Weather, the Best Time to Visit Shandong

Overview

Shandong Province lies in the warm temperate monsoon climate zone, with four distinct seasons. In summer, prevailing southerly winds bring heat and abundant rainfall; in winter, northerly winds dominate, making the weather cold and dry. Spring is variable, often dry with little rain and frequent sandstorms, while autumn is clear, crisp, and mild.

The province's annual average temperature ranges from 11.0 to 14.2 °C, decreasing from the southwest to the northeast. Average annual precipitation is 550–950 mm, decreasing from the southeast to the northwest, with 57%–71% falling in summer. July is the hottest month inland, while on the eastern and southern coasts of the peninsula, influenced by the maritime climate, temperatures peak in August. Annual sunshine ranges from 2,200 to 2,900 hours, and the frost-free period lasts 173–250 days.

The Best Time and Seasons to Visit Shandong

In terms of climate, the best time to visit Shandong is from May to October. In Shandong, summer, especially after the May Day holiday, brings warmer seas, with July and August being the golden season for swimming and surfing. In August, the grand Qingdao Beer Festival kicks off, attracting crowds of visitors who gather with locals to drink and celebrate under the lively midsummer night.

As September ushers in autumn, it also marks the peak season for seafood, with crabs and mantis shrimps coming into market, tempting visitors with their rich flavors. Around this time, climbing to the summit of Mount Tai offers the chance to witness its magnificent sunrise. In Jinan, the Red Leaves Valley enchants travelers with its dazzling scenery, immersing them in a sea of blossoms and colorful foliage.

However, due to the unique geographical terrain giving rise to a diverse range of climatic patterns, the best travel time may in different areas differ accordingly. Shandong is suitable for tourism almost all year round.

Shandong Weather in Four Seasons

Spring (March to May)

The spring breeze sweeps across the fertile land of Qi and Lu, painting a scene of unique seasonal beauty. By Baotu Spring, tender willow shoots brush against the rippling water; in Quancheng Park, chionanthus retusus blooms like snow adorning the branches. Along the canal of the Tai'erzhuang Ancient Town, apricot blossoms fall with the rain, and rowboats glide through flower-shadowed waterways, evoking the poetic charm of listening to spring rain in Jiangnan. Strolling along Zhanqiao Pier, red tiles and verdant trees contrasts with the azure sky and sea. Climbing Mount Tai, crabapple blossoms adorn the gnarled branches—pink as rouge, white as snow.

Summer (June to August)

In Shandong's summer, the blazing sun beats down and the air seems to ripple with heat, yet there is always a haven of coolness to be found. With abundant rainfall at this moment, Jinan's springs gush at their fullest. At Baotu Spring, refreshing waters surge forth, while lotus blossoms bloom gracefully across Daming Lake. The interplay of spring murmurs and lotus reflections reveals the city's lively charm, offering a unique sense of summer ease. As night falls and the heat subsides, the grand Beer Festival comes alive. With a drink in one hand and delicacies in the other, one can revel in the joyous feast of summer.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn winds awaken the fiery red leaves in the mountains, dazzling and ablaze with color; they also ripen the fruits on the trees, that Yantai apples and Yicheng pomegranates hang like glowing red lanterns. At the Yellow River Estuary, seepweed carpets the wetlands in endless crimson, awaiting a beautiful encounter with visitors. The pink muhly grass blooming across the hills is like a sea of soft pink. When the wind stirs, the grass sways, and the heart ripples with it. No matter which city you enter, golden ginkgo trees line the streets, corners, and temples, painting an unmissable autumn scene.

Winter (December to February)

In winter in Shandong, snow comes as scheduled. After the snowfall, Jinan becomes even more tranquil and serene. Snow rests atop the roofs, and tree branches sway gently in the wind. At Baotu Spring, mist rises from the rippling water as it gushes forth; Daming Lake is all the more enchanting, where boats moored by the central island lie silent in the snow, as if waiting for their destined guests. On the coast of Weihai, seawater blown ashore by the strong wind freezes into vast sheets of ice, while whooper swans arriving with winter dance gracefully amidst the snow.

