If you’re planning a trip to Guilin in the fall, you’ll find mild temperatures, less rain than summer, and skies that seem to make the city’s famous landscapes pop even more. The average fall weather in Guilin means cooler days, lower humidity, and honestly, pretty comfortable conditions for getting outside. Fall strikes a nice balance between the heavy summer rains and the chill of winter, so it’s often one of the best times to visit.
You’ll notice the air changing as autumn moves along. Early September hangs onto some warmth and humidity, but by November, the days cool down, skies clear up, and rainfall drops off fast.
The shift is steady, giving you plenty of time to enjoy either the tail end of summer warmth or the crispness of late fall. Shorter daylight hours and a few stronger breezes bring a calm, refreshing vibe to the city.
Whether you’re strolling the Li River or climbing karst peaks, fall weather lets you take in Guilin’s scenery without dealing with intense heat or relentless rain.
Overview of Guilin’s Fall Climate
As fall gets going, Guilin moves from hot, humid summer days to cooler, drier, and clearer weather. You’ll see shorter days, less rain, and a steady drop in both day and night temps. That’s a big part of why it’s such a comfortable time to be outside.
Seasonal Climate Characteristics
In September, daytime highs often hit the upper 80s °F (about 31°C). By late November, those highs fall closer to the low 60s °F (around 16°C).
At night, lows drop from the mid-70s °F (24°C) early in the season to the upper 40s °F (9°C) by the end. Rainfall drops too.
Early fall still has some leftover summer moisture, but by late November, average monthly rainfall sits below 2 inches (about 50 mm). The chance of a wet day goes from almost one in three in September to about one in seven by November.
Clouds clear out quickly. Early fall can be pretty overcast, but by late November, most days are mostly clear. Humidity drops off, so the air feels a lot more comfortable.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Guilin feels cooler, less sticky, and much drier. Summer highs often go over 90°F (32°C), and it’s muggy nearly every day.
In fall, you get milder afternoons and cooler nights, which makes sightseeing a lot more enjoyable.
Winter brings colder, damp weather, with average highs in the 50s °F (10–15°C). While fall cools down, it doesn’t usually reach freezing, so you avoid the January chill.
Spring is wetter and more unpredictable, with frequent showers and rising humidity. If you like stable weather, fall’s your best bet.
You get mild temps, clearer skies, and less rain than in spring or summer, without the dampness of winter.
Geographical Influences on Weather
Guilin sits in southern China’s Guangxi region, surrounded by those iconic limestone karst hills. This geography traps moisture in summer and lets fog and mist form in cooler months.
The city’s elevation, about 525 feet (160 meters), keeps temperatures moderate compared to nearby mountains. Within 50 miles, elevation changes fast, so rural spots can feel cooler at night than downtown.
Rivers and lakes shape Guilin’s weather too. The Li River valley often holds onto morning fog in fall, especially when cool air meets leftover humidity. These conditions create the soft, hazy views travelers love about Guilin’s autumn.
Average Temperature Trends in Autumn
During autumn in Guilin, temperatures steadily cool from summer heat to late November’s milder air. You’ll notice the change each month, with daytime warmth giving way to cooler nights and a bigger gap between highs and lows.
Monthly Temperature Ranges
In September, average highs hit about 31°C (88°F), while lows stick around 24°C (75°F). Early fall still feels pretty warm and humid.
By October, highs drop to around 25°C (77°F) and lows hover near 17°C (63°F). This is usually the sweet spot for outdoor activities, especially as humidity drops.
November brings the biggest change. Highs average 17°C (62°F), and lows sink to 9°C (48°F). That cooler air signals winter’s on the way, so bring layers if you’ll be outside a lot.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F |
| October | 25°C / 77°F | 17°C / 63°F |
| November | 17°C / 62°F | 9°C / 48°F |
Day and Night Temperature Differences
The gap between day and night temps widens as autumn rolls on. In September, the difference is usually 6–7°C (10–12°F), so evenings stay warm.
By October, the range grows to about 8°C (14°F), giving you crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons. You might need a light jacket at night, but short sleeves work during the day.
In November, the contrast gets sharper. Highs might still reach the upper teens Celsius, but nighttime lows often dip below 10°C (50°F). Be ready for cool evenings, even after sunny afternoons.
Temperature Extremes in Fall
Averages give you a good idea, but Guilin weather can still surprise you. Early in the season, highs sometimes jump above 35°C (95°F) during lingering heat waves.
On the flip side, late November nights can get close to 5°C (41°F), though freezing is rare. These chilly spells don’t last long but feel cold compared to the daytime.
The biggest swings happen during transitional weeks when warm southern air meets cooler winds from the north. This can cause sudden jumps of more than 10°C (18°F) from one day to the next, so pack for variety if you’re staying a while.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Fall in Guilin brings a clear drop in rainfall. You’ll see precipitation steadily decrease from the heavy summer months, with fewer rainy days as autumn goes on. This shift marks the move from wet summer to drier winter.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Guilin during fall drops month by month. September still hangs onto some summer wetness, averaging around 150–200 mm of rain.
By October, totals fall to about 90–120 mm, and in November, precipitation usually drops under 80 mm.
This drop makes fall more comfortable for folks who don’t like heavy rain. It also means fewer interruptions for outdoor plans like river cruises or hiking.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 150–200 |
| October | 90–120 |
| November | 60–80 |
These are averages, so you might still get the odd heavier shower, especially early in September.
Rainy Days Frequency
Not only does the total rainfall go down, but the number of rainy days drops too. In September, expect about 12–14 rainy days.
