When summer hits Guilin, the days get long, hot, and sticky—shaping how you take in those iconic landscapes. Expect average daytime highs around 32–33 °C (89 °F), and nights that stay pretty warm at about 24 °C (75 °F). The humidity really cranks up the heat, but all that moisture keeps the scenery looking lush and vibrant.
Rain is a big part of the story here. Showers and storms roll in often, especially in June when rainfall really peaks. They tend to show up suddenly and then clear out, revealing blue skies again.
This mix of sun and rain gives Guilin those misty hillsides and clear rivers that everyone talks about.
Cloud cover shifts as the summer goes on. July and August tend to offer more sunshine than the earlier months, so you get a bit more light to play with. The balance of heat, humidity, and sunshine sets the mood for everything from river cruises to hiking those karst peaks, if you’re willing to dodge a few storms.
Overview of Guilin’s Summer Climate
Guilin summers hit with heat, humidity, and frequent rainfall. Days get long, temperatures climb, and heavy showers break up the sunshine, shaping the city’s unique seasonal vibe.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Summer in Guilin runs from June to August. Daytime highs usually land between 30–33 °C (86–91 °F), and sometimes spike above 37 °C (99 °F). Nights don’t cool down much, staying above 24 °C (75 °F).
Rain comes often, with June as the wettest month—averaging almost 395 mm of rain. July and August bring less rain, but humidity sticks around. Afternoon thunderstorms show up regularly, and heavy showers can pop up out of nowhere.
Sunshine hours climb compared to spring. By July and August, you might see 6–6.5 hours of sun per day, though clouds still hang around. Humidity usually sits above 75%, which makes the heat feel even more intense.
Winds stay light, about 6–7 kph, so the air just feels still and muggy. Typhoons can show up now and then, but Guilin’s inland location keeps the direct hits rare.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to other seasons, summer in Guilin stands out. Spring is cooler but wetter, with a lot of drizzle and gray skies. Autumn brings drier, more comfortable weather—lower humidity and mild temps. Winter is short and cool, often overcast, with lows near 5 °C (41 °F).
Summer brings longer days and stronger sunlight than autumn or winter. But with high humidity and frequent rain, outdoor plans can be unpredictable.
The monsoon season hits its peak in summer. Autumn is usually the most stable period for weather. If you love warmth, summer delivers, but you’ll want to plan around the rain.
Best Time to Visit in Summer
Thinking of visiting Guilin in summer? Late July to early August usually offers the best shot at good weather. Rain isn’t as heavy as in June, and you get more clear skies for sightseeing.
Morning and evening are the best times for being outside. Midday heat gets rough, so it’s better to stick to indoor spots or find some shade during those hours.
Sudden showers are common, so it’s smart to carry a light rain jacket or umbrella. If you want to dodge the worst rain and avoid chilly days, late summer is usually your best bet.
Average Summer Temperatures
Guilin’s summers bring warm to hot days, mild nights, and humidity that makes the air feel heavier than the numbers suggest. Temperatures climb through June and peak in July, then dip a bit in August.
Daytime and Nighttime Air Temperature
During summer, daytime air temps usually run 83°F to 89°F (28°C–32°C). On the hottest afternoons, highs can touch the low 90s°F (33°C–34°C), but rarely go above 96°F (36°C).
Nights don’t offer much relief. Lows hover near 75°F (24°C), and sometimes drop to 67°F (19°C). Even after sunset, the heat sticks around.
Humidity just adds to it. Dew points often sit near 70°F (21°C) or higher, making nights feel muggy and sticky. Most people need air conditioning or a strong fan to sleep comfortably.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Guilin’s summer weather follows a pattern—June warms up, July hits the peak, and August cools off a touch.
- June: Average highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 74°F (23°C).
- July: Hottest month, with highs averaging 89°F (32°C) and lows close to 78°F (26°C).
- August: Still hot, just a bit cooler, with highs around 87°F (31°C) and lows near 76°F (24°C).
The hottest stretch usually falls in late July, when daily highs reach about 91°F (33°C). By late August, temps ease up, but humidity keeps the air heavy.
Heat Index and ‘Feels Like’ Temperatures
High humidity means the real feel is hotter than what the thermometer shows. The heat index—how it actually feels—often comes in 5–10°F (3–6°C) higher than the air temp.
