Nanjing’s climate offers a unique blend of seasons, each bringing its own charm and travel experiences. Spring dazzles with cherry blossoms and tulip festivals, while summer brings humid heat and vibrant night markets. Autumn is perfect for golden ginkgo leaves, fragrant osmanthus, and seasonal delicacies like hairy crabs. Winter, though cold and misty, offers cozy hot springs, festive lantern displays, and warming local foods. Understanding the city’s weather can help you plan your trips, pack appropriately, and enjoy every season to its fullest. This guide breaks down Nanjing’s climate month by month and provides practical tips for travelers seeking the best seasonal experiences.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can learn more about this in my disclosure policy.
Nanjing Travel Planning Guide
Considering a last-minute trip to Nanjing?
🇨🇳 Top Activities and Tours in Nanjing:
1. Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: Discover Nanjing your way with a private guide, hotel pickup, lunch, and customizable visits to top historical or natural landmarks.
2. 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: Taste Nanjing like a local on a private food tour, sampling 15 dishes at Confucius Temple Market and Laomendong.
3. Nanjing By Night: Qinghuai River Cruise with Authentic Dining Experience: Enjoy a 3-hour Nanjing night tour with a Qinghuai River cruise, traditional dinner, Confucius Temple visit, and dazzling light show.
4. Private Day Tour to Niushoushan Cultural Park in Nanjing: Enjoy a peaceful day trip to Niushoushan Culture Park with a private guide, transfers, entrance, and vegetarian lunch included.
🏨Top Hotels in Nanjing:
Nanjing Zhongshan Hotel (⭐️ 4.7 budget-friendly)
Jinling Hotel (⭐️ 4.7 mid-range)
Banyan Tree Nanjing Garden Expo (⭐️ 4.7 luxury)
The Lalu Nanjing (⭐️ 4.7 luxury)
🌐Make sure to install ExpressVPN in advance for unrestricted internet access during your stay in China!
Nanjing’s Climate Overview
Nanjing experiences a north subtropical humid climate shaped by the East Asian monsoon, with an annual average temperature of 15.4°C and rainfall of about 1,106 mm. The city’s weather patterns are strongly seasonal and highly humid throughout the year.
Spring and autumn are brief yet delightful, lasting just under two months each. With mild temperatures ranging from 10–22°C and moderate rainfall, these periods are the best times for sightseeing.
Winters and summers, however, are extreme. Winters average 1–4°C and can drop to –8°C, bringing a damp chill. Summers soar to 27–30°C, with heat waves pushing temperatures to 40°C, making the humidity feel stifling.
A distinct “plum rain” season strikes from mid-June to early July, bringing 20–30 days of persistent rain and humidity levels over 90%, often causing mold and dampness in clothing and appliances.
Overall, Nanjing stays humid year-round, with relative humidity rarely dropping below 70%. The high moisture amplifies summer’s muggy discomfort and winter’s penetrating cold, while also making belongings prone to mildew.
Ready to book your trip to Nanjing? Check out:
- 3-Day Nanjing Itinerary: History, Culture, and Modern Highlights
- Where to Eat in Nanjing: Top 15 Must-Visit Spots
Nanjing in Spring (March–May)
Spring in Nanjing is short but stunning, with each month offering its own charm. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you plan your visit.
🌸 March – Cherry Blossom Season
With average temperatures of 8–15°C, early spring can still feel chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Pack a light down jacket, sweater, and scarf. The highlight is the cherry blossoms at Jiming Temple, best enjoyed from mid-March to early April. For crowd-free photos, go on weekdays between 7–9 am, and head to the second-floor terrace of the Paleontology Museum for the perfect shot. Expect weekend crowds and bring a mask if you’re sensitive to pollen.
🌿 April – Outing Season
Temperatures rise to a pleasant 14–22°C, though light showers and floating plane tree catkins are common. A windbreaker, knitwear, and umbrella will serve you well. Spend a day exploring the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum area, from early-morning Meihua Mountain (free entry before 8:00), to the scenic Shixiang Road with great light before 10:00, and the quiet Honglou Arts Garden. Don’t miss the Xuanwu Lake Tulip Exhibition (April 1–20). If you’re prone to allergies, prepare for the heavy catkin season between April 5–25.
