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Xiamen has a subtropical monsoon climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Located on China’s southeastern coast in Fujian province, the city averages 21°C (70°F) year-round with about 1,350mm (53 inches) of annual rainfall. January is the coolest month at 13°C (55°F) while July peaks at 29°C (84°F). Typhoon season runs from July through September, and the plum rain (meiyu) brings persistent drizzle from May into June.
Xiamen Weather by Month: January (Winter)
January is Xiamen’s coolest month. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). You’ll need a light jacket or sweater, especially in the evenings. Rainfall is low at about 35mm (1.4 inches) spread across 7 rainy days. Humidity sits at 73%. Daylight hours are about 10.5 hours with roughly 4 hours of sunshine. Sea temperature drops to 15°C (59°F), too cold for swimming but fine for coastal walks along the Island Ring Road (Huangdao Lu). Chinese New Year often falls in late January or early February, bringing festive crowds and higher hotel rates. See our best time to visit Xiamen for more details.
Xiamen Weather by Month: February
February warms slightly with averages of 11°C to 19°C (52°F to 66°F). Rainfall increases to about 85mm (3.3 inches) over 10 rainy days, making it noticeably wetter than January. Humidity holds at 76%. The plum rain season hasn’t started yet, so rain tends to come in short bursts rather than all-day drizzle. You’ll get about 3.5 hours of daily sunshine. The Spring Festival period (if it falls in February) means many small restaurants and shops close for the holiday, but Gulangyu Island and major attractions stay open. Hotel prices spike during the holiday week, then drop sharply afterward. See our things to do in Xiamen for more details.
Xiamen Weather by Month: March
March brings spring warmth with averages of 13°C to 21°C (55°F to 70°F). Rainfall climbs to about 115mm (4.5 inches) across 13 rainy days. Humidity increases to 79%. You’ll get about 3.5 hours of sunshine daily. The weather can be changeable with alternating warm and cool spells as cold fronts clash with warm maritime air. Pack layers and a rain jacket. This is a shoulder-season month with moderate hotel prices and fewer tourists than summer. The Xiamen Botanical Garden starts blooming, and the city’s bougainvillea (Xiamen’s city flower) begins its colorful display. See our Xiamen events and festivals for more details.
Xiamen Weather by Month: April
April averages 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F). This is one of the most comfortable months for exploring outdoor attractions. Rainfall increases to about 150mm (5.9 inches) over 14 rainy days. Humidity is at 81%. You’ll get about 4.5 hours of sunshine. The plum rain hasn’t fully arrived yet, so rain is intermittent. Sea temperature reaches 19°C (66°F), still cool for swimming. The Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day, April 4-5) is a public holiday with some business closures. Hotel rates remain moderate before the May holiday surge. See our Xiamen neighborhoods for more details.
Xiamen Weather by Month: May
May averages 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 84°F). The plum rain season (meiyu) typically begins in May, bringing persistent humidity and overcast skies. Rainfall reaches about 170mm (6.7 inches) over 15 rainy days. Humidity peaks at 84%. You’ll get about 5 hours of sunshine between showers. Sea temperature warms to 23°C (73°F), becoming swimmable by late May. The first week of May is Labor Day Golden Week, one of China’s busiest travel periods. Hotel prices triple, Gulangyu ferry tickets sell out days in advance, and all major attractions are packed. Avoid the first week of May unless you book everything well ahead. See our where to stay in Xiamen for more details.
Xiamen Weather by Month: June
June averages 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F). The plum rain continues through early June, then transitions to summer thunderstorms. Rainfall is heavy at about 200mm (7.9 inches) over 16 rainy days. Humidity stays high at 86%. You’ll get about 5.5 hours of daily sunshine. Sea temperature is a pleasant 26°C (79°F). The Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu, usually June) brings dragon boat races on the sea and zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) everywhere. After the holiday, June is a quieter period between the spring and summer travel peaks. Air conditioning is essential, and you’ll want to carry an umbrella daily. See our Xiamen travel tips for more details.
Xiamen Weather by Month: July
July is Xiamen’s hottest month, averaging 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F). Heat indices regularly exceed 38°C (100°F) due to high humidity of 82%. Rainfall decreases slightly from June to about 135mm (5.3 inches) over 12 rainy days, but July marks the start of typhoon season. You’ll get about 7.5 hours of sunshine, the highest of the year. Sea temperature peaks at 28°C (82°F), perfect for swimming. Typhoons can bring heavy rain and strong winds for 1-2 days at a time, though direct hits on Xiamen occur roughly once every 2-3 years. Pay attention to weather warnings, as ferry services to Gulangyu may suspend during typhoon alerts. July is summer holiday for Chinese students, so domestic tourism is at its peak.
