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Jinan has a continental monsoon climate with four sharply defined seasons: a short, dry winter, a warm spring, a hot and humid summer, and a crisp autumn. This month-by-month guide uses long-term averages from the China Meteorological Administration so you can pick the right dates before you book.
Jinan sits in northern Shandong province at 36°40’N, roughly 60 km from the Yellow River and about 58 meters above sea level. The city’s annual mean temperature is 14.9°C (58.8°F) and total rainfall averages around 670 mm, with about 70 percent of that falling between June and September. Locals call Jinan one of China’s summer furnaces because July afternoons regularly reach 32°C (90°F). Read the things to do in Jinan for more detail. See the Jinan neighborhoods guide before you book.
Winter is cold and dry with light, infrequent snow. January is the coldest month, averaging a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of -4°C (25°F) with just 5 mm of rain. December sits at a 6°C (43°F) high and -3°C (27°F) low with 7 mm, while February warms slightly to 8°C (46°F) by day and -2°C (28°F) at night with 10 mm. Frost appears on roughly 80 mornings a year, mostly in this stretch, so pack a heavy coat, hat, and gloves. Cross-check with the where to stay in Jinan guide. For specifics, see the Jinan travel tips and FAQ.
Spring warms quickly but stays dry early on. March averages a 15°C (59°F) high and 4°C (39°F) low with only 9 mm of rain. By April the high reaches 22°C (72°F) with 34 mm, and May climbs to a 27°C (81°F) high and 16°C (61°F) low with 61 mm. This is when Jinan’s 72 named springs flow strongest after the winter snowmelt, making April and May the best months to see Baotu Spring at full force.
Summer is hot, humid, and wet. June already averages a 32°C (90°F) high with 83 mm of rain. July is both the hottest and wettest month, with a 32°C (90°F) high, a 23°C (73°F) low, and 189 mm of rain. August stays at 31°C (88°F) with 160 mm. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoons, and the combination of heat and humidity can feel well above 35°C (95°F), so plan sightseeing for early morning or evening.
Autumn is the most comfortable season. September averages a 27°C (81°F) high with 60 mm of rain. October drops to a 21°C (70°F) high and 10°C (50°F) low with 27 mm, and November cools to 13°C (55°F) by day and 3°C (37°F) at night with 24 mm. Skies are often clear and the air is dry, ideal for hiking Thousand Buddha Mountain or walking Daming Lake.
For a fuller picture of when to travel, read the best time to visit Jinan guide, and see what is on the calendar in the Jinan events and festivals rundown.
