If you’re planning a trip to Macau in the summer, get ready for hot, humid, and often rainy weather. Daytime highs usually hover in the mid-80s °F (about 30°C), and nights rarely dip below 79°F (26°C).
The heat feels more intense because humidity pushes the air into that heavy, sticky zone.
You’ll quickly notice that summer is the wettest season here. Rain showers and thunderstorms roll in often, especially in June and July, and tropical systems from the South China Sea can shake things up fast.
Even with the rain, daylight sticks around long enough for sightseeing, and the sea stays warm for swimming or coastal adventures.
Knowing these patterns helps you plan smarter. Whether you’re curious about how the humidity affects comfort, how storms might mess with your schedule, or what the sea feels like, Macau’s summer climate details will give you a pretty solid idea of what to expect.
Overview of Macau’s Summer Climate
Macau’s summers are hot, humid, and rainy. Its spot along the South China Sea and the East Asian monsoon shape the season.
Expect high temps, lots of clouds, and heavy rain—totally different from the city’s cooler, drier winters.
Climate Classification and Location
Macau sits on China’s southern coast, right by the South China Sea. Its climate falls under humid subtropical (Cfa), so summers drag on, hot and sticky, while winters are short and mild.
The sea keeps temperatures from getting too wild but also cranks up humidity. Flat, low-lying land means damp conditions, especially when it’s wet.
The East Asian monsoon brings in warm, moist air from the south. This leads to frequent showers and storms.
Typhoons from the western Pacific sometimes hit Macau, mostly between July and September.
You’ll probably find nights offer little relief—heat and humidity just hang around.
Typical Summer Weather Patterns
From June to September, daily highs usually land between 86°F and 92°F (30°C to 33°C). Lows stick near 79°F (26°C). The hottest stretch often shows up in late July.
Rain falls hard, with monthly averages around 8 to 10 inches (200–250 mm). June tends to get the most rain, while August and September aren’t far behind.
Showers and storms come in bursts, not usually all day. Cloudy skies are common, and sunshine hours lag behind autumn.
Humidity often hovers close to 100%, so the air feels warmer than what the thermometer says.
By August, sea surface temps reach about 84°F (29°C), making the water warm for swimming but adding to the muggy vibe.
Winds mostly blow from the south, then shift east as the season goes on.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Macau’s summer feels nothing like its winter. In January, average temps drop to about 60°F (16°C), and the air dries out.
Heavy rain is rare in winter, and humidity doesn’t weigh you down.
Spring and autumn come and go quickly. Spring brings rising humidity and kicks off the rainy stretch in April.
Autumn, especially October to December, is often the sweet spot for visitors—mild temps and not much rain.
Daylight lasts about 13 hours in June during summer, but in winter, days shrink to less than 11 hours.
Winds change too, blowing from the northeast in winter and bringing cooler, drier air.
So, while summer is hot and wet, the rest of the year offers cooler, drier, and honestly, more comfortable weather for getting around.
Average Summer Temperatures
Macau’s summers deliver steady heat and high humidity, with just minor swings between day and night.
Temperatures climb through the season, peaking in July, and the humidity makes it feel hotter than the readings suggest.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During the day, highs usually land between 86°F and 88°F (30°C–31°C). The hottest days might reach 92°F (33°C), but humidity makes it feel heavier.
Direct sunlight can really crank up the intensity, so if you’re outside, you’ll want shade and sunscreen.
At night, temps stay warm, often between 79°F and 81°F (26°C–27°C). The air barely cools after sunset, so evenings stick with that muggy feel.
Even late at night, humidity keeps the air heavy. Subtropical climates just don’t offer much nighttime relief.
The small difference between day and night means you’ll feel warm pretty much all the time. Light clothing and air conditioning will be your best friends.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
Summer in Macau runs from June through August, and each month has its own slight twist.
- June: Highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 79°F (26°C)
- July: The hottest month, with highs near 88°F (31°C) and lows around 80°F (27°C)
- August: Similar to July, with highs near 87°F (31°C) and lows about 80°F (27°C)
Late July can push daytime highs to 88°F (31°C), and nights stick close to 80°F (27°C). July usually feels like the peak of summer.
By late August, temperatures stay high but start to level off. The heat teams up with frequent rain, so you’ll get both warm sunshine and sudden wet spells in the same day.
Humidity and Heat Index
Macau’s summer climate mixes high temperatures with very high humidity, so it often feels hotter than the numbers show.
The heat index really matters if you’re planning to be outside.
Humidity Levels During Summer
Humidity barely lets up during summer. Dew points often sit above 70°F (21°C), which means muggy air, day and night.
Most days, humidity stays close to 99%, so don’t expect much relief after sunset.
Humidity levels don’t swing much between day and night, unlike temperature. If the afternoon is hot and damp, the evening will be too.
Indoor cooling and good airflow are key for comfort.
Here’s a quick look at average summer humidity:
| Month | Avg. Relative Humidity | Dew Point Range |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~82–85% | 73–79°F (23–26°C) |
| July | ~83–86% | 75–80°F (24–27°C) |
| August | ~80–84% | 74–79°F (23–26°C) |
July tends to be the muggiest, and honestly, it feels like the air never dries out.
Effects of Humidity on Comfort
High humidity makes it tough for your body to cool down through sweat. The heat index—what it really feels like—can be way higher than the air temp.
For example, 86°F (30°C) with high humidity can feel more like 95–100°F (35–38°C).
You’ll probably feel tired faster during outdoor activities. Even just walking or sightseeing can wear you out.
Staying hydrated and taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spots is important.
Clothes make a difference too. Lightweight, breathable fabrics help a lot.
