Smoky haze 
Patchy rain nearby 
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Changsha is the capital of Hunan province in central China, a city of about 10.4 million people set on the Xiang River roughly 300 km south of Wuhan. It has a humid subtropical climate with a short, cool winter and a long, famously hot summer that lands it on China’s list of furnace cities just behind Chongqing and Wuhan. July averages 34°C (93°F) and January 8.6°C (47°F), with about 1,430 mm of rain a year falling mostly between March and June. Most visitors come for the food, the riverside sights and the 2,000 year old Mawangdui treasures at the Hunan Provincial Museum.
Welcome to Changsha
Changsha sits on the east and west banks of the Xiang River, with the old town and its neon lit food streets on the east bank and Yuelu Mountain rising on the west. It is the home of spicy Hunan cuisine, the city where a young Mao Zedong studied and swam, and a major high speed rail hub that connects easily to Guangzhou, Wuhan and the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie. The river, the mountain and Orange Isle in between give the city its defining layout, and everything a visitor needs sits within a 20 minute metro ride of Wuyi Square.
Weather at a Glance
The annual average temperature is 18.4°C (65°F). July is the hottest month at a 34.1°C (93°F) average high, with overnight lows of 25.9°C (79°F) and heat that can touch 40°C (104°F). January is the coldest at 5.3°C (42°F) on average, and the record low is -6.6°C (20°F) from January 2016. June is the wettest month with 225 mm of rain, December the driest at 45 mm, and the annual total is 1,430 mm over about 154 rain days. The sunniest stretch is July and August at 7.5 hours a day, while February and March manage only 2. For the full month by month figures, read the Changsha weather by month guide.
Seasonal Snapshot
- Spring (March to May): Rainy and grey, 140 to 190 mm a month and 16 to 19 rain days, with temperatures climbing from 13°C to 23°C. The plum rain season peaks in April and May.
- Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, 30°C to 34°C highs and 39 to 40°C on the worst days. Rainfall eases to 105 to 145 mm and sunshine peaks at 7.5 hours a day.
- Autumn (September to November): The best season, mild at 13°C to 25°C with 75 to 80 mm of rain and clear skies. Late September to early November is the driest, mildest window.
- Winter (December to February): Cool and damp, 5°C to 8°C with fog and occasional frost. Snow is rare and light, and December is the driest month at 45 mm.
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: October to early November for mild, dry weather.
- Warmest month: July, averaging 30°C (86°F).
- Coolest month: January, averaging 5.3°C (42°F).
- Wettest month: June, 225 mm of rain.
- Driest month: December, 45 mm of rain.
- Airport: Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX), 25 km east of the centre.
Changsha Travel Guides
- Changsha Weather by Month – monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and sunshine, with a full comparison table.
- Best Time to Visit Changsha – the exact date ranges for the best weather, prices and events.
- Things to Do in Changsha – Yuelu Mountain, Orange Isle, the Hunan Museum and the food streets, with hours and prices.
- Changsha Events and Festivals – Dragon Boat races, Mid Autumn Festival, fireworks and crayfish season.
- Changsha Neighborhoods – the five districts that matter, and which one suits your trip.
- Where to Stay in Changsha – the best areas and specific hotels for every budget.
- Changsha Travel Tips and FAQ – airport transfers, the metro, mobile payments, visas and safety.
Where to Stay in Changsha
Stay around Wuyi Square if you want the food streets on your doorstep, in Tianxin for the riverfront five star hotels, or in Yuelu on the west bank for calm and the mountain. Yuhua suits rail travellers. Hotel prices range from about 250 RMB a night for budget rooms to 1,200 RMB and up for the top riverfront towers. For a full breakdown with three hotel picks per area, see the where to stay in Changsha guide.
Suggested Hotels in Changsha
Grand Hyatt Changsha
A 61 storey riverfront landmark facing Orange Isle and Du Fu Pavilion, with a sky lobby, indoor pool and several restaurants. Best for couples who want a river view and five star comfort. Check rates and availability
Fairfield by Marriott Changsha Tianxin
A clean, well run mid range hotel on Furong South Road with free WiFi and city views, close to Tianxin Pavilion. Best for travellers who want dependable comfort at a mid range price. Check rates and availability
Holiday Inn Express Changsha South Railway Station
A practical budget hotel a 13 minute walk from Changsha South Railway Station, with breakfast included. Best for rail travellers and anyone on a tight budget. Check rates and availability
Use the best time to visit Changsha guide to match your dates to the weather, and the things to do in Changsha guide to plan your days.
