Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Henan, China is characterized by a diverse range, primarily classified under the Koppen-Geiger climate types: Cwa, Dwa, and Cfa. The region experiences significant temperature variability throughout the year, with winter minimums plunging to -19°C (-1°F) in January, while summer peaks reach a sweltering 42°C (107°F) in July. The annual average temperature hovers around 16°C (61°F), highlighting the transitional nature of its climate that fosters a unique ecosystem and agricultural potential.
In Henan, China, temperature patterns reveal a marked seasonal variation, with cold winters giving way to hot summers. January sees the coldest temperatures, with minimums plummeting to -19°C (-1°F), gradually warming through February and March, where averages rise from 1°C (35°F) to 11°C (52°F). By April, temperatures begin to climb significantly, peaking in the summer months of July and August, where maximums soar to 42°C (107°F) and remain high throughout the season. As autumn approaches in September and October, the temperatures gradually decrease, with averages falling back to 16°C (60°F) by October. The cycle continues as winter returns in November and December, marking the year with fluctuating conditions that define the region's climate.
Dongcheng experiences a minimum temperature of -14°C (7°F) in January, with a peak of 39°C (103°F) in May, as detailed in the link: monthly temperatures in Dongcheng. In comparison, Zhengzhou sees a minimum of -12°C (10°F) in January and a maximum of 40°C (105°F) in July, according to the link: monthly temperatures in Zhengzhou. Luoyang's temperature range includes a January low of -10°C (14°F) and a high of 40°C (104°F) in July, which can be explored further at this link: monthly temperatures in Luoyang.
Precipitation in Henan, China, showcases a clear seasonal pattern, with the wettest months occurring during the summer. January marks the driest period, receiving only 20 mm (0.8 in) of rainfall over approximately 2 days, while February follows closely with a slight increase to 21 mm (0.8 in). As spring approaches, March experiences a rise in precipitation to 27 mm (1.1 in), reaching 45 mm (1.8 in) in April, signaling the onset of the wetter season. May continues this trend, with precipitation further escalating to 53 mm (2.1 in).
The summer months see a dramatic spike in rainfall, with June receiving 116 mm (4.6 in) and July peaking at 174 mm (6.8 in), supported by an increase in rainy days to 12. August maintains substantial precipitation at 152 mm (6.0 in), gradually tapering off in September with 94 mm (3.7 in). The autumn months bring a decrease, with October experiencing 58 mm (2.3 in) and November falling to 23 mm (0.9 in), while the year ends with minimal rain in December at just 10 mm (0.4 in), highlighting the region's pronounced wet and dry season dynamics.
Sunshine duration in Henan, China, exhibits significant seasonal variation, with a clear upward trend as the year progresses. Starting from January's modest 189 hours, sunlight hours steadily increase, reaching 245 hours in February and peaking in May at 302 hours. This rise continues into the summer months, where July takes the lead with 310 hours of sunshine, marking the sunniest period of the year. Notably, the consistent warmth and extended daylight during these summer months create ideal conditions for both agriculture and outdoor activities.
As summer transitions into autumn, sunshine hours begin to decline, though they remain relatively generous in September with 246 hours. October sees a further reduction to 219 hours, while November and December maintain a more balanced average of 235 hours and 240 hours, respectively. The fluctuation between the peak sunshine months and the shorter daylight hours of winter highlights the dynamic nature of Henan's climate, reinforcing the region as a favorable area for sun-seekers and agricultural endeavors during the warmer months.
The UV Index in Henan, China, varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting seasonal changes and the potential impacts on skin health. In the winter months, January records a UV Index of 5, categorized as moderate, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. As winter progresses into February, the Index rises to 6, categorized as high, indicating increased caution is necessary. This upward trend continues into the spring, with March peaking at 8 and April hitting 9, both categorized as very high, resulting in reduced burn times of just 15 minutes.
As summer approaches, the UV Index reaches its zenith, peaking at 12 in July, classified as extreme, where exposure should be minimized to just 10 minutes. The month of May and the subsequent summer months of June, August, and September also maintain an extreme Index of 11, emphasizing the importance of sun protection during this time. As autumn returns, the UV Index starts to decline, with October seeing a drop to 8 and November reducing further to 6. By December, the Index settles at 4, signifying a return to moderate conditions. This seasonal intensity in UV radiation highlights the necessity for sun safety measures, particularly during the peak months of late spring and summer.
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In Henan, China, daylight duration exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, reaching its peak in the summer months while gradually decreasing during winter. January and February offer the least daylight, each providing 10 hours of sunlight. As spring arrives, daylight hours begin to increase, with March experiencing an uplift to 11 hours. This upward trend continues through April and May, where daylight reaches 13 hours, marking a period of increased outdoor activity and visibility.
Entering the summer months, daylight duration hits its maximum in June and July at 14 hours, creating long days ideal for agriculture and leisure. As summer transitions to autumn, daylight begins to taper off. In August, daylight remains at 13 hours, but drops to 12 hours in September. By October, daylight reduces further to 11 hours before a decline in November to 10 hours, and finally a short 9 hours in December. This cyclical shift in daylight not only influences daily routines but also shapes the agricultural calendar of the region, emphasizing the importance of longer days during the growing season.