🌹 May – Early Summer Blooms
By May, temperatures climb to 19–27°C, with occasional days over 30°C. Dress in breathable clothing, a sun-protective jacket, and a hat. The star attraction is the 200-meter-long rose wall at Zhongshan Botanical Garden, blooming beautifully from May 1–20. A hidden gem here is the succulent zone inside the Tropical Plant Palace. May also marks the start of crayfish season—try the crayfish buffet at Jinling Hotel for a true local taste.
Nanjing in Summer (June–August)
Nanjing summers are hot, humid, and unforgettable, but with the right planning, you can enjoy the city to the fullest.
🌧️ June – Plum Rain Season
Expect temperatures of 25–30°C and humidity above 85%. With weeks of steady rain, laundry dries slowly, and the damp air can affect electronics—keep your devices well-protected.
☀️ July & August – Peak Heat
Summer intensifies with daily highs between 28–35°C, sometimes soaring to 40°C. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and the UV index is extremely high (10+), so sun protection is a must.
⏰ Best Daily Schedule
- Morning (6:00–10:00): Take advantage of the cooler hours. Hike up to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum when it opens at 6:30, cycle around Xuanwu Lake, or stroll through the lively Laomendong morning market.
- Midday (10:00–15:00): Retreat indoors to escape the heat. Explore the Nanjing Museum or Six Dynasties Museum, both air-conditioned and fascinating, or browse the luxury shops at Deji Plaza. Avoid outdoor sightseeing during these hours.
- Evening (17:00–21:00): As the city cools, enjoy a night cruise on the Qinhuai River, then sample local specialties at Fuzimiao Food Street.
🎒 What to Pack for Summer in Nanjing
- Sun protection: SPF50+ sunscreen, UV400 sunglasses, and a sun hat or umbrella.
- Cooling gear: A rechargeable handheld fan, refreshing sprays, and cooling wipes.
- Essentials: Quick-dry clothes (bring spares), a refillable water bottle (fountains are available at attractions), and waterproof shoe covers for sudden downpours.
Nanjing in Autumn (September–November)
Autumn is perhaps the most comfortable and picturesque season in Nanjing. With cooler weather, golden leaves, and seasonal delicacies, it’s a perfect time to explore the city.
🍂 September – Autumn Tiger’s Last Heat
Although autumn has arrived, early September can still feel like summer, with highs reaching 32℃ (and sometimes above 35℃ before the 10th). Evenings cool to around 22℃. Expect mostly sunny days with occasional showers. Pack short sleeves, a light sun jacket, and a hat for protection.
🍁 October – Golden Autumn at Its Best
With temperatures between 15–25℃ and crisp, sunny days, October is ideal for outdoor sightseeing. The air is at its cleanest of the year, making hikes and strolls extra refreshing. Dress in layers: a long-sleeve shirt and a thin jacket will be enough.
🌬️ November – Deep Autumn Chill
By early November, temperatures hover around 15℃, dropping to about 8℃ by the end of the month. Plane trees shed their leaves, transforming the city into a leafy wonderland. A sweater, windbreaker, and scarf will keep you cozy, especially since the first frost often arrives late in the month.
✨ Where to Go
- Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Sacred Way: Famous for its golden ginkgo avenue, best from late October to mid-November. Arrive before 7 am to enjoy it without crowds (entry ¥70).
- Yihe Road Architecture District: A charming Republic-era neighborhood framed by falling leaves. Best explored mid to late November along routes like Yihe → Ninghai → Jiangsu Road.
- Purple Mountain Observatory: For breathtaking sunsets, head here between October and November when visibility is at its best. Walk up from Baima Park (1 hour) or take a sightseeing cart (¥20).
🥢 Seasonal Delicacies
- September: Feast on hairy crabs — steamed with ginger vinegar, or try crab roe soup dumplings and crab roe tofu. Local favorites: Meiyuan at Jinling Hotel and Da Pai Dang (Deji Plaza).
