Thinking about a trip to Guangzhou in the fall? You’ll probably find it’s one of the city’s most comfortable seasons. Expect warm days that cool off into mild evenings, and you won’t have to deal with nearly as much rain or humidity as in summer.
This shift in weather makes it much easier to wander around the city’s neighborhoods, parks, and cultural sites without sweating buckets or dodging downpours.
As temperatures drop from the high 80s °F in early September to the low 70s °F by late November, the air just feels fresher and clearer. Rainfall goes down quickly, so you’ll get more dry days and longer stretches of sunshine.
Skies clear up toward the end of the season, which means you’ll catch brighter afternoons and softer sunsets.
With calmer weather and shorter daylight hours, Guangzhou’s autumn feels pretty steady and inviting. You’ll find it’s easier to mix outdoor adventures with indoor fun, whether you’re out for a walk along the Pearl River or checking out historic temples.
This combo of mild temperatures, lower humidity, and clearer skies really does make fall a practical time to experience the city.
Overview of Fall Weather in Guangzhou
Fall in Guangzhou brings a steady drop in heat and humidity, clearer skies, and fewer rainy days than summer. You’ll notice shifts in temperature, cloud cover, and daylight, making it one of the more comfortable times to be outside.
Typical Fall Climate Characteristics
During fall, daily high temperatures in Guangzhou usually drop from about 90°F (32°C) in early September to around 73°F (23°C) by late November. Nighttime lows fall faster, from about 78°F (25°C) to 58°F (14°C).
Humidity also fades fast. At the start of fall, muggy days are the norm, but by late November, only about 1 in 10 days feels humid. The air feels a lot more comfortable.
Rainfall drops as well. Average 31‑day rainfall falls from about 7 inches (178 mm) in September to just over 1 inch (30 mm) by November. Cloud cover shrinks from about 70% to under 30%.
These changes bring warm but not oppressive days. Most days feel dry, sunny, and just right for walking or sightseeing.
Seasonal Changes from Summer to Fall
You really notice the transition from summer into fall in Guangzhou. During summer, daily highs often stick above 90°F (32°C) with high humidity and heavy rain.
By September, mornings and evenings start to cool, and storms happen less often.
Daylight also shortens. You lose about 1 hour and 45 minutes of daylight from early September to late November.
Sunrises come later, and sunsets arrive earlier, which changes the rhythm of outdoor activities.
Nearby rivers and coastal water cool from about 83°F (28°C) to 71°F (22°C). Swimming gets less popular, but the cooler air is perfect for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor trips.
By late fall, the weather settles down and becomes more predictable, with far fewer sudden showers than in summer.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Compared to winter, fall is warmer and less dry. Winter lows can get close to 50°F (10°C), but fall nights stay milder.
You also skip the damp chill that sometimes hits in January.
In spring, you get more rainfall. Spring often brings cloudy skies and sticky humidity, while fall usually feels clearer and more comfortable.
Summer is pretty much the opposite of fall. Summer is hot, humid, and stormy, while fall is cooler, drier, and sunnier.
If you like moderate temperatures and fewer rainy days, fall is definitely one of the best times to visit.
The mix of warmth, sunshine, and lower humidity sets fall apart as one of Guangzhou’s most consistent and enjoyable weather periods.
Average Fall Temperatures in Guangzhou
Fall in Guangzhou brings a steady drop in both daytime highs and nighttime lows. The season shifts from hot and humid in early September to much cooler and more comfortable by late November.
Monthly Temperature Trends
In September, average daily highs reach about 90°F (32°C), with lows near 78°F (26°C). By October, things cool down, with highs around 82°F (28°C) and lows near 68°F (20°C).
November feels noticeably cooler. Highs average 73°F (23°C), and nighttime temperatures can fall to 58°F (14°C).
Here’s a quick look at the transition:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 90°F / 32°C | 78°F / 26°C |
| October | 82°F / 28°C | 68°F / 20°C |
| November | 73°F / 23°C | 58°F / 14°C |
These averages show how quickly things change in just three months.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Early fall days often feel hot, sometimes hitting the mid-90s°F (35°C). September nights stay warm, rarely dropping below the mid-70s°F (24°C).
