Guangzhou
About Guangzhou
Guangzhou, the 'Flower City' and capital of Guangdong, is a vibrant metropolis that serves as the culinary and commercial heart of Southern China. Unlike the dry, continental climates of northern cities like Beijing or Xi'an, Guangzhou features a humid subtropical climate defined by long, steamy summers and mild, refreshing winters. It is a premier destination for foodies and business travelers alike, particularly during the biannual Canton Fair. While the peak seasons of spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather, winter provides a warm escape from China's colder regions. This guide will help you navigate the humidity and the crowds to find your perfect window for visiting this historic gateway to the Pearl River Delta.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Guangzhou at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October, November
Autumn (September–November)
December, January, February
Winter (December–February)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Guangzhou, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
Chinese Yuan (CNY / ¥) daily budgets: ¥350–¥550 ($50–$80) to ¥2,500+ ($350+)
At a Glance: When to Visit Guangzhou
Best Overall
October–December
Cheapest
January, July, August
Busiest
April, October (Canton Fair periods)
Best Weather
October–November (Dry and mild)
For Events
February (Spring Festival Flower Fairs) and October (Canton Fair)
For Families
November–December (Pleasant for outdoor parks)
For Couples
September–November (Pearl River cruises and rooftop dining)
Budget Travel
June–August (Hot and rainy, but lowest rates)
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Guangzhou.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Guangzhou — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Guangzhou
January
Cool and dry. Temps range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F–65°F). Rainfall is at its lowest.
“Best for travelers seeking a cool, dry climate and lower hotel rates before the holiday rush.”
February
Cool and increasingly damp. Temps average 11°C to 19°C (52°F–66°F).
“Best for culture seekers who want to experience China's most important festival in the 'Flower City'.”
March
Warm and very humid. Temps range from 15°C to 23°C (59°F–73°F). High humidity (Hui Nan Tian).
“Best for nature lovers, though the extreme humidity can be uncomfortable for some.”
April
Warm and rainy. Temps range from 19°C to 26°C (66°F–79°F). Frequent showers.
“Primarily for business travelers; tourists should book well in advance due to price surges.”
May
Hot and wet. Temps range from 23°C to 30°C (73°F–86°F). Heavy monsoon rain is common.
“Best for indoor activities and museum-hopping to avoid the heat and rain.”
June
Steamy and wet. Temps range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F–90°F). The wettest month of the year.
“Best for budget travelers who don't mind rain and want to see authentic cultural races.”
July
Very hot and humid. Temps range from 27°C to 34°C (81°F–93°F). High UV and typhoon risk.
“Best for families visiting theme parks, but prepare for intense heat and humidity.”
August
Peak heat. Temps range from 26°C to 34°C (79°F–93°F). Occasional typhoons bring relief and rain.
“Best for those who enjoy tropical heat and vibrant urban nightlife.”
September
Hot but drying out. Temps range from 24°C to 32°C (75°F–90°F). Humidity begins to drop.
“Best for food enthusiasts looking to enjoy traditional mooncakes and cooling evenings.”
October
Pleasant and clear. Temps range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F–82°F). Low rainfall.
“Best for weather, but the busiest and most expensive time to visit.”
November
Mild and dry. Temps range from 16°C to 24°C (61°F–75°F). Clear blue skies.
“Overall the best month for general tourism with perfect weather and beautiful light shows.”
December
Cool and dry. Temps range from 12°C to 20°C (54°F–68°F). Very little rain.
“Best for a quiet, budget-friendly winter escape from northern cities like Beijing.”
Festivals & Events in Guangzhou
Spring Festival Flower Fairs
Guangzhou's signature event where streets are filled with elaborate flower displays and markets.
High; hotels near major parks fill up, but the atmosphere is unbeatable.Canton Fair (Spring)
The world's largest trade exhibition held at the Pazhou Complex.
Extreme; hotel rates skyrocket across the entire city and transit is crowded.Dragon Boat Festival
Traditional races held on the Pearl River with drumming and zongzi (rice dumplings).
Moderate; riverfront areas become very crowded during race times.Mid-Autumn Festival
A celebration of the harvest moon with family reunions and mooncakes.
