Weather in Xiamen

About Xiamen

Gulangyu Island's colonial architecture preserves early 20th-century piano culture when foreign traders established this musical enclave—today it's a car-free island of winding lanes between grand villas. The main city faces Taiwan across narrow strait waters, while seafood dining culture dominates waterfront activity. Xiamen balances colonial heritage with contemporary prosperity.

Country

China

Best months to visit

April, October, November, December

Currency

CNY

Language

Mandarin

Things to do in Xiamen

Ferry to car-free Gulangyu Island walks Explore colonial architecture and villas Visit piano museums in mansions Relax on island beaches among villas Sample fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants Shop Xiamen's traditional folk crafts

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

18C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

February

18C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

March

21C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

April

25C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

May

28C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

June

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

July

33C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

August

32C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

September

31C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

Recommended

October

29C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

November

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

December

20C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Xiamen is a relaxed coastal city in Fujian province, best known for the car-free island of Gulangyu just offshore, where colonial-era mansions, piano museums and winding lanes make for a leisurely day away from the mainland's bustle. The city itself has a laid-back, almost Mediterranean feel along its waterfront, with strong ties to the nearby tea-growing hills and a thriving university district.

Best areas to stay in Xiamen

Gulangyu Island

A car-free island of colonial mansions, gardens and beaches, reached by short ferry.

Zhongshan Road

Xiamen's main pedestrian shopping street, lined with arcaded buildings and leading to the ferry terminal.

Xiamen University area

A scenic campus and nearby Bailuzhou Park, popular for walks and the adjacent Baicheng Beach.

Wuyuanwan

A modern waterfront area with cycling paths, parks and views across the bay.

Getting to Xiamen

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Flights

Fly into Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport via a major Chinese hub or Hong Kong.

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From London

~13-15 hours from London via a connection in China or Hong Kong.

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Getting around

Buses and a metro system cover the mainland city; ferries connect to Gulangyu Island, which has no cars.

Frequently asked questions

What is Gulangyu Island known for?

Its car-free streets lined with colonial-era European and Chinese-style mansions, a piano museum reflecting the island's musical heritage, and beaches along its southern coast.

How do I get to Gulangyu from Xiamen?

A short ferry ride (around 10 minutes) from the Xiamen waterfront; tickets and ferry times can be busy in peak season so arriving early helps.

When is the best time to visit Xiamen?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are mild and comfortable; summer is hot and can bring typhoons.

Is Xiamen University worth visiting?

Yes - it's considered one of China's most beautiful campuses, with a lake, hills and a famous nearby beach, though entry sometimes requires booking in advance.

What food should I try in Xiamen?

Fujian cuisine emphasises seafood and lighter flavours - try oyster omelettes, peanut soup, and Sa Cha noodles from street stalls.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Gulangyu Island felt like a different world - quiet lanes, old mansions and the sound of pianos drifting from the museum. A perfect half-day escape from the city.

Tina H. · April 2024

★★★★☆

Walked around Xiamen University's lake and then down to the beach - one of the nicest urban campuses I've seen. Xiamen itself felt relaxed compared to other Chinese cities I'd visited.

Robert C. · October 2023

★★★★☆

The oyster omelettes from the street stalls near Zhongshan Road were a highlight, and the ferry views of Gulangyu at sunset were beautiful.

Mei W. · June 2024