Shenzhen has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa) with long, hot, wet summers and short, mild, dry winters. Located on the Pearl River Delta coast at 22.5 degrees north, the city experiences temperatures from 14°C (57°F) in January to 32°C (90°F) in July, with annual rainfall of 1,966mm concentrated from April through September.
Shenzhen Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall Data
Shenzhen’s proximity to the South China Sea moderates winter temperatures but intensifies summer humidity. The city has a monsoon-influenced pattern with a distinct wet season (April to September delivering 85% of annual rain) and a dry season (October to March). Typhoon risk runs from July through September.
Monthly Weather Breakdown for Shenzhen
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Humidity (%) | Sun (hours/day) | Sea Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19 / 66 | 13 / 55 | 30 | 72 | 4 | 19 |
| February | 19 / 66 | 14 / 57 | 50 | 77 | 3 | 19 |
| March | 22 / 72 | 17 / 63 | 82 | 80 | 3 | 20 |
| April | 26 / 79 | 21 / 70 | 172 | 83 | 4 | 23 |
| May | 29 / 84 | 24 / 75 | 282 | 84 | 5 | 26 |
| June | 31 / 88 | 26 / 79 | 360 | 84 | 5 | 28 |
| July | 32 / 90 | 27 / 81 | 315 | 83 | 7 | 29 |
| August | 32 / 90 | 26 / 79 | 350 | 84 | 6 | 29 |
| September | 31 / 88 | 25 / 77 | 250 | 80 | 6 | 28 |
| October | 28 / 82 | 23 / 73 | 80 | 72 | 6 | 26 |
| November | 25 / 77 | 18 / 64 | 35 | 68 | 6 | 23 |
| December | 21 / 70 | 14 / 57 | 25 | 67 | 5 | 20 |
Shenzhen Rainfall Patterns and Typhoon Season
Eighty-five percent of Shenzhen’s rain falls between April and September. June is the wettest month at 360mm, with rain falling on roughly 20 days. The city experiences two rainfall peaks: the pre-summer frontal rains in May and June, and the typhoon season rains from July through September. Typhoons affecting Shenzhen typically make landfall 1 to 2 times per year, with the highest probability in August and September. During a typhoon signal 8 or higher, public transport halts, offices close, and you should remain indoors. October through March are dry months, with December averaging just 25mm.
Humidity and Comfort in Shenzhen
Humidity is the biggest challenge for visitors from dry climates. Relative humidity sits at 80% to 84% from March through September, creating a heat index that makes 32°C feel closer to 40°C (104°F). February and March can bring “huinan tian” (return of south wind), a period of extreme humidity where walls and floors condense moisture and everything feels damp. October through January are the most comfortable months with humidity below 72%. Air conditioning in hotels, malls, and the metro is standard and powerful; carry a light jacket for indoor spaces even in summer.
