Macau Weather

Located to the west of the Pearl River (Zhujiang) estuary, between mainland China and the South China Sea, Macau's weather is influenced alternately by the cold northeast monsoon from China's mainland and the southeast and southwest monsoons from the ocean and therefore its climate has the features of both continent and ocean climates.

Macau's spring is from March to April when the southeast winds bring warmth and humidity. Other than the occasional foggy and rainy weather, the days are filled with pleasant sunshine, accompanied by mild nighttime temperatures. Travelers should pack sweatshirts, light jackets and an umbrella.

Beginning in May, summer season here usually lasts till the end of September. The extreme high temperatures and heavy humidity brings many rainstorms, thunderstorms and even disastrous waterspouts. However, it is a good time for swimming at the beach, like Hac Sa Beach and Cheoc Van Beach. The months from July to September might be filled with frequent cyclones. Travelers should try to avoid the typhoon season and stay at home when storms and cyclones come. T-shirt and shorts are suitable for the hot and humid weather and raingear is an additional must.

After the hard summer, the intense southwest winds disappear and the winds from the northern continent bring this region a mild autumn with cool days from October to December. This, typically, is the most comfortable time of year for traveling. For this period, sweaters and jackets are a good idea for heading out after hours.

Starting from mid to late December, temperatures gradually drop, as the winter in Macau begins. January to February is the coldest period when the cold air from Siberia arrives at the peninsular. Sometimes the temperature plummets to 10 C (50 F). Woolen clothes and overcoats are necessary to keep warm for travelers wanting to spend this period in the city.