Last updated: January 18, 2025
Shandong, China, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by three predominant Köppen-Geiger classes: Cwa (humid subtropical with dry winters), Dwa (humid continental with dry winters), and BSk (semi-arid steppe). The region experiences a stark temperature range, with winter lows plummeting to a frigid -21°C (-6°F) in January and summer highs soaring to a sweltering 41°C (106°F) in July. The annual average temperature hovers around a mild 14°C (58°F), reflecting the unique interplay of climatic influences that shape this vibrant province.
In Shandong, China, temperature patterns exhibit pronounced seasonal variations that reflect the region's continental climate. Winter months, particularly January and February, are marked by very low minimum temperatures, dropping as low as -21°C (-6°F), while warm spells can intermittently elevate daytime highs to a milder 16°C (61°F) in January. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, with March and April showing notable increases, featuring maximums of 31°C (87°F) and 34°C (94°F) respectively, hinting at the upcoming warmth. By May and June, the climate shifts towards summer, with average temperatures reaching between 19°C (67°F) and 24°C (75°F) and maximums exceeding 40°C (104°F). The peak summer month of July brings sweltering heat, with temperatures soaring to a staggering 41°C (106°F). As August transitions to autumn, temperatures remain warm, but diminish in September, followed by a gradual cooling in October and November. Finally, December ushers in the cold again, culminating in winter's return with decreased averages and an increase in minimum temperatures down to -16°C (4°F).
Yantai experiences a minimum temperature of -11°C (13°F) in January and a maximum of 33°C (91°F) in August, while Jinan faces even colder winters with a minimum of -19°C (-1°F) in January and a hotter peak at 38°C (101°F) in June. In comparison, Qingdao sees minimum temperatures of -12°C (12°F) in January and a maximum of 30°C (87°F) in August. For more insights on the climate, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Yantai here, in Jinan here, and in Qingdao here.
Shandong, China, experiences a distinct pattern of precipitation throughout the year, with winter months like January and February recording the lowest rainfall, at just 13 mm (0.5 in) and 17 mm (0.7 in) respectively. As spring unfolds, precipitation gradually increases, peaking in April with 39 mm (1.5 in), while May continues this trend, culminating in 52 mm (2.1 in). This incremental rise sets the stage for the summer months, where June marks a significant jump to 72 mm (2.8 in), signaling the onset of the wet season.
The height of summer sees precipitation reach its climax, with July and August receiving 149 mm (5.9 in) and 165 mm (6.5 in) respectively, accompanied by an increase in rainy days, peaking at 13 days in August. As summer wanes into autumn, September retains a considerable 72 mm (2.8 in) of rainfall before gradually declining in October and November, which see 30 mm (1.2 in) and 29 mm (1.1 in) respectively. By December, the cycle returns to a lower average of 15 mm (0.6 in) as colder conditions prevail, creating a rhythmic ebb and flow in Shandong's precipitation landscape.
In Shandong, China, the sunshine duration showcases a clear seasonal trend, with a gradual increase as the year progresses from winter to summer. Beginning with January at 194 hours, the region experiences limited sunlight, but this begin to shift in February and March, where numbers rise sharply to 241 and 285 hours respectively. April continues this upward trajectory, reaching 288 hours, setting the stage for the sunniest months. May, with 321 hours, marks the transition into a period of abundant sunshine, alongside June and July, which also boast the same number of sunshine hours. This peak summer sunshine is essential for agricultural vitality and outdoor activities, making it a favorite time for residents.
As summer wanes into autumn, the sunshine hours gradually begin to decline, with August still retaining a strong 303 hours, followed by September's 275 hours. This transition into shorter days continues with October and November, which fetch 253 and 235 hours respectively, leading towards the winter months characterized by reduced daylight. By December, sunshine duration plummets to 233 hours, rounding off the year on a relatively low note. Overall, Shandong's sunshine duration vividly illustrates the rhythmic dance of light across the seasons, contributing to the region's climatic identity and influencing both its environment and lifestyle.
