Winter in Fuzhou brings a mild, comfortable shift from the city’s hot, humid summers. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F), and nights can get cooler, often dropping to about 8°C (46°F). You won’t face the harsh cold that hits northern China, so you get to enjoy the city without bundling up in heavy winter gear.
The subtropical monsoon climate still has some influence in winter, but rainfall tapers off compared to the summer downpours. You’ll notice clearer skies and humidity that’s much easier to deal with, which makes being outside a lot more pleasant.
Days are shorter and the winds calm down, creating a quieter mood that fits perfectly with wandering through Fuzhou’s cultural spots and cozy tea houses. If you know what kind of winter climate to expect, you can plan your trip or stay without surprises.
Winter Climate Overview in Fuzhou
Winters in Fuzhou feel mild compared to the north, but you’ll still get cooler air, some dampness, and the odd cold snap. Expect more clouds and higher humidity than in many other subtropical places.
Humid Subtropical Characteristics
Fuzhou sits in a humid subtropical climate (Cfa, Köppen classification). Winters aren’t severe, but the air can feel damp and a bit chilly. Humidity makes cold days bite a little harder than the numbers might suggest.
In January, temperatures typically range from 8°C (46°F) at night to 15°C (59°F) during the day. February warms up a touch, with averages around 9°C to 16°C. These numbers keep things mild, though you shouldn’t expect much warmth.
Snow almost never falls here. Locals only remember a few snowy days in the past several decades, so it’s more of a novelty than a real winter feature. You’re more likely to see misty mornings, cloudy skies, and some light rain.
Humidity usually stays above 70%, so even when temperatures are moderate, that damp feeling lingers. If you’re sensitive to moist, chilly air, keep this in mind.
Typical Winter Weather Patterns
Winter rain is lighter than in spring, but it doesn’t disappear. Expect around 35–85 mm of precipitation per month, spread out over 7–14 days. Most of the time, it’s just drizzle or light showers.
You won’t get much sun—maybe 3–4 hours a day on average. Clouds often rule the sky, so the city takes on a gray look.
Sometimes, cold fronts sweep down from inland China. When this happens, highs might only reach 6–7°C (43–45°F) for a few days. On the rarest nights, it might get close to freezing, but frost is still unusual.
Winds generally stay light, around 10–12 kph. If you’re by the coast, you’ll feel more breeze, and the humidity can make things feel chillier than you’d expect.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Winter in Fuzhou feels nothing like the city’s sweltering summers. Summer highs often top 34°C (93°F) with muggy air, but in winter, highs hover near 15°C (59°F). It’s a much better time for being outdoors.
Spring brings more rain and cloudy days than winter. While winter has fewer rainy days, it still keeps high humidity.
Autumn is the sunniest and driest season, with more clear days and less rain. Winter skies stay cloudy, and you only get about 100–125 hours of sunshine for the whole season.
Typhoons don’t show up in winter, so you won’t need to worry about tropical storms. Still, you should be ready for damp air and the occasional cold snap.
Average Winter Temperatures
Fuzhou’s winter weather stays mild compared to northern China. Days are cool, nights can get chilly, but deep freezes are rare. With the right clothes, it’s a comfortable season for travel.
Monthly Temperature Ranges
From December to February, daytime highs generally land between 14°C and 17°C (57°F to 63°F). January is the coldest month, with highs close to 16°C (61°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F).
December often feels a bit warmer, while February starts to hint at spring. The weather doesn’t swing wildly from week to week, so you can expect consistency.
Here’s what the monthly averages look like:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| December | 16°C / 61°F | 10°C / 50°F |
| January | 15–16°C / 59–61°F | 9°C / 48°F |
| February | 16–17°C / 61–63°F | 10–11°C / 50–52°F |
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
Days in winter often feel pretty mild, especially if the sun comes out. You can walk around in just a light jacket or sweater. The warmest point usually hits around 3 PM.
Nights cool off quickly. Early mornings drop to 8–10°C (46–50°F), and the dampness can make it feel colder. Most homes use portable heaters since central heating isn’t common in southern China.
Layering is key. Bring a sweater or coat for the evenings, but you might get by with lighter clothes during the day. This day-night contrast is one of the most noticeable things about winter here.
Coldest Recorded Periods
Winters are mostly mild, but cold outbreaks do happen. Sometimes, temperatures dip close to 1–3°C (34–37°F), usually during strong northern cold waves. These aren’t frequent, but the humidity makes them feel sharper.
Frost is possible in the coldest years, but snow is almost unheard of in Fuzhou.
The chilliest hours usually come between 4 AM and 6 AM, right before sunrise. If you’re visiting during a cold snap, mornings will feel much colder than afternoons.
Precipitation and Humidity in Winter
Winter in Fuzhou is cooler and drier than the rest of the year, but you’ll still see some rain. Humidity sticks around, but it’s not as overwhelming as in summer. These factors affect how comfortable you’ll feel outside and how often you’ll need an umbrella.
Average Rainfall by Month
Rainfall drops off in winter compared to spring and summer. December is the driest, averaging about 32 mm (1.26 in) of rain. January and February pick up a bit, with 50–70 mm (2–2.7 in).
You’ll get fewer rainy days than in the wet season. January and February usually bring rain on 7–9 days per month, with December seeing even fewer. Most showers are light or moderate.