- October: Enjoy osmanthus-inspired treats like sticky rice lotus root, sweet taro, and rice wine dumplings. The most authentic flavors are found in Laomendong.
- November: Warm up with hearty duck dishes. Classics include smoked duck with old duck soup and duck oil pancakes, or salted duck with chrysanthemum greens & egg soup. Try Han Fuxing or Jin Hongxing Duck Shop for the best flavors.
Nanjing in Winter (December–February)
Nanjing’s winters are damp, cold, and misty — but they also bring unique scenery, cozy hot springs, festive lanterns, and warming local foods.
🌡️ Weather & Climate
Expect average temperatures between 1–8℃, dipping as low as -5℃ in late January. Thanks to high humidity (around 75%), it feels 3–5℃ colder than the thermometer shows. Along the Yangtze, biting winds make it feel even chillier.
Snow is rare, with only 3–5 snowy days a year, mostly in January. Still, you might catch breathtaking sights like rime frost on Zijin Mountain or river fog drifting over the Yangtze at Yanzi Ji. Morning fog is common, often reducing visibility to under 500 meters.
♨️ Seasonal Experiences
- Tangshan Hot Springs: Escape the chill in over 50 themed pools, ranging from rose and jasmine floral baths to traditional Chinese herbal soaks and even wine-infused pools. Open daily 10:00–22:00, with tickets ¥128–198.
- Confucius Temple Lantern Festival: One of Nanjing’s most iconic winter events. Arrive before 7 pm on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds. Don’t miss the 15m-tall main lantern at Dacheng Hall, glowing water lanterns on the Qinhuai River, and traditional heritage lanterns in Laomendong. Pair your visit with local snacks like duck oil pancakes or sweet taro pudding, and consider a night boat cruise (18:00–21:00).
🍲 Winter Comfort Foods
- Hotpot Season: Warm up with copper-pot lamb hotpot, cooked over charcoal and paired with sesame dipping sauce. Locals also love duck blood vermicelli soup with chili oil and crispy beef potstickers served in bone broth.
- Street Eats: Stroll the streets for roasted chestnuts (best on Hankou West Road), honey-roasted sweet potatoes, or a steaming cup of osmanthus rice wine soup.
Monthly Climate Table for Nanjing
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Daily Temp Range | Rainy Days | Relative Humidity | Special Notes | Travel Recommendation Index |
| January | 7℃ | 0℃ | 7℃ | 8 days | 75% | • Coldest month of the year • May drop to -5℃ • Strong winds along the Yangtze | ★★★☆☆ |
| February | 9℃ | 2℃ | 7℃ | 10 days | 78% | • Holiday crowds up 300% • Confucius Temple Lantern Festival peak • Plum blossoms bloom late in the month | ★★★★☆ |
| March | 15℃ | 6℃ | 9℃ | 12 days | 80% | • Cherry blossoms begin around Mar 10 • Possible “returning cold spell” • Plane tree fluff starts | ★★★★★ |
| April | 22℃ | 12℃ | 10℃ | 13 days | 82% | • Peak of plane tree fluff (Apr 5–25) • Tulip Exhibition (Apr 1–20) | ★★★★★ |
| May | 27℃ | 18℃ | 9℃ | 12 days | 80% | • Rose blooming season (May 1–20) • First heat wave may reach 32℃ • Crayfish season begins | ★★★★☆ |
| June | 30℃ | 22℃ | 8℃ | 14 days | 85% | • Plum rain season begins (~June 15) • Humidity often exceeds 90% • Clothes dry poorly | ★★☆☆☆ |
| July | 33℃ | 26℃ | 7℃ | 15 days | 87% | • Hottest month of the year • Extreme highs up to 40℃ • Frequent afternoon thunderstorms | ★★☆☆☆ |
| August | 32℃ | 25℃ | 7℃ | 14 days | 85% | • Typhoons may affect 2–3 days • “Autumn Tiger” heatwave • Abundant night events | ★★★☆☆ |
| September | 28℃ | 21℃ | 7℃ | 11 days | 82% | • Early month can still hit 35℃ • Osmanthus blossoms mid-month • Hairy crab season begins | ★★★★☆ |
| October | 23℃ | 15℃ | 8℃ | 9 days | 78% | • Best travel month of the year • Ginkgo leaves turn yellow (after Oct 25) • Best air quality | ★★★★★ |
| November | 17℃ | 9℃ | 8℃ | 8 days | 75% | • Plane tree leaf-fall season (Nov 10–25) • Best time for Qixia Mountain red leaves • Possible first frost | ★★★★☆ |
| December | 10℃ | 3℃ | 7℃ | 7 days | 73% | • Possible first snow (late December) • Christmas / New Year shopping events • Hot spring season begins | ★★★☆☆ |
China Travel Planning Guide&FAQ
🎫Do I need a visa for China?