Shandong Weather by Month/Year Round

If you can freely choose when to travel to Shandong, 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 Shandong 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 January, the vast land of Shandong is embraced by ice and snow, transformed into a white fairy-tale world. Nature's artistry never ceases to amaze. Icicles at Tianmeng Mountain, frozen waterfalls at Jiuru Mountain, and the stunning rime of Mount Tai, all crystal-clear and varied in form. At the dawn of a new year, standing in Rizhao, the first to greet the sunrise, one can face the rising sun with the promise that all good things will come as expected.

The average temperature in Shandong during January ranges from -4.7℃ to 2.7℃, with extremes from -17℃ to 12℃. The monthly precipitation averages 5.74 mm, with an average humidity of 52.64%. The weather is mostly clear or cloudy, with partly overcast skies or sand haze, and occasional snow, not good for travel.

January is the low season for tourism in Shandong. Although it coincides with the winter vacation, visitors are few, allowing for more flexible travel and lower costs. However, some attractions and facilities may suspend operations due to bad weather, so careful planning is recommended.

What to Wear/Bring in January

January in Shandong is very cold and dry, so it is essential to wear warm clothing such as down jackets and wool coats, along with hats, scarves, and gloves. Carrying a thermos for hot water is highly recommended, and also bringing lip balm and moisturizer will help prevent chapped skin. Comfortable hiking boots are advised for mountain trips, while sunglasses are useful when playing in the snow to avoid snow blindness. During snowfall, it is best to prepare water-repellent clothing and an umbrella.

February: is February a Good Time to Visit?

In February, Shandong still carries the lingering chill of winter, yet its beauty remains as poetic as ever. At Baotu Spring, three streams of water gush forth, shimmering with crystal-like brilliance under the winter sun. Qingdao, free from the summer bustle, exudes a quieter and more romantic charm. Strolling along Zhanqiao Pier, feeling the sea breeze on your face while watching seagulls soar overhead, offers a unique delight.

The average temperature in Shandong during February ranges from -2.0℃ to 6.0℃, with extremes from -12℃ to 20℃. The monthly precipitation averages 7.29 mm, with an average humidity of 53.47%. The weather is mostly clear or cloudy, with partly overcast skies or sand haze, and occasional snow and rain, not good for travel.

February is the low season for tourism in Shandong. Although it coincides with the winter vacation, visitors are few, allowing for more flexible travel and lower costs. Some attractions and facilities may suspend operations due to bad weather, but some activities will be held during the Spring Festival, so careful planning is recommended.

What to Wear/Bring in February

February in Shandong is very cold and dry, so it is essential to wear warm clothing such as down jackets and wool coats, along with hats, scarves, and gloves. Carrying a thermos for hot water is highly recommended, and also bringing lip balm and moisturizer will help prevent chapped skin. Comfortable hiking boots are advised for mountain trips, while sunglasses are useful when playing in the snow to avoid snow blindness. During snowfall, it is best to prepare water-repellent clothing and an umbrella.

March: is March a Good Time to Visit?

In March, the southern breeze warms the windows, grasses sprout, and flower buds swell with life. Zouping's miles of cherry blossoms quietly bloom, while Jinan's vast apricot orchards rival them in splendor—spring is ready to burst forth with vitality. At Five Dragon Pool, the crystal-clear waters adorned with cherry blossoms appear even more enchanting. Surrounded by pavilions, corridors, and weeping willows, with petals drifting through the air, the scene feels like a celestial paradise.

The average temperature in Shandong during March ranges from 3.1℃ to 13.3℃, with extremes from -9℃ to 29℃. The monthly precipitation averages 4.77 mm, with an average humidity of 44.05%. The weather is mostly clear, cloudy, or overcast, with partly rainfall or sand haze, and occasional snow, acceptable for travel.

March is the low season for tourism in Shandong, so visitors are few, allowing for more flexible travel and lower costs. Some attractions and facilities may suspend operations due to bad weather, yet most of them should be operated, so careful planning is recommended.

What to Wear/Bring in March

March in Shandong is cold and dry, so it is essential to wear warm clothing such as down jackets and wool coats, along with hats, scarves, and gloves. Carrying a thermos for hot water is highly recommended, and also bringing lip balm and moisturizer will help prevent chapped skin. Comfortable hiking boots are advised for mountain trips, while sunglasses are useful when playing in the snow to avoid snow blindness. During snowfall and rainfall, it is best to prepare water-repellent clothing and an umbrella.

