If you’re planning a trip to Guilin during Christmas, get ready for cool, damp winter weather instead of snowy landscapes. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 10–16°C (50–60°F), and at night, it drops to about 3–8°C (37–46°F).
The air doesn’t really freeze, but the humidity and wind make it feel colder than you’d think.
Rain doesn’t fall heavily in December. Light drizzles and gray skies show up pretty often, though.
Some days, the sun breaks through and the midday warmth actually feels nice. Snow almost never happens, but you might spot some frost in the higher mountains.
This mix of mild chill, damp air, and the occasional bit of sun shapes your experience of Guilin’s karst scenery and countryside. It helps to know what to expect so you can pack the right clothes and plan your activities to stay comfortable during the holidays.
Typical Christmas Weather Conditions in Guilin
Christmas lands right in the middle of winter in Guilin. The air feels damp and cool, rainfall is light but you’ll notice it, and sunshine is pretty limited.
Day and night temperatures swing quite a bit. Humidity makes the chill bite a bit more than you’d expect from the numbers.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
In late December, daytime highs usually reach 10–16°C (50–61°F). On sunny afternoons, it can climb a bit higher, sometimes up to 18°C (64°F) in sheltered valleys.
At night, it often drops to 3–8°C (37–46°F). Rural or mountain spots like the Longji Rice Terraces can dip below freezing, sometimes down to -2°C (28°F).
You’ll want to dress in layers. A thermal base, a sweater, and a windproof jacket work well outside.
Heating indoors is often basic, so even hotel evenings can feel a bit chilly.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rain in Guilin around Christmas? It’s usually light and doesn’t happen that often. You’ll see about 6–8 rainy days in December, mostly drizzles or short showers.
Snow almost never falls in the city. Higher up, you might catch a brief mix of sleet or light snow, but it melts fast.
If a cold front sweeps in, frost can show up in rural spots.
The limited rain means you can still sightsee outside, but the damp air might make it feel colder. Carry a small umbrella or waterproof jacket, especially if you’re walking along the Li River or in the countryside.
Humidity Levels and Sunshine Hours
Humidity stays high in December, often above 70%. That damp air really gets into your bones, especially if there’s a breeze.
Sunshine is rare this time of year. December brings the shortest days of the year in Guilin, with about 10.5 hours of daylight.
Clouds hang around a lot, and clear days are a bit of a treat.
When the sun does show up, midday feels a lot warmer—sometimes over 20°C (68°F) if you’re standing in the sun. If you want to get outside, try to plan for those brighter hours.
Temperature Trends and Climate Overview
Guilin’s late December weather really shows off its cool, damp subtropical climate. Temperatures stay mild compared to northern China, but the humidity and short days make it feel colder.
December Temperature Ranges
In December, average daytime highs sit around 14°C (57°F), and nighttime lows hit about 6°C (43°F). On colder days, it can dip close to 5°C (41°F), but it rarely goes below freezing.
Snow is very rare, but you might see a few flurries in late December or early January. Rainfall averages about 45–55 mm, so expect some dampness.
Humidity usually stays above 70%. That makes the cool air feel even more noticeable.
Winds are pretty gentle, around 7–8 km/h, so you’ll notice a breeze but it’s nothing wild. With about 10.6 hours of daylight, it gets dark early.
For comfort, layer up and bring a warm jacket. That damp air plus cooler temps can feel chilly, especially near the Li River.
Comparison to Other Months
December is a bit milder than January, with lows a degree or two higher. By February, things start to warm up and spring isn’t far off.
Compared to summer—say, July—it’s a big change. July highs hit 30°C (86°F), it’s super humid, and rainstorms are common. December is cool and relatively dry.
Spring, like April and May, is warmer and rainier. Autumn, especially October, gives you clearer skies and moderate temps around 20°C (68°F), which honestly feels more comfortable than December’s damp chill.
