Guilin has a subtropical monsoon climate with hot, humid summers and mild, relatively dry winters. The city sits in a basin surrounded by karst mountains, which traps humidity and creates frequent fog and mist, especially from March through June. Annual rainfall totals about 1,900mm (75 inches), with roughly 70% falling between April and August. Average annual temperature is 19°C (66°F). September through November offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring the Li River and Longji Rice Terraces. Guilin travel guide.
Guilin Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
The table below shows average high and low temperatures, total rainfall, and rain days for each month. Summer (June through September) is the hottest and wettest period. Winter (December through February) is cool but manageable with a jacket. The best months for comfortable weather are October and November. best time to visit Guilin.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C / 52°F | 5°C / 41°F | 61 | 14 | 74% |
| February | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F | 92 | 15 | 77% |
| March | 17°C / 63°F | 11°C / 52°F | 137 | 18 | 80% |
| April | 23°C / 73°F | 16°C / 61°F | 210 | 19 | 81% |
| May | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 314 | 19 | 82% |
| June | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 348 | 18 | 83% |
| July | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 77°F | 232 | 15 | 80% |
| August | 33°C / 91°F | 24°C / 75°F | 173 | 14 | 79% |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 21°C / 70°F | 86 | 10 | 76% |
| October | 26°C / 79°F | 17°C / 63°F | 87 | 11 | 74% |
| November | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 54°F | 68 | 10 | 72% |
| December | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F | 47 | 9 | 70% |
Guilin Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
December Weather in Guilin
Winter arrives with daytime highs of 15°C (59°F) and nighttime lows of 7°C (45°F). December is the driest month of the year with just 47mm of rainfall across 9 days. Humidity drops to a comfortable 70%. Cold snaps can briefly push temperatures near freezing, especially at night, and the Longji Rice Terraces may see light snow on rare occasions. Hotel rates are at their lowest all year. The karst peaks often appear through morning mist. Pack layers, a warm coat, hat, and gloves for early mornings. things to do in Guilin.
January Weather in Guilin
The coldest month. Daytime highs reach 11°C (52°F) while nights drop to 5°C (41°F). Rain falls on about 14 days, totaling 61mm. Mist and fog are common in the mornings. River levels are low, which can expose sandbars on the Li River, but visibility is often good once morning fog burns off. Chinese New Year sometimes falls in late January, bringing crowds and higher accommodation prices for about a week. Pack a warm jacket, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella. Guilin events and festivals.
February Weather in Guilin
Temperatures begin rising, hitting 13°C (55°F) by day and 7°C (45°F) at night. Rainfall increases to 92mm across 15 days. If Chinese New Year falls in February, expect peak domestic tourism with crowded attractions and inflated hotel prices for 7-10 days. Outside the holiday period, February offers some of the lowest accommodation rates of the year. Plum blossoms begin appearing in parks. The karst peaks emerging through low cloud create dramatic photo opportunities. Guilin neighborhoods guide.
Guilin Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
March Weather in Guilin
Spring arrives with average highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). Rainfall jumps to 137mm spread over 18 days. Plum blossoms and peach flowers appear in parks and along riverbanks. Humidity climbs to 80%. The Li River swells with spring rains, making cruises more scenic, but overcast skies are frequent. The Longji Rice Terraces begin to be prepared for planting. A light rain jacket and layers work best for the variable conditions. where to stay in Guilin.
April Weather in Guilin
Warming to 23°C (73°F) daytime and 16°C (61°F) at night. April brings 210mm of rain across 19 days, marking the start of the wet season proper. Humidity sits at 81%. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. The countryside turns lush green, and the Longji Rice Terraces begin to be flooded with water for planting, creating stunning mirror-like reflections. Early April can still have pleasant stretches between rain fronts. The Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) in early April brings a surge of domestic travelers. Guilin travel tips.
May Weather in Guilin
Hot and very wet. Daytime highs reach 28°C (82°F) with lows of 20°C (68°F). Rainfall peaks at 314mm over 19 rain days, making this one of the wettest months of the year. Humidity at 82%. The rice terraces are fully flooded and planting is underway, creating their most photogenic state. Hotel rates drop significantly as tourist numbers decline. Heavy downpours are common, usually concentrated in the afternoon. Pack quick-dry clothing, a proper rain jacket (not just an umbrella), and waterproof footwear.
