The climate of Qingdao
Located on the eastern coast of
China,
Qingdao experiences a climate classified as 'Cwa' in the Köppen system, which is identified as a humid subtropical climate with a dry winter. Throughout the year, the city's weather displays considerable variation, but is largely shaped by this classification.
The annual temperature typically ranges from an average high of 2.8°C (37°F) in
January to a peak of 28.4°C (83.1°F) in
August. Similarly, the average low temperature moves between -3.3°C (26.1°F) in January and 23°C (73.4°F) in August. An interesting aspect of Qingdao's climate is its rainfall patterns, which sees a marked increase during the summer months. Rainfall is at its lowest in January at 11mm (0.43"), but soars to an annual high of 151mm (5.94") in August. Consequently, the number of rainfall days also escalates during summer, rising from 3.1 days in January to a peak of 12.4 days in
July.
The quantity of daylight fluctuates between 9.8 hours in
December and 14.6 hours in
June. Notably, sunshine hours remain relatively consistent throughout the year, only experiencing a minor dip in July. The UV index reaches its highest level of 10 in July, while winter brings it down to a low of 2. The sea temperature follows a similar pattern, fluctuating from 4.3°C (39.7°F) in
February to 25.4°C (77.7°F) in August.
The best time to visit Qingdao
Those planning visits to
Qingdao will find the span between
May and
October to be the most appealing. During this period, temperatures stay within a comfortable range of 15°C (59°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F), and the sea temperature varies from a pleasant 14°C (57.2°F) in May to a warm 25.4°C (77.7°F) in
August. Coupled with long hours of daylight, this time provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and beach fun. Yet, visitors should bear in mind that these months coincide with the city's rainy season, and should be prepared for occasional showers and overcasts, particularly between
July and August.
The worst time to visit Qingdao
The months of
January and
February signify the least favourable time to visit
Qingdao. During this period, the city is in the grip of its coldest weather, and temperatures can drop down to -3.3°C (26.1°F). Moreover, the sea temperature also plunges to its annual low during these months, rendering water-based activities unfeasible.
Spring weather in Qingdao
Spring, spanning from
March to
May in
Qingdao, witnesses a steady climb in temperatures, rising from an average high of 9°C (48.2°F) in March, to 20.3°C (68.5°F) by May. Concurrently, the average low temperature rises from 2.3°C (36.1°F) to 13.2°C (55.8°F) in May. The daylight hours increase as well, reaching 14.1 hours in May. The rainfall sees a gradual rise from 21mm (0.83") in March to 55mm (2.17") in May, with the number of rainy days also swelling slightly.
Summer weather in Qingdao
In the summer months (
June to
August),
Qingdao enjoys a perfect beach weather, with average high temperatures ranging from 23.7°C (74.7°F) in June to 28.4°C (83.1°F) in August. Correspondingly, the low temperature varies from 17.8°C (64°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Rainfall peaks in this season, with 142mm (5.59") registered in
July and 151mm (5.94") in August. Daily sunshine ranges from 5.9 hours in July to 7.3 hours in June, while UV index remains high, making it essential to take appropriate precautions.
Autumn weather in Qingdao
Autumn marks a gradual decrease in temperatures as
October's 19.8°C (67.6°F) average high drops to 12.3°C (54.1°F) by
November. The amount of daylight also diminishes from 11.3 hours in October to 10.3 hours in November. Rainfall recedes, falling from 48mm (1.89") in October to 28mm (1.1") in November. It is also the period when the sea temperature begins its descent, from 19.9°C (67.8°F) in October to 15.6°C (60.1°F) in November.
Winter weather in Qingdao
Winter in
Qingdao runs from
December to
February, characterised by its coldest weather, with average high temperatures falling from 5.7°C (42.3°F) in December to 2.8°C (37°F) in
January. Similarly, the average low descends from -0.5°C (31.1°F) in December to -3.3°C (26.1°F) in January. The sea temperature also drops, falling to a chilly 4.3°C (39.7°F) in February. Rainfall measure and the number of rainy days are at their lowest during this period, making it quite a dry season.
Weather in January
During the kickoff of the year,
Qingdao,
China, experiences winter's chill. The highest temperature recorded this month plunges to 2.8°C (37°F), contributing to the brisk atmosphere. Predominantly overcast skies compound the cold conditions, and the daylight hours are significantly less.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning into
February, there is a slight moderation in temperature. This month witnesses a slight elevation in the peak temperature at 4.6°C (40.3°F), slightly warming the city. Concurrently, the hours of daylight increase, extending outdoor activities' duration.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals a significant shift in weather as winter recedes, translating into waxing temperatures. This month's maximum temperature ascends to 9°C (48.2°F), instigating the thaw. Concurrently, daylight hours increase while the count of rainy days sees a modest rise.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Qingdao,
China, fully embraces the warming trends of spring. The highest recorded temperature leaps to 15°C (59°F), a clear deviation from the prior month, warming the city considerably. Concurrently, the UV Index shoots to 7, necessitating the usage of higher SPF sunscreens.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The warmth of
May shifts
Qingdao's weather closer to summer, with temperatures becoming even more agreeable to year-round activities. A dip in the sea is more enticing now, with the sea temperature peaking at 20.2°C (68.4°F). Time spent in the outdoors should be met with diligence, as the UV Index peaks at 9.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As summer settles in
June,
Qingdao,
China, welcomes it with high temperatures and shining sunlight. Despite the temperature peak reaching 23.7°C (74.7°F) this month, the annual sunshine hours dip, rendering the month cooler than expected.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of
Qingdao's summer as it hosts its highest temperatures of the year. The highest temperature extract spikes to 27.1°C (80.8°F), making it the hottest month. Although Qingdao experiences extended daylight hours, a dip in sunshine hours translates into lingering overcast conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
A slight weather transition begins in
August, yet the essence of summer persistently lingers in
Qingdao,
China. Holding the year's highest sea temperature at 25.4°C (77.7°F), swimming is extremely popular this month. Despite the slightly declining temperature, the presence of humidity due to consistent rainfall contributes to a sultrier air.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September, the winds of change bring the onset of autumn to
Qingdao, demonstrated through a gradual cooling trend. A decline in the maximum temperature to 25.3°C (77.5°F) suggests the end of the sizzling summer heat. The UV Index also plummets to 7, offering some relief from the summer's intense sun exposure.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in milder weather conditions in
Qingdao, marking a clear transition into the fall season. This month witnesses a significant drop to a peak temperature of 19.8°C (67.6°F), drawing the line between summer and fall.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Qingdao,
China, signifies the advanced stages of fall, characterized by a chill in the air. A further decrease in the highest temperature to 12.3°C (54.1°F) demonstrates a decisive plunge towards colder weather. The shortening daylight hours encroach upon the opportunity for outdoor activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December is marked by the onset of winter, bringing
Qingdao,
China, full circle through the weather spectrum. A chill permeates the air as the highest temperature drops to a freezing 5.7°C (42.3°F). The shrinking daylight hours and a low UV Index of 2 emphasize winter's arrival.
Weather in December » [Resources]