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Weather in Haikou
Hainan tropical island capital of Li minority culture
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About Haikou
A remarkable destination worth exploring.
Best months to visit
February, March, April, November
Things to do in Haikou
Explore
Dine
Culture
Nature
Shopping
Day trips
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
21C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
February
22C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
March
26C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
April
28C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
May
31C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
June
32C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
July
32C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
August
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
September
30C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
October
28C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
November
25C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
December
21C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Haikou is the gateway to tropical Hainan, a laid-back capital of banyan-shaded boulevards, colonial-era arcade streets in the old Qilou district, and a coastline dotted with volcanic craters you can climb for views over the city. It moves at a slower pace than mainland metropolises, with night markets selling fresh coconuts and Hainanese chicken rice, and the Century Bridge lighting up over the Nandu River after dark.
Best areas to stay in Haikou
Qilou Old Street
Historic arcade-lined streets with a mix of Lingnan and Southeast Asian architecture, shops, and street food.
Haidian Island
A modern district with the Century Bridge, riverside parks, and a lively night market.
Holiday Beach area
Haikou's main city beach, popular for evening strolls and watersports.
Volcanic Cluster Geopark
A short trip from the centre, with extinct volcanic craters, lava caves, and walking trails.
Getting to Haikou
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Flights
Fly into Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) from the UK via hubs like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or Hong Kong with an onward domestic connection.
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From London
~16–18 hours total journey time from London including connections
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Getting around
Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and a metro line serve the city; the old town is best explored on foot.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Haikou?
November to April offers warm, drier weather ideal for sightseeing, while the summer months (June–September) are hot and humid with occasional typhoons.
How do I get to Haikou?
Haikou Meilan International Airport has domestic connections across China; from the UK, fly via a major hub like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or Hong Kong with an onward domestic flight.
What is the Qilou Old Street?
A historic district of early 20th-century arcade buildings blending Chinese and Southeast Asian architectural styles, now home to shops, cafes, and street food stalls.
What food is Haikou known for?
Hainanese chicken rice (the dish's namesake island), fresh seafood, coconut-based desserts, and Hele crab are local specialities.
Is Haikou a beach destination?
It has city beaches, but most visitors head south to Sanya for resort-style beaches — Haikou is better for culture, food, and the volcanic geopark.
Traveler reviews
★★★★☆
A relaxed introduction to Hainan — the old arcade streets were full of character and the food, especially the chicken rice, was excellent.
Sarah J. · January 2024
★★★★☆
Climbed the volcanic craters just outside the city which was a surprising and pretty easy half-day trip. Good base before heading to Sanya.
Peter L. · March 2024
★★★★★
Loved the night market on Haidian Island — fresh seafood, coconuts, and a great atmosphere along the river with the lit-up bridge.
Mingyu F. · November 2023
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