April: is April a Good Time to Visit?

Every mid-April, the fringetrees in Quancheng Park bloom right on time, their snow-like blossoms layered upon one another, draping the entire garden in silvery white and adding a touch of poetic charm to the spring scenery. Behind the Three Buddha Hall in Huayan Temple stands its largest century-old fringetree in Mount Lao. The solemn ancient temple, set against the pure white blossoms, lends Mount Lao an even more timeless and elegant aura.

The average temperature in Shandong during April ranges from 8.5℃ to 19.7℃, with extremes from -2℃ to 33℃. The monthly precipitation averages 18.51 mm, with an average humidity of 48.51%. The weather is mostly clear, cloudy, or overcast, with partly rainfall, and occasional sand haze and snowfall, suitable for travel.

April is the common season for tourism in Shandong, so visitors increase, allowing for more limited travel and higher costs. Almost every attraction and facility are operated, and many spring outing activities are launched, so it is a good time to visit Shandong.

What to Wear/Bring in April

April in Shandong is cool and dry, so it is essential to wear warm clothing such as down jackets and coats, and notice to keep warm at night. Carrying a thermos for hot water is highly recommended, and also bringing lip balm and moisturizer will help prevent chapped skin. Comfortable hiking boots are advised for mountain trips, while sunglasses are useful when playing in the snow to avoid snow blindness. During rainfall, it is best to prepare raincoat and an umbrella.

May: is May a Good Time to Visit?

In May, it is already early summer, yet on the summit of Mount Tai, spring has just begun. The mountaintop, over a thousand meters above sea level, is gently veiled in a pink mist of blooming crabapple flowers, while azaleas and peach blossoms unfold in turn, staging a floral spectacle above the clouds. Standing on a high terrace and gazing into the distance, one sees the slopes blanketed with crabapples, resembling pink and white clouds cascading across the ridges and valleys.

The average temperature in Shandong during May ranges from 14.8℃ to 26.3℃, with extremes from 6℃ to 38℃. The monthly precipitation averages 14.74 mm, with an average humidity of 48.51%. The weather is mostly clear, cloudy, or overcast, with partly rainfall, and occasional sand haze, best for travel.

May is the high season for tourism in Shandong, so visitors are many, allowing for more limited travel and higher costs. Almost every attraction and facility are operated, and many spring outing activities are launched, so it is the best time to visit Shandong.

What to Wear/Bring in May

May in Shandong is mild and dry, so it is essential to wear warm clothing such as jackets and sweat shirts, and notice to keep warm at night. Carrying a thermos for hot water is highly recommended, and also bringing lip balm and moisturizer will help prevent chapped skin. Comfortable hiking boots are advised for mountain trips. During rainfall, it is best to prepare raincoat and an umbrella. The sunlight can be quite strong, so you may consider bringing a sun hat and sunscreen if needed.

June: is June a Good Time to Visit?

In June, at the height of summer, lotus flowers bloom across Shandong. Amid the rippling emerald water, red lotuses sway gracefully, and the breath of summer fills the ponds. A gentle breeze stirs the surface, sending ripples across the water, while the fragrance of lotus drifts through the air, refreshing the spirit and lingering in the heart. Dragonflies skim the surface and butterflies dance lightly, adding vitality and charm to the lotus-filled scene.

The average temperature in Shandong during June ranges from 19.3℃ to 30.0℃, with extremes from 12℃ to 39℃. The monthly precipitation averages 28.39 mm, with an average humidity of 55.61%. The weather is mostly clear or cloudy, with partly overcast skies or rainfall, best for travel.

June is the high season for tourism in Shandong, so visitors are many, allowing for more limited travel and higher costs. Many activities may be launched during Dragon Boat Festival, so it is the best time to visit Shandong.

What to Wear/Bring in June

June in Shandong is warm, so it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing such as jackets and sweat shirts, and notice to keep warm at night. Bringing lip balm and moisturizer will help prevent chapped skin, and comfortable hiking boots are advised for mountain trips. During rainfall, it is best to prepare raincoat and an umbrella. The sunlight can be quite strong, so you may consider bringing a sun hat and sunscreen if needed.

July: is July a Good Time to Visit?

