The climate of Macau
Macau,
China, enjoys a Humid subtropical climate with dry winters, referred to as Cwa in the Köppen climate classification. Being located on the southeast coast of China, the region's geographical position influences its moderate marine climate.
Macau experiences considerable fluctuations in weather conditions throughout the year. An analysis of the average monthly temperatures uncovers an apparent pattern. From a humble 12.5°C (54.5°F) to a pleasant 18.2°C (64.8°F) in
January, there is a steady rise in temperatures reaching up to a scorching 31.6°C (88.9°F) in
July. Temperatures start to descend after July, reaching a comfortable 20.1°C (68.2°F) in
December.
As for Macau's humidity, it remains relatively high throughout the year, starting from 73.8% in January and peaking at 86.1% in
April. It gradually dips to 68.5% by December.
Rainfall shows an interesting trend in Macau. Starting from 27mm (1.06") in January, it dramatically increases and reaches its peak, 364mm (14.33"), in
June. Afterward, there is a significant drop in rainfall, with December experiencing only 30mm (1.18"). Unsurprisingly, June also records the highest number of rainfall days, 17.7 days, while December has the least, 4.5 days.
The best time to visit Macau
Considering the average temperatures, humidity, rainfall, and daylight hours, the period between
October and
December (autumn and early winter) emerges as the most pleasant time to visit
Macau. During this period, the average high temperatures range from 28.1°C (82.6°F) to 20.1°C (68.2°F), and low temperatures vary from 22.6°C (72.7°F) to 14°C (57.2°F), providing a comfortable thermal ambience. At this time, rainfall and humidity also decrease significantly, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
The worst time to visit Macau
The period between
May and
September (late spring and summer) is arguably the least attractive time to visit
Macau due to the region's harsh weather conditions. These months mark the peak of high temperatures, with daily highs rising from 28.4°C (83.1°F) to 31.6°C (88.9°F), and minimums soaring from 23.6°C (74.5°F) to 26.2°C (79.2°F). These months also encounter the maximum rainfall, with May having 311mm (12.24") of rainfall and peaking at 364mm (14.33") in
June. Moreover, relative humidity levels remain uncomfortably high during these months, making the weather feel hotter than it is.
Spring weather in Macau
Spring, in
Macau, commences in
March and lasts until
May. Temperatures in these months gradually rise from 21°C (69.8°F) in March to a warm 28.4°C (83.1°F) by the tail end of May. Likewise, minimum temperatures also see an incline from 16.2°C (61.2°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F). Spring witnesses increased rainfall that begins at 89mm (3.5") in March and escalates to a substantial 311mm (12.24") by May. The duration of daylight sees a rise from 12 hours in March to 13.2 hours in May.
Summer weather in Macau
Summer in
Macau spans from
June to
August. The season is characterized by high temperatures that hover around 31.6°C (88.9°F) in
July and a bit less at 31.5°C (88.7°F) in August. The mercury, in its lowest, fluctuates from 25.6°C (78.1°F) in June to 26.2°C (79.2°F) in July. Rainfall remains high in this season, especially in June, standing at 364mm (14.33"). The daylight duration remains nearly constant during the summer months, staying close to 13.4 hours.
Autumn weather in Macau
Autumn in
Macau can be experienced from
September to
November. The high temperatures during this period undergo a transition from 30.4°C (86.7°F) in September to a much milder 24.1°C (75.4°F) by November. Rainfall also sees a considerable drop from 220mm (8.66") in September to just 44mm (1.73") by November. The daylight duration, during this time, decreases from 12.3 hours in September to 11.1 hours in November.
Winter weather in Macau
Macau's winter extends from
December to
February. During these months, Macau experiences temperatures between a low of 12.5°C (54.5°F) and a high of 18.2°C (64.8°F) in
January, warming slightly by February. These months record the least amount of rainfall in the year, with only 30mm (1.18") of rain falling in December and a bit more in January and February. The daylight duration in winter is at its lowest for the year, ranging from 10.8 hours to 11.4 hours.
Weather in January
The year starts with relatively comfortable weather in
Macau,
China. The temperature begins to edge upwards from the colder months of
December, with a recorded high being from 18.2°C (64.8°F) to a low of 12.5°C (54.5°F). The humidity in this month seems to be lighter compared to the rest of the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Against the backdrop of a setting winter,
February in
Macau,
China witnesses a shift towards a slight increase in humidity from 73.8% in
January to 81% in February. As winter gives way to spring, the weather oscillates between mildly chilly to warm, with an associated increase in rainfall from 27mm (1.06") to 60mm (2.36").
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in the transient phase from winter to spring. The weather manifests a distinct rise both in humidity and rainfall. Coupled with this is the increase in daylight hours, resulting in higher UV index, going up to 11. These changes hint at the impending warmer summer months while the charm of spring still lingers in the air. The advent of March signifies a minor shift to an average high-temperature of a pleasant 21°C (69.8°F), aligning closely with
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As the landscape of
Macau,
China undergoes a sea change with the advent of
April, a sharp rise in rainfall from 89mm (3.5") in
March to 195mm (7.68") in April paints a predominantly wet picture. The increase in relative humidity is also evident, inching closer to its annual peak.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the onset of the pre-summer period in
Macau,
China. It sees a steady rise in temperatures, signaling the approaching summer days. Simultaneously, the rainfall shoots up to record one of its highest figures of the year. With this, the weather transforms from a mild spring-like climate to a warmer, moist condition that presages the forthcoming summer months. Macau's May weather indicates a minor increase in high-temperatures, edging from
April's 24.7°C (76.5°F) to a still warm 28.4°C (83.1°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June witnesses the climate transition into the full-blown summer, with temperatures hitting a scorching high of 30.3°C (86.5°F). The days are longer too, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. Despite a slight drop in relative humidity from
May to June, the noticeable increase in sea temperature coupled with copious rainfall marks the full arrival of the summer season. As June takes hold in
Macau, the average high-temperature is a hot 30.3°C (86.5°F), nearly mirroring that of the previous month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands out as the month receiving a high amount of daylight, topping the chart at 13.3 hours. The weather during this month, is dominated by an intense combination of sweltering heat and high rainfall. As a result, sun protection becomes imperative due to the peak UV index reaching 12.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Continuing the summer's sizzling saga,
August remains one of the hottest months in
Macau,
China. With a slight drop in temperature from
July to August but maintaining a high rainfall, the climate can feel rather humid and sultry.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in relief from the hot summer months. A noticeable reduction in humidity and rainfall compared to previous months hints at the start of the transitional phase towards autumn. Despite the slight drop in temperatures, the sea remains warm enough for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings the autumn charm to
Macau,
China. The temperature continues to decrease along with the humidity, creating a comfortable atmosphere. The rainfall decreases significantly from
September's volume, making it one of the drier months of the year.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The weather continues to cool down further in
November. The reduction in daylight hours is a clear signal of the impending winter. Fading autumn resulting in falling leaves paints a picturesque view across
Macau. As the year winds down, the city turns into a serene place with dwindling rainfall and comfortably cool temperatures. November is marked by a subtle drop in average high-temperatures, transitioning from 28.1°C (82.6°F) in
October to a still moderately hot 24.1°C (75.4°F).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the end of the year with the winter season stepping in.
Macau,
China experiences a stark contrast in temperature from a high of 20.1°C (68.2°F) to a low of 14°C (57.2°F). Despite being the month with the least amount of rainfall, the relative humidity remains substantial.
Weather in December »