Weather, the best time to visit Wuhan

Overview

Wuhan has a humid subtropical monsoon climate in the subtropical zone, characterized by abundant annual rainfall, ample heat, synchronized rain and heat, cold winters and hot summers, and distinct seasonal changes. The city's annual average temperature ranges from 15.8°C to 17.5°C, with January being the coldest month (average temperature: 0.4°C) and July and August the hottest (average temperature: 28.7°C). Summer lasts as long as 135 days, with high humidity and poor heat dissipation, making the city one of China’s "Three Furnaces".

The frost-free period typically ranges from 211 to 272 days per year. Annual sunshine hours total between 1,810 and 2,100, and annual precipitation ranges from 1,150 mm to 1,450 mm. Rainfall is concentrated from June to August, accounting for about 40% of the yearly total.

The Best Time and Seasons to Visit Wuhan

Wuhan is known as one of China’s “Three Furnaces” due to its extremely hot and humid summers. There can be several days when temperatures soar above 40°C (104°F), and even standing by the Yangtze River offers no relief from the stifling heat. In contrast, winters in Wuhan are damp and chilly, making it less ideal for travel.

Therefore, the best times to visit Wuhan are in spring and autumn. In spring, you can admire the cherry blossoms on the campus of Wuhan University, located on Luojia Hill in Wuchang. In autumn, it's ideal to visit the Xingyin Pavilion by East Lake to pay tribute to the great poet Qu Yuan.

Wuhan Weather in Four Seasons

Spring (March to May)

Spring breezes sweep through the streets and alleys of Wuhan, quietly dissolving the stillness of winter. As promised, cherry blossoms bloom across the city, painting it in the hues of spring. The Cherry Blossom Avenue at Wuhan University exudes timeless charm, while the blossoms near the Jianghan Customs House sway gently to the rhythm of the historic clock chimes. Deeper in the parks, cherry trees bloom quietly, like an unexpected encounter with romance. Visitors stroll leisurely beneath them with umbrellas in hand, petals clinging to their clothes, even their sighs seem softened by the season.

Summer (June to August)

In the summer, the River City of Wuhan is wrapped in a haze of heat, like a giant sauna enveloping the entire city. The hotter it gets, the more vivid the colors become. The river, mirroring the sky, turns a deep, rich blue, and waves ripple outward as boats pass by. Lotus flowers, water lilies, and hibiscus continue the floral spectacle that began like a midsummer dream, blooming more vibrantly under the sun. As light and shadow play across the city, clouds gather behind buildings, and the setting sun leaves a fiery golden glow across the scene.

Autumn (September to November)

As the autumn breeze gently sweeps through, the river city of Wuhan dons a dazzling coat of colors, ushering in its most enchanting season, brief, yet brilliant. Turn a corner and you might stumble upon a golden grove of ginkgo trees; look up, and a blaze of Chinese tallow leaves greets your eyes. Sunlight filters through towering cypress trees, casting dappled light onto the water’s surface, where the crimson reflections of foliage shimmer. Occasionally, a bird flutters by with a soft flap of wings, sending ripples spreading gently across the still water.

Winter (December to February)

Though winter has arrived, the bright and golden warm-toned light in Wuhan makes it feel as if deep autumn still lingers. Blooming reed flowers, as light as snow, add a unique softness to the city. The setting sun bathes the reeds in a golden glow, and they sway gently with the wind, creating ripples like waves. It’s only after a heavy snowfall that winter truly takes the stage in Wuhan, when the city is blanketed in white, revealing the distinctive charm of a river city in winter.

Wuhan Weather by Month/Year Round

If you can freely choose when to travel to Wuhan, it is recommended to select the most suitable month based on your interests and preferences. If you don't have the flexibility to choose, it is advisable to understand the advantages and disadvantages of traveling to Wuhan in each month. According to them, you can be better prepared in advance.

View your month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

January: is January a Good Time to Visit?

