Hunan Climate
Hunan, referred to as "Xiang", is a provincial-level administrative region of the People's Republic of China. Changsha, the capital of Hunan, is located in central China, between 24°38′-30°08′ north latitude and 108°47′-114°15′ east longitude. It borders Jiangxi in the east, Chongqing and Guizhou in the west, and Guangdong, Guangxi in the south and Hubei in the north. Hunan has a total area of 21.18 million square kilometers.
Hunan Climate
Hunan enjoys a continental humid and subtropical monsoon climate with three obvious features:
- The sunshine, heat and water resources are abundant, which reach their peak nearly at the same time.
- The climate changes greatly during the year. The winter is cold and the summer is hot. The temperature in spring is changeable and the temperature in autumn always declines abruptly. The spring and summer are rainy, and the autumn and winter are dry. The interannual changes in climate are also larger.
- The most obvious area with vertical change in climate is the mountainous area embraced on three sides by mountains. Especially the mountains in West and South Hunan are more obvious.
Temperature of Hunan
According to the statistics of the meteorological stations of counties in Hunan, the average annual temperature is generally 16~19°C with the average temperature of above 4°C in January-the coldest month. And the number of days of the daily average temperature of below 0°C is less than 10 per year. day. The average temperature in spring and autumn is mostly between 16 and 19°C, and the temperature in autumn is slightly higher than that in spring. The average temperature in summer is mostly between 26 and 29°C, and the temperature in some areas can reach up to 30°C, such as Hengyang.
Natural Disaster
The summer and autumn in Hunan are less rainy and the drought occurs every year, but the scope and severity of the impact are different. From the end of June to the beginning of July, except for the northwest of Hunan, the rainy season has ended in most parts of Hunan. From July to September, the total rainfall is about 300 mm, which is less than half of the rainfall in the rainy season. In addition, the southerly wind and high temperature will aggravate the evaporation, which is the main reason of the drought.
Best Time to Visit Hunan
Hunan is a place with four distinct seasons. Therefore, it is suitable to visit all year round. Whenever visitors come here, they always have different experience in different seasons.
- Spring: Everything comes back to life in Spring and it is moderate, which is the best time to visit Hunan. All the plants turns green and flowers are blooming.
- Summer: It is the best time to visit Xiangxi and it is the peak season for visitors.
- Autumn: It is a harvest season. Visitors can enjoy the golden rice fields.
- Winter: It is beautiful when some places are covered with snow, such as Xiangxi, Hengyang.
Travel Tips for Visiting Hunan
What to Pack
- Spring: wind coat, jacket and thin sweaters.
- Summer: In order to get a comfortable trip to Fenghuang in summer, these things are necessary, such as T-shirt, shorts, a light coat, sunglasses, a sun hat, a pair of hiking shoes. Of course, the mosquito repellant and raincoat are your best choices.
- Autumn: wind coat, jacket and thin sweaters.
- Winter: thick coat and sweater, cotton wadded jacket.
What to Notice
1. In China, please had better not travel in peak seasons, such as Chinese New Year, International Labor Day and National Day. If you want to experience the traditional festival culture, Taking a tour during the traditional festivals of China can get the opportunity to experience the festivals culture.
2. Be careful of the changeable temperature. A few chilly days could be followed by relatively hot weather. So it is better to take some early winter clothes to protect you away from the sudden low temperature.
3. If you want to climb Mount Hengshan or other mountains in Hunan, you shall pay attention to the temperature difference and take care of yourself.
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