Spring in Nanjing feels like a real shift from the lingering chill of winter to the first hints of summer. Average daytime highs climb from around 51°F in March to about 81°F in May. Nights warm up too, moving from the upper 30s to the mid-60s.
This steady rise in temperature makes spring one of the most comfortable times to experience the city.
You’ll get a mix of cloudy and clear days. Skies stay overcast a bit more than half the season.
Rain shows up more often as spring goes on, so it’s smart to keep an umbrella handy. Even with more showers, longer daylight and milder air make the city and its green spaces feel inviting.
Plants and trees wake up in spring, kicking off the growing season. If you’re visiting, you’ll find the weather pleasant enough for outdoor adventures, without the intense heat and humidity that summer brings.
This mix of gentle warmth, manageable rain, and longer days makes spring a pretty enjoyable time to see Nanjing.
Overview of Spring Weather in Nanjing
Spring in Nanjing brings a steady warming trend, moderate rainfall, and longer days. You’ll notice mild to warm conditions that make outdoor activities comfortable, though rain showers pop up more as the season moves along.
Typical Temperature Range
From March to May, Nanjing’s temperatures shift from cool to warm. March usually starts with highs near 10–13°C (50–55°F) and lows around 4°C (39°F).
The city warms fast in April, reaching highs of 18–22°C (64–72°F). By May, highs hit 25°C (77°F), with lows around 16°C (61°F).
This steady climb makes spring genuinely pleasant. Early spring calls for a light jacket, but by May, you’ll see plenty of people in short sleeves.
Rainfall picks up as spring goes on. March brings about 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while May gets closer to 95 mm (3.7 in).
Showers usually hit in short bursts, not all-day storms, but it’s still smart to have an umbrella.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Nanjing during spring sits at a moderate level but creeps up as summer nears. In March, the air feels drier, with humidity in the 60–65% range.
By May, the air holds more moisture, often reaching 70–75%.
Warmer temperatures and higher humidity can make late spring feel heavier than early spring. Still, it’s more comfortable than those muggy summer months.
If you’re planning a trip, keep in mind that April and May’s dampness can make mornings and evenings feel cooler than you’d expect. Packing light layers that dry quickly will help you stay comfortable.
Daylight Hours
Daylight grows fast in Nanjing during spring. In early March, you get about 12 hours of daylight. By late May, days stretch to nearly 14 hours.
This gives you more time to explore parks, gardens, and riverside paths.
Sunshine averages 5–6 hours per day, but clouds are pretty common. Around half the days are overcast or partly cloudy, which takes the edge off the sun.
The UV index climbs as spring goes on, from moderate in March to high by May. Sunscreen and hats matter more later in the season, especially if you’ll be outside for hours.
Monthly Breakdown: March, April, and May
Spring in Nanjing brings a steady rise in temperatures, longer days, and more rain than winter. Conditions shift quickly from cool and damp in early March to warm and almost summer-like by late May.
March Weather Patterns
March marks the real start of spring in Nanjing. Average temps range from about 5°C at night to 15°C during the day, with a monthly mean near 10°C.
You might still run into chilly mornings, and frost can happen, though it’s rare.
Rainfall goes up compared to winter, with about 80 mm spread over 12 days. Showers tend to be light but frequent, so expect damp conditions.
Humidity averages around 68%, making the air moist but not too uncomfortable.
Daylight lasts about 12 hours. Sunshine shows up for roughly 4–5 hours per day.
Winds average 10 kph, adding a cool edge to early spring days. By the end of March, afternoons warm up, sometimes reaching 25°C or higher on unusually warm days.
April Weather Patterns
April brings steadier, milder weather. Temps rise to 10–21°C, with a monthly mean near 16°C.
Nights stay cool but not harsh, while afternoons often feel pretty warm.
Rainfall sticks around 80 mm across 10 days, but showers can hit harder than in March.
Humidity stays near 67%, so the air feels damp but still manageable.
Sunshine improves, with about 5.5 hours daily, and daylight stretches to 13 hours.
April can be unpredictable. Sometimes temps dip close to 3–4°C on cold nights, while warm days may jump to 30°C or more.
Layering your clothes is a good idea if you’re planning to be outside.
May Weather Patterns
May marks the shift toward summer. Average temps climb to 16–27°C, with a mean near 21°C.
Nights feel mild, and days often get warm. Some afternoons even top 34°C during early heat waves.
Rainfall bumps up to about 90 mm over 10 days, and humidity averages 68%.
