Best Time to Visit Longyan

Autumn and winter: the best stretch

October to February is when Longyan works best. October is the driest month, with rain on only six days and the most sun of the year. December is almost as dry. Days are mild, and January and December are the coldest months, both with lows around 6°C. Nights feel cool, and there's no heating in many older buildings, so a warm jacket helps.

This is the time for the Hakka tulou, the huge round earth houses of Yongding and Nanjing counties. Both are a few hours' drive from the city. Walking between the villages is pleasant when it isn't sticky. Gloomy days are still common, so don't count on blue skies. Liancheng's Guanzhishan, which is known for its hot springs, suits a cold December evening.

Spring: damp and grey

March and April are rated Fair and Poor, and you'll see why. Rain falls on 16 days in each month, and the sun barely breaks through. Hills and tulou villages often sit in low cloud. If you love moody photos, it can look striking. If you want views, it's frustrating.

February is a better bet than March. It's cool and drier, though it can still be overcast. Chinese New Year usually falls in late January or February. Many shops and restaurants close for a few days, and families travel home. Hakka villages often hold lively local celebrations then, but transport is busy.

Summer: hot, wet and heavy

May and June are the wettest months. June is the worst, with 303 mm of rain on 23 days and the lowest sunshine. Showers can be heavy, and roads in the hills may suffer. Plan for indoor stops, like the Hakka museums and teahouses.

July to September is hotter, with highs of 31 to 32°C. It rains less than in June, and the sun comes back. Afternoons are sticky, and storms can roll in fast. It's still rated Poor, but it can work if you stay near shade and water. September is the best of these months, with the fewest rainy days.

Crowds and timing

Longyan is quieter than famous Fujian spots like Xiamen. Expect more visitors during China's Golden Week, the national holiday in the first week of October, and during summer school holidays. For the best mix of dry weather and calm, aim for November or early December. Travelling with kids? Go in October or November, when the weather is easy for outdoor days.