By October, you’ll notice a bigger difference between day and night. Evenings cool off into the upper 60s°F (around 20°C), which makes being outside at night a lot nicer.
November brings the widest swing. Days peak in the low 70s°F (22–23°C), while nights can dip into the upper 50s°F (14–15°C). You might want to pack a light jacket for the evenings.
The shift from humid nights to crisp mornings is one of the most noticeable changes in Guangzhou during fall.
Temperature in Guangzhou Compared to National Averages
Compared to northern China, Guangzhou’s fall temperatures stay pretty warm. Cities like Beijing or Xi’an often see daytime highs drop into the 50s°F (10–15°C) by November, while Guangzhou still averages in the low 70s°F (22–23°C).
You also avoid the early frosts that hit inland areas. Guangzhou’s subtropical climate keeps things frost-free, with lows rarely falling below 50°F (10°C).
This mild pattern makes Guangzhou one of the more comfortable southern cities during fall. The steady cooling gives relief from the summer heat but stays warmer than most places across the country.
Fall Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
During fall in Guangzhou, rainfall drops compared to the summer monsoon, though showers can still show up. You’ll notice changes in monthly precipitation, humidity, and the occasional risk of strong storms.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Guangzhou during fall gradually tapers off as the wet summer ends. September can still bring heavy rain, averaging around 170–200 mm with about 10–12 wet days.
By October, totals drop to roughly 80–100 mm, and the number of rainy days falls closer to 6–8.
November is usually the driest fall month, averaging 40–50 mm spread across 5–7 days. This steady decline makes late fall noticeably less wet and way better for outdoor plans.
The shift from September to November highlights the move from humid, stormy weather to calmer, drier days. If you’re traveling, early fall might still mean packing rain gear, but late fall often just needs light prep for the odd shower.
Changes in Humidity During Fall
Humidity in Guangzhou starts high in early fall but drops as the season goes on. In September, relative humidity averages around 75–80%, making the air feel heavy and sticky, especially after rain.
By October, humidity usually falls closer to 70%. The air feels less oppressive, even though it’s still warm.
In November, humidity can dip to 65% or lower, which makes sightseeing and daily life a lot more comfortable. You’ll still notice some moisture, but it’s nothing like the summer months.
This slow drop in humidity is a big reason why many visitors pick late fall for their trips to Guangzhou.
Likelihood of Extreme Weather Events
Even though fall is drier overall, you should stay aware of possible extreme weather. September sometimes brings tropical storms or typhoons, since the region sits in the path of late-season systems from the South China Sea.
These storms can cause short bursts of heavy rain and strong winds.
By October, typhoon risk drops, though the odd thunderstorm still pops up. November rarely sees severe weather, with storms becoming pretty rare.
Extreme flooding doesn’t really happen in fall the way it can in summer, but sudden downpours in September can still overwhelm drainage in low areas. If you’re visiting in early fall, keep an eye on weather advisories, especially if you’re planning outdoor travel or transport.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours in Autumn
In autumn, Guangzhou’s sunshine shifts as the season moves along. You’ll notice shorter daylight hours and changes in sunrise and sunset times, which can definitely affect your plans.
Average Daily Sunshine
Early autumn in Guangzhou still feels bright, but cloud cover drops quickly as the season moves forward. In early September, skies are often cloudy or overcast, but by late November, most days are much clearer.
The average daily incident solar energy falls from about 5.2 kWh in September to 4.1 kWh in November. Sunlight is stronger in early autumn and gets weaker as winter approaches.
Clearer skies in November mean you get more direct sunshine, even though the days are shorter. On average, you can expect several hours of usable daylight for outdoor activities, especially late in the season when humidity and rain are lower.
Late autumn is honestly one of the nicest times to be outside, whether you’re strolling by the Pearl River or exploring city parks.
Sunrise and Sunset Times in Fall
Day length in Guangzhou drops steadily through autumn. On September 1, sunrise is around 6:09 AM and sunset is close to 6:44 PM, so you get about 12 hours and 35 minutes of daylight.
By late November, sunrise comes later, around 6:50 AM, and sunset is earlier, about 5:40 PM. That’s roughly 10 hours and 50 minutes of daylight.
You lose nearly 1 hour and 45 minutes of daylight over the season. Evenings come sooner, which is good to keep in mind if you’re planning sightseeing or outdoor dining.