In July, waves of heat sweep across the land, and Shandong feels like a vast steamer. Yet the sea, with its cooling breezes, calls out to those weary of the sweltering summer. At Weihai International Bathing Beach, the ocean glimmers ever more crystal-blue, while sunshades bloom across the sand like colorful mushrooms. Along nearly 1,000 kilometers of coastline, clear waters meet stretches of pine forest, seabirds wheel across the azure sky, and white clouds drift above, together radiating the irresistible charm of a seaside city.

The average temperature in Shandong during July ranges from 21.8℃ to 31.0℃, with extremes from 14℃ to 42℃. The monthly precipitation averages 76.6 mm, with an average humidity of 71.92%. The weather is mostly clear, cloudy or rainy, with some of overcast skies, good for travel.

July is the peak season for tourism in Shandong. Because it coincides with the summer vacation, visitors are many, allowing for more limited travel and higher costs. Many activities may be launched, so if you can accept the high cost or avoid the holiday crowds early in the month, it is the best time to visit Shandong.

What to Wear/Bring in July

July in Shandong is hot, so it is advisable to wear breathable clothing such as shirts and T-shirts. Comfortable hiking boots are advised for mountain trips, and during rainfall, it is best to prepare raincoat and an umbrella. The sunlight can be quite strong, so you may consider bringing a sun hat and sunscreen if needed. Mosquitoes appear, so it's important to take proper precautions against them.

August: is August a Good Time to Visit?

August in Shandong belongs to Qingdao. Summer here is cool and pleasant, with brisk sea breezes. At dawn, you can watch the sunrise by the sea; at dusk, the sunset from the mountains. Yet the most unforgettable memories of Qingdao are always tied to beer. Hidden taverns and beer houses tucked away in corners brim with both warmth and character. Out of this atmosphere, Qingdao has brewed an international beer festival, grand, lively, and spectacular, the largest of its kind in Asia.

The average temperature in Shandong during August ranges from 20.4℃ to 29.0℃, with extremes from 11℃ to 37℃. The monthly precipitation averages 86.65 mm, with an average humidity of 79.28%. The weather is mostly clear, cloudy or rainy, with some of overcast skies, good for travel.

August is the peak season for tourism in Shandong. Because it coincides with the summer vacation, visitors are many, allowing for more limited travel and higher costs. Many activities may be launched, so if you can accept the high cost or avoid the holiday crowds by the end of the month, it is the best time to visit Shandong.

What to Wear/Bring in August

August in Shandong is hot, so it is advisable to wear breathable clothing such as shirts and T-shirts. Comfortable hiking boots are advised for mountain trips, and during rainfall, it is best to prepare raincoat and an umbrella. The sunlight can be quite strong, so you may consider bringing a sun hat and sunscreen if needed. Mosquitoes appear, so it's important to take proper precautions against them.

September: is September a Good Time to Visit?

In September, the sky is high and the clouds are light, the sun is gentle, and the breeze is just right, perfect for hiking and enjoying the scenery. From Mount Tai, where you can behold "the Greatest Mountains over the world", to Mount Lao, known as the "No.1 Mountain by the Sea", from Guimeng, honored as the "Second to Mount Tai", to Kunyu, revered as the "Ancestral Mountain of the Immortals", you will surely be captivated by Shandong's endless mountain ranges and seas of clouds over fantastic peaks.

The average temperature in Shandong during September ranges from 15.7℃ to 25.1℃, with extremes from 6℃ to 35℃. The monthly precipitation averages 21.18 mm, with an average humidity of 70.37%. The weather is mostly clear, cloudy or overcast, with some rainfall, best for travel.

September is the high season for tourism in Shandong. Visitors are many, allowing for more limited travel and higher costs. Many activities may be launched, so if you can accept the high cost or avoid the holiday crowds, it is the best time to visit Shandong.

What to Wear/Bring in September

September in Shandong is hot, so it is advisable to wear breathable clothing such as shirts and T-shirts, and notice to keep warm at night. Comfortable hiking boots are advised for mountain trips, and during rainfall, it is best to prepare raincoat and an umbrella. The sunlight can be quite strong, so you may consider bringing a sun hat and sunscreen if needed. Mosquitoes appear, so it's important to take proper precautions against them.