So, a day at 89°F (32°C) with high humidity might feel like 98°F (37°C). Even nights at 75°F (24°C) can feel warmer because of all the moisture.
When you’re outside, plan for this. Wear light, breathable clothes, drink water often, and take breaks in the shade. It’s easy to underestimate how much humidity can crank up the discomfort.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Summer in Guilin brings heavy rain, lots of wet days, and sudden showers that can mess with your plans. You’ll see both high monthly totals and short but intense downpours, so expect the weather to be unpredictable.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall peaks in late spring and summer, with June standing out as the wettest month. June averages about 400 mm of rain, while May and July also get plenty—often 250–350 mm each.
Almost half of Guilin’s annual rainfall falls between May and July. This much rain can raise river levels and create that famous mist around the karst hills, which some travelers find pretty magical.
To put it in perspective, Guilin’s summer rainfall beats the yearly totals of lots of cities around the world. For example:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| May | ~270–300 |
| June | ~400+ |
| July | ~250–300 |
These numbers show just how much the rainy season shapes Guilin’s weather.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain falls often, not just in big amounts. In June, you might see 15–18 rainy days. May and July average 12–15 days each. So, it rains about half the days each month during summer.
Instead of long, drawn-out storms, Guilin gets scattered wet days. Mornings might start dry, then rain shows up in the afternoon or evening. You’ll want to keep an umbrella or raincoat handy.
Even in the driest summer month, you’ll still get more than 10 days with measurable rain. All these showers keep the landscape green, but you’ll need to stay flexible with your plans.
Intensity and Duration of Summer Showers
Rain in Guilin’s summer usually comes in quick bursts. Showers are short but intense, with heavy downpours that last from 30 minutes to a few hours. These storms can cause sudden flooding on streets or trails, especially if you’re in low-lying spots.
Humidity stays high even after the rain, which makes the air feel even warmer. Sunshine often comes back quickly after a storm, so you’ll get a mix of wet and bright in the same day.
Thunderstorms happen a lot in June and July. They usually don’t last all day, but they can interrupt your outdoor plans. It’s smart to have indoor options for the peak afternoon hours.
This pattern of quick, heavy showers and then clearer skies is just part of summer in Guilin.
Humidity Levels in Summer
Summer in Guilin means high humidity that barely lets up from June to August. The combo of frequent rain and warm temps makes the air feel thick and damp.
Average Daily Humidity
Humidity levels usually stick between 77% and 85% in summer. June often hits around 81%, July peaks at about 85%, and August stays close to 81%. The air almost never feels dry, even when it’s not raining.
Mornings and evenings tend to feel even more humid, especially after a shower.
| Month | Avg. Humidity | Typical Weather Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~81% | Frequent rain, warm nights |
| July | ~85% | Hottest month, heavy air |
| August | ~81% | Hot afternoons, damp air |
So, you can count on sticky conditions all summer, no matter when you visit.
Impact of Humidity on Comfort
High humidity changes how your body deals with the heat. When the air is soaked with moisture, sweat doesn’t evaporate as fast, so you cool down less efficiently. A 30°C day can feel way hotter.
Outdoor activities can feel more exhausting, especially in the middle of the day. The mix of high humidity and strong sun raises your risk of heat stress if you’re out too long without a break.
Indoors, air conditioning makes a big difference—lowering both temperature and humidity. If you’re planning to travel, try to do your sightseeing early or late in the day when it’s less oppressive.
Carrying water, wearing light clothes, and pacing yourself will help you handle Guilin’s humid summer weather.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Summer in Guilin brings long, humid days where the sky flips between heavy clouds and brighter breaks. Early in the season, overcast skies are common, but as summer rolls on, you’ll see more sunlight poking through.
Typical Cloud Cover Patterns
Cloud cover drops a bit during summer but still hangs around. At the start of June, overcast or mostly cloudy skies show up about 68% of the time. By late August, that drops to around 62%.
Early July is usually the cloudiest stretch—overcast skies can hit almost 80% then. That’s also when rain peaks, so you’ll see plenty of gray.
Toward late August, clearer skies become more common. Completely clear days are rare, but you’ll get more breaks in the clouds as the season winds down.
So, while Guilin summers aren’t known for bluebird skies, you’ll notice a slow shift from heavy clouds in June to lighter, patchier clouds by late August.