Conditions can get muggy, especially with higher temps. Sunshine improves to 6.5 hours per day, and daylight nearly hits 14 hours.
This is when humid weather really starts. The warmth and frequent rain make the city’s greenery explode.
By late May, you might already feel like it’s summer, so expect plenty of variety in the weather.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Spring in Nanjing brings a steady increase in rainfall. You’ll notice lighter showers in March, more frequent rain in April, and heavier downpours by May as summer approaches.
Average Rainfall by Month
Rainfall in Nanjing jumps across the spring months. March averages around 4–5 inches (100–120 mm) of rain.
By April, totals climb to about 6–7 inches (150–170 mm). May brings the highest spring rainfall, often hitting 8–10 inches (200–250 mm).
This steady rise fits with the city’s subtropical monsoon climate, which builds up moisture as it gets warmer.
The heaviest rains arrive in summer, but May already shows a clear trend toward wetter weather.
| Month | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|
| March | ~110 mm (4.3 in) |
| April | ~150 mm (6.0 in) |
| May | ~200+ mm (8.0 in) |
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days increase as spring goes on. March usually brings 8–10 days with measurable rain.
April jumps to about 11–13 days. May can bring 14–16 days of rain.
By late spring, you’ll see rain nearly every other day. Still, most days bring light to moderate showers, not endless downpours.
Short breaks of sunshine break up the rain pretty often.
Because rain spreads across many days, you should plan for changing weather. Carrying an umbrella or a light rain jacket just makes sense, especially if you’re out sightseeing or commuting.
Impact of Rainfall on Daily Life
Spring rain shapes daily routines and travel in Nanjing. Streets can get slippery, and heavier showers might cause brief traffic delays.
If you’re walking, keep an eye out for puddles and splashes from cars.
For travelers, rain usually doesn’t stop outdoor plans, but it can change your timing. Mornings often start out drier, with showers rolling in later.
Museums, tea houses, and indoor markets offer good options when rain is heavier.
All that rain helps the city’s greenery thrive. Parks and gardens look especially lush in April and May, so they’re worth a visit—even if you need to bring rain gear.
Spring Weather Compared to Other Seasons
Spring in Nanjing brings mild temperatures, steady rainfall, and longer days. These conditions stand apart from the city’s hot, humid summers, crisp autumns, and the colder, sometimes damp winters.
Spring Versus Summer
In summer, Nanjing earns its reputation as one of the “furnace cities” along the Yangtze River. Daily highs often top 90°F (32°C), and humidity rarely lets up.
Rainfall peaks in June and July, when the East Asian monsoon brings heavy downpours.
Spring feels much gentler. Highs rise from the low 50s°F (10–12°C) in March to the low 80s°F (27°C) by late May.
Rain happens, but it’s lighter and more spread out than the pounding storms of midsummer.
Comfort levels differ, too. Summer days can feel stifling, with high dew points and little relief at night.
Spring gives you cooler evenings and lower humidity, at least early on. Outdoor activities are easier, and you don’t have to worry about heat stress like you do in July or August.
Spring Versus Autumn
Autumn in Nanjing is short but often gets called the most pleasant season. From September through November, temps range from the 70s°F (21–26°C) down to the 50s°F (10–15°C).
Rainfall drops off, and skies stay clearer than in spring.
Spring shares a similar mild temperature range, but it brings more cloud cover and higher chances of rain.
About 26% of spring days see measurable precipitation, while autumn is usually much drier.
Humidity matters, too. Muggy conditions fade fast in autumn, but in spring, humidity climbs as the season goes on.
Early spring feels crisp, while late spring turns more humid—a contrast you just don’t get in the dry fall months.
Spring Versus Winter
Winter in Nanjing is cold for southern China. Average highs hover in the 40s°F (5–8°C), and lows sometimes dip below freezing.
Snow is rare but can happen, and dampness makes the cold feel sharper.
Spring brings a clear break from these winter lows. By March, highs already reach the 50s°F (10–12°C), and by May, you’ll see highs in the 80s°F (27°C).
Frost becomes unlikely, and plants start growing in early March.
Unlike winter’s shorter days and limited sunlight, spring days get longer fast. You gain more than 2.5 hours of daylight from March to May, making the season feel brighter and more energetic than the dark, chilly winter.
Travel Tips for Spring in Nanjing
Spring in Nanjing brings mild temps, blooming flowers, and plenty of light rain. You’ll want to prepare for changing weather, plan your outdoor time around the best parts of the day, and leave room in your schedule for seasonal events that show off the city’s culture and scenery.