In deep winter, January brought a heavy snowfall to Wuhan, blanketing the three towns in ice and snow. Amid this wintry scene, Yellow Crane Tower transformed into a magical sight. The thousand-year-old pavilion, draped in silver, resembled a traditional ink-wash landscape painting. As evening approached and the city lights began to glow, the red and yellow hues reflected off the snow-covered rooftop, creating a breathtaking and enchanting view.

In January, Wuhan’s average temperature ranges from -1.6°C to 7.6°C, with lows around -14°C and highs up to 17°C, with an average monthly rainfall of about 54 mm. The weather is mainly sunny or cloudy, sometimes bringing rain or snow, with occasional haze, not suitable for travel.

January is the low tourist season in Wuhan, meaning fewer visitors, more flexible itineraries, and lower travel costs. However, some attractions may close due to weather, making it more suitable for experiencing Wuhan’s custom and culture, so careful planning is advisable.

What to Wear/Bring in January

Wuhan in January is cold, so it’s important to wear warm clothing such as down jackets, woolen coats, and masks. You might also consider wearing a beanie, scarf, and gloves, and carrying a thermos for hot water. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for mountain excursions, and sunglasses are advisable for snow activities to prevent snow blindness. As rainfall can be unpredictable, it’s best to carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Sunshine can be quite strong, so you may also want to bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and lip balm to protect against dry or chapped skin.

February: is February a Good Time to Visit?

In early spring, fresh buds begin to sprout from the willow trees along the East Lake Greenway after a long winter slumber. The serene blue lake lies in solemn stillness. Withered branches and ancient trees stand lonely by the lakeside, accentuating a sense of desolation while revealing a unique beauty in imperfection. Before the cherry blossoms arrive, plum blossoms burst into bloom, as if the city and the blossoms exist within each other. When rain or snow falls, the frozen petals glisten like jewels, shimmering with a proud, defiant light.

In February, Wuhan’s average temperature ranges from -1.4°C to 8.4°C, with lows around -15°C and highs up to 23°C, with an average monthly rainfall of about 77 mm. The weather is mainly cloudy or overcast, partly sunny, sometimes bringing rain or snow, with occasional haze, not suitable for travel.

February is the low tourist season in Wuhan, meaning fewer visitors, more flexible itineraries, and lower travel costs. However, some attractions may close due to weather, making it more suitable for experiencing Wuhan’s custom and culture, especially during the Spring Festival, so careful planning is advisable.

What to Wear/Bring in February

Wuhan in February is cold, so it’s important to wear warm clothing such as down jackets, woolen coats, and masks. You might also consider bringing a beanie, scarf, and gloves, and carrying a thermos for hot water. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for mountain excursions, and sunglasses are advisable for snow activities to prevent snow blindness. As rainfall can be unpredictable, it’s best to carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Sunshine can be quite strong, so you may also want to bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and lip balm to protect against dry or chapped skin.

March: is March a Good Time to Visit?

As the spring breeze sweeps through, the plum blossoms still linger while a hundred other flowers begin to bloom. Magnolias, rapeseed flowers, and tulips compete in brilliance and beauty, yet by March, the River City of Wuhan is already ruled by cherry blossoms. The branches overflow with clusters of vibrant blooms, drawing crowds of visitors who linger beneath the trees. When a gentle breeze passes by, countless petals drift down like a shower of pink rain.

In March, Wuhan’s average temperature ranges from 2.1°C to 13.1°C, with lows around -16°C and highs up to 26°C, with an average monthly rainfall of about 115 mm. The weather is mainly cloudy or rainy, partly sunny, occasional bringing haze or snow, with frequent wind, suitable for travel.

March is the common tourist season in Wuhan, meaning fewer visitors, more flexible itineraries, and lower travel costs. Some attractions are gradually operated during this time, with many spring outing activities, making it the best time to visit Wuhan.

What to Wear/Bring in March

Wuhan in March is cool and windy, so it’s important to wear warm clothing such as down jackets, windbreakers, and masks. You might also consider bringing a beanie, scarf, and gloves, and carrying a thermos for hot water. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for mountain excursions. As rainfall can be unpredictable, it’s best to carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Sunshine can be quite strong, so you may also want to bring a sun hat and sunscreen to protect against dry or chapped skin.

