The climate of Sanya
Located in
China, the city of
Sanya experiences a tropical wet and dry, or savanna, climate under the Köppen climate classification. The geographical position supports warm weather throughout the year, with a clear differentiation in terms of rainfall and temperature fluctuations with seasonal changes.
Unraveling the climatological data reveals that a year in Sanya is marked by high humidity, significant rainfall, and high temperature. There is a smooth progression in the temperature range with the minimum average temperature of 18.5°C (65.3°F) in
January, which steadily increases upto a peak of 26.1°C (79°F) in
June. This variation is similarly mirrored in the high temperature dynamics starting from an average of 26.1°C (79°F) in January, culminating in an apex of 32°C (89.6°F) in
May, and then cooling down slightly for the rest of the year.
Moreover, it is the ample sunshine hours, ranging from 5 hours per day from January to
March, and June to
December, peaking in May at 7 hours per day, which contribute to the general warmth. Daylight hours exhibit a marginal variation with a peak of 13.2 hours per day in June while the shortest duration is observed in January with 11.2 hours per day.
A rather striking aspect of Sanya's climate is the pronounced rainy season. Hours of rainfall are generally contained within the middle months of the year, with a dramatic escalation from 19mm (0.75") in March to intense showers of up to 251mm (9.88") in
September. This pattern rapidly diminishes towards the end of the year, marking December as the month of minimum average rainfall with 11mm (0.43").
The best time to visit Sanya
Understanding the climatological patterns reveals the most suitable period to plan a visit to
Sanya. Accordingly, the end of autumn, beginning of winter -
November and
December are the prime months to visit. With an average high temperature of 30.2°C (86.4°F) in November tapering down to 28.5°C (83.3°F) in December, the city provides an optimal setting for sightseeing. During these months, daylight duration ranges 11.3 hours to 11 hours a day maintaining a comfortable warmth during the day. Rainfall is at its lowest ebb, from a marginal 58mm (2.28") in November to a minimal 11mm (0.43") in December, resulting in dryer days and serene nights.
The worst time to visit Sanya
Contrarily, frequency of downpours are sturdy indicators of the months that are less suitable for touristic activities. If schedules are flexible, it is advisable to avoid a visit between
May and
October when the city remains under the throes of monsoons. Rainfall escalates from 142mm (5.59") in May to a peak of 251mm (9.88") in
September, making outdoor activities challenging. Temperatures also reach their zenith during this period resulting in a sweltering combination of rain and heat.
Spring weather in Sanya
In
Sanya, the signs of spring are perceptible from
February to
April. Weather during this period is characterized by a significant rise in temperatures, with average lows rising from 19.8°C (67.6°F) to 24.2°C (75.6°F) and average highs ascending from 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 30.7°C (87.3°F). Rainfall metrics shed light on an increase from 13mm (0.51") in February peaking at 43mm (1.69") in April, heralding the onset of the wet season.
Summer weather in Sanya
Summer extends from
May to
July in
Sanya. The highest temperatures are observed during these months, with monthly highs averaging from 32°C (89.6°F) in May, slightly cooling to 31.7°C (89.1°F) by July. This is coupled with marked rainfall, commencing from 142mm (5.59") in May, intensifying to 198mm (7.8") by July.
Autumn weather in Sanya
The transition into autumn, occurring between
August and
October, witnesses a slight decline in high temperatures from 31.4°C (88.5°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F). By contrast, there is augmented weather volatility due to peaking precipitation measures topping at 251mm (9.88") in
September, accompanied by 17 days of rainfall, before gradually tempering down to 235mm (9.25") in October.
Winter weather in Sanya
Winter, from
November to
January, is the driest season in
Sanya. Average high temperatures decline from 30.2°C (86.4°F) in November, dropping to a yearly low of 26.6°C (79.9°F) in January. Concurrently, winter season is marked by the lowest rainfall measurements, scaled down from 58mm (2.28") in November to 11mm (0.43") by January. Moderate sea temperatures add to the pleasantness, with observations ranging between 26.6°C (79.9°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F).
Weather in January
The weather in
Sanya,
China, during
January, marks the start of the year with moderate conditions. January offers the mildest sea temperature of the year at 23.4°C (74.1°F), inviting tourists to enjoy water sports activities.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February is a month of subtlety in
Sanya as the weather transitions slowly towards spring. The slight rise in temperatures from
January does not significantly alter the overall weather pattern. Notwithstanding the increase in rainfall to 13mm (0.51"), February still belongs to the set of drier months in Sanya.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The arrival of
March in
Sanya introduces a visible shift towards warmer weather. With a moderate UV index of 12, visitors should consider bringing adequate sun protection. Despite an increase in average rainfall to 19mm (0.75"), the rain does not last long enough to dampen the high spirits of visitors.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Sanya takes a leap into a warmer, more humid climate from the more moderate
March weather. Noteworthily, it becomes the wettest month so far, receiving a significant rainfall measuring from 19mm (0.75") in March to 43mm (1.69").
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the onset of summer in
Sanya, featuring distinctive weather traits, making it easily recognizable. It escalates dramatically from the 43mm (1.69") precipitation in
April to 142mm (5.59"), making it one of the wettest months in Sanya.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is a distinguished month in
Sanya's annual weather cycle, denoting the peak of summer. This month witnesses the year's highest sea temperature at 29.7°C (85.5°F), offering a perfect time for beach vacations and water-related activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Continuing with the warmth of
June,
July in
Sanya embraces the full swing of the summer. Despite a drop in sea temperature, conditions remain favorable for seaside activities. Increased rainfall adds to the humidity, creating a characteristic summer ambience.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Sanya, is a month of continuance, holding firmly onto the robust summer climate. With a relatively high UV index of 12, visitors are advised to adhere to sun safety measures for a more comfortable experience. The influence of monsoon is also evident with an increase in rainfall to 222mm (8.74") compared to
July's 193mm (7.6").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in transitional weather in
Sanya, characterized by declining temperatures, rainfall, and daylight hours. September experiences the highest amount of rainfall in the year at 251mm (9.88"), thereby marking it as the wettest month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Sanya in
October radiates a welcoming atmosphere as temperatures, rainfall, and humidity begin to decrease. As a note, a significant decrease in rainfall occurs, scaling down from 251mm (9.88") in
September to 235mm (9.25"). The arrival of autumn is further confirmed by shorter daylight hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Sanya graces the city with a remarkable change, turning away from the summer-autumn transition. The sharp decrease in rainfall to 58mm (2.28") compared to
October's 235mm (9.25") indicates the arrival of the dry season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December ushers in the end of the year in
Sanya with a continuation of the pleasant weather from
November. Notably, rainfall drops further to a meager 11mm (0.43"), making December the driest month. The cool and dry weather creates the perfect backdrop for end-of-year celebrations.
Weather in December »