This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Haikou sits on the north coast of Hainan, China’s southernmost province, and its climate is a textbook tropical monsoon type (Koppen Am). The annual mean temperature is 24.6°C (76°F), annual rainfall is 1,788 mm (70 inches), and the city gets about 1,895 hours of sunshine a year. There is no real winter: the coolest month, January, still averages 17.6°C (64°F). The year splits into a wet season from May to October, when 80% of the rain falls, and a dry season from November to April. This page is part of our full Haikou travel guide.
Haikou Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall Table
The table below gives the monthly normals at a glance. For what is on across the year, cross-reference our Haikou events and festivals calendar.
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain (mm) | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21 (70) | 16 (61) | 24 | 92 |
| February | 22 (72) | 17 (63) | 30 | 97 |
| March | 26 (79) | 20 (68) | 43 | 129 |
| April | 29 (84) | 23 (73) | 80 | 160 |
| May | 32 (90) | 25 (77) | 191 | 209 |
| June | 33 (91) | 26 (79) | 239 | 212 |
| July | 33 (91) | 26 (79) | 248 | 231 |
| August | 32 (90) | 26 (79) | 293 | 210 |
| September | 31 (88) | 25 (77) | 269 | 175 |
| October | 28 (82) | 24 (75) | 274 | 166 |
| November | 25 (77) | 21 (70) | 60 | 121 |
| December | 21 (70) | 18 (64) | 38 | 96 |
Haikou Weather in Winter: December to February
December, January and February are the coolest and driest months, with daytime highs of 21-22°C (70-72°F) and nights of 15-17°C (59-63°F). January is the driest month with just 24 mm of rain over about 8 wet days. This is the most comfortable stretch for walking Qilou Old Street or hiking the volcano park, two of the highlights in our things to do in Haikou guide. Sea temperatures drop to about 21°C (70°F) in February, cool for swimming but fine for beach walks. Bring a light jacket for evenings, and note that humidity stays near 80% even in “winter”.
Haikou Weather in Spring: March to May
Spring warms fast: March reaches 26°C (79°F), April 29°C (84°F), and May 32°C (90°F). Rain climbs from 43 mm in March to 191 mm in May as the summer monsoon builds. Late February through April brings the humid “return south” (huinantian) season, when warm moist air hits cooler surfaces and floors and walls sweat; dehumidifiers and dry clothing help, and our Haikou neighborhoods guide notes which areas are most comfortable. Sunshine is generous, peaking at 209 hours in May.
Haikou Weather in Summer: June to August
Summer is hot, wet and humid. July is the hottest month, averaging 28.6°C (83°F) with highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows that stay near 26°C (79°F) all night. August is the wettest month with 293 mm of rain, and June to October is typhoon season, with the peak in August and September. Expect daily downpours, usually in the afternoon, followed by clearing skies. Plan outdoor sightseeing before 11:00, carry an umbrella, and read our Haikou travel tips for typhoon safety and what to do if a storm approaches.
Haikou Weather in Autumn: September to November
September and October remain wet (269 mm and 274 mm) as typhoon season tails off, but November is a turning point: rainfall drops to 60 mm and temperatures ease to a 25°C (77°F) high. By late November the reliable dry season returns, which is why our best time to visit Haikou guide favors this window, and why where to stay in Haikou rates start climbing again.
