The climate of Changsha
Situated within the humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa according to the Köppen climate classification),
Changsha is characterized by a notable absence of a dry season. The annual variation of temperature, humidity, and rainfall reflects this city's unique climatological profile.
Throughout the year, average temperatures in Changsha exhibit a clear progression. During winter, the average high temperature is 11.7°C (53.1°F) in
December, reaching a pleasant 17.8°C (64°F) by the end of
February. With the onset of spring, highs increase dramatically, ranging from 22.8°C (73°F) to 33.3°C (91.9°F) between
March and
August. The decline in temperatures begins in
September with an average high of 29°C (84.2°F), gradually declining to 9.6°C (49.3°F) by
November. The average low temperatures follow a similar trend with a minimum of 3.8°C (38.8°F) in
January and a maximum of 25°C (77°F) in
July.
Relative humidity levels fluctuate between 64 to 82% throughout the year, implying that Changsha experiences a generally moist environment. A similar pattern characterizes the liquid precipitation data. Monthly average rainfall stretches from 35mm (1.38") in
October to 183mm (7.2") in
June, making this period the city's rainiest. The snowfall data reveal a less dramatic, albeit worthy of mention, a pattern with 11mm (0.43") in December and virtually no snow from
April to November.
Sunshine duration ranges from 6.4 hours in
May to 9.6 hours in July, resulting in an average daily difference between 10.4 hours and 13.7 hours of daylight throughout the year. The least cloud cover is noticed from April to August, while the highest cloud cover is mostly experienced from January to March. On average, Changsha experiences wind speeds of 9.8km/h (6.1mph) in December to 8.2km/h (5.1mph) in June; wind gusts oscillate between 13.6km/h (8.5mph) and 12.3km/h (7.6mph).
The best time to visit Changsha
Changsha offers different experiences depending on the time of year. However, the optimal period for travel to this city is between
April and
June. During these months, the temperature ranges from 17.3°C (63.1°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F), providing comfortable warmth. Furthermore, with sunshine duration increasing from 5.8 hours to 8 hours and an abundance of daylight hours (from 12 to 13.9 hours) during these months, visitors can fully participate and enjoy outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Changsha
Visiting
Changsha during the winter months of
December to
February could prove challenging due to the combination of cold temperatures (average highs ranging from 9.6°C (49.3°F) to 17.3°C (63.1°F)) and increased snowfall (up to 27mm (1.06") in
January). In addition, the decreased duration of sunshine (5.3 hours to 5.8 hours) and shorter daylight hours (ranging from 10.6 hours to 12 hours) might make sightseeing less enjoyable.
Spring weather in Changsha
Spring in
Changsha, lasting from
March to
May, is characterized by moderation and growth. The temperatures start to rise, with the average high of 17.3°C (63.1°F) in March increasing to 27°C (80.6°F) in May. The lows also rise, from 9.9°C (49.8°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F). The city receives an increase in rainfall, rising from 86mm (3.39") in March to 133mm (5.24") in May. Meanwhile, the relative humidity creeps up, from 73 to 77%, indicating more moisture in the air.
Summer weather in Changsha
The summer months from
June through
August register the warmest temperatures in
Changsha. The highs reach their peak at 33.3°C (91.9°F) in
July, while the lows average between 22.2°C (72°F) to 25°C (77°F). Humidity also reaches its maximum at 82% in June, producing the sensation of a hotter environment. Rainfall is at its highest at 183mm (7.2") in June, gradually decreasing to 87mm (3.43") by the end of the summer.
Autumn weather in Changsha
Autumn in
Changsha, from
September to
November, sees a decrease in temperature, with average highs falling from 29°C (84.2°F) in September to 9.6°C (49.3°F) in November. The lows follow a comparable pattern, lowering from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 3.8°C (38.8°F). The rainfall also declines, from 46mm (1.81") in September to 37mm (1.46") in November.
Winter weather in Changsha
Winter in
Changsha, encompassing
December through
February, witnesses the coldest climate conditions. The average high teeters between 9.6°C (49.3°F) in December to 12.2°C (54°F) in February. The average low temperatures drop to 3.8°C (38.8°F) in
January. Interestingly, December sees an increase in snowfall at 27mm (1.06"), contributing to the cold winter weather in Changsha. The daylight hours are also shortest during this season, ranging from 10.4 to 11.2 hours.
Weather in January
January in
Changsha,
China, commences the year with quite chilly temperatures, reflecting the winter season. Weather patterns transition from those of a freezing
December. The weather features rainfall of 37mm (1.46") coupled with relative humidity measuring 67%, creating a significantly damp environment.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Changsha,
China moves further into the year,
February brings slightly moderate temperatures compared to
January. The city faces an increase in rainfall, now registering 59mm (2.32"), and a rise in humidity, adding to the damp conditions prevalent in the winter months.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of
March in
Changsha,
China, hints at the onset of spring with a noticeable rise in temperatures from the previous month. Rainfall levels mark a significant increase, reaching 86mm (3.39"), ushering in moist weather conditions.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Changsha,
China, indicates a welcoming shift in weather towards more pleasant and stable conditions. Temperature fluctuations diminish as the city straddles between winter and more summer-like weather conditions. April proves to be the fourth wettest month of the year with a rainfall of 91mm (3.58").
Weather in April » Weather in May
Changsha,
China transitions into
May with a clear departure from the cooler months. The weather remains stable, emphasizing the shift towards summer. However, the city experiences its highest rainfall in the year with 133mm (5.24"). The increased temperature, coupled with higher humidity levels, creates a somewhat tropical climate.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Changsha,
China brings the onset of summer with its warmer regimes and high precipitation. Typically experiencing a gradual escalade in heat levels, June sees a notable departure from the less intense heat experienced in
May.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The scorching summer continues into
July in
Changsha,
China, featuring temperatures reaching their peak. A slight drop in July's rainfall levels as compared to
June, recording 166mm (6.54"), slightly eases the damp conditions. Despite the substantial rainfall, the amount of sunny days increases, giving some respite to Changsha's inhabitants.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The weather in
August in
Changsha,
China, gives a slight relief from the intense summer heat as temperatures start to lower. Despite being a peak summer month, a significant decrease in rainfall to 87mm (3.43") and humidity compared to the previous month is witnessed.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Changsha,
China, signifies the onset of fall with further lowering of temperatures. The reduced rainfall of 46mm (1.81") marks a significant departure from the monsoonal patterns of the earlier months. Shorter daylight hours, coupled with the lower UV index, reflect the incoming fall season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
Changsha,
China, the serene weather of
October witnesses further fall in temperatures. The reduced rainfall, now at 35mm (1.38"), coupled with a noticeable decline in humidity levels, defines a clear break from the high humidity experienced in the summer months.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November brings a further drop in temperatures in
Changsha,
China, hinting at the imminent arrival of winter. This transition month continues the trend of lower temperatures, rainfall, and humidity levels. In contrast, increased visibility and lower cloud coverage indicate clearer skies and drier conditions.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Finally,
December in
Changsha,
China, marks the onset of winter with temperatures dropping significantly. With 41mm (1.61") of rainfall and 64% relative humidity, the city presents chilly temperatures and mildly damp conditions.
Weather in December » [Resources]