Dongcheng, China, experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January sees average lows around 2°C (36°F) and highs of 18°C (64°F), while July experiences averages of 28°C (83°F) with peak temperatures reaching 39°C (102°F). Precipitation is highest during the summer months, particularly in July with 206 mm (8.1 in), while January tends to be drier with just 27 mm (1.1 in). Sunshine hours peak in July at 315 hours, ensuring a bright summer. For more information, visit Dongcheng climate.
Huangdao, China experiences a diverse climate with significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -13°C to 18°C, while summers are warm and humid, especially in July and August when temperatures can reach up to 39°C. Precipitation peaks during the summer months, notably in July and August, which average 162 mm of rainfall. Despite the higher humidity and rain in summer, the region also enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in July with 314 hours of sunlight. For more details, check the Huangdao climate.
Kaifeng, China, experiences a continental climate characterized by distinct seasons. Winter temperatures can drop to as low as -12°C (11°F) in January, while summers are hot, peaking at 41°C (106°F) in July. Rainfall is most abundant from June to August, with July receiving an average of 141 mm (5.5 in). The city enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in May through July, where it averages over 300 hours per month. For more information, visit Kaifeng climate.
The climate in Kuangshan, China, features a significant temperature range throughout the year, from a chilly -15°C (5°F) in January to a warm 39°C (103°F) in July. Rainfall varies, with the wettest months being June and July, receiving 145 mm (5.7 in) and 196 mm (7.7 in) respectively. Sunshine hours peak during the summer, reaching up to 314 hours in July, while winter months enjoy fewer sunny days and colder averages. Overall, Kuangshan experiences a mix of seasonal contrasts, making it a unique climate zone. For more detailed information, visit Kuangshan climate.
Longquan, China experiences a varied climate, with January temperatures ranging from a frigid -15°C (5°F) to a mild 17°C (64°F), and July peaking at 39°C (103°F). Precipitation is highest in the summer months of June and July, with 145 mm (5.7 in) and 196 mm (7.7 in) respectively, while winter months see significantly lower rainfall. The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in July, which boasts 314 hours of sunlight. For more detailed climate information, visit Longquan climate.
Luoyang, China experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January average temperatures around 1°C (35°F), while summers are hot, often reaching 40°C (104°F) in May through July. Precipitation peaks in summer months, especially in July and August, with over 130 mm (5.2 in) of rain. Although the city sees ample sunshine, especially in May and July, it also has a significant drop in temperature in the winter months. For more details, visit Luoyang climate.
Puxi, China experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonality. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging 1°C (34°F) and lows reaching -14°C (8°F), while summers can be hot, peaking in July with averages of 29°C (84°F) and highs of 41°C (105°F). Precipitation is highest during the summer months, particularly in July and August, with July receiving 132 mm (5.2 in). The area enjoys significant sunshine, especially in July, which boasts 316 hours of clear skies. For more detailed climate information, visit Puxi climate.
Xinyang, China experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -9°C to 17°C, while July peaks at a maximum of 37°C. Precipitation is heaviest in the summer months, particularly in July with 206 mm, contributing to a lush landscape. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with the most hours in August (300 hours). For more details, visit Xinyang climate.
Yushan, China experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a frigid -13°C to a mild 17°C, while July sees much warmer conditions, with averages around 28°C and maximums reaching up to 39°C. Precipitation is highest during the summer months, particularly in July with 196 mm, and the area enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in July with 303 hours. For more detailed information, visit Yushan climate.
Zhanghua, China, experiences a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. January sees temperatures ranging from a frigid -14°C (7°F) to a mild 18°C (65°F), while July peaks at a scorching 40°C (104°F). Precipitation is most significant in the summer months, especially July, averaging 183 mm (7.2 in), while winter months remain relatively dry. The region boasts substantial sunshine, peaking at 314 hours in July, contributing to its warm and humid summer conditions. For more detailed information, visit Zhanghua climate.
Zhengzhou, China experiences a temperate continental climate, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -12°C to a maximum of 17°C, while July sees highs reaching up to 40°C. Rainfall peaks in July and August, with average precipitation of 135 mm and 225 mm, respectively, making these the wettest months. The city enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer, accumulating up to 319 hours in July. For more details, visit Zhengzhou climate.
Zhouzhuang, China experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with January temperatures ranging from -14°C to 18°C and July temperatures peaking at 38°C. Precipitation varies significantly, especially during the summer months, with July recording the highest at 170 mm. The region enjoys a substantial amount of sunshine, notably in July with 313 hours. Overall, Zhouzhuang's climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters, making it a unique destination for visitors. For more detailed information, visit Zhouzhuang climate.
In summary, Henan, China, experiences a dynamic climate characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight. The region's transition from cold winters to scorching summers shapes its agricultural activities and influences local lifestyles. The extended summer days and peak sunshine hours enhance the potential for crop growth, while the intense UV index during these months underscores the necessity for sun safety measures. As autumn and winter approach, daylight and UV exposure decrease, offering a respite from the harsher summer conditions. Understanding these climatic patterns is crucial for residents and visitors alike, facilitating preparation and adaptation to the rhythmic changes that define life in Henan.