Nanjing has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers run hot and sticky (June through September), earning Nanjing its reputation as one of China’s legendary “Three Furnaces” alongside Wuhan and Chongqing. Winters are cold and damp with occasional light snow. Spring and autumn are mild but short, each lasting roughly two months. The city receives about 1,100mm (43 inches) of rain annually, with the bulk falling during the June-July plum rain season. On this page you will find a detailed month-by-month breakdown of temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and sunshine hours for Nanjing, plus practical tips on what to pack each season. For a complete overview, see our Nanjing travel guide.
Nanjing Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall Overview
Nanjing sits at 32N latitude on the Yangtze River floodplain, 15 meters (50 feet) above sea level. Its inland location means no moderating sea breezes, so summer heat builds and winter cold settles in. Here is a month-by-month breakdown of average conditions:. See our best time to visit guide for more.
January – Average high 7C (44F), low -1C (30F). Rainfall 36mm over 9 days. Humidity 74%. 4.5 hrs sunshine/day. Coldest month. Light snow possible 2-3 days. Pack a heavy coat, gloves, and thermal layers. See our things to do guide for more.
February – Average high 9C (48F), low 1C (34F). Rainfall 48mm over 10 days. Humidity 74%. 4.8 hrs sunshine/day. Still cold with occasional sleet. Plum blossoms begin opening at Purple Mountain around mid-February. See our events and festivals guide for more.
March – Average high 14C (57F), low 5C (41F). Rainfall 72mm over 12 days. Humidity 73%. 5.2 hrs sunshine/day. Spring arrives but temperatures swing wildly, 20C one day, 5C the next. Layers are essential. See our travel tips guide for more.
April – Average high 21C (70F), low 11C (52F). Rainfall 85mm over 12 days. Humidity 72%. 6.0 hrs sunshine/day. Pleasant warm days, cool evenings. The best month for Purple Mountain hiking before summer heat arrives.
May – Average high 26C (79F), low 16C (61F). Rainfall 98mm over 13 days. Humidity 73%. 6.5 hrs sunshine/day. Warm and increasingly humid as the plum rain season approaches. Xuanwu Lake is at its greenest.
June – Average high 29C (84F), low 21C (70F). Rainfall 165mm over 13 days. Humidity 78%. 5.8 hrs sunshine/day. Plum rain (meiyu) season peaks. Expect daily downpours, high humidity, and 30C+ heat. Mold and mildew are common.
July – Average high 32C (90F), low 25C (77F). Rainfall 184mm over 13 days. Humidity 80%. 6.5 hrs sunshine/day. Hottest month. Heat index regularly exceeds 40C (104F). Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and intense but brief. Air conditioning is non-negotiable.
August – Average high 31C (88F), low 24C (75F). Rainfall 129mm over 12 days. Humidity 80%. 7.0 hrs sunshine/day. Still hot and sticky, but rainfall tapers off after mid-month. Typhoon remnants occasionally bring heavy rain bands.
September – Average high 27C (81F), low 19C (66F). Rainfall 84mm over 10 days. Humidity 77%. 6.2 hrs sunshine/day. The heat finally breaks around mid-September. Early autumn is a sweet spot, warm days, cooler nights, less rain.
October – Average high 22C (72F), low 13C (55F). Rainfall 57mm over 8 days. Humidity 73%. 6.0 hrs sunshine/day. Best weather month. Dry, sunny, comfortable. Purple Mountain turns red and gold. Peak tourism season, book hotels 2-3 weeks ahead.
November – Average high 15C (59F), low 6C (43F). Rainfall 49mm over 7 days. Humidity 72%. 5.0 hrs sunshine/day. Autumn foliage peaks early November. Temperatures drop sharply after mid-month. Light jacket for daytime, heavier layers at night.
December – Average high 9C (48F), low 1C (34F). Rainfall 28mm over 6 days. Humidity 71%. 4.8 hrs sunshine/day. Cold, dry, and grey. The driest month. Christmas decorations appear in Xinjiekou malls but it is not a major holiday. Pack winter clothes.
Nanjing Weather by Month: Seasonal Packing Checklist
Summer (Jun-Aug): Lightweight, breathable clothing. Sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen. Compact umbrella for sudden downpours. Insect repellent. Water-resistant shoes. Book hotels with verified air conditioning, some budget guesthouses have weak units.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Heavy coat or down jacket. Thermal base layers, wool sweaters. Gloves, scarf, beanie. Waterproof boots for slushy days. Indoor heating is universal but many older buildings are drafty.
Spring (Mar-May): Layered clothing, mornings at 5C, afternoons at 25C. Light rain jacket. Face mask for pollen season (March-April brings high pollen counts from plane trees lining the streets).
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Light jacket for September-October, warmer coat for November. Comfortable walking shoes for city wall and mountain hikes. Camera for fall foliage at Purple Mountain and Qixia Mountain.
