Listen to this articleFor job-hunters and travelers coming to Nanjing, it will be easily found that Nanjing’s weather is not easy to adapt to. It may be sunny for now, and immediately go running in the next very minute, and Spring and Autumn seem never to be in place. Actually Nanjing has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Its weather is mainly influenced by the East Asian monsoon. This article will introduce some key features of Nanjing’s weather.
Summers are hot and humid. The average high temperature in July is around 32°C (90°F), with occasional heat waves that can reach 38°C (100°F). The heavy rainfall and high humidity make the summers rather oppressive. The rainy season lasts from June to August, and Nanjing can see up to 30-40% of its annual rainfall during this period. Typhoons also affect Nanjing in the summer, bringing intense wind and rain.
Winters are cold but short. The average high in January is around 7°C (45°F). Cold waves can drop temperatures below freezing, but only last a few days. Snow is rare in Nanjing, averaging only 2-3 light dustings each year. The winter is the driest season, with little precipitation between December and February.
Spring and autumn are short but pleasant. Spring lasts from March to May and sees quickly warming temperatures. Cherry blossoms bloom in late March, attracting many visitors. Autumn is between September and November. The fall foliage in nearby Purple Mountain and Xuanwu Lake is also a highlight. During spring and autumn, Nanjing has comfortable average highs of 15-25°C (59-77°F) and sees increased rainfall.
Nanjing’s location in the Yangtze River Delta gives it plenty of rainfall, with an annual average of around 1100 mm (43 inches). However, rainfall is unevenly distributed, often falling in heavy afternoon storms in the summer. This can lead to challenges like flash floods, though Nanjing’s advanced drainage system mitigates much of the threat. The abundant rainfall also means that Nanjing remains lush and green all year round, even during the winter.
Nanjing has a humid subtropical monsoon climate with mild weather for most of the year, aside from the hot and wet summers. The long rainy season and dense vegetation cover give Nanjing a distinct Jiangnan landscape. Each season in Nanjing has its own scenic beauty, from the spring blossoms, to the fiery autumn leaves and summer rains. The weather shapes culture, lifestyle and folkways of Nanjing, making it an integral part of the city’s charm. Although at times harsh, Nanjing’s weather bestows it with natural beauty. The locals have long learned to adapt to and appreciate their city’s varied climate. But when you are going through or travelling in the city, it would be better bring an umbrella with you, as it may rain in the next minute.