A lot of visitors find early mornings or late evenings better for getting outside, since the heat index drops a bit, though humidity still stays up.
Since humidity rarely dips, you’ll probably feel that heavy air all summer long.
Rainfall and Thunderstorms in Summer
Macau’s summer means heavy rainfall and frequent thunderstorms. Humid air masses and the South China Sea drive both the rain totals and those sudden storms that can shake up your plans.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain peaks from June through August. August averages about 330 mm, spread out over more than two weeks of wet days.
June and July also bring big totals, often above 250 mm each. In contrast, winter months barely get 40 mm—summer is just in a different league.
Rain usually comes in short, intense bursts, often tied to the monsoon. Typhoons from the South China Sea sometimes push daily totals even higher.
| Month | Average Rainfall | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~270 mm | 15–17 days |
| July | ~280 mm | 16–18 days |
| August | ~330 mm | 17–18 days |
With so much rain, it’s smart to keep your plans flexible and carry some rain gear if you’re out and about.
Frequency and Intensity of Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms pop up a lot in summer, especially in the afternoons when it’s hottest and most humid.
You might run into several storms a week, with lightning and sudden downpours that can make it tough to see.
These storms don’t usually last long, but they can be intense. Strong gusts, heavy rain, and thunder sometimes disrupt ferry services and outdoor events.
The warm waters of the South China Sea add extra fuel, so storms hit harder and more often than in spring or autumn.
While most storms blow through quickly, the mix of high winds and heavy rain can cause localized flooding.
If you’re traveling, check the forecast every day and avoid open areas when storms are in the area.
Typhoons and Extreme Weather Events
Macau’s spot on the South China Sea puts it right in the path of tropical cyclones. These storms can disrupt travel, daily routines, and even safety.
Most storms aren’t too bad, but the biggest ones can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding, so some prep is a good idea.
Typhoon Season Timing
Typhoon season in Macau runs from May through November, with the busiest stretch between July and September.
Warm sea surface temps in the South China Sea fuel these storms.
You’ll see different warning signals during this time. The Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) uses signals numbered 1, 3, 8, 9, and 10. Each one means a higher risk, from just keeping an eye on things to a direct hit.
- Signal No. 1: Cyclone within 800 km, no immediate danger
- Signal No. 3: Strong winds expected
- Signal No. 8: Gale or storm-force winds, major closures start
- Signal No. 9–10: Severe impact, direct strike likely or happening
Storm frequency changes year to year, but stronger events have become more common lately.
Climate change and warmer oceans have made rainfall and wind speeds more intense. It’s more important than ever to pay attention to official bulletins if you’re visiting in summer.
Impact on Daily Life and Safety
When a typhoon’s on the way, you’ll probably run into transport shutdowns. Ferries, flights, and buses to Hong Kong and Zhuhai usually stop once authorities raise a Signal No. 8.
They close bridges between Macau Peninsula and Taipa, except for the lower deck of Sai Van Bridge, which sometimes stays open.
Shops, offices, and schools just shut down during stronger signals. You’ll see public warnings telling you to stay inside or head to a shelter if things get rough.
If you’re at home or in a hotel, it’s smart to bring in anything loose from balconies, close all your windows, and keep away from glass. Don’t bother taping windows—it doesn’t help.
If the wind really picks up, move into a hallway or an interior room.
For emergencies, call 999, 110, or 112. Local authorities share updates about shelters, transport, and safety on official websites and in the news.
These steps cut down the risks from flying debris, flooding, and power outages. Those are the big hazards during Macau’s typhoon season.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Sea Conditions
Macau summers feel long and humid, with plenty of clouds but still a decent amount of sunshine. The South China Sea shapes sea temperatures and swimming conditions a lot during this time.
Average Sunshine Hours
Summer in Macau means you’ll get a mix of bright days and plenty of clouds. July usually brings the most sun—about 7 hours per day. June and August are a bit cloudier, thanks to heavier rain.
Even though showers are frequent, rain often comes in quick bursts, so you might get clear skies later. If you’re flexible, you can still fit in outdoor plans.
Summer sunshine here feels stronger than in spring or winter, leading to higher UV exposure. You really should use sun protection, especially around midday when the sun’s blazing.
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | Cloud Cover Tendency |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~5.5–6.0 | High (frequent rain) |
| July | ~7.0 | Moderate |
| August | ~6.0 | High (wettest month) |
Daylight Duration in Summer
Summer days in Macau are long, which gives you more time to explore. In June, daylight stretches to almost 13.5 hours, which is about as long as it gets.
By August, the days get a bit shorter but still offer around 12.8 hours of daylight.
Sunrise usually happens before 6:00 a.m., so you can get started early before the heat kicks in. Sunset falls between 7:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., making evenings nice for a walk or dinner by the water.
Since Macau sits in the subtropics, daylight doesn’t swing wildly like it does farther north. Sure, you’ll notice the days shrink a bit, but the change from June to August is less than an hour.
Sea Temperature and Swimming Conditions
The South China Sea really heats up in summer, so swimming feels great. Sea temperatures usually hover between 28°C and 30°C (82°F to 86°F), which most swimmers find quite comfortable.
Warm water lets people try out all sorts of activities like boating or maybe even jet skiing. Still, you’ve got to watch out for seasonal typhoons, especially from June to September, since they can churn up rough seas and strong currents.
On calm days, the sea stays pretty gentle along Macau’s beaches and coast. Water visibility changes a bit, depending on how much it’s rained and the flow from the Pearl River Delta.
If you’re planning to swim, mornings or early evenings are your best bet. The water’s usually more pleasant then, and you won’t have to deal with big crowds.