The UV Index in Shandong, China, exhibits a significant seasonal variation, reflecting both the changing weather and increased solar intensity throughout the year. Beginning in January, the UV Index is a manageable 3, classified as moderate, allowing for 30 minutes of sun exposure without risk of harm. As spring unfolds, February sees a slight increase to 5, and March escalates sharply to 7, entering the high exposure category with recommended burn times shrinking to just 25 minutes. The trend continues upward in April, reaching a UV Index of 9—indicating very high exposure—and declining burn times of 15 minutes, suggesting that sun safety precautions become increasingly important as the weather warms.
The intensity peaks in the summer months, where June and July sustain an extreme UV Index of 11, necessitating careful sun protection within a mere 10 minutes for unprotected skin. August marks the highest UV Index at 12, further emphasizing the need for caution during prolonged sun exposure. As the seasons transition to autumn, September and October present slightly decreased but still very high UV levels of 9 and 8, respectively. By November and December, the UV Index returns to moderate levels of 5 and 3, allowing for longer safe exposure times again. This cyclical pattern underscores the importance of sun safety measures in Shandong throughout the year, especially during the peak summer months when UV radiation poses the greatest risk.
UV Risk Categories
In Shandong, China, daylight duration demonstrates a clear seasonal pattern, showcasing the region's response to solar cycles throughout the year. January begins with a modest 9 hours of daylight, illuminating the short winter days. As February transitions into spring, daylight increases to 10 hours, and by March, it extends to 11 hours, signifying the impending warmth and longer days ahead. April marks a notable shift with 13 hours of daylight, and May reaches a peak of 14 hours, reflecting the optimal conditions for outdoor activities and agriculture as nature awakens from its winter slumber.
The summer months of June, July, and August maintain the 14-hour daylight duration, providing ample time for sunlit adventures and productivity under the long, bright skies. However, as autumn approaches, the daylight begins to wane; August sees a decrease to 13 hours, followed by September with 12 hours, and October with 11 hours. This trend continues into November, where daylight falls to 10 hours, before concluding the year with January's return to 9 hours. This cyclical ebb and flow of daylight in Shandong illustrates the rhythmic nature of the seasons, influencing daily life and activities throughout the year.
The climate in Changcheng, China, is characterized by distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -18°C to a max of 13°C, while summers can be quite warm, peaking in July with temperatures reaching 36°C. Precipitation is highest during the summer months, particularly in July and August, when rainfall exceeds 200 mm. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially from May to August, with up to 317 hours in July. For more details, visit Changcheng climate.
Fengjia, China experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -12°C (11°F), while July sees highs around 35°C (95°F). Rainfall peaks in July with 159 mm (6.3 in) and is generally higher during the summer months, while sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in July with 330 hours. For more details on the climate in Fengjia, visit Fengjia climate.
Gulou, China experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with winter temperatures dipping as low as -17°C (1°F) in January and summer highs reaching up to 39°C (103°F) in June. Precipitation varies, with July being the wettest month at 137 mm (5.4 in), while January sees minimal rainfall of just 5 mm (0.2 in). Sunshine hours peak in May, offering about 319 hours of sun, enhancing the warm summer months. This climate profile makes Gulou distinct, with sharp contrasts between the cold winters and hot, humid summers. For more details, visit Gulou climate.
The climate in Honghe, China, features cold winters and hot summers, with January temperatures ranging from -19°C to 13°C and July temperatures peaking at 38°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with the wettest months being July and August, receiving 145 mm and 170 mm, respectively. Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in May and July, which boast over 300 hours of sunshine. Overall, the region experiences a dramatic shift from chilly winters to warm, humid summers. For more detailed information, visit Honghe climate.
Jiaozhou, China, experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures can drop to -17°C (2°F), while July often sees highs around 35°C (96°F). Precipitation is highest in July, with 213 mm (8.4 in), contributing to the humid summer conditions. The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in May, which boasts 312 hours of sunlight. For more details on the weather patterns, visit Jiaozhou climate.
Jinan, China experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging around 0°C (32°F) and minimal precipitation, while summers can be hot and humid, especially in July and August, where average temperatures reach around 28°C (83°F). Rain is most abundant during these months, with July averaging 155 mm (6.1 in) of precipitation. The city enjoys a fair amount of sunshine, peaking in May with approximately 323 hours. For more detailed information, visit Jinan climate.