Yes. Most visitors to China will need a visa to enter the country. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your trip, as well as your nationality. If you are a resident of the US, you must apply for a Chinese visa at the Consular Office in the country. On the other hand, inhabitants of countries like Japan, Canada, and the UK can request a visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
🤔Why is it necessary to install a VPN in China?
In China, the government has strict regulations on internet access, leading to the blocking of popular websites and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and YouTube. To access these sites, a VPN is suggested as a means of bypassing the restrictions. It is important to choose a reputable VPN provider and use caution while doing so. ExpressVPN has been historically deemed the most reliable VPN for this purpose, despite being heavily targeted by China’s censors. Nevertheless, it is still a widely preferred option owing to its ease of installation and user-friendliness.
📲Is it necessary to have a Chinese SIM card while in China?
Yes. It is crucial to acknowledge that accessing the internet in China may pose limitations due to certain websites being prohibited or filtered. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity while staying in China, purchasing a local SIM card is advisable. For optimum results, acquiring SIM cards from either China Unicom or China Mobile is recommended. While China Mobile has the most comprehensive coverage in China and is a market leader, China Unicom is more compatible with foreign phones, enabling 3G and 4G services. Or you can purchase a SIM card online.
🔮Should I buy China travel insurance?
Yes. Although China is generally a safe country for travel, it is still possible to encounter accidents or other unexpected occurrences. Therefore, obtaining travel insurance can provide a sense of security and financial protection. In my research, I have found that World Nomads is a reputable travel insurance provider that covers a wide range of activities and is recommended for the average traveler. Nevertheless, I advise you to compare insurance quotes from various providers before making a decision.
🚙Can you rent a car in China?
Unfeasible. Obtaining a Chinese driver’s license to rent a car and self-drive may seem like an option, but it is not a practical choice for most foreigners. Therefore, many prefer to opt for a driver or public transportation when navigating China, as it proves to be more convenient.
✈️What’s the best site to purchase flight tickets for China?
I suggest using Trip for affordable flights to China. As a China-based company, they often offer lower prices compared to foreign companies. Additionally, they offer English-speaking phone support in case of any issues.
🏡What is the best way to book hotels in China?
🎒What do I pack for China?
Travel adapter and converter: China uses a different electrical system than many other countries, so it’s important to bring a travel adapter and converter if you plan to use electronic devices such as phones, cameras, and laptops.
Sunscreen: The UV index in China can be high, particularly during the summer months, and prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Deodorant: It should be noted that finding deodorant in China may not be a simple task.
📚Can a guidebook for traveling to China be useful?
Yes. If you’re planning to travel to China for the first time, a travel guidebook can be a valuable resource, and Lonely Planet is one of the most reputable guides available globally. Its comprehensive itineraries and recommendations take into account your personal preferences and can save you both time and money. The insider tips are also extremely helpful in navigating China’s unique cultural landscape like a local.
Esther Zheng is a local Chinese travel blogger and the founder of Let’s Travel to China. She began exploring China during her university years and has spent over eight years traveling across nearly every province, discovering both famous landmarks and hidden gems. After sharing her authentic experiences online and helping friends plan trips, she turned her passion into a full-time travel resource. Today, Esther provides insider tips, itineraries, and local insights to help travelers experience China like a local. She’s on a mission to make planning unforgettable journeys across China easy, authentic, and inspiring.