Guilin Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
June Weather in Guilin
The hottest and wettest month. Highs average 31°C (88°F) and lows 23°C (73°F). Rainfall reaches its annual peak at 348mm across 18 days. Humidity sits at 83%, making it feel much hotter than the thermometer suggests. The Li River flows fast and brown with sediment. Dragon Boat Festival usually falls in June, bringing dragon boat races on the Li River. Despite the rain, the karst landscape is intensely green. Air conditioning is essential in your accommodation. Afternoon thunderstorms are a near-daily occurrence.
July Weather in Guilin
Peak summer heat continues with highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F). Rainfall drops to 232mm over 15 days, a slight easing from June. Afternoon thunderstorms remain frequent. This is Chinese school holiday season, so domestic tourism picks up significantly at Yangshuo and the Li River. Book river cruises at least 2-3 days in advance. The humidity means clothes will not dry overnight without air conditioning. Sunrise at the rice terraces requires a 4:30 AM departure from your guesthouse.
August Weather in Guilin
Similar to July with highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F). Rainfall decreases further to 173mm across 14 days. Typhoons passing through the South China Sea can bring heavy rain bands to Guilin, though the city is far enough inland (about 400km from the coast) to avoid direct hits. Late August sees slightly fewer crowds as Chinese school holidays wind down. The rice terraces are at their greenest. Pack mosquito repellent, as standing water from summer rains increases insect activity.
Guilin Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September Weather in Guilin
A welcome transitional month. Highs drop to 30°C (86°F) and lows to 21°C (70°F). Rainfall falls dramatically to 86mm over just 10 days. This is the start of the best travel season. Humidity begins to ease. The rice terraces turn golden as harvest approaches, peaking in late September through early October. Clearer skies mean better photography conditions. The Mid-Autumn Festival often falls in September, celebrated with mooncakes and lantern displays. This is one of the best months to visit overall.
October Weather in Guilin
Arguably the single best month to visit. Highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). Rainfall is 87mm over 11 days. Humidity drops to a comfortable 74%. The rice terraces are harvested, turning golden-brown under blue skies. Warning: Golden Week (October 1-7) brings massive domestic crowds. Avoid that week entirely or book everything months ahead. The rest of October offers near-perfect conditions: warm days, cool evenings, and clear mountain views. This is the ideal month for hiking, photography, and outdoor dining.
November Weather in Guilin
Autumn continues with highs of 20°C (68°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). Rainfall falls to 68mm over 10 days, tying with December as the driest stretch of the year. Skies are often clear and blue. The ginkgo trees in and around Guilin (especially at Ocean Ginkgo Village, about 45km from the city) turn brilliant yellow in mid-to-late November. Hotel prices are moderate. This is an excellent month for hiking and outdoor activities without summer heat or winter chill. Bring a light jacket for evenings.
Guilin Weather by Month: Sunshine Hours
Guilin averages about 1,400 sunshine hours per year. July and August are the sunniest months with roughly 200 hours each, though the intense heat offsets the benefit. February and March are the cloudiest with about 60 hours of sunshine each. The clearest skies occur in October and November, making these the best months for photography at the Li River and Longji Rice Terraces. Even during the rainy season, mornings often start clear before clouds build toward afternoon thunderstorms. UV levels are moderate to high year-round due to Guilin’s subtropical latitude (25°N).
What to Pack for Guilin Weather
Pack for humidity and rain regardless of season. Quick-dry clothing is essential from March through September. A compact umbrella plus a rain jacket works best, since umbrellas are useless in wind-driven rain that often accompanies summer storms. In winter (December-February), bring a warm jacket, hat, and gloves for early mornings at the rice terraces where temperatures can drop near freezing. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are critical for the uneven stone paths at the rice terraces and around the karst peaks. Sunscreen is needed year-round: UV reflects off water and the bright limestone surfaces. Insect repellent is recommended from May through September. A portable phone charger is useful since you will be taking photos all day.
