Fall in Sanya feels like a breath of fresh air after the sticky, hot summer. You’ll get warm but slowly cooling temperatures, less rain as the months go by, and clearer skies by late autumn.
These changes make the weather comfortable, balancing that tropical heat with fewer extremes. It’s honestly a nice break.
Highs start in the mid-80s °F (around 30°C) in early fall and slide down to the low 80s °F (about 27°C) by November. Rain showers, which really peak in late summer, drop off quickly, and you get drier, sunnier days. Daylight gets shorter, breezes pick up, and the whole season feels more refreshing.
This mix of steady warmth, lighter humidity, and better skies makes fall a great time to enjoy Sanya. Whether you’re planning to be outside, explore the coastline, or just relax, knowing what to expect from the weather helps you make the most of your trip.
Overview of Fall Weather in Sanya
Fall in Sanya brings steady changes in temperature, rainfall, and humidity. You’ll get cooler but still warm conditions, fewer rainy days, and clearer skies compared to the peak of summer.
Typical Climate Patterns
During fall, daily high temperatures drop from about 86°F (30°C) in early September to around 81°F (27°C) by late November. Nighttime lows cool off too, from 78°F (25°C) down to 70°F (21°C).
Rainfall drops fast as the wet season ends. In early September, you might see about 8–9 inches of rain in a month, but by late November, it’s less than 2 inches.
Cloud cover shifts a lot. Early in the season, skies stay mostly overcast nearly 87% of the time. By late fall, that drops to about 44%, so you’ll notice more clear or partly sunny days.
Humidity stays high but feels less suffocating than in summer. The chance of muggy conditions drops from almost 100% in September to about 55% by November.
Transition from Summer to Autumn
The move from summer to autumn stands out because rainfall and humidity drop. September still has plenty of wet season traits, with frequent showers and storms. By October, things settle down, and by November, the air feels drier and more pleasant.
Daylight hours shrink steadily. In early September, sunrise is near 6:30 AM and sunset close to 7:00 PM. By late November, sunrise is around 6:55 AM and sunset happens at about 6:00 PM. That’s over an hour less daylight.
Winds get stronger as autumn goes on. Average speeds climb from about 7 mph in early September to nearly 11 mph by late November. The wind mostly comes from the east, which makes sense for this coastal spot.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Sanya feels less humid and a lot less rainy. Summer brings heavy downpours, typhoons, and almost constant cloud cover, but fall gives you more stable weather and clearer skies.
When you look at fall versus winter, temperatures stay warmer. In January, daily highs average around 76–77°F (24–25°C), which is a few degrees cooler than November. Winter also brings drier air and even lower humidity.
Spring is different again, with a slow warming trend and rising rainfall. By late spring, humidity and rain really pick up as the wet season returns. Fall stands out as a transition, with warmth, fewer storms, and more comfortable weather.
Temperature Trends During Fall
Temperatures in Sanya cool off as the season goes on, with both daytime highs and nighttime lows dropping. You’ll notice the biggest shift in October, when things move from humid, summer-like warmth to more comfortable late-autumn levels.
Average Daytime Temperatures
Daytime highs in fall usually go from 86°F (30°C) in early September to about 81°F (27°C) by late November. You rarely see highs above 89°F (32°C) or below 77°F (25°C) during this stretch.
This gradual cooling makes being outside a lot more enjoyable as fall moves along. September still feels hot and sticky, but November brings milder afternoons.
Compared to summer, the drop in daytime heat is pretty noticeable. June averages 88°F (31°C), but by late fall, highs stay closer to the low 80s. That’s enough to change what you wear and how long you want to be outdoors.
| Month | Average High | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| September | 86°F / 30°C | 82–89°F |
| October | 83°F / 28°C | 79–87°F |
| November | 81°F / 27°C | 77–85°F |
Nighttime Lows
Nighttime lows drop even more than daytime highs. Early September nights average around 78°F (26°C), but by late November, lows settle near 70°F (21°C). On cooler nights, it can dip to 65°F (18°C).
These changes make nights feel a lot more comfortable compared to the muggy summer. By November, evenings are pleasant, especially with the ocean breeze.
You’ll probably sleep better without blasting the air conditioning as fall goes on. September nights can still be sticky, but late fall is way better for outdoor dining or evening walks.
Temperature Fluctuations in October
October really feels like a transition. Average highs drop from about 85°F (29°C) at the start of the month to 82°F (28°C) by the end. Nighttime lows shift from 75°F (24°C) down to 72°F (22°C).
This change stands out because humidity and rainfall also fall in October. The combo of cooler days and drier air makes mid to late October one of the best times of fall.
You might still get an occasional warm spell, but it won’t be as intense as early September. By late October, steady cooling sets up the milder conditions of November.
Rainfall and Showers in Autumn
During autumn in Sanya, rainfall drops compared to the heavy summer season. Showers still happen, but they’re less intense and less frequent as you get closer to winter.
Monthly Average Rainfall
September still brings a lot of rain, with averages close to 200–250 mm. That’s a holdover from the wet summer. By October, rainfall drops sharply, averaging about 100–150 mm. It’s less rainy, but you’ll still notice some damp days.
November is when it really changes. Average rainfall falls to around 40–60 mm, which is less than a quarter of September’s total. This steady drop means you’ll see fewer wet days as fall goes on.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 200–250 | 12–14 |
| October | 100–150 | 8–10 |
| November | 40–60 | 4–6 |
You can see how autumn moves from wetter to much drier.
Frequency and Intensity of Showers
In September, showers often pop up in short but heavy bursts, sometimes lasting an hour or two. Some days bring multiple showers. The intensity still feels tropical, but it’s not as wild as midsummer.