December sits on the cooler end of the scale, but at least you avoid summer’s heavy rains and heat.
Seasonal Climate Characteristics
Guilin has a humid subtropical (Cfa) climate. Winters are cool and damp. Summers drag on, hot and rainy.
Rain falls all year, but the heaviest stuff comes from April to June.
In winter, including December, you get less rain, more clouds, and not much sun. The mix of cool air and high humidity creates a damp chill, pretty different from drier winter climates.
Seasons really do change here. Spring is wet and warming, summer is hot and stormy, autumn is mild, and winter is cool but manageable.
For December, expect a calm but overcast vibe, with fewer tourists and quieter scenery.
Rainfall, Cloud Cover, and Sunshine in December
December in Guilin brings a mix of light to moderate rain, lots of clouds, and shorter days. You’ll find it damp, but the sun still pops out here and there, giving you a balance between gray and clear moments.
Frequency and Amount of Rain
Rain in December is lighter than in the wetter spring and summer. The city gets about 70–75 mm of precipitation over 10–12 rainy days.
It’s usually light showers or drizzle, not heavy downpours. The dampness can feel more intense, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Snow is rare, but it can happen. Records show December marks the start of Guilin’s short snow season, with just 0.2 days of snow and about 1 mm of accumulation. That’s mostly in higher spots or as brief flurries.
Bring a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella. December rain isn’t wild, but it can still mess up outdoor plans.
Cloudiness and Sky Conditions
Cloud cover is pretty standard in December. The sky stays overcast or mostly cloudy for about a third of the month. The rest of the time, you’ll see a mix of sun and clouds.
The damp subtropical climate keeps humidity around 65–70%. That really adds to the chill, even if the numbers aren’t that low.
Mornings can get foggy, especially near rivers and limestone hills, which cuts down visibility.
Clear blue skies are a bit rare, but you’ll still get the occasional bright, crisp day. These usually come after a cold front sweeps in from the north.
If you’re into photography or sightseeing, expect softer light and more muted landscapes thanks to the clouds.
Sunshine Duration and Daylight Hours
December is one of the least sunny months in Guilin. You’ll get about 115–125 hours of sunshine for the whole month, which comes out to maybe 4–6 hours per day when it’s sunny.
Days are short. Sunrise is around 7:00 am, and sunset is close to 6:00 pm. That’s about 11 hours of daylight, but a lot of it can feel dim under the clouds.
The first and last weeks of December tend to be a little sunnier than the middle. Mountain areas like the Longji Terraces usually get less sun because of fog and elevation.
Even with less sunshine, you should still bring sunglasses. The glare can surprise you on clear days, especially by the rivers or karst hills.
What to Wear and Pack for Christmas in Guilin
December in Guilin feels damp and chilly. Highs are around 15°C (59°F), lows about 7°C (45°F).
Humidity and winds make the cold sharper, so you’ll need warm, layered clothing and a few extras to stay comfortable outside.
Recommended Clothing
Bring layered outfits for both cool days and colder nights. A thermal or fleece-lined jacket is great as an outer layer, especially if it blocks wind.
Underneath, pack long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, or light thermals for warmth.
Go for thicker pants or jeans—thin fabrics just don’t cut it in the damp air. If you’re hiking or hanging out by the Li River, water-resistant jackets and sturdy walking shoes are a must.
Shoes with good grip help on wet stone paths and uneven ground.
Here’s a simple packing list:
- 1–2 sweaters
- 1 warm jacket
- 2–3 long-sleeve shirts
- 2 pairs of jeans or thick pants
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots
This combo lets you adjust easily as the temperature shifts.
Essential Accessories for Variable Weather
Since light drizzle is common, toss an umbrella or compact raincoat in your bag. Scarf, gloves, and warm socks are life savers against damp wind that bites harder than you’d expect.
If you’re sensitive to cold, bring thermal underlayers for the evenings. A hat or beanie helps when you’re out in open areas or by the river.