Moderate; parks are busy with families carrying lanterns.National Day Golden Week
A week-long public holiday celebrating the founding of the PRC.
Extreme; major attractions are at maximum capacity; avoid travel if possible.Canton Fair (Autumn)
The second annual session of the massive trade fair.
Extreme; similar to the spring session, prices for accommodation surge.International Light Festival
A stunning display of light installations and drone shows along the Zhujiang New Town skyline.
Moderate; high evening crowds in the CBD area.Guangzhou Marathon
A major sporting event with a scenic route along the Pearl River.
Moderate; some road closures in the morning along the riverfront.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Guangzhou?
Chinese Yuan (CNY / ¥)
Daily Budget
Peak
¥800–¥2,000 (Canton Fair periods)
Off-Peak
¥350–¥700
Hotel prices in Guangzhou are highly sensitive to the Canton Fair (April/May and October/November), often tripling in price. Booking 3 months in advance is essential for these periods.
Where to Stay in Guangzhou by Season
Yuexiu District
Budget to Mid-RangeWinter & Spring
The historical heart of the city. Best for the Spring Festival flower markets and traditional culture.
Zhujiang New Town (Tianhe)
LuxuryAutumn
The modern CBD. Best for the Light Festival and luxury rooftop bars with river views.
Haizhu District
Mid-Range to LuxuryCanton Fair Seasons
Home to the Canton Tower and the trade fair complex. Essential for business travelers.
Liwan District
Budget to Mid-RangeYear-round
Famous for Xiguan architecture and old-school Dim Sum. Great for foodies.
What to Pack for Guangzhou
Spring
Pro tip: Humidity is the biggest challenge; pack items that dry quickly and avoid heavy denim.
Summer
Pro tip: The sun is intense; consider a UV-blocking umbrella for long walks.
Autumn
Pro tip: This is the best walking weather, so prioritize comfortable footwear.
Winter
Pro tip: Indoors in Southern China often lacks central heating; layers are key for comfort.
FAQs: Visiting Guangzhou
What is the best month to visit Guangzhou?
November is widely considered the best month. The weather is dry, mild, and the city hosts the stunning International Light Festival without the extreme prices of the Canton Fair.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Guangzhou?
June through August often sees the lowest flight and hotel prices due to the heat and rainy season, though you must prepare for high humidity and typhoons.
What is the weather like in Guangzhou in October?
October is very pleasant with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C. However, the first week is National Day (very crowded) and the second half is the Canton Fair (very expensive).
Is Guangzhou worth visiting in winter?
Yes! It is much warmer than Beijing or Shanghai, making it a great winter escape. The flower markets in February are a unique cultural highlight.
How much does the Canton Fair affect travel costs?
Significantly. Hotel prices often triple, and availability in neighborhoods like Haizhu and Tianhe becomes extremely limited.
When is the rainy season in Guangzhou?
The rainy season runs from April to September, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in May and June.
Is Guangzhou more humid than Shenzhen?
Both cities have similar humidity, but as an inland river port, Guangzhou can sometimes feel slightly more stifling than the coastal-breeze-cooled Shenzhen.
Can I visit Guangzhou during the Chinese New Year?
You can, and the flower fairs are beautiful, but be aware that many local restaurants and shops close for the first few days of the festival.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in China
Beijing
Guangzhou offers a lush, warm tropical escape in winter compared to the freezing, dry continental climate of Beijing.
Shanghai
While both are commercial hubs, Guangzhou has much hotter, longer summers and more humid springs than the four-season temperate Shanghai.
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is just a 30-minute train ride away and offers a more modern, coastal feel compared to Guangzhou’s deep historical and culinary roots.
Chengdu
If you enjoy Guangzhou’s food scene but want a slower pace and cooler mountain air, Chengdu is the ultimate alternative for culinary travelers.
Xi'an
Xi'an offers ancient history and a dry climate that contrasts sharply with the humid, modern, and colonial architecture of Guangzhou.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou provides a scenic, poetic lakeside experience that is much cooler in the autumn than the subtropical heat of Guangzhou.
Nanjing
Nanjing offers a mix of ancient history and greenery similar to Guangzhou but with more defined seasonal changes and colder winters.
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