Average Daily Sunlight
Cloud cover really shapes how much sunshine you actually get in Guilin. In midsummer, daylight can last anywhere from 12 hours 40 minutes to 13 hours 40 minutes. Still, because clouds often roll through, you’ll see fewer hours of direct sunlight.
In June, you’ll probably only catch about 5–6 hours of sunshine per day on average. By August, skies tend to clear a bit more, and you might see daily sunshine bump up to 6–7 hours.
If you’re planning outdoor adventures, this variation matters. Early in the season, you’ll find yourself darting between bursts of sun and passing clouds or showers.
Later on, conditions usually improve, making it a better time for sightseeing, snapping photos, or hopping on a river cruise.
Even when the sky looks cloudy, the light still feels bright, thanks to all that humidity and the way limestone cliffs bounce it around.
Clear vs. Overcast Days
You won’t see many completely clear days in Guilin during summer. The clearest stretch usually pops up at the end of August, when skies are at least partly clear about 38% of the time.
Early July, though, brings the cloudiest weather. Skies stay mostly cloudy or overcast nearly four out of five days. Heavy rain during this time can hide those famous karst peaks.
If you’re after blue skies, late summer gives you the best odds. Still, even in cloudier weeks, you’ll often get quick breaks in the weather with a bit of sunshine.
So, what should you expect? Honestly, it’s a mix—cloudy mornings, sticky afternoons, and the occasional burst of brightness. That’s just typical for Guilin’s humid subtropical climate, so keep it in mind when you plan your trip.
Practical Tips for Experiencing Guilin’s Summer Weather
Guilin’s summers hit you with high heat, thick humidity, and sudden showers. It pays to be ready so you can stay safe, stay comfortable, and actually enjoy the scenery without the weather messing up your plans.
What to Pack for Summer
Pack light, breathable clothing—think quick-dry shirts, shorts, or skirts. Cotton or moisture-wicking blends make a big difference in Guilin’s muggy weather. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen to deal with the midday sun.
Toss in a light rain jacket or umbrella since thunderstorms can pop up out of nowhere. A waterproof backpack or dry bag keeps your electronics safe. If you’re heading to caves like Reed Flute Cave, bring a light jacket and non-slip shoes—it’s chillier inside and the floors get slick.
Planning to hit the Li River or Yulong River? Bring swimwear, water shoes, and a waterproof case for your phone. Insect repellent comes in handy, especially if you’re exploring rural spots or rice terraces.
Here’s a sample packing checklist:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Light clothing | Stay cool in heat |
| Hat & sunglasses | Sun protection |
| Raincoat/umbrella | Sudden showers |
| Light jacket | Cave visits |
| Swimwear & water shoes | River activities |
| Insect repellent | Mosquito protection |
Staying Comfortable Outdoors
With humidity high and temperatures topping 32°C, midday can feel pretty brutal. Try to schedule hikes, cycling, or sightseeing early in the morning or late in the afternoon. That way, you dodge the worst of the heat and the crowds.
Keep a refillable water bottle handy and drink often. Electrolyte packets or sports drinks help you replace what you sweat out. Wear light-colored clothing to reflect sunlight, and skip heavy fabrics that trap heat.
When you’re outside, grab shade when you can, or duck indoors during peak heat. Caves or valleys like Hongxi offer a cool escape. If you’re taking a Li River cruise, go for an air-conditioned boat if you want a break from the heat.
Weather-Related Travel Advice
Rain in summer usually shows up as short afternoon storms instead of lasting all day. Most of the time, these quick showers won’t cancel tours, but they might pause your outdoor plans for a bit.
Try to keep your schedule flexible. Give yourself extra time just in case an activity gets pushed back.
If you’re hoping to take the Li River cruise, book ahead—summer gets busy fast. Early reservations mean you’ll probably get better seats and won’t stress about last-minute surprises.
Heading out to rural places like Longji Terraces? The roads get pretty slippery after rain. Bring shoes with good grip and take your time, especially on steep paths.
Local transport sometimes slows down during heavy rain, so it’s smart to leave yourself a buffer when planning transfers.
The heat and humidity can really drain your energy. Don’t overdo it; take breaks often and skip tough activities during the hottest part of the day.
With a little planning and a relaxed mindset, you’ll still find plenty to love in Guilin’s mountains, rivers, and villages—even when the summer weather throws you a curveball.