The climate of Dalian
Classified as Dwa according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system,
Dalian, located in Eastern
China, is characterized by a humid continental climate with severe dry winters and hot summers. Lying in the far northern reaches of China by the Yellow Sea, weather elements are multifaceted.
A comprehensive analysis of the city’s climate history reveals a broad temperature spectrum throughout the year: temperatures range from a chilly -6.8°C (19.8°F) in the depth of winter to a sizzling peak at 27.3°C (81.1°F) in high summer. A significant temperature spread is apparent, vividly illustrating the vast yearly temperature fluctuation. The variation in relative humidity figures displays a pattern that corresponds well with the changing seasons, reaching a low of 55% at the outset of the year, and arching up to a high of 84% in the midst of the summer monsoon.
Rainfall distribution demonstrates some remarkable features. A subtly drier season appears from
December to
February with rainfall figures less than 10mm (0.39"), while on the flip side, the period from
June to
August brings abundant rain, totalling up to 155mm (6.1") at its zenith in August. Sea temperature in Dalian sees an interesting upward swing from 2.8°C (37°F) in winter, climbing to peak at 23.6°C (74.5°F) in sultry August.
The best time to visit Dalian
Balancing pleasant temperatures, moderate humidity and ample daylight hours,
May presents itself as the ideal month to explore
Dalian. With maximum and minimum temperatures wavering around 20.2°C (68.4°F) and 12.2°C (54°F) respectively, the weather stays comfortably cool for outdoor activities. Sunshine duration of 9 hours a day further sweetens the deal making exploration and sightseeing a pleasure. Additionally, rainfall remains moderate, approximately 47mm (1.85") throughout the month.
The worst time to visit Dalian
Adventure and exploration in the city of
Dalian could become quite challenging in the month of
January. The mercury plummets around a frosty -6.8°C (19.8°F) to -0.4°C (31.3°F) on average, and daylight is limited to only about 9.8 hours a day. Considering the sea temperature drops to around 2.8°C (37°F), beach activities might not be a wise idea.
Spring weather in Dalian
Spring arrives in
Dalian bringing a much-needed respite from winter's relentless chill.
March sees an average temperature range of 0.2°C (32.4°F) to 7.2°C (45°F), and by the time
May rolls around, 12.2°C (54°F) to 20.2°C (68.4°F) becomes the new norm. Relative humidity follows a similar ascending trajectory alongside increasing rainfall, making this the season of rejuvenation.
Summer weather in Dalian
The summertime, from
June to
August, in
Dalian is marked by high temperatures, with the mercury soaring between 21°C (69.8°F) and 27.3°C (81.1°F). The combination of extreme heat and high humidity may provide for discomfort. It is also the city’s monsoon season, carrying in its wake an influx of rainfall, peaking at 155mm (6.1") in August.
Autumn weather in Dalian
Autumn is known for its pleasant mildness in
Dalian. During this period, from
September to
November, temperatures generally range from 2.8°C (37°F) to 23.9°C (75°F) while relative humidity diminishes slowly. It's also a comparatively dry period, especially in November which receives an average rainfall of 20mm (0.79").
Winter weather in Dalian
Winter sweeps over
Dalian from
December to
February, with temperatures varying between -6.8°C (19.8°F) and 3.1°C (37.6°F). Despite the cold weather, there is little snow, as these months also mark the driest season in Dalian, with
January receiving an mere average rainfall of 9mm (0.35"). The sea temperature records a stark drop, to approximately 4.9°C (40.8°F) in December, making it an unsuitable time for swimming activities.
Weather in January
January weather in
Dalian,
China commences the year with a noticeable chill, marking the coldest month of the year. A significant characteristic of the January weather is the relatively lower temperature range, between -6.8°C (19.8°F) and -0.4°C (31.3°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather remains cold in
February; however, a gradual rise in temperature becomes evident as spring begins to approach. The coldest days are slowly swept away, making way for a rise in the mercury from -6.8°C (19.8°F) in
January to -5°C (23°F) in towards the latter half of the month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Dalian weather in
March signifies a major shift towards spring, with the city gradually thawing out as the month progresses. A significant jump in temperatures, from -5°C (23°F) in
February to 0.2°C (32.4°F) in March, indicates the end of winter and the arrival of warmer climes.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signals the true arrival of spring in
Dalian,
China. The weather, moving away from the lingering chill of winter, warms up considerably, with temperatures seeing a substantial increase from 0.2°C (32.4°F) in
March to 6.6°C (43.9°F) in April.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The city of
Dalian shifts further into the arms of spring with the arrival of
May. The warming trend continues, and daylight hours stretch longer, offering more opportunities to explore the city and its surroundings. This month sees a jump in sea temperatures, indicating the beginning of beach season in Dalian.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June weather in
Dalian takes a definitive turn towards summer with consistent increase in all parameters. As the sea temperature continues to climb from 11.4°C (52.5°F) in
May to 17.8°C (64°F) in June, beach activities take precedence on the list of things to do.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Stepping into
July,
Dalian,
China is in the full swing of summer. This month is characterized by the highest average temperatures in the year, peaking at 26.6°C (79.9°F). With long sunny days and increased UV index, sun protection becomes essential during outdoor activities.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August is the warmest month in
Dalian, with the highest recorded temperature at 27.3°C (81.1°F). It's the perfect time to indulge in water-related activities thanks to the comfortably warm sea temperature. Be prepared for frequent rain showers as August continues the trend of high rainfall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September dawns,
Dalian experiences a slight cooling trend hinting at the onset of autumn. The change of season brings about a welcoming drop in temperatures as well as in humidity levels. Remnants of the monsoon season are still evident with considerable rainfall recorded in this month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks the full arrival of Autumn in
Dalian. Temperatures begin to fall, cooling the city's landscapes and preparing for the onset of winter. While the tail-end of the rain season persists, the drop in sea temperature is indicative of the changing season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The climate in
November transitions further towards the chill of winter. Notably, there is a significant temperature drop from 17.5°C (63.5°F) in
October to 9.7°C (49.5°F) in November. Rainfall reduces substantially, turning the city's landscapes into a canvas of brilliant autumn hues.
Weather in November »Weather in December
The arrival of
December brings with it the chill of winter in
Dalian,
China. The weather turns colder, signaling the close of the year. The drop in temperature is particularly stark, falling from 9.7°C (49.5°F) in
November to 3.1°C (37.6°F) in December.
Weather in December »