperatures can climb to 35°C (95°F). July usually brings a brief period of good weather lasting a week or two. This season also sees the highest probability of typhoons, which bring heavy rains, strong winds, and the risk of flooding and landslides.
 

*Autumn (October to November)

Autumn is short but pleasant, with less rain and more sunshine than spring. Early October can still feel hot and muggy, but temperatures gradually become more comfortable as the month progresses. Tropical cyclones can still affect the region in October and sometimes into November. By November, the weather is generally mild, with highs around 24.5°C (76°F). However, cool, windy days become more frequent, and later in the month, it can get a bit chilly.
 

*Winter (December to February)

Winter in Xiamen is mild, with daytime highs around 18-20°C (64-68°F). December sees sunshine about half the time, but cloudy skies, fog, and drizzle become more frequent as the season progresses. Some days can be pleasantly warm, while others may see temperatures drop to 10-15°C (50-59°F) during the day, with wind adding a chill. On particularly cold days, temperatures can dip to around 5°C (41°F) at night, with daytime highs around 10°C (50°F).

* During the winter months of November to February, the temperatures in Xiamen stay much higher than more northerly parts of China, rarely dropping below 10°C and usually staying much higher.

* The rainfall duration is from May to August every year with force 3-4 wind which is usually the northeast wind. Due to the differences in temperature and air current on the Pacific Pcean, typhoons affect Xiamen four to five times a year, mainly from July to September.

Climate Data Table for Xiamen

Tip for Xiamen Weather

Typhoons

Xiamen, like many cities in Southeast Asia, is vulnerable to typhoons, which are powerful tropical cyclones that form in the region. Typhoon season in this area generally runs from June to early November, with the peak of the season typically occurring between August and September. However, it's important to note that typhoons can occasionally strike outside of this usual timeframe. For example, in May 2006, Typhoon Chanchu (also known as Typhoon Caloy) made landfall in the area, demonstrating that these storms can occur unexpectedly and cause significant impact, even before the official typhoon season begins.

Best time to visit Xiamen
Xiamen is suitable for travel all the year round, and the best travel season is from April to November every year.

Usually, spring and autumn are tow golden seasons to Xiamen. The sunny spring days make your Xiamen tours pleasant. The autumn of Xiamen is cozy and agreeable. On annual October, tourists at Xiamen would have a good opportunity to taste the famous dark dragon tea at the best time. Moreover, the special activity about moon cake on Mid-Autumn Festival is just carrying on. Travelers will enjoy themselves to taste delicious moon cake, try good quality scented tea while savoring the flavor of Xiamen’s autumn.

Try to Avoid domestic travel seasons
Try to plan your Xiamen tour by avoiding the peak holidays. Because of the Chinese tourists, those attractions become more crowded in these periods.

The most crowded seasons in China are Chinese Spring Festival (usually in late Jan or early Feb.), International Labor Day (May 01 to 03) and National Day (Oct 01-07). Spring Festival and the National Day golden week are the most crowded time for traveling.
 

What to Pack for Your Trip

• For Winter:

Be prepared for varying temperatures by packing layers. Bring comfortable spring or autumn clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, or a sweatshirt. A warm jacket is essential for chilly evenings and colder days, and don't forget a hat to keep warm. Since the weather can be unpredictable, it's also wise to pack a raincoat or an umbrella to stay dry in case of rain. Additionally, consider packing a pair of sturdy shoes for exploring, as it can get slippery on wet days.
 

• For Summer:

When visiting during the summer months, it's best to pack light and breathable clothes that are suitable for tropical climates. Think lightweight cotton shirts, shorts, and dresses to keep cool in the heat. However, some indoor places might be heavily air-conditioned, so a light sweatshirt or cardigan is a good idea for comfort. A raincoat or umbrella will also be useful as summer showers can be frequent. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable sandals or shoes for walking around in warm weather!