Qingdao Weather by Month: Temperatures, Rainfall and Sea Conditions

Qingdao sits on the coast of the Yellow Sea in Shandong province, and the ocean keeps its climate far milder than inland cities like Jinan or Beijing. The city averages 13.4°C (56°F) across the year, with about 794mm of rain falling mostly in July and August, and roughly 2,486 hours of sunshine. This month-by-month breakdown, part of our complete Qingdao guide, gives you the exact temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions for every month so you know what to pack.

Qingdao Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)

Winter is cold, dry, and windy, but it rarely gets as brutal as inland northern China. January is the coldest month, averaging a high of 3°C (37°F) and a low of -3°C (27°F). December averages 5°C (41°F) by day and -1°C (30°F) at night, while February warms slightly to 5°C (41°F) with lows around -1°C (30°F). Rainfall is minimal: 12mm in December, 11mm in January, and 12mm in February, the three driest months of the year. The sea temperature drops to about 3 to 5°C (37 to 41°F), so swimming is off the table, but you’ll see clear skies and low humidity. Pack a heavy coat, a hat, and gloves for the coastal wind; the Qingdao travel tips guide covers getting around in winter.

Qingdao Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)

Spring warms up fast but stays changeable. March averages 9°C (48°F) by day and 3°C (37°F) at night with 21mm of rain. April jumps to 15°C (59°F) highs and 8°C (46°F) lows with 37mm of rain, and this is when the cherry blossoms at Zhongshan Park peak, one of the things to do in Qingdao in spring. May reaches 20°C (68°F) with lows of 13°C (55°F) and about 50mm of rain. A sea fog season runs from April into early summer, so mornings can be grey even on otherwise fine days. A light jacket and layers work well; the sea is still cold at 8 to 14°C (46 to 57°F), so only the brave swim in May.

Qingdao Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)

Summer is warm, humid, and wet, but the ocean caps the heat. June averages 24°C (75°F) highs and 18°C (64°F) lows with 84mm of rain. July is the hottest and wettest month, averaging 27°C (81°F) highs, 22°C (72°F) lows, and 171mm of rain. August is nearly identical, averaging 28°C (82°F) highs, 23°C (73°F) lows, and 151mm of rain. The sea warms to 24 to 26°C (75 to 79°F) in August, the only stretch with comfortable swimming. Summer is also when the Qingdao events and festivals calendar peaks, and the where to stay in Qingdao guide lists the beachfront hotels.

Qingdao Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the pick of the year for most visitors. September still feels summery, averaging 25°C (77°F) highs and 19°C (66°F) lows with 62mm of rain, and the sea holds around 23°C (73°F), so beach days continue into mid-September. October averages 19°C (66°F) by day and 13°C (55°F) at night with 32mm of rain and plenty of sunshine. November turns noticeably cooler, averaging 11°C (52°F) highs and 5°C (41°F) lows with 28mm of rain. Skies are generally clear and humidity drops, which is why many travelers combine this season with the best time to visit Qingdao.

Qingdao Weather by Month: Average Climate Data

The table below is the full monthly average. To see how these numbers translate into choosing a base, the Qingdao neighborhoods guide maps out the coastal districts.