What to Pack
Daytime highs usually run from 14–22°C, but mornings and evenings can still feel chilly.
A light jacket or sweater is handy, and a scarf helps with damp winds.
Bring layers so you can adjust as the day warms up.
Rain is common, especially in April. A compact umbrella or light raincoat is a must.
Shoes should be comfortable and waterproof, since park paths and garden trails get muddy.
If you have allergies, bring a mask or eye drops. Plane tree catkins float everywhere in April, and pollen spikes in March during cherry blossom season.
Sunglasses help block both pollen and the bright spring sun.
For sightseeing, carry a small backpack with a refillable water bottle and a portable charger.
Many attractions, like Xuanwu Lake and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, take several hours to explore on foot.
Best Outdoor Activities
Spring really feels like one of the best times to get outside and enjoy Nanjing’s parks and historic spots. I love how Jiming Temple bursts with cherry blossoms in March, and Xuanwu Lake Park puts on a colorful tulip show in April.
If you head out early, say between 7 and 9 am, you’ll dodge the crowds and snap some great photos.
The area around the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum makes a great place for long walks under blooming trees. You can start at Meihua Mountain, then wander along Shixiang Road for some pretty views.
Both of these routes stay easy enough for most people, even if you’re not a big hiker.
Cycling around Purple Mountain could be more your style. The weather’s cool enough for a ride, and the mountain trails blend nature with a bit of history.
If that sounds like too much, you can just stroll through the Yihe Road architecture district. Spring flowers frame those old Republic-era houses in a way that feels straight out of a storybook.
Evenings get pleasantly comfortable by late spring. You might want to check out Laomendong for some local snacks, or take a riverside walk along the Qinhuai River.
Lanterns light up the riverbanks and make the whole place feel extra special.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Spring in Nanjing always comes alive with flower festivals. The Cherry Blossom Festival at Jiming Temple usually runs from mid-March to early April.
Weekends get super crowded, so if you want a quieter vibe, try going on a weekday.
In early April, the Xuanwu Lake Tulip Exhibition brings out thousands of bright blooms. This event usually lasts until mid-April and ends up being one of the most photographed spots in the city.
By May, the rose wall at Zhongshan Botanical Garden bursts into full bloom. At 200 meters long, it’s a real highlight for locals and visitors.
Around this time, crayfish season kicks off, and a lot of restaurants roll out special menus.
During Qingming Festival in early April, families head out to ancestral tombs, and plenty of people enjoy outdoor picnics.
Public parks and scenic areas get busier than usual, so it’s smart to go earlier in the day if you want some peace.
Climate Influences and Local Variations
Spring weather in Nanjing changes a lot, shaped by big wind patterns and some quirky features of the city’s geography.
These things explain why you’ll notice quick shifts in temperature, rain, and humidity, sometimes even just across town.
Effect of the East Asian Monsoon
The East Asian monsoon plays a huge role in Nanjing’s spring weather. As winter fades, cold dry air heads out, and warm, damp air from the south takes over.
This change brings higher temperatures, more clouds, and more rain.
You’ll see average highs jump from about 11°C in early March up to 27°C by late May. Rainfall climbs fast too, with monthly totals nearly doubling as spring goes on.
Moist air from the South China Sea and Bay of Bengal drives this pattern.
Humidity also rises as spring moves along. Early March still feels pretty dry, but by late May, it gets muggy, and dew points climb above 18°C.
These changes really show the monsoon transition and set the stage for Nanjing’s hot, sticky summer.
Microclimates in Nanjing
Nanjing’s geography throws in all sorts of local weather quirks. You’ll notice the city center, packed with buildings and endless pavement, usually feels a bit warmer than the countryside outside town.
This urban heat effect stands out most on clear, calm nights. Built-up areas just hang onto heat longer, keeping things toasty after sunset.
Water plays a role too. The Yangtze River and Xuanwu Lake shape the weather in their own way, smoothing out temperature swings and bumping up the humidity nearby.
In spring, it’s not unusual to feel cooler afternoons and milder nights right by the river. Head a few blocks inland, and it’s a different story.
The southwest hills add another layer. These higher spots tend to be a few degrees cooler, and they catch more rain than the flatter city center.
So, if you’re visiting, don’t be surprised if a quick trip across town means a totally different weather vibe. Even on the same day, Nanjing likes to keep you guessing.