If you’re planning a trip to Dalian, timing matters. This coastal city on the Liaodong Peninsula brings mild ocean breezes, warm summers, and crisp autumn days. But, honestly, winters get cold and windy—outdoor plans can take a hit then. Most people find late spring through early autumn, especially May to September, the best time for comfortable weather in Dalian.
From May to September, you’ll get pleasant temperatures, long daylight, and all sorts of seasonal events. Summer comes alive with beach activities and festivals. Late spring and early autumn feel milder and less crowded, which might suit you better if you’re not into big crowds.
Each season really changes the city’s vibe. Knowing what to expect helps you plan a trip that fits your style.
If you pay attention to how the climate shifts through the year, you can pick the season that matches your interests. Maybe you want seaside relaxation, cultural festivals, or quieter outdoor adventures.
Overview of Dalian’s Climate
Dalian’s weather owes a lot to its coastal setting and its spot on the Liaodong Peninsula. The East Asian monsoon also plays a big part. You’ll notice a mix of cold, dry winters and warm, humid summers. Winds can get pretty frequent, and the seasons change in a way that’s hard to miss.
Geographical Location and Influence
Dalian sits at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, hugged by the Bohai Sea to the west and the Yellow Sea to the east. This spot between two seas softens the climate compared to inland northeastern cities.
The seas keep summer from getting too hot and slow down temperature drops in autumn. But, in winter, cold air from Siberia and Mongolia sweeps in and pretty much cancels out the sea’s warmth.
Since it’s coastal, Dalian often gets fog in spring and summer and sometimes deals with typhoons from July to October. Most typhoons weaken before they reach the city, but they can still bring heavy rain and strong winds.
Climate Classification and General Patterns
Dalian’s climate fits the monsoon-influenced humid continental type. Winters turn cold, dry, and windy. Summers get warm—sometimes hot—humid, and wet. Spring and autumn show up as shorter, milder transitions.
Rainfall stacks up during certain months. About 70% of the year’s rain falls between May and September, with the most in July and August. Winters stay dry, and even though it’s cold, snow isn’t that common.
On average, Dalian gets about 580 mm of rain a year, which is moderate for China. The city enjoys a good amount of sunshine—about 2,700 hours each year—so it’s brighter than a lot of other East Asian coastal places.
Seasonal Lag and Weather Extremes
Because the sea holds onto heat, Dalian experiences a seasonal lag. The coldest days hit in late January, and the hottest ones show up in August—about a month later than you might expect if you’re used to inland weather. The sea keeps the city warmer longer, then cools it down more slowly.
Winters sometimes drop to -15 °C (5 °F) or lower during cold snaps. Even though the sea helps, summers can still spike up to 35–37 °C (95–99 °F) in rare cases.
Spring brings strong winds, and dust storms from Mongolia can blow in, cutting visibility and making the air gritty. The shifting humidity and winds make Dalian’s weather feel less predictable than other places at the same latitude.
Best Time to Visit Dalian for Ideal Weather
Spring and autumn usually offer the most comfortable weather for exploring Dalian. Mild temperatures, lower humidity, and manageable rain make it easier to enjoy the city’s coast and outdoor spots.
Recommended Months and Seasons
You’ll find the best weather for visiting Dalian in late spring and early autumn. From late April to early July, temperatures climb steadily, hanging out between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). June brings a little more rain, but most days stay dry and pleasant.
Another great stretch runs from late August to late October. Highs usually sit between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F), which is perfect for seaside walks or a stroll in the park. Humidity drops after the sticky summer, and rain tapers off a lot after September.
Winter drags on and gets pretty cold, with January lows near -8°C (17°F). Summers feel warmer, with more humidity and rain—especially in July and early August. Unless you like quieter travel and don’t mind the weather, you might want to avoid these extremes.
Peak Tourist Periods
Tourists crowd into Dalian in spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). These months combine mild weather with local events and festivals, so both Chinese and international travelers show up.
April and May get busy, thanks to the Chinese Scholar Tree Blossom Festival and other local fairs. September draws more visitors as the air cools down after summer and the city’s coastal charm gets a boost from early fall.
July and August, though technically the summer vacation season, actually see fewer tourists. The rain and humidity keep some people away, which means you might score lower hotel prices and less crowded sights if you don’t mind the weather.
Weather Highlights During High Season
If you visit in peak months, you’ll get stable, comfortable weather. Late spring usually brings daily highs around 20°C (68°F), with cool evenings near 12°C (54°F). The air feels fresh, and winds stay light, so you can be outside for hours without getting tired of it.
Autumn brings highs between 18–22°C (64–72°F), and the skies often look clear. Rain doesn’t show up much, and humidity sits at a comfortable level—you won’t feel sticky. The coastal views get sharp, too, since the air isn’t as hazy as in summer.
These stretches—spring and autumn—really stand out as the best times to visit Dalian if you want comfort, good scenery, and outdoor fun without weather interruptions.