October: is October a Good Time to Visit?

In October, autumn in Shandong arrives quietly with a gentle breeze, and the season's colors grow richer by the day. At Red Leaf Valley, every corner is painted in shades of crimson and gold, leaving visitors utterly enchanted. The emerald waters of Jiuru Mountain mirror the vibrant autumn forest, where every snapshot is picture-perfect. Along the Yellow River Estuary, the breathtaking sight of countless birds soaring together stirs both body and soul.

The average temperature in Shandong during October ranges from 10.2℃ to 19.5℃, with extremes from 0℃ to 31℃. The monthly precipitation averages 4.79 mm, with an average humidity of 56.33%. The weather is mostly clear, cloudy or overcast, with some rainfall, best for travel.

October is the peak season for tourism in Shandong especially during the National Day holiday and Mid-Autumn Festival, so visitors are many, allowing for more limited travel and higher costs. Many activities may be launched, so if you can accept the high cost or avoid the holiday crowds, it is the best time to visit Shandong.

What to Wear/Bring in October

October in Shandong is pleasant and dry, so it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing such as jackets and sweat shirts, and notice to keep warm at night. Bringing lip balm and moisturizer will help prevent chapped skin, and comfortable hiking boots are advised for mountain trips. During rainfall, it is best to prepare raincoat and an umbrella. The sunlight can be quite strong, so you may consider bringing a sun hat and sunscreen if needed.

November: is November a Good Time to Visit?

In November, the autumn breeze brings a slight coolness. Maple leaves dance gracefully, smoothing the creases of the heart and dispelling restlessness and noise. At Lingyan Temple, incense smoke lingers, while the ancient ginkgo trees are cloaked in golden armor. Stepping into the Confucius Temple feels like traveling back a thousand years to the sacred land of Confucianism. Towering old trees, red walls and gray tiles, and each brick and tile telling the profound and far-reaching story of Confucian culture.

The average temperature in Shandong during November ranges from 3.7℃ to 11.6℃, with extremes from -15℃ to 30℃. The monthly precipitation averages 8.2 mm, with an average humidity of 57.77%. The weather is mostly clear or cloudy, with some overcast skies or rainfall, and occasional sand haze and snowfall, acceptable for travel.

November is the low season for tourism in Shandong, so visitors are few, allowing for more flexible travel and lower costs. However, some attractions and facilities may suspend operations due to bad weather or operating plan, so careful planning is recommended.

What to Wear/Bring in November

November in Shandong is cool and dry, so it is advisable to wear warm clothing such as jackets and coats, and notice to keep warm at night. Bringing lip balm and moisturizer will help prevent chapped skin, and comfortable hiking boots are advised for mountain trips. During rainfall, it is best to prepare raincoat and an umbrella. The sunlight can be quite strong, so you may consider bringing a sun hat and sunscreen if needed.

December: is December a Good Time to Visit?

In Shandong, winter without snow can hardly be called winter. After the snowfall, the thousand-year-old Penglai Pavilion, perched atop crimson cliffs, is draped in silver and white, radiating an ethereal charm. Meanwhile, flocks of whooper swans travel thousands of miles to gather in Rongcheng, strolling, gliding, and soaring in the snow, creating a harmonious scene alongside the lakeside mountains, trees, reeds, and wintry landscape.

The average temperature in Shandong during December ranges from -2.7℃ to 4.3℃, with extremes from -16℃ to 21℃. The monthly precipitation averages 4.02 mm, with an average humidity of 52.06%. The weather is mostly sunny, with partly cloudy or overcast skies, and occasional sand haze and snowfall, not good for travel.

December is the low season for tourism in Shandong, so visitors are few, allowing for more flexible travel and lower costs. However, some attractions and facilities may suspend operations due to bad weather or operating plan, so careful planning is recommended.

What to Wear/Bring in December

December in Shandong is cold and dry, so it is essential to wear warm clothing such as down jackets and wool coats, along with hats, scarves, and gloves. Carrying a thermos for hot water is highly recommended, and also bringing lip balm and moisturizer will help prevent chapped skin. Comfortable hiking boots are advised for mountain trips, while sunglasses are useful when playing in the snow to avoid snow blindness. During snowfall, it is best to prepare water-repellent clothing and an umbrella.