April: is April a Good Time to Visit?

In April, Wuhan is embraced by warm breezes and gentle air. Slender willows sway like silk threads, drizzling rain weaves a misty veil, while orioles sing sweet melodies and swallows chirp softly. The late-blooming cherry blossoms cling to the branches, scattering like stars in full bloom. Thousands of flowers vie in beauty at Shahu Lake; crabapple blossoms wind along East Lake; and azaleas carpet Mulan Tianchi like a brocade, together painting a breathtaking portrait of this “flower city amid wetlands”.

In April, Wuhan’s average temperature ranges from 4.9°C to 17.5°C, with lows around -5°C and highs up to 30°C, with an average monthly rainfall of about 169 mm. The weather is mainly cloudy or rainy, partly sunny, occasional bringing some haze, with frequent wind, suitable for travel.

April is high tourist season in Wuhan, meaning more visitors, more limited itineraries, and higher travel costs. Most of attractions are fully operated by the Qingming Festival, with many spring outing activities, making it the best time to visit Wuhan.

What to Wear/Bring in April

Wuhan in April is cool and moist, so it’s important to wear warm and windproof clothing such as windbreakers, sweaters, and masks. You might also consider bringing a beanie, scarf, and gloves. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for mountain excursions. As rainfall can be unpredictable, it’s best to carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Sunshine can be quite strong, so you may also want to bring a sun hat and sunscreen to protect against dry or chapped skin.

May: is May a Good Time to Visit?

As a gentle breeze crosses the threshold of spring, summer unfurls its vibrant scroll at the window of the seasons. Whether flower viewing, camping, or simply strolling, every corner of Wuhan has scenes of healing and serenity in early summer. Only when the spring blossoms fade do we realize how dazzling the summer blooms are, equally beautiful in their splendor. Purple vervain, golden coreopsis, pink hydrangeas, and colorful snapdragons burst into full bloom along forested hills and lakeshores, ablaze with vitality.

In May, Wuhan’s average temperature ranges from 7.8°C to 21.1°C, with lows around -3°C and highs up to 31°C, with an average monthly rainfall of about 195 mm. The weather is mainly cloudy or rainy, partly sunny, with frequent wind, good for travel.

May is peak tourist season in Wuhan, meaning more visitors, more limited itineraries, and higher travel costs. Abundant spring outing activities are launched since the arrival of May Day holiday, making it the best time to visit Wuhan.

What to Wear/Bring in May

Wuhan in April is warm and moist, so it’s advisable to wear comfortable and windproof clothing such as thin windbreakers, sport shirts, and masks. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended while mountaineering. As rainfall can be frequent, it’s best to carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Sunshine can be quite strong, so you may also want to bring a sun hat and sunscreen to protect your skin.

June: is June a Good Time to Visit?

In Wuhan’s summer, lotus flowers take center stage. Verdant lotus leaves, like little open umbrellas, crowd the water’s surface, while delicate pink blossoms are scattered among them, some still in bud, others fully open. After a few light rains, the lotus flowers seem to glow with intensity. The pink blooms intertwine with the lush green leaves, each stem like a golden pavilion cradling jade, releasing a fragrance that lingers in the air. Raindrops tap crisply on the leaves, and the lotus scent drifts with the breeze, intoxicating all who pass by.

In June, Wuhan’s average temperature ranges from 12.4°C to 26.1°C, with lows around 3°C and highs up to 40°C, with an average monthly rainfall of about 274 mm. The weather is mainly cloudy or rainy, partly sunny, good for travel.

June is common tourist season in Wuhan, meaning more visitors, more limited itineraries, and higher travel costs. Abundant activities are launched, while frequent rainfall may affect the itinerary. If you can plan your itinerary reasonably, it is the best time to visit Wuhan.

What to Wear/Bring in June

Wuhan in June is hot and moist, so it’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing such as thin jackets, sport shirts, and sweatshirt sets. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for mountain excursions. As rainfall can be frequent, it’s best to carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Sunshine can be quite strong, so you may also want to bring a sun hat and sunscreen to protect your skin. It’s also suggested to take mosquito prevention measures.

