Guangzhou Weather in February 2027 and What to Wear

What is the weather like in Guangzhou in February?

February is cool and grey, and wetter than the months before it. These are the averages for 1991 to 2020 at the Guangzhou weather station (WMO station 59287):

Source: WMO Climatological Standard Normals 1991 to 2020, Guangzhou station 59287, submitted by China.

For the weather this week, see the Guangzhou weather forecast, which shows today and the next 8 days.

iPhoto: Michael Huo · CC BY 3.0 Details

The months ahead

From March, it gets warmer and much wetter. Use this table to compare the cool months:

Source: WMO 1991 to 2020 normals, Guangzhou station 59287. March averages 101 mm of rain on 9.1 days; see when to visit Guangzhou for every month.

What is 回南天, the damp spell?

回南天 (huí nán tiān) is a spell when water condenses on indoor walls, floors and windows. It needs two things, according to the China Meteorological Administration:

1. A strong cold spell chills buildings right through.
2. Warm, humid air arrives quickly afterwards, and its moisture condenses on the cold surfaces.

In Guangdong, 回南天 comes mostly from February to April (China Meteorological Administration, 2024). Guangdong’s forecasters have put the chance of 回南天 in late February to early March at more than 60%, with humidity sometimes reaching 100% (reprinted by the China Meteorological Administration, 2011).

What the China Meteorological Administration’s experts advise:

• Close windows and doors, and set the air conditioner to dehumidify (除湿).
• Watch for wet, slippery floors, indoors and out, and wear shoes with grip.
• Clothes and bedding dry slowly, so use a dryer if you can.

Does it still get cold in February?

Yes, but less often than in January. On about 9 days in February the night falls to 10°C or lower, and the coldest February day in the 1991 to 2020 normals was 1.4°C, on February 6, 2018.

China grades cold air by how far the daily low falls within 48 hours. A cold wave (寒潮) means a fall of 8°C in 24 hours, 10°C in 48 hours or 12°C in 72 hours, with the low reaching 4°C or below (China Meteorological Administration). The January page has the full scale and recent examples. Warnings appear on the Guangzhou Observatory’s English site, tqyb.com.cn/en.

There is no public central heating in southern China. Homes and hotels use air conditioners and electric heaters (Southern Daily, reprinted by the China Meteorological Administration, 2012). Check that your room’s air conditioner can heat (制热) and dehumidify (除湿).

What to wear in Guangzhou in February

Dress in layers that dry fast. This list follows from the averages above:

• Daytime: long sleeves and a light sweater. Highs average 20°C.
• Evening: a warm jacket. Lows average 12.5°C.
• During a cold spell: a padded jacket or coat for nights near 10°C or below.
• Rain and damp: a light waterproof jacket or a folding umbrella; rain falls on about 6 days.
• Shoes: shoes with grip, because floors can be wet during 回南天.
• Spare clothes: a few extra, because washing dries slowly in damp weather.

iPhoto: Matthias Rosenkranz · CC BY-SA 2.0 Details

Planning a day indoors? See what to do in Guangzhou when it rains.

What do the official outlooks say about this winter?

These are two official seasonal outlooks and one official’s comment. Outlooks give the odds for a whole season, not a forecast for any day:

• Hong Kong Observatory (assessment as of October 29, 2026), for November 2026 to January 2027 in Hong Kong: normal to above-normal temperature and normal to above-normal rainfall. The Observatory says the El Niño has become a very strong event.
• China’s National Climate Center (November 6, 2026), for December 2026 to February 2027: Guangdong’s winter rainfall is expected to be 50% to 80% above normal. Across most of China, December is expected near normal to slightly cooler, and January and February warmer than normal.
• Guangdong Climate Center (a chief forecaster in a press interview, October 12, 2026, reprinted on the Guangdong Meteorological Service site; not a formal outlook): during El Niño, Guangdong often has a warm winter, but heavy rain, cold waves and strong cold air can still occur.

Guangdong’s own winter outlook was not out when we checked on November 13, 2026. The Hong Kong Observatory’s forecast for December to February is due around December 1, 2026. We will add both here when they are published.

What is on in February?

• Chinese New Year: Lunar New Year’s Day is Saturday, February 6, 2027. The official Spring Festival holiday runs from Friday, February 5 to Saturday, February 13, and Sunday, February 14 is a working day (State Council notice).

See China’s public holidays in 2027 and the Guangzhou events calendar.