Wuhan has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The city sits at just 37 metres above sea level on the Yangtze River plain, which means summer heat gets trapped and humidity stays high. Wuhan is known across China as one of the “Four Furnaces” alongside Nanjing, Chongqing, and Nanchang, July and August regularly push past 35 degrees Celsius with humidity above 75 percent making it feel closer to 43 degrees. Winters are cold and damp with temperatures dropping near freezing, while spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for visiting.
Wuhan Weather by Month
Below is a month-by-month breakdown of Wuhan’s climate with average high and low temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and sunshine hours. All data is long-term averages from China Meteorological Administration records at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport. For more on this, see our Wuhan travel guide. See our Wuhan travel guide for more details.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (mm) | Humidity (%) | Sunshine (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8C / 46F | 1C / 34F | 43 | 73 | 103 |
| February | 11C / 52F | 3C / 37F | 59 | 73 | 105 |
| March | 16C / 61F | 7C / 45F | 95 | 74 | 125 |
| April | 22C / 72F | 13C / 55F | 131 | 74 | 155 |
| May | 27C / 81F | 18C / 64F | 164 | 75 | 185 |
| June | 30C / 86F | 22C / 72F | 225 | 79 | 175 |
| July | 33C / 91F | 25C / 77F | 190 | 80 | 230 |
| August | 32C / 90F | 24C / 75F | 112 | 79 | 225 |
| September | 28C / 82F | 20C / 68F | 80 | 76 | 165 |
| October | 22C / 72F | 14C / 57F | 90 | 74 | 155 |
| November | 16C / 61F | 8C / 46F | 56 | 73 | 135 |
| December | 10C / 50F | 2C / 36F | 30 | 72 | 125 |
Wuhan Weather by Month: January to March
January is Wuhan’s coldest month. Daytime highs reach 8C (46F) but overnight lows drop to 1C (34F). Snow is rare, maybe one or two light dustings per winter, but freezing rain and icy mornings are common. You’ll need a heavy coat, gloves, and layers. The 43mm of rainfall comes as light drizzle spread over 8 to 10 days. Pollution levels can spike in January due to winter coal heating across central China, so pack an N95 mask if you’re sensitive. For more on this, see our best time to visit Wuhan. See our best time to visit Wuhan for more details.
February warms slightly to highs of 11C (52F) and lows of 3C (37F). Chinese New Year (late January to mid-February depending on the lunar calendar) brings crowds to temples and trains, but many small restaurants close for the holiday. February gets 59mm of rain over 10 days, mostly as drizzle. Cherry blossoms start appearing at East Lake in late February if it’s been a mild winter. For more on this, see our things to do in Wuhan. See our things to do in Wuhan for more details.
March is when spring arrives properly. Highs jump to 16C (61F) and cherry blossoms peak at Wuhan University and East Lake Cherry Blossom Park, this is the busiest tourism month of the year. Rainfall picks up to 95mm and humidity climbs to 74 percent. Pack a light jacket and an umbrella. Hotel prices double during cherry blossom peak (mid-March to early April). For more on this, see our Wuhan events and festivals. See our Wuhan events and festivals for more details.
Wuhan Weather by Month: April to June
April is one of the best months to visit Wuhan. Highs average 22C (72F) with lows of 13C (55F), and you get 155 hours of sunshine. The 131mm of rain falls mostly as afternoon showers rather than all-day drizzle. Cherry blossom crowds thin out by mid-April, though East Lake and Moshan remain busy on weekends. Book hotels 2 to 3 weeks ahead for April visits. For more on this, see our Wuhan neighbourhoods guide. See our Wuhan neighbourhoods guide for more details.
May sees temperatures climb to 27C (81F) with humidity at 75 percent, it’s warm but not yet oppressive. Rainfall peaks at 164mm, the second-wettest month after June. Thunderstorms are common on 12 to 14 days. The Labour Day holiday (May 1 to 5) brings domestic crowds, so avoid that week if possible. Light cotton clothing works for daytime; bring a rain jacket. For more on this, see our where to stay in Wuhan. See our where to stay in Wuhan for more details.
June is Wuhan’s rainiest month at 225mm and marks the start of the plum rain season (meiyu), with high humidity at 79 percent and temperatures reaching 30C (86F). It rains on 13 to 15 days, often as heavy downpours. The combination of heat and humidity makes June one of the least comfortable months for sightseeing. If you visit in June, plan indoor activities like the Hubei Provincial Museum and book hotels with good air conditioning. For more on this, see our Wuhan travel tips. See our Wuhan travel tips for more details.
Wuhan Weather by Month: July to September
July is Wuhan’s hottest month with average highs of 33C (91F) and lows that barely dip below 25C (77F). The heat index regularly hits 40 to 43C (104 to 109F). Rainfall drops from June’s peak to 190mm, and you get 230 hours of sunshine, the sunniest month. Locals swim in the Yangtze River and East Lake to cool off. If you visit in July, do outdoor activities before 10am and after 4pm, carry water constantly, and wear UV protection.
August remains hot at 32C (90F) but rainfall drops significantly to 112mm. Humidity stays at 79 percent. The first half of August feels like July; by late August the heat starts to ease slightly. This is summer holiday season for Chinese students, so tourist sites are crowded. Yangtze River cruises run regularly, and evenings along the Hankou riverfront are lively with outdoor dining.
September brings relief as highs drop to 28C (82F) and rainfall falls to 80mm on about 9 days. Humidity decreases to 76 percent. Early September still feels summery, but by mid-month autumn arrives with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. The Mid-Autumn Festival (September or early October depending on the lunar calendar) brings mooncake vendors and lantern displays along the river.
Wuhan Weather by Month: October to December
October is the best month for weather in Wuhan. Highs of 22C (72F), lows of 14C (57F), low humidity at 74 percent, and 155 sunshine hours. Rainfall is moderate at 90mm, mostly light showers. The National Day holiday (October 1 to 7) is the busiest domestic travel week of the year, avoid it or book everything 2 months ahead. Outside that week, October is perfect for walking the Yangtze bridges, exploring temples, and outdoor dining.
November cools to highs of 16C (61F) and lows of 8C (46F). Rainfall drops to 56mm over 8 days. The autumn foliage in East Lake and Moshan is at its best in the first two weeks of November. You’ll need a warm jacket by mid-month. Air quality improves as winter heating hasn’t started yet. It’s a quiet month for tourism with lower hotel prices.
December is cold and dry. Highs reach 10C (50F), lows drop to 2C (36F), and December is the driest month at just 30mm of rain. Overnight frost is possible. Christmas decorations appear in shopping districts like Jianghan Road, but it’s not a major holiday locally. Hotel prices hit their annual low. Pack layers, a warm coat, and expect grey skies, December averages only 125 hours of sunshine.