July: is July a Good Time to Visit?

In July, under the scorching sun and relentless heatwaves, Wuhan still radiates beauty, brims with vitality, and showcases the charm of summer. Known as “furnace city”, Wuhan’s intense heat is undeniable, but the riverbanks and lakeshores offer perfect escapes from the sweltering weather. A gentle breeze from East Lake brings cool relief, sweeping away the summer heat. At Mulan Qingliangzhai, the towering hundred-meter waterfall cascades down with great force, its rushing waters delivering a refreshing chill.

In June, Wuhan’s average temperature ranges from 14.6°C to 29.0°C, with lows around 6°C and highs up to 41°C, with an average monthly rainfall of about 218 mm. The weather is mainly cloudy or rainy, partly sunny, with frequent wind, not good for travel.

July is peak tourist season in Wuhan, meaning more visitors, more limited itineraries, and higher travel costs especially during the summer holiday. Abundant activities are launched, while frequent rainfall may affect the itinerary. If you can plan your itinerary reasonably or avoid the crowds, it is not a bad time to visit Wuhan.

What to Wear/Bring in July

Wuhan in July is hot and moist, so it’s advisable to wear breathable clothing such as shirts and T-shirts. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for mountain excursions. As rainfall can be frequent, it’s best to carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Sunshine can be quite strong, so you may also want to bring a sun hat and sunscreen to protect your skin. It’s also suggested to take mosquito prevention measures against mosquitoes.

August: is August a Good Time to Visit?

Autumn has officially begun, yet Wuhan still sizzles under lingering high temperatures. The plum rains have passed, leaving behind vast, cloud-dotted skies where clouds drift lazily, painting a series of ever-changing scenes across the heavens. As the sun sets, the evening glow dyes one corner of the sky in warm hues, mirrored perfectly in the water below. Light and color meet in a fleeting encounter, sometimes fiery and intense, sometimes soft and delicate like a young girl, and at times dreamlike, as if from another world.

In August, Wuhan’s average temperature ranges from 14.6°C to 28.7°C, with lows around 5°C and highs up to 40°C, with an average monthly rainfall of about 131 mm. The weather is cloudy, rainy, sunny, or overcast, with frequent wind, not good for travel.

August is peak tourist season in Wuhan, meaning more visitors, more limited itineraries, and higher travel costs especially in the summer holiday. Abundant activities are launched, while frequent rainfall may affect the itinerary. If you can plan your itinerary reasonably or avoid the crowds, it is not a bad time to visit Wuhan.

What to Wear/Bring in August

Wuhan in August is hot and moist, so it’s advisable to wear breathable clothing such as shirts and T-shirts. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for mountain excursions. As rainfall can be frequent, it’s best to carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Sunshine can be quite strong, so you may also want to bring a sun hat and sunscreen to protect your skin. It’s also suggested to take mosquito prevention measures against mosquitoes.

September: is September a Good Time to Visit?

As September arrives, the heat still holds its ground. The sunlight is especially bright and dazzling, and under the blue sky and white clouds, the towering buildings and shimmering lakes appear even more grand and picturesque. At last, a cool breeze arrives, signaling to the people of Wuhan that autumn is finally on its way. Osmanthus flowers, unable to wait any longer, hide among the lush green leaves, releasing their rich, sweet fragrance into the air.

In September, Wuhan’s average temperature ranges from 11.1°C to 24.0°C, with lows around 2°C and highs up to 39°C, with an average monthly rainfall of about 93 mm. The weather is mostly cloudy or sunny, partly rainy, suitable for travel.

September is common tourist season in Wuhan, meaning more visitors, more limited itineraries, and higher travel costs. Abundant activities are launched, so if you can plan your itinerary reasonably or avoid the crowds, it is a good time to visit Wuhan.

What to Wear/Bring in September

Wuhan in September is hot, so it’s advisable to wear breathable clothing such as shirts and T-shirts, with a thin jacket to guard against the cold nights. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for mountain excursions. As rainfall can be unpredictable, it’s best to carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Sunshine can be quite strong, so you may also want to bring a sun hat and sunscreen to protect your skin. It’s also suggested to take mosquito prevention measures against mosquitoes.