Guangzhou doesn’t do daylight saving time, so these times stay the same every year.
Wind and Air Quality Conditions
In fall, Guangzhou goes through changes in both wind and air quality. Monsoon patterns affect breezes, and pollution levels shift depending on weather and seasonal activity.
Typical Wind Speeds and Directions
In autumn, Guangzhou’s winds get lighter compared to the summer monsoon. Average speeds usually range from 6 to 10 km/h, so you’ll mostly feel just a gentle breeze.
Strong gusts don’t happen often, though you might notice them during passing weather systems.
Wind direction also changes as the season goes on. Early fall still has some southeast monsoon influence, bringing in moist air.
By late fall, winds shift more to the north and northeast, tied to the arrival of cooler, drier continental air from inland China.
This shift has a practical effect on daily life. The reduced humidity and steadier breezes make outdoor activities more comfortable.
If you’re sensitive to weather changes, you’ll probably notice clearer skies and less sticky air compared to the summer months.
Air Quality Trends in the Fall
In Guangzhou, air quality usually gets better in the fall compared to the muggy, rainy summer. When heavy rain lets up, mold and allergens don’t build up as much, and cooler temperatures keep ozone levels lower.
Sometimes, though, particulate matter (PM2.5) still goes up, especially if northern winds blow in pollution from nearby industrial areas.
You’ll probably notice moderate air quality most days in October and November. Occasionally, after a good rain or when breezes sweep through, the air feels fresh and can even hit the “good” range.
But if the weather stays still for a while, haze can settle in and make mornings or evenings a bit murky.
If you’re planning to be outside, check the air quality report each day. For kids, folks with asthma, or anyone sensitive, it’s smart to stay indoors or take it easy when the rating says “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
A lot of locals just wear a light mask on those days—it’s pretty common.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Guangzhou’s Fall Weather
Autumn in Guangzhou feels pretty great. Mild temperatures and less rain mean you can really enjoy the city without worrying much about the weather.
You can plan outdoor activities with fewer interruptions. If you dress in layers, it’s easy to adjust from cool mornings to warm afternoons.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
Daytime temperatures in fall usually sit between 20°C and 25°C (68°F–77°F). Mornings and evenings can get a little chilly.
Wearing light layers works best so you can add or remove clothes as the day changes. Try packing a mix of short-sleeve shirts, long-sleeve tops, and a light jacket or sweater.
You probably won’t see much rain, but an occasional shower can surprise you. Toss a small umbrella or a light rain jacket in your bag just in case.
Comfortable walking shoes make a big difference, especially since you’ll probably want to wander through parks, street markets, or cultural spots.
Humidity drops off compared to summer, so fabrics like cotton or linen help you stay cool. If you’re thinking about heading to Baiyun Mountain or riverside areas at night, bring something warmer—temperatures can dip.
Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. Even in early autumn, the sun can be pretty strong.
A simple packing list might look like this:
- 2–3 light tops (a mix of short and long sleeves)
- 1 light jacket or sweater
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Compact umbrella
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Popular Outdoor Activities in Autumn
Cooler weather makes fall an awesome time to get outside and check out Guangzhou’s best spots. I love hiking up Baiyun Mountain—the trails give you some pretty stunning city views, especially when the air turns crisp in October and November.
You’ll find parks like Yuexiu Park and Haizhu Lake perfect for wandering or snapping a few photos. There’s just something about the autumn light that makes everything look better.
The Pearl River night cruise really stands out this time of year. Evenings feel just right, so you can actually enjoy the skyline without sweating through your shirt. Grabbing dinner outdoors along the riverfront? Way more pleasant in autumn, if you ask me.
Fall brings the Canton Fair in October and November. The fair focuses on business, sure, but it fills the city with extra energy. Lots of travelers end up mixing business with sightseeing.
Markets and open-air shopping streets like Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street get way easier to explore once the sticky summer humidity lets up. Outdoor tea houses and gardens—Chen Clan Ancestral Hall comes to mind—feel so much more inviting in the mild weather.
You can actually spend more time outside, whether you’re wandering old neighborhoods, stopping by temples, or digging into seasonal dishes at an open-air restaurant.