October averages 8–10 days. By November, you’re looking at 6–8 days—definitely trending drier.
Rain in fall usually comes as short showers rather than long downpours, so it’s less likely to ruin your plans. You’ll have more flexibility with your day.
If you’re visiting this season, a light rain jacket or umbrella will do. Unlike summer, rain rarely takes over an entire day in fall.
Transition from Wet to Dry Period
Fall marks the shift from Guilin’s summer monsoon to its milder, drier winter. September can still feel humid, but by November, the air dries out and rain becomes less common.
This change helps both farmers and travelers. Farmers see reduced flooding risks, and tourists get clearer skies and steadier weather.
Rivers and streams run lower than in summer, but they’re still navigable. The Li River, for instance, keeps enough flow for cruises, but water levels are calmer and more predictable.
Humidity and Relative Humidity Levels
Autumn in Guilin brings less damp air than summer, but you’ll still notice moderate to high relative humidity. These levels shift as the season goes on, with September feeling more humid than November. Changes in humidity directly affect how warm or cool the air feels.
Average Autumn Humidity
In September, relative humidity averages around 70%—still pretty moist. Rainfall drops compared to summer, but there’s enough moisture to make some days feel muggy.
By October, humidity falls to about 66%. The air feels more comfortable, and you’ll probably see more sunshine.
November brings the lowest humidity of fall, averaging near 69%. That’s still higher than many dry places, but it feels noticeably fresher than September. Cooler temps help too, especially in the evenings and mornings.
This steady drop in humidity means you’ll move from late-summer dampness to drier, cooler air by the end of autumn.
Impacts of Humidity on Comfort
Humidity changes how you feel temperatures. Early autumn, with humidity near 70%, means sweat evaporates slower, so you might feel sticky on warm afternoons.
By mid to late autumn, lower humidity makes things more comfortable. Clothes dry faster, indoor spaces feel less damp, and cool nights are easier to enjoy.
If you’re sensitive to muggy air, you’ll probably like late autumn best. Lower humidity also improves visibility, which matters for those scenic views.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
During fall in Guilin, you’ll notice a steady change in both sunshine and daylight length. The season brings milder skies than summer, but daylight and direct sunlight hours shrink as winter approaches.
Average Daily Sunshine
In September, you get around 5.5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day. That’s enough for outdoor plans, though you’ll still see some clouds.
By October, sunshine averages about 4.5 to 5 hours daily. Skies clear up after summer rains, but shorter days and the odd misty morning cut sunlight a bit.
November drops the most, with only 3 to 4 hours of sunshine per day. Cloud cover increases, and the air feels cooler and damper. Late fall definitely feels dimmer compared to early fall.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg. Daily Sunshine (hrs) |
|---|---|
| September | 5.5 – 6.0 |
| October | 4.5 – 5.0 |
| November | 3.0 – 4.0 |
You can expect less sunlight as autumn goes on, especially in November.
Changes in Daylight Through Fall
Daylight hours shift bit by bit as fall moves along. Early September gives you about 12.5 hours of daylight, so there’s plenty of time for sightseeing.
By late November, daylight drops to around 10.5 hours. Evenings sneak up faster, and you start to notice how quickly the sun sets.
This change creeps in gradually. Each month, you lose about 30 to 40 minutes of daylight.
After mid-October, the shorter days really stand out. Sunset keeps edging earlier, and you feel the shift.
If you’re planning outdoor trips, it’s smart to head out earlier as autumn goes on. Hiking, river cruises, or snapping photos? Late morning or early afternoon works best, since that’s when daylight feels most reliable.
You won’t see wild swings in daylight, but you do get less time for outdoor fun before darkness settles in.
Wind Speed and Weather Variability
Autumn in Guilin brings a real shift in wind patterns. The weather gets more unpredictable day by day.
You’ll notice breezy conditions thanks to regional monsoons. There are temperature swings and changing cloud cover as the city moves from muggy summer to cooler winter.
Typical Wind Conditions
Guilin’s winds pick up during the cooler months, and autumn definitely fits that pattern. From late October through November, wind speeds often climb above 7 mph.
You’ll feel a light but steady breeze moving through the city. Most of the time, these winds blow in from the north or northeast as the East Asian monsoon kicks in.
The airflow doesn’t get wild, but it does drop the humidity compared to summer. September can still feel calm, since summer’s warmth hangs on a bit.
By November, winds settle into a more regular rhythm, and the evenings can feel surprisingly chilly. If you’re out and about, expect mild breezes that make daytime walks pleasant but can bring a chill after dark.
Honestly, packing a light jacket makes sense, especially if you’re planning to spend time along the Li River or wandering the countryside.
Weather Fluctuations in Autumn
Autumn weather in Guilin changes fast. Daily highs drop from about 85°F (29°C) in September to around 58°F (14°C) in November.
This steady cooling brings a big range of daily experiences. Some afternoons feel warm, but mornings get pretty crisp.
Rainfall drops off as the season moves along. September still brings scattered showers, but by November, you’ll only see about 6 rainy days each month.
So, conditions get drier and a bit more predictable. I mean, who doesn’t love fewer soggy days?
Cloud cover does its own thing too. In early autumn, the skies usually stay overcast or partly cloudy.
By late autumn, you’ll notice more clear days. One week you might get humid, cloudy afternoons, and then suddenly, November shows up with crisp, sunny weather.
If you’re traveling, these swings can really keep you on your toes. You’ll want to pack layers, since mornings and evenings can feel way cooler than the middle of the day.