Changsha Weather
Changsha enjoys a subtropical humid monsoon climate, with temperate and humid weather conditions and obvious seasonal variation. It has four distinct seasons, namely chilly winters, long hot summers, short changeable springs, and dry autumns. The annual average temperature is about 17.2 ℃ and the average rainfall is about 1,400 millimeters in Changsha. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 4.7℃, and July ranks as the hottest month, with an average temperature of 29.4℃. Changsha has abundant rainfall annually with uneven distribution. The annual precipitation is about 1,400 millimeters. From March to May, rainy days last for 52.8 days, accounting for 35％ of the total during the whole year. The annual duration of sunshine reaches 1,677 hours.
Best Time to Visit
Changsha is generally characterized by moderate weather conditions. Except for extremely hot days in summer, it’s suitable for traveling to Changsha throughout the year.
Besides, autumn can be ranked as the best period to visit Changsha when the weather is the most comfortable and there is breathtaking red autumn leaves all over Yuelu Mountain. It’s also the best period for traveling to Orange Island.
Spring (March to May)
Spring lasts from March to May in Changsha, with the temperature ranging from 7.78 ºC to 26.11 ºC. There is sufficient rainfall during this season. Rainy days last for 52.8 days, accounting for 35％ of the total during the whole year. Besides, due to the changeable weather, it’s advisable for tourists to bring some thick coats with them.
In March, the temperature mainly ranges from 7.78 ºC to 14.44ºC. However, sometimes the temperature falls below 0 ºC. Thus, tourists had better bring some warm clothes, such as down jackets and thermal underwear.
The temperature ranges from 13.89 ºC to 21.11 ºC in April, from 18.33 ºC to 26.11 ºC in May. Due to the changeable weather, long-sleeved coats and are needed.
Summer (June to September)
Summer lasts relatively long in Changsha, from June to September. The hottest days fall in July and August, with the temperature ranging from 25.56 ºC to 33.89 ºC. It’s relatively burning hot in the summer period. Thus, it’s quite afflictive for people to stay outside the house in summer. Sometimes, it suddenly rains cats and dogs, especially in the afternoon. For packing, sun cream, sunglasses, and umbrellas are necessary.
Autumn (October to November)
Autumn can be ranked as the best period for visiting Changsha when the weather is the most comfortable and there is breathtaking red autumn leaves all over Mt. Yuelu. It’s also the best period for traveling to Orange Island. The temperature ranges from 9.44 ºC to 23.33 ºC in October and from 8.89 ºC to 17.22 ºC in November. For packing, long-sleeved coats are enough. In October, it begins to become cool, however, there are still a few hot days remaining. During the first week of October, namely the Chinese National Day, there will be a huge number of people traveling in China. Thus, tourists had better avoid this period, due to the inconvenient traffic condition. In November, it becomes even cold and tourists need to bring warm clothes, such as sweaters.
Winter (December to February)
Winter lasts from December to the following February in Changsha, with the temperature ranging from 1.67 ºC to 8.33 ºC. Due to the damp weather condition, it’s relatively cold in winter. The temperature ranges from 3.89 ºC to 11.11 ºC in December, from 1.67 ºC to 8.33 ºC in January, and from 3.33 ºC to 9.44 ºC in February. For packing, very warm clothes are necessary, such as down jackets and cotton-padded jackets.