By October, showers lose a lot of their punch. Rain falls in lighter amounts and doesn’t last as long. You’ll see fewer all-day rains and more quick, passing showers.
In November, showers become rare and usually stay light. The chance of an extended downpour is super low. This makes late autumn a great time to be outside without worrying about sudden heavy rain.
Chance of Rain
Your chance of rain in early autumn stays high. In September, skies are overcast or rainy on nearly half the days. You’ll still want to plan for wet weather.
In October, the chance drops to about one-third of the days. Showers aren’t as disruptive, and you’ll notice more clear or partly cloudy skies.
By November, the chance of rain falls below 20%. Most days are dry, and rain is usually just a short, light shower. November is actually one of the driest months of the year in Sanya.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
During fall in Sanya, sunshine depends on both cloud cover and how long the day lasts. Skies clear up as fall goes on, but daylight hours slowly shrink. These changes affect how much sun you’ll actually get.
Average Sunshine Hours
Early fall brings heavy cloud cover that limits sunshine. September often means overcast skies for much of the day, with only a few hours of direct light. By November, clearer skies show up more often, giving you more reliable sunshine.
On average, you’ll get 4 to 6 hours of sunshine per day in September, rising to 6 to 7 hours by late November. This is thanks to less rain and humidity, so more sun gets through.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, later fall is better. November, in particular, offers the best shot at bright, clear skies. That’s why it’s a popular time for the beach and sightseeing, with moderate temperatures and longer sunshine hours.
Daylight Duration Changes
Even though you get more sunshine, the total length of the day gets shorter. At the start of September, there’s about 12 hours and 29 minutes of daylight, with sunrise at 6:27 AM and sunset at 6:56 PM.
By the end of November, daylight drops to about 11 hours and 8 minutes, with sunrise around 6:56 AM and sunset at 6:03 PM. That’s over an hour less daylight across the season.
The shift happens gradually, with a daily loss of about 54 seconds. If you’re planning your trip, evenings get dark earlier as fall goes on. If you like longer days for sightseeing or eating outside, early fall gives you more daylight, while late fall brings clearer skies but shorter days.
Wind and Weather Variability
During fall in Sanya, wind patterns change and speeds rise as the season moves forward. Rain and cloud cover drop, leading to clearer skies, but the weather can still shift quickly.
Typical Wind Speed in Fall
Average wind speeds go up through the fall. Early on, winds are calmer, around 7 mph, but by late November, they reach about 11 mph. This makes the air feel fresher, especially near the coast.
The wind direction changes too. In early September, breezes come from the south. By mid-fall, winds shift more from the east, which is typical for this part of Hainan Island.
The calmest days show up in early September with speeds under 7 mph, while the windiest average days come in late November. These winds are moderate and rarely cause problems, but they might influence outdoor plans like boating or beach activities.
If you’re into water sports, you’ll notice the stronger winds later in the season make for better sailing and windsurfing. On the flip side, calmer days early in fall are nicer for swimming or diving.
Weather Variability and Extremes
As fall rolls in, Sanya’s weather starts to settle down, but you’ll still notice some changes. September usually brings heavier rainfall, with average 31-day totals hitting around 9 inches. By November, that drops off to less than 2 inches.
Clouds clear out pretty fast too. Early in the season, skies stay overcast almost 90% of the time. By late November, though, it’s closer to 40%. That shift makes late fall one of the clearer times of year here.
Humidity does something similar. Early September feels super muggy. By the end of fall, the chance of muggy days drops to about 55%, so things get a lot more comfortable.
Typhoons can still show up in early fall. They’re not as common later, but you might run into one in September or October. These storms bring sudden strong winds and heavy rain, so it’s smart to keep an eye on the forecast if you’re visiting then.
Travel Tips for Visiting Sanya in Fall
Temperatures stay warm but not too hot. Humidity lets up compared to summer, which is a relief. You can get outside, just be ready for mild shifts in weather and plan for occasional rain.
Best Activities for Autumn
Sanya in fall feels just right for beach days and inland exploring. In October, the sea stays warm enough for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. Calmer weather means boat tours and water sports are more fun too.
You can wander Yalong Bay, Dadonghai Beach, or Tianya Haijiao without that intense summer heat. Hiking in places like Yanoda Rainforest gets popular, since trails aren’t as slippery as they are during the rainy season.
Cultural stuff stands out this time of year. Local seafood markets, night bazaars, and little fishing villages are easier to check out when it’s cooler. If you want some peace, sunset walks along Sanya Bay feel especially nice in the fall.
What to Pack
Bring light clothes—think T-shirts, shorts, and dresses for daytime. Evenings can cool off a bit, especially by November, so toss in a light jacket or sweater. Long-sleeve shirts come in handy for warmth or sun protection.
Don’t forget sunblock, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat. UV levels stay high, even outside summer. Comfortable sandals or breathable walking shoes work great for the beach and city. If you’re planning to hike, pack shoes with good grip.
A small backpack makes day trips easier. Insect repellent helps since mosquitoes stick around in coastal and forested spots. Bring swimwear for the ocean, and a quick-dry towel is always useful after water activities.
Advice for Rainy Days
Rain doesn’t fall as often in fall as it does in summer, but you’ll still get the occasional shower or short storm, especially in October. Toss a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket in your bag—it’s an easy way to stay ready without lugging around extra weight.
If rain messes up your beach day, try heading to some indoor spots. You might want to check out a shopping center, wander through a local museum, or even relax at a hot spring resort just outside the city.
Lots of hotels offer indoor pools and spa facilities, so you don’t have to miss out on some relaxation.
It’s smart to keep your plans flexible. Sometimes, rain in the morning disappears by the afternoon, and you’ll still get a chance to be outside.
Keep a weather app close, too, so you can switch things up on the fly.