Nanjing
Nanjing
China
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Nanjing, the 'Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties,' is a city where deep imperial history meets modern greenery. Located in the lower Yangtze River basin, Nanjing experiences a humid subtropical climate ...
About Nanjing
Nanjing, the 'Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties,' is a city where deep imperial history meets modern greenery. Located in the lower Yangtze River basin, Nanjing experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Much like nearby Hangzhou and Shanghai, Nanjing's travel appeal shifts dramatically with the weather. It is famously known as one of the 'Four Furnaces' of China due to its intense summer heat, making seasonal timing critical for a comfortable trip. While spring and autumn offer the most temperate conditions, the winter months provide a quieter, budget-friendly experience for those who don't mind the damp chill.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Nanjing 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 — Nanjing, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
CNY (Chinese Yuan) daily budgets: $35–$50 / day (¥250–¥350) to $200+ / day (¥1400+)
At a Glance: When to Visit Nanjing
Best Overall
April–May, September–October
Cheapest
December–February
Busiest
July–August, October (Golden Week)
Best Weather
October
For Events
February (Lantern Festival) & March (Plum Blossoms)
For Families
April–May
For Couples
October–November
Budget Travel
December–January
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Nanjing.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Nanjing — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Nanjing
January
Cold and damp. Temps range from -1°C to 7°C (30°F–45°F). Occasional light snow; low sunshine hours.
“Best for budget travelers who enjoy cozy indoor attractions and hot springs.”
February
Chilly but starting to thaw. Temps average 1°C to 9°C (34°F–48°F). High humidity.
“Best for culture seekers wanting to experience China's largest lantern festival.”
March
Spring begins. Temps rise to 5°C–14°C (41°F–57°F). Frequent light rain.
“Best for photographers and nature lovers seeing the first blooms.”
April
Mild and pleasant. Temps range from 11°C to 20°C (52°F–68°F). Moderate rainfall.
“Best overall month for outdoor sightseeing and comfortable temperatures.”
May
Warm and breezy. Temps range from 16°C to 26°C (61°F–79°F). Humidity begins to rise.
“Great weather, but avoid the first week of May due to extreme crowds.”
June
Start of the 'Plum Rain' (Meiyu) season. Humid and rainy. Temps 21°C–29°C (70°F–84°F).
“Best for those who don't mind rain and want to see traditional boat races.”
July
Scorching and humid. Highs often exceed 33°C (91°F). Peak rainfall month.
“Only for those who can handle extreme 'furnace' heat and humidity.”
August
Very hot. Average temps 25°C–32°C (77°F–90°F). High UV index and humidity.
“Ideal for night-time urban exploration and indoor culinary tours.”
September
Transitional and pleasant. Temps drop to 19°C–27°C (66°F–81°F). Drier air.
“A fantastic shoulder month with sweet-scented osmanthus air.”
October
The best weather of the year. Cool and dry. Temps 13°C–22°C (55°F–72°F).
“The 'Gold' month for Nanjing, perfect if you avoid the first week.”
November
Crisp and colorful. Temps 6°C–16°C (43°F–61°F). Clear blue skies.
“Best for photography enthusiasts chasing autumn colors.”
December
Cold and dry. Temps average 0°C to 10°C (32°F–50°F). Shorter days.
“Best for a quiet, contemplative trip with lower hotel rates.”
Festivals & Events in Nanjing
Qinhuai International Lantern Festival
The largest lantern festival in China, centered around the Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) area.
Massive crowds; hotels in Qinhuai District sell out months in advance.International Plum Blossom Festival
Celebration of the city flower with 35,000 trees blooming on Purple Mountain.
High local traffic around the Zhongshan Scenic Area.Dragon Boat Festival
Traditional races at Mochou Lake and zongzi eating.
Parks are very busy; short 3-day public holiday.Rain Flower Stone Festival
Exhibition of the unique, colorful stones found in the Yangtze River.
Minor; mostly attracts collectors and cultural tourists.Hairy Crab Festival
The peak season for eating Gucheng Lake hairy crabs, a local delicacy.
Popular restaurants require reservations.Tangshan Hot Spring Festival
Promotional events for the famous volcanic hot springs east of the city.
Hot spring resorts are packed on weekends.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Nanjing?
CNY (Chinese Yuan)
Daily Budget
Peak
¥600–¥1200 (Mid-range)
Off-Peak
¥300–¥500 (Mid-range)
Prices surge during the Qinhuai Lantern Festival (Feb), Labor Day (May), and National Day (Oct). Booking 3 weeks in advance during these times is essential.
Where to Stay in Nanjing by Season
Xinjiekou (Central)
Moderate to LuxurySummer / Winter
The 'Times Square' of Nanjing. Best for extreme seasons as it's full of connected underground malls and easy metro access.
Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple)
Budget to ModerateSpring / Autumn
The heart of historical Nanjing. Perfect for walking to the lantern festival or river boat tours.
Gulou / Xuanwu Lake
ModerateAutumn
Surrounded by universities and parks. The best area for seeing autumn gingko leaves and cycling.
Tangshan
LuxuryWinter
Located on the outskirts. Best for a dedicated hot spring retreat during the cold months.
What to Pack for Nanjing
Spring
Pro tip: Layers are key as mornings are chilly but afternoons can get warm.
Summer
Pro tip: Opt for linen or moisture-wicking fabrics to combat the 'furnace' humidity.
Autumn
Pro tip: The air becomes dry in October, so stay hydrated and use lip balm.
Winter
Pro tip: Indoor heating is not universal in Southern China; bring warm loungewear for your hotel.
FAQs: Visiting Nanjing
What is the best month to visit Nanjing?
October is the best month, offering dry, crisp weather and stunning autumn foliage at Qixia Mountain.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Nanjing?
Late November to early January is generally the cheapest time, excluding the New Year holiday.
What is the weather like in Nanjing in July?
It is extremely hot and humid, with temperatures often over 33°C (91°F) and frequent heavy rain during the Plum Rain season.
Is Nanjing worth visiting in winter?
Yes, specifically for the Qinhuai Lantern Festival and the Tangshan Hot Springs, though it is cold and damp.
When can I see cherry blossoms in Nanjing?
Typically from late March to early April. Jiming Temple and Xuanwu Lake are the best spots.
Is Nanjing more expensive than Shanghai?
No, Nanjing is generally 20-30% cheaper than Shanghai for accommodation and dining.
Does it snow in Nanjing?
Yes, it snows occasionally in January and February, though it rarely stays on the ground for more than a few days.
When is the 'Plum Rain' season in Nanjing?
The Meiyu or 'Plum Rain' season usually occurs from mid-June to early July.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in China
Beijing
Beijing is significantly drier and colder in winter than Nanjing, but offers a more grandiose imperial scale compared to Nanjing's lush, green historical sites.
Shanghai
Only 1.5 hours away by bullet train, Shanghai offers a more modern, international vibe than historical Nanjing.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou stays much warmer in winter, making it a better choice for those escaping the cold, though it lacks Nanjing's distinct four seasons.
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a tech-centric coastal city with tropical winters, contrasting with Nanjing’s deep dynastic roots and continental climate.
Chengdu
Chengdu is famously cloudy and damp year-round, whereas Nanjing enjoys much higher sunshine hours in the autumn.
Xi'an
Xi'an offers a similar historical depth but with a much drier, dustier climate compared to Nanjing’s riverside humidity.
Hangzhou
Nanjing and Hangzhou both offer stunning lakes and spring blossoms, but Hangzhou is generally more focused on leisure and tea culture.
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