Jining, China, experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -16°C (3°F) in January, while summer highs reach up to 39°C (102°F) in both May and June. The region sees significant rainfall from June to August, with July being the wettest month at 169 mm (6.6 in). Sunshine hours peak in May and July, totaling around 314 hours each month, providing ample sunlight during the warmer seasons. For more details, visit Jining climate.
Jinling, China experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -13°C to 9°C (10°F to 49°F), while July reaches up to 36°C (97°F), with high humidity and significant rainfall, especially in August when it averages 153 mm (6.0 in). The city enjoys a good amount of sunshine, peaking at 328 hours in May. Overall, Jinling's weather is marked by distinct seasonal variations, making it an interesting region for climate enthusiasts. For more information, visit Jinling climate.
Liangshan, China experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -17°C to 15°C, while July sees highs reaching up to 39°C. Precipitation peaks in the summer months, particularly in July and August, with 135 mm and 212 mm respectively. Sunshine is abundant during summer, with July averaging 316 hours of sunlight, making it the sunniest month. For more detailed information, visit Liangshan climate.
Linyi, China, experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -15°C to 13°C, while summers are hot, particularly in July, with temperatures between 18°C and 37°C. Precipitation peaks during the summer months, especially in July with 240 mm, contributing to lush greenery. The city enjoys significant sunshine throughout the year, reaching a maximum of 310 hours in May. For more detailed information, visit Linyi climate.
Longgang, China experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging around 0°C (33°F) and occasional lows dropping to -11°C (13°F). Summers are warm, particularly from July to August, where average temperatures can reach up to 26°C (79°F) and rainfall peaks significantly, especially in August with 152 mm (6.0 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially in May and July, with over 300 sunshine hours. For detailed climate statistics, visit Longgang climate.
Longquan, China, experiences a varied climate throughout the year with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -12°C to 10°C, while July sees highs up to 36°C. Precipitation peaks in July and August, receiving 134 mm and 130 mm respectively, contributing to the wettest months. Sunshine hours are abundant in summer, with July receiving around 330 hours of sunshine. For more details, visit Longquan climate.
Qingdao, China experiences distinct seasonal variations in climate, with cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures around 2°C (37°F), while July peaks at 25°C (77°F). The summer months receive significant rainfall, particularly in July with 179 mm (7.0 in), contributing to a total annual precipitation that supports lush surroundings. In terms of sunshine, the city enjoys long daylight hours, especially in summer, with July averaging 321 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Qingdao climate.
Qingzhou, China experiences a distinct climate characterized by cold winters and hot, humid summers. January sees temperatures ranging from a brisk -19°C to a milder 13°C, while July peaks at a warm 37°C. Precipitation is heaviest in the summer months, particularly July and August, with rainfall reaching 148 mm and 186 mm, respectively. The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially in May, which boasts 323 hours. For more detailed information, visit Qingzhou climate.
Qufu, China experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -17°C (2°F), while July averages around 27°C (81°F). Precipitation peaks in the summer months, particularly July and August, totaling 170 mm (6.7 in) and 225 mm (8.9 in) respectively. The city enjoys ample sunshine, especially in May with 314 hours, enhancing the warm months. For more detailed information, visit Qufu climate.
Shanghe, China experiences distinct seasonal variations, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. January temperatures range from -19°C to 13°C, while July sees highs reaching 38°C. Precipitation is minimal in winter, peaking at 222 mm in August, aligning with the warmer months. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in May, which enjoys up to 326 hours. For more detailed information, visit Shanghe climate.
The climate in Songshan, China, features cold winters and hot summers, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -13°C (8°F) in January to a maximum of 38°C (100°F) in May. Precipitation peaks during the summer months, particularly in July and August, receiving 117 mm (4.6 in) and 157 mm (6.2 in), respectively. Sunshine hours are abundant from March to August, with May receiving the highest at 327 hours. The region experiences a gradual transition into cooler weather by October, with average temperatures dropping to 14°C (58°F). For more detailed information, visit Songshan climate.