Snow basically never happens here. Winter rain is the norm, and the lower rainfall makes this time of year easier for outdoor plans, though you’ll still need to deal with dampness sometimes.
Humidity Levels During Winter
Humidity stays fairly high all year, but winter offers some relief from the stickiness of summer. Relative humidity averages 70% to 75% from December through February.
You might still notice the damp air, especially mornings and evenings. Cooler temperatures make the humidity less uncomfortable, though.
Sometimes, indoor spaces feel chilly because of the moisture and lower temps. Light layers and a sweater or jacket usually do the trick. If you’re sensitive to dampness, look for places to stay with decent heating or a dehumidifier.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Winter brings shorter days and less sunshine than the rest of the year. You’ll get some sunlight, but clouds and seasonal weather can block out the sun for stretches at a time.
Average Daily Sunshine
Fuzhou usually sees 7 to 9 sunny days per month during winter. December and January often have about 9 clear days, and February gets closer to 7. So, while you’ll catch some sun, expect plenty of gray days too.
When the sun does shine, it feels brighter thanks to the cooler, drier air. The lower sun angle in winter does take away some of the midday intensity, though.
Rain is pretty limited, with only 1–3 rainy days per month on average. This makes winter fairly dry, so when the skies clear, you can enjoy longer stretches without storms.
If you’re planning outdoor time, count on some sun, but don’t expect it every day. You might need to be flexible with your plans to catch those sunny breaks.
Variation in Daylight Hours
Winter days are shorter, but they lengthen as spring approaches. In December, you get about 10.5 hours of daylight. By February, that grows to around 11.6 hours.
| Month | Daylight Hours (approx.) |
|---|---|
| December | 10.5–10.6 h |
| January | 10.5–11.0 h |
| February | 11.0–11.6 h |
You’ll notice the sun sets earlier in December, making mornings and evenings feel longer. By late February, sunsets come later, so you get more time outside.
This gradual change matters if you’re trying to fit in sightseeing or outdoor trips. The shorter days in December and January might limit what you can do before dark, but February opens up a bit more time.
Wind, Pressure, and Other Atmospheric Conditions
In winter, winds calm down compared to summer, and the air pressure stays steady—typical for Fuzhou’s mild coastal climate. These details shape how the weather feels and influence your comfort outdoors.
Typical Wind Speeds
Winter winds in Fuzhou average about 3 miles per hour, which is much lighter than summer breezes. The air feels more stable and less biting, even on cooler days.
These gentle winds mean temperatures around 57–63°F actually feel like what the thermometer says. You usually don’t need to worry about strong gusts downtown or along the Min River.
For comparison, summer winds reach 8–9 mph, almost three times faster. Because of this, winter just feels calmer—great if you want to be outside without battling the wind.
Atmospheric Pressure Trends
Winter air pressure in Fuzhou averages around 758 inHg and doesn’t fluctuate much. This keeps the weather pretty steady and predictable, unlike the wild swings of spring.
Stable pressure and cooler air help clear the skies, especially in January and February. You’ll still get overcast days, but the atmosphere stays less unsettled than during the rainy summer.
This steady pressure supports mild winter weather. Fuzhou’s coastal spot helps keep sudden changes at bay, unlike inland cities where shifting pressure can bring sharp cold snaps. It’s a big plus for travelers and anyone who likes knowing what to expect.
Rare Weather Events and Seasonal Considerations
Fuzhou’s winters are usually mild, but sometimes rare events or seasonal quirks can throw you a curveball. While snowfall almost never happens, cold snaps and late-season storms can still pop up and make things interesting.
Snowfall Frequency
Snow almost never falls in Fuzhou, honestly, thanks to the city’s subtropical climate. Winter temperatures usually hang out well above freezing, hovering around 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F).
Even on those rare cold nights, the temperature barely ever dips below 0°C (32°F). You just don’t see it happen.
Fuzhou sits along China’s southeastern coast, which really protects it from the heavy snow that northern cities get. If you look back at old weather records, you’ll only spot a few light flurries here and there over the decades.
Actual snow that sticks? That’s almost unheard of.
If you’re coming to Fuzhou in winter, you probably won’t have to worry about snow messing with your travel or outdoor plans. What actually gets people is the damp, chilly air and the humidity, which somehow makes everything feel colder than the numbers say.
Honestly, you’re better off layering up and wearing waterproof shoes than packing for icy sidewalks.
Typhoon Risks in Late Autumn and Early Winter
Fuzhou sits in a region where western Pacific typhoons roll in every year. Sure, summer brings the biggest storms, but honestly, October and November can still surprise you. Sometimes, the season even drags a bit into early winter.
Most late-season typhoons lose a lot of their punch as they push inland. Still, they can dump heavy rain, whip up strong winds, and cause coastal flooding. Travelers might find flights, ferries, or trains canceled or delayed when these storms hit.
If you’re thinking about visiting in late autumn, definitely check the latest updates from the China Meteorological Administration. Local advisories can change quickly, so it pays to stay alert.
Hotels and transport companies usually post updates, but honestly, it’s smart to keep your plans flexible just in case. Once December arrives, typhoons pretty much disappear, and the weather settles down for winter.