October: is October a Good Time to Visit?

In the blink of an eye, October arrives. In the stillness of the quiet night, a long-awaited autumn rain gently nourishes the parched land, bringing with it a fresh and pleasant breeze that softly brushes the cheeks, as if whispering secrets of the season. Red maple leaves, golden ginkgo trees, fragrant lotus root soup, and plump crab roe, all these mark Wuhan’s autumn, a season tender yet fleeting, worthy of savoring slowly.

In October, Wuhan’s average temperature ranges from 7.4°C to 18.2°C, with lows around -2°C and highs up to 37°C, with an average monthly rainfall of about 65 mm. The weather is mostly cloudy or sunny, partly rainy, with occasional haze, best for travel.

October is peak tourist season in Wuhan, meaning more visitors, more limited itineraries, and higher travel costs especially during the National Day holiday. Abundant activities are launched, so if you can accept the high cost or avoid the crowds, it is the best time to visit Wuhan.

What to Wear/Bring in October

Wuhan in October is pleasant, so it’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing such as shirts and jackets. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for mountain excursions. As rainfall can be unpredictable, it’s best to carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Sunshine can be quite strong, so you may also want to bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and lip balm to protect against dry or chapped skin.

November: is November a Good Time to Visit?

As November arrives, the River City begins to take on the hues of late autumn. At the Hankou Riverside Park, a quiet yet unique beauty unfolds at the turn of seasons—it's the time when reeds bloom. Around the boardwalk, a gentle breeze stirs the vast stretches of reeds, their fluffy white plumes drifting with an air of romance and softness. As the sun sets in the west, its golden light dyes the reeds a shimmering gold, and they sway gently in the wind, rippling like waves.

In November, Wuhan’s average temperature ranges from 3.5°C to 12.3°C, with lows around -8°C and highs up to 23°C, with an average monthly rainfall of about 58 mm. The weather is mostly sunny or cloudy, partly rainy, with occasional haze and snowfall, good for travel.

November is low tourist season in Wuhan, meaning fewer visitors, more flexible itineraries, and lower travel costs. Abundant activities are launched, making it the best time to visit Wuhan.

What to Wear/Bring in November

Wuhan in November is cool, so it’s important to wear warm clothing such as sweaters and jackets. You might also consider bringing a thermos for hot water. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for mountain excursions. As rainfall can be unpredictable, it’s best to carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Sunshine can be quite strong, so you may also want to bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and lip balm to protect against dry or chapped skin.

December: is December a Good Time to Visit?

December has arrived, and the sense of winter is growing stronger as East Lake embraces the vibrant scenery of early winter. Beneath the warm sun, nature seems to have spilled a palette of colors here, painting the trees along the lakeshore into a brilliant, multicolored landscape. During overcast or rainy moments, looking down at the Yangtze River from above the Wuchang Bridge Fort reveals vast misty waters, evoking a stark and solemn beauty.

In December, Wuhan’s average temperature ranges from -0.1°C to 8.3°C, with lows around -11°C and highs up to 18°C, with an average monthly rainfall of about 36 mm. The weather is mainly sunny or cloudy, sometimes bringing rain or snow, with occasional haze, not suitable for travel.

December is low tourist season in Wuhan, meaning fewer visitors, more flexible itineraries, and lower travel costs. However, some attractions may close due to weather, making it more suitable for experiencing Wuhan’s custom and culture, so careful planning is advisable.

What to Wear/Bring in December

Wuhan in December is cold, so it’s important to wear warm clothing such as down jackets, woolen coats, and masks. You might also consider bringing a beanie, scarf, and gloves, and carrying a thermos for hot water. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for mountain excursions, and sunglasses are advisable for snow activities to prevent snow blindness. As rainfall can be unpredictable, it’s best to carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case. Sunshine can be quite strong, so you may also want to bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and lip balm to protect against dry or chapped skin.