Dalian Weather by Season
You’ll notice Dalian’s climate shifting with every season, and each one shapes what you’ll want to do. Temperatures swing from freezing in winter to warm and humid in summer. Rain piles up in the middle of the year, while autumn brings crisp, dry air.
Spring: Blossoms and Mild Temperatures
Spring runs from March to May. Temperatures rise steadily—March averages 3–7°C (37–45°F), April warms up to 11–15°C (52–59°F), and May hits 16–20°C (61–68°F). Rain starts light, around 12 mm in March, and climbs to about 50 mm by May.
Blossoms steal the show this season. The Chinese Scholar Tree Blossom Affairs and tulip displays in city parks draw plenty of visitors. Sakura at Longwangtang Garden is a big deal from early April through mid-May.
By late April, you can count on comfortable walking weather, though evenings might still feel chilly. May brings more outdoor activities—hiking and coastal walks become popular as Dalian shifts into early summer.
Summer: Warmth, Rainfall, and Coastal Activities
Summer stretches from June to August, bringing the hottest and wettest weather. Highs usually stay under 30°C (86°F), with averages around 24–27°C (75–81°F). The sea warms up to 22–24°C (72–75°F), so swimming finally feels good.
Rain peaks in summer. July and August each get 140–155 mm of rain, mostly from short, heavy storms—often in the evening. Humidity runs high, so you’ll want light clothes.
Beach life takes off now. Golden Pebble Beach, Xinghai Bay, and Fujiazhuang fill up with swimmers and sunbathers. The Dalian Beer Festival, from late July to early August, adds to the party vibe.
Even with the rain, you’ll catch plenty of clear days for outdoor fun. Long daylight and a warm sea make summer the busiest time for coastal tourism.
Autumn: Crisp Air and Fishing Season
Autumn lasts from September to November and might just be the nicest time to visit. September brings 20–24°C (68–75°F), October cools to 14–17°C (57–63°F), and November drops to 6–10°C (43–50°F). Rain drops off sharply, from 65 mm in September to just 20 mm by November.
The air turns crisp, and skies often clear up. This is prime time for sea fishing, as fish move along the coast. Local seafood gets extra fresh now.
You can also check out colorful leaves at Tianmenshan National Forest Park and Bingyugou Valley. Hiking feels great, with cool temps and low humidity. By late autumn, evenings can get cold, so bring layers.
Winter: Cold, Dry, and Windy Conditions
Winter covers December through February. Temperatures average -7°C to 3°C (19–37°F), with January as the coldest month. The sea stays a bit warmer at 5–9°C (41–48°F), but the air gets windy and dry.
Rain barely shows up—usually under 30 mm for the whole season. Snow can fall, but it’s not heavy like in inland cities. Strong winds hit often, especially near the coast, so windproof clothing is a must.
If you’re into architecture or museums, winter still has its charm. You can hop on the retro tram, wander People’s Square, or check out the Natural History Museum. The city’s mix of Russian, European, and Chinese architecture pops against the clear winter sky.
Travel feels quieter in winter, so you can explore without big crowds, though the cold limits outdoor plans.
Monthly Weather Breakdown in Dalian
Dalian’s weather changes a lot between seasons. Winters stay cold and dry, summers get warm and humid, and most rain falls in the middle of the year. Spring and autumn feel milder and make outdoor activities a lot more pleasant. Sunshine and sea temperatures swing, too, which affects how each month feels.
Temperature Trends Throughout the Year
Dalian’s winters feel cold, but not as brutal as some inland cities. In January, the average temperature sits around -3.9 °C, with lows near -8 °C. Nights sometimes drop below -14 °C, and on rare occasions, extreme lows hit -20 °C.
By April, things warm up to an average of 11.3 °C, with daytime highs near 16 °C. May feels mild and pleasant, averaging 17.3 °C.
Summer peaks in August, the hottest month, with an average of 25.3 °C and highs close to 29 °C. Nights stay above 21 °C, so it feels muggy.
Temperatures drop again in October, averaging 13.8 °C, then fall quickly into winter. This big swing makes spring and fall the most comfortable for exploring the city.
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
Rain in Dalian doesn’t spread out evenly. From November to March, you’ll see very little—often under 20 mm per month. Snow might show up, but winters are mostly dry.
Moisture rises in late spring. May brings about 50 mm, and by June, you get 75 mm. The wettest months are July and August, with 130–145 mm. Humidity also peaks, usually above 75%, so it can feel sticky.
By September, rain drops to 60 mm, and autumn stays drier. Dalian averages about 580 mm of rain each year, spread over 72 days, with most falling in summer.
Sea Temperature and Sunshine Hours
For much of the year, the sea feels too cold for swimming. In February, water averages just 2.5 °C. By June, it warms up to 18.5 °C—still chilly, but some people don’t mind. The best swimming months are July (23 °C) and August (25 °C).
Sunshine is generous, averaging 7.5 hours a day yearly. Spring and autumn bring long, bright days—May gets about 9 hours daily. Summer skies cloud up a bit more due to rain, so July averages 7 hours.
