Zhaoqing Weather in May

May: hot and damp

May feels warm from morning on, then sticky as the day goes on. Highs reach 30°C, and humidity is high. Rain falls on many days, with heavy cloud and little sunshine. The month is wetter than April, but June is wetter still.

You can still visit Seven Star Crags, where lakes and limestone peaks make a boat ride a good fit for cloudy weather. Rain can make paths slippery, though, so take care on the trails at Dinghu Mountain. Long outdoor walks may feel tiring in the heat. Save time for indoor sights or a slow meal when showers set in.

Holiday crowds

China's May Day holiday falls at the start of the month. Zhaoqing's popular sights can be busier then, and transport and hotel prices may rise compared with ordinary weeks. Outside the holiday, May is generally less in demand than the cooler months from November to February. The weather is a bigger drawback than crowds.

If you hate crowds, visit Seven Star Crags outside the May Day holiday.

Make the most of a wet day

Rain doesn't have to stop a visit, but it can change your plans quickly. Keep your day flexible, and don't count on a clear view from the crags. At Dinghu Mountain, ask locally about trail conditions after heavy rain before setting off.

A practical tip: around Seven Star Crags, use the covered boat rides and sheltered paths to break up time outdoors. They're handy when showers pass through. Zhaoqing's steamed rice dumplings are a local dish worth trying after sightseeing; ask for them at a restaurant in the city centre.