Xiamen Weather by Month: August
August averages 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F), nearly as hot as July. This is Xiamen’s wettest month with about 210mm (8.3 inches) of rain over 14 rainy days. Typhoon risk remains high, and August has historically seen more typhoon landfalls than any other month. Humidity is 83%. You’ll get about 7 hours of sunshine. Sea temperature stays at 28°C (82°F). Afternoon thunderstorms are common, typically lasting 1-2 hours before clearing. August is peak domestic tourism with crowded attractions and high hotel rates throughout the month. Book Gulangyu ferry tickets at least 3 days in advance via the official WeChat mini-program.
Xiamen Weather by Month: September
September averages 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F). Typhoon season continues through mid-September, but the second half of the month typically sees improving conditions. Rainfall is about 150mm (5.9 inches) over 11 rainy days. Humidity drops to 78%. You’ll get about 6.5 hours of sunshine. Sea temperature is 27°C (81°F). The Mid-Autumn Festival (usually September) is a major celebration in Xiamen with a unique local tradition called bo Bing (mooncake gambling), where friends and families roll dice to win mooncakes. This is the best cultural event to experience in Xiamen. Tourist crowds thin after the first week of September as schools reopen.
Xiamen Weather by Month: October
October is Xiamen’s best weather month. Averages range from 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 81°F). Rainfall drops dramatically to about 50mm (2 inches) over 6 rainy days. Humidity falls to 70%, the lowest of the year. You’ll get about 6 hours of sunshine daily. Sea temperature is a comfortable 25°C (77°F). Skies are clearer than any other month, making this the prime time for Gulangyu Island photography and outdoor exploration. The first week of October is National Day Golden Week, another peak travel period with high prices and crowds. Visit in mid-to-late October instead for perfect weather and moderate crowds.
Xiamen Weather by Month: November
November averages 17°C to 24°C (63°F to 75°F). This is the driest month with only about 40mm (1.6 inches) of rain across 5 rainy days. Humidity is a comfortable 68%. You’ll get about 5 hours of daily sunshine. Sea temperature cools to 22°C (72°F). November rivals October for the best travel weather. Clear skies and low humidity make it ideal for walking the Island Ring Road, visiting Nanputuo Temple, and exploring Gulangyu’s colonial architecture. Hotel prices are moderate, and tourist numbers are low between the October holiday and the Christmas/New Year period. A light jacket suffices for evenings.
Xiamen Weather by Month: December
December averages 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). Rainfall is low at about 30mm (1.2 inches) over 5 rainy days. Humidity is 69%. You’ll get about 5 hours of sunshine. Sea temperature drops to 18°C (64°F). December is cool but pleasant for sightseeing. You’ll need a jacket, but snow is virtually unknown in Xiamen (the last recorded snowfall was in 1893). The Christmas period sees some decorations in shopping areas like Zhongshan Road and SM City mall, though it’s not a public holiday. Hotel prices remain moderate through mid-December, then rise slightly for the New Year period.
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sea Temp (°C) | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18 / 64 | 10 / 50 | 35 | 7 | 15 | 4 |
| Feb | 19 / 66 | 11 / 52 | 85 | 10 | 15 | 3.5 |
| Mar | 21 / 70 | 13 / 55 | 115 | 13 | 16 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 25 / 77 | 17 / 63 | 150 | 14 | 19 | 4.5 |
| May | 29 / 84 | 21 / 70 | 170 | 15 | 23 | 5 |
| Jun | 31 / 88 | 24 / 75 | 200 | 16 | 26 | 5.5 |
| Jul | 33 / 91 | 26 / 79 | 135 | 12 | 28 | 7.5 |
| Aug | 32 / 90 | 26 / 79 | 210 | 14 | 28 | 7 |
| Sep | 31 / 88 | 25 / 77 | 150 | 11 | 27 | 6.5 |
| Oct | 27 / 81 | 21 / 70 | 50 | 6 | 25 | 6 |
| Nov | 24 / 75 | 17 / 63 | 40 | 5 | 22 | 5 |
| Dec | 20 / 68 | 12 / 54 | 30 | 5 | 18 | 5 |