Winter skies stay clear, with 6–7 hours of sun daily, though short days limit outdoor time. This mix of sunshine and sea temperature really shapes how Dalian’s coast feels throughout the year.
Impact of Weather on Travel Experiences
Weather in Dalian really shapes how you spend your time. It affects what you should bring and even how busy the city feels while you’re there.
Seasonal changes impact outdoor events, clothing choices, and crowd levels. If you plan around these factors, you’ll probably have a smoother, more enjoyable trip.
Outdoor Activities and Festivals
April and May usually bring mild spring weather, so lots of people head outside for sightseeing. The Dalian Chinese Scholar Tree Blossom Festival happens around then, and it draws visitors who want to see the city’s flowering trees.
Temperatures hover between 10°C and 20°C, so you can enjoy long walks along the seaside or through Dalian’s parks.
When summer rolls in, days warm up to about 20–27°C, perfect for a day at Golden Pebble Beach or similar spots.
July and August, though, are the wettest months. You might run into frequent rain showers, so it’s smart to carry an umbrella just in case your plans get interrupted.
Autumn is pretty pleasant too. From late September to November, the weather stays mild and less humid. That’s great for hiking in the hills or soaking in coastal views.
Winter feels cold and windy, so outdoor activities drop off, but you’ll notice the city feels quieter.
Packing Tips for Each Season
You’ll want to pack differently depending on the season in Dalian. For spring, toss in a light jacket and some layers since mornings and evenings can feel chilly. Comfortable shoes will come in handy for festivals or park strolls.
In summer, you’ll need lightweight clothes, sunscreen, and a hat. Since rain is common, a compact raincoat or umbrella is a good idea. Humidity runs high, so breathable fabrics really help.
Autumn means cooler evenings, so bring a sweater or a light coat. It’s often dry, so you can skip the heavy rain gear.
Winter gets below freezing, and those winds can bite. If you’re planning to explore outside, pack a thick coat, gloves, and a scarf.
Avoiding Crowds and Domestic Holidays
Crowds in Dalian shift a lot depending on the season and local holidays. May through early September brings the most tourists, thanks to warm weather and big events like the Export Fair.
During this time, hotels get pricier and attractions feel more crowded.
If you’d rather avoid the crowds, try visiting in October or November. The weather’s still nice but tourism tapers off.
Winter months mean fewer people, but not as many outdoor options because of the cold.
Watch out for Golden Week in early October. Domestic travel across China peaks, so trains, flights, and hotels fill up fast, and Dalian’s popular spots get packed.
If you plan around these dates, you’ll probably have a less stressful visit.
Regional and Environmental Influences
Dalian’s weather really comes down to its coastal setting, changing seasonal winds, and the unique shape of the Liaodong Peninsula. These things explain why summers feel humid yet mild, and winters, though cold, aren’t as harsh as other parts of Northeast China.
Effects of Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea
The Bohai Sea sits to the west and the Yellow Sea to the east, so Dalian’s surrounded by water on two sides. That gives the city a strong maritime vibe.
Water warms and cools more slowly than land, so the seas help keep temperatures steady throughout the year.
In summer, the seas keep the air cooler than what you’d find inland at the same latitude. Winter brings a slight warming effect, so you won’t see the brutal lows found deeper in Northeast China.
This setup creates a narrower temperature range than you might expect for the region.
Humidity stays higher because the seas constantly supply moisture. Fog often rolls in during spring and early summer, especially along the coast.
If you’re traveling then, expect comfortable summers but sometimes limited visibility near the shoreline.
Monsoon and Continental Air Masses
Dalian gets a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate. In summer, moist air from the East Asian monsoon brings warmth and frequent rain.
August usually sees the heaviest rainfall, with short but intense showers pretty common.
Winter feels the impact of the Siberian anticyclone, a strong high-pressure system that pushes cold, dry air south over Northeast Asia.
Dalian gets clear skies, strong winds, and chilly days, but the nearby seas soften the cold compared to inland places.
The change between seasons can feel abrupt. Spring warms up slowly because the sea takes its time to heat, while autumn hangs onto its mildness a bit longer.
That “seasonal lag” comes straight from the way maritime and continental air masses interact here.
Unique Features of the Liaodong Peninsula
Dalian sits right at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, which juts out into the Bohai and Yellow Seas. Its location puts it squarely in the path of marine air currents, unlike cities tucked farther inland.
This exposure keeps temperature swings in check and stretches out those mild seasons a bit longer.
The peninsula’s shape channels winds in interesting ways. You’ll probably notice stronger breezes along the coast, especially in winter, when cold air sweeps across the open water.
These winds can make it feel colder than what the thermometer says, which can catch people off guard.
Because Dalian sits on a peninsula, it gets more sunshine hours than a lot of inland cities in Northeast China.
The nearby seas reflect and scatter sunlight, so the climate feels brighter, especially in spring and autumn.
All these factors—milder temperatures, steady winds, and longer daylight—really give the city its unique seasonal vibe.