The climate of Xiamen
Xiamen,
China, lies within the Köppen climate classification Cfa, indicative of a humid subtropical climate with no dry season. Being situated in China's Fujian Province, on the southeastern coast, it presents year-round warmth and high humidity levels. Rainfall occurs throughout the year with noticeable peaks during the summer.
An examination of the monthly climate data unfolds a broad temperature range from 9.7°C (49.5°F) to 32°C (89.6°F) throughout the year.
January records the lowest temperature, inching just below 10°C (50°F), while
July frequently marks the peak of summertime heat with averages around 32°C (89.6°F). Xiamen's humidity charts tend towards high values, steadily hanging between 70% and 86%. It suggests the city's typical humid environment, particularly pronounced between
May and
August.
Rainfall patterns over the year directly follow the subtropical climate's character. Although rain registers in each month, it increases noticeably from
March to
September, with
June welcoming the most rain, measuring 187mm (7.36") expected over about 15 days. Conversely,
November through
February witness a considerable drop in rainfall.
Conspicuously, the sea temperature varies from 14.9°C (58.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F) annually, reaching its lowest in February and peaking in August. Meanwhile, sunlight is most abundant in July, offering an amplified daylight span of 13.5 hours and 7.6 hours of pure sunshine. On another note, the UV index scales up to a high of 12 during the summer months, calling for solid sun protection measures during this period.
The best time to visit Xiamen
Taking the city's climate characteristics into account, the optimal time to visit
Xiamen is between
October and
December. During this period, the city displays its best weather conditions. Temperatures retain a comfortable range from 19.2°C (66.6°F) to 27.4°C (81.3°F), coupled with reduced rainfall. Furthermore, hours of sunlight remain ample in these months, complementing outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Xiamen
For those unable to tolerate heavy rainfall and high temperatures, the period from
May to
September could be challenging for a trip to
Xiamen. Temperatures during these months can reach a blistering 32°C (89.6°F), and rainfall spikes significantly. Additionally, the high humidity levels throughout this summertime period can potentially elevate the discomfort.
Spring weather in Xiamen
Spring in
Xiamen, stretching between
March and
May, sees a significant temperature rise from 16.6°C (61.9°F) to 26.6°C (79.9°F). Rainfall begins to intensify during these months, accumulating from 99mm (3.9") to 162mm (6.38"). Sea temperatures exhibit a gradual increase, commencing from a mild 15.7°C (60.3°F) and reaching up to 23.8°C (74.8°F) in May. Meanwhile, increased daylight hours present an attractive aspect of spring, extending from 12 hours to 13.3 hours by May.
Summer weather in Xiamen
June to
August captures
Xiamen's summer period. This span carries the year's most scorching temperatures, stretching from 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). Humidity tends to fluctuate between 82% and 86%, amplifying the perceived intensity of summer. Rainfall gets its strongest thrust in these months, reaching an annual high of 209mm (8.23") in August. Despite the rainy conditions, summer does flaunt the most daylight, peaking at 13.6 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Xiamen
Autumn, coursing from
September to
November, brings relief from the intense summer temperatures, gradually lessening from 30°C (86°F) to a more leisurely 23.6°C (74.5°F). Rainfall rates also drop significantly, with November marking the onset of the drier period. The sea remains warm, standing between 26.9°C (80.4°F) and 21.9°C (71.4°F), a favorable condition for sea-related activities.
Winter weather in Xiamen
Winter in
Xiamen, observed from
December to
February, unfurls cooler conditions. Temperatures continue to decline, lowering from 19.2°C (66.6°F) in December to 9.7°C (49.5°F) in
January. Rainfall tends to be at its most sparing during these months, with averages ranging from 28mm (1.1") to 34mm (1.34"). While sunshine hours diminish to 4.3 hours a day in January, daylight hours remain sufficient, fluctuating from 10.6 to 11.3 hours. The sea temperature also cools off, oscillating between 18.1°C (64.6°F) and 15.4°C (59.7°F).
Weather in January
January in
Xiamen,
China encapsulates the cool, winter climate with a slight humidity which provides a slight nip in the air. High temperatures reach up to 17°C (62.6°F), while the lower spectrum sees an average of 9.7°C (49.5°F) which makes the overall temperatures moderately cold.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Xiamen weather in
February takes a noticeable shift from the dryness of
January, offering a premonition of the upcoming spring month’s rain. Interestingly, this month witnesses the onset of rain with the rainfall amount surging up dramatically from 34mm (1.34") to 99mm (3.9"), indicating a wetter atmosphere.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
March, the spring season when the flowers bloom, the weather warms up marginally. This transition makes the atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities in
Xiamen. The rainfall magnifies, much more than in
February, asking locals and tourists alike to be prepared.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Xiamen,
China witnesses a noticeable escalation in temperature, indicating the onset of a warmer climate. The rise, interestingly, is not drastic but rather a gentle uptick from 18.8°C (65.8°F) to 23.1°C (73.6°F), ushering in the feel of the approaching summer.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the beginning of summer in
Xiamen,
China. Accompanied by the increase in temperature, it also experiences a rise in humidity which attracts an abundance of monsoon clouds. The rain gauge records a further increase, this time reaching 162mm (6.38"), the third-highest for the year, making it one of the rainiest months in Xiamen.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As the city moves into
June, the weather becomes warmer. This is the time when the holiday season is in full swing with sea temperatures optimal for water sports. As relative humidity slightly rises, clouds often scatter across the wide blue sky of
Xiamen.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July can be considered the peak of the summer season in
Xiamen,
China. The mercury reaches its zenith hitting 32°C (89.6°F), the highest average maximum temperature in the year. Despite the soaring temperature, an overall high sea temperature ensures a relaxing beach experience for visitors.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Akin to
July,
August sees a high temperature that remains almost the same, marking it as the second hottest month in
Xiamen. It’s a rather busy time in the city, as the heat of summer continues. Interestingly, the monthly rainfall sees a significant uptick, reaching its peak at 209mm (8.23") which brings a refreshing balance to the hot summer days.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Come
September,
Xiamen begins to witness a shift in weather, with indications of the forthcoming autumn. Despite the slight retreat in temperature, it remains largely warm. However, rainfall descends to 141mm (5.55"), a noticeable decrease from the
August deluge, indicating a decline in the monsoon.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
By
October, the autumn season in
Xiamen is in full effect. A beautiful amalgamation of warmth, light rainfall and gentle sea breezes, this month retires the high heat of the summer. One striking feature of this month is the sharp drop in the average rainfall, with it plunging to a mere 36mm (1.42").
Weather in October »Weather in November
As
November takes hold,
Xiamen,
China starts to experience a considerable dip in temperature. This change ushers in the winter season, making the city cool and inviting. The climate remains relatively dry, with the rainfall tapering off to a mere 31mm (1.22").
Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings forth the full glory of winter in
Xiamen. A further drop in temperature brings a cold breeze, delivering an authentic winter feel to the city. Interestingly, rainfall is at its lowest, averaging at 28mm (1.1"), complementing the cool winter days.
Weather in December »