Tai'an, China experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -19°C in January, while summer sees highs around 36°C in July and June. Precipitation is most abundant in the summer months, especially July and August, with over 200 mm, while drier conditions prevail in winter. Sunshine hours peak in May and June, providing ample light during the warmer months. For more detailed information, visit Tai'an climate.
The climate in Tianfu, China, features a cold winter with January temperatures averaging -1°C and reaching highs of 11°C, while the summer months see warmer averages around 26°C to 27°C in July and August. Precipitation peaks during the summer, particularly in July with 145 mm, contributing to a humid environment. Sunshine is abundant year-round, particularly in May and June, with over 320 hours of sunlight each month. These conditions create a diverse climate, conducive to both winter sports and warm-weather activities. For more details, visit Tianfu climate.
Tianhe, China experiences a temperate climate with marked seasonal variations. Winters are cold, where January sees lows of -9°C (15°F) and an average of 1°C (34°F), while summers are warm, with July averaging 24°C (76°F) and maximum temperatures reaching 31°C (88°F). Precipitation is heaviest in summer months, particularly July, which receives around 125 mm (4.9 in) of rainfall. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in July with 332 hours, providing a mix of rainy and sunny conditions throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Tianhe climate.
Weifang, China experiences a varied climate with cold winters and hot summers. January averages around 0°C (32°F), while July sees temperatures peak at approximately 28°C (82°F). Rainfall is highest during the summer months, particularly in July and August, with 134 mm (5.3 in) and 169 mm (6.7 in) respectively. The area enjoys substantial sunshine throughout the year, averaging up to 322 hours in May. For more detailed information, visit Weifang climate.
Weihai, China experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Winters are cold, with January temperatures ranging from -9°C (15°F) to 8°C (46°F) and moderate precipitation, while summers are warm, peaking in July with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 31°C (88°F). Rainfall is most abundant in July, averaging 125 mm (4.9 in), and the city enjoys plentiful sunshine, especially in July with 332 hours. For more detailed information, visit Weihai climate.
Xicheng, China experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -13°C to a maximum of 10°C, while July peaks at around 36°C. Precipitation varies, with the wettest months being July and August, receiving 135 mm and 167 mm respectively. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in May and July, boasting over 320 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Xicheng climate.
Xihu, China experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Winter temperatures can dip as low as -18°C (0°F) in January, while summers are warm to hot, peaking at 37°C (99°F) in July. Precipitation is highest in July, reaching 264 mm (10.4 in), contributing to a moist summer season, while winter months see significantly lower rainfall. Sunshine hours are abundant, especially in May and June, with over 300 hours available. For more details, visit Xihu climate.
The climate in Yangzi, China, showcases a significant variation throughout the year with cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures can drop to -16°C (4°F) with modest precipitation, while July sees maximums reaching 37°C (98°F) and the highest rainfall of 132 mm (5.2 in). Sunshine hours peak in May, totaling 328 hours, fostering a warm environment during the late spring and summer months. However, damp conditions and increased rainfall make July and August the wettest months. For more detailed information, visit Yangzi climate.
Yantai, China, experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a low of -11°C (13°F) to a high of 8°C (47°F), while July sees much milder conditions, with temperatures between 20°C (69°F) and 32°C (90°F). Precipitation peaks in the summer months, particularly in July and August, which receive over 100 mm (4 in) of rainfall. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the summer, with around 329 hours of sunshine in July. For more detailed information, visit Yantai climate.
In conclusion, the climatic and environmental patterns of Shandong, China, reveal a dynamic interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours that define the region's seasonal rhythm. From the cold, short days of winter to the warm, sun-drenched summers, Shandong experiences significant variations that influence agricultural practices, outdoor activities, and health considerations. Understanding these trends not only highlights the importance of sun safety during the intense summer months but also underscores the need for adaptive measures throughout the year to accommodate shifting climatic conditions. As such, Shandong stands as a vivid example of how geography and climate collectively shape the daily lives and routines of its inhabitants.