Don’t forget basic skin care items like moisturizer and lip balm, since the cool air can dry you out. A small stash of common medicines for colds or stomach bugs is handy, especially if you’re heading to rural spots.
These little extras keep you warm, dry, and comfortable all trip long.
Travel Tips for Visiting Guilin During Christmas
Guilin is cool and damp around Christmas, so plan your activities with comfort in mind. Outdoor attractions stay open, but indoor spots and cultural shows are great alternatives when it gets too chilly or wet.
Popular Activities and Attractions
The Li River is still worth seeing, even though water levels are lower in winter. Cruises usually run between Yangdi and Xingping, but that stretch still gives you classic karst views.
For a different angle, you can hike or drive up Xianggong Mountain for a sweeping overlook.
Nature spots keep their charm. The Gudong Scenic Area has red maple leaves late into December. The Ginkgo Forest in Haiyang Town glows gold through the season, which really pops against the gray skies.
Indoor attractions help you stay warm. Guilin’s karst caves, like Reed Flute Cave, are open year-round and protect you from the wind and drizzle.
In the evening, the Impression Sanjie Liu light show in Yangshuo goes on rain or shine, so you can still get a cultural fix no matter the weather.
Food is a highlight, too. Try the local hotpot-style Beer Fish on Yangshuo’s West Street—it really hits the spot in cold weather.
Crowd Levels and Local Events
Christmas isn’t a big deal in Guilin, so don’t expect huge public celebrations. Still, you’ll spot seasonal decorations in hotels, shopping areas, and some bars, especially in Yangshuo.
These places sometimes throw small Christmas parties or host live music.
Tourist numbers drop in December compared to spring and autumn. That means shorter lines at attractions and lower hotel rates.
You can snag better accommodations for less, which is always a plus.
The Merryland Theme Park sometimes puts on winter events with lights and festive displays. It’s not a huge holiday festival, but it’s a fun, family-friendly option if you want some seasonal cheer.
With fewer crowds, local transport and restaurants are less busy. Getting around the city and finding a good meal is just easier.
How Weather Impacts Travel Plans in Guilin
Cool temperatures, light rainfall, and shorter daylight hours really shape how you get around the city and what you can actually enjoy doing. If you plan carefully, you can dodge some disruptions and still soak up the scenery and local culture.
Transportation and Outdoor Activities
December rain falls more lightly than in spring or summer, but you’ll still see a few wet days. Rain makes local roads slick, especially out in the countryside near the rice terraces or along those winding mountain paths.
If you’re heading out by bus or taxi, it’s smart to give yourself extra time in case there are delays.
Fog sometimes rolls in over the Li River in the mornings, so river cruises might start later than usual. When visibility drops, they’ll just wait until it clears up a bit.
Walking tours around the city usually go on as planned, but the damp air and chilly winds mean you’ll want to dress in layers.
Places like Reed Flute Cave or Elephant Trunk Hill stay open, but don’t expect a lot of sunshine.
On average, Guilin gets about 4 hours of sun each day in December, so your window for good photos and sightseeing feels a bit shorter.
Best Practices for Enjoying the Season
Pack clothes that keep you comfortable when temperatures hover between 6–15 °C (43–59 °F). You’ll want a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes, since rain falls on about 9 days in December.
If you’re planning to stay outside for a while, don’t forget gloves and a hat. Those little things really make a difference.
Try to plan your activities around midday, when it’s warmer and the light feels brighter. Early mornings usually feel damp and a bit chilly, and evenings cool off fast.
When the weather gets wet, museums or tea houses make great indoor escapes. I always end up spending more time in places like that than I expect.
Book your accommodations near central transport hubs. That way, if rain or fog slows down local transit, you won’t feel stuck.
It helps to keep your schedule flexible, so you can swap outdoor plans to clearer days. That’s honestly the best way to enjoy Guilin’s landscapes without stressing too much.