Weather in Macao: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

The weather in Macao is subtropical, meaning summers are hot, wet, and humid while winters are dry and mild. Occasional typhoons, heavy rain, and sticky days are all deterrents for visiting Macao in summer. On the other hand, waiting just a couple of months to visit Macao in fall yields pleasant weather, comfortable temperatures, and fewer storms.

Winters in Macao are mild but not freezing. Temperatures stay in the 50s Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees C) and blue skies make for enjoyable walks between beautiful squares and Portuguese churches. Of course, if you plan to spend most of your time inside the many casinos, the climate in Macao won’t be as much of a concern.

Fast Climate Facts:

• Hottest Month: July (average high of 90 degrees F / 32 degrees C)
• Coldest Month: January (average low of 55 degrees F / 13 degrees C)
• Wettest Month: June (average of 13.8 inches / 350 mm rainfall)

Typhoon Season in Macao

Like the rest of Southern China, Macao is subject to typhoons (tropical cyclones). Storms can occur anytime between May and December, but August and September are often peak months for the frequency of typhoons. Typhoon Hato in August 2017 and Typhoon Mangkut in September 2018 caused billions of dollars in damage.

Even when tropical storms aren’t threatening the coast, the humidity in summer is suffocating—another good reason to visit Macao in fall or winter instead.

Spring in Macao

Spring is typically a rainy time in Macao as temperatures transition from slightly chilly to comfortable. The rain really begins to pour in late April and early May. More than half the days in April are typically rainy. You should have some time to enjoy blue skies between downpours (days are an average of 13 hours long), but humidity will be as high as 90 percent.

Despite the rain, March and April can be ideal for visiting Macao simply because fewer tourists will be there. Millions of people will have just finished traveling for the Chinese New Year holiday in January or February and are less interested in a rainy destination.

What to Pack: To enjoy Macao in spring, you should pack layers. An uninsulated outer rain shell will come in handy. The typically superpowered air conditioning in indoor spaces will feel extra chilly if you arrive damp.

Average Temperatures by Month

• March: 68 F / 61 F (20 C / 16 C)
• April: 75 F / 68 F (24 C / 20 C)
• May: 82 F / 75 F (28 C / 24 C)

Summer in Macao

The summer months in Macao are uncomfortably sticky. Humidity hovers around 85 percent or higher, and the only respite comes in the form of frequent storms and typhoons. June has the longest days but also the most rainfall. Around 21 days in June will be hot and wet; the rest will be hot and miserably humid. July and August are the hottest months of the year. If you must visit Macao in summer, keep a flexible itinerary in case typhoons trigger flight delays.

The colorful dragon boat races are a festive event held in early summer no matter the weather.

What to Pack: Don’t bother carrying an umbrella thousands of miles—they’re inexpensive locally. Plan to rely on a hat and lightweight, cotton clothing for sun protection; sunscreen will be sweated off in minutes. Pack extra tops for numerous changes per day. When tropical storms are in the region, waves of rain can blow in sideways. You’ll need a quick way to waterproof your phone, money, and other vulnerable items.

Average Temperatures by Month

• June: 86 F / 79 F (30 C / 26 C)
• July: 90 F / 81 F (32 C / 27 C)
• August: 88 F / 79 F (31 C / 26 C)

Fall in Macao

Fall is arguably the best time to visit Macao. Not only are temperatures and humidity pleasantly tolerable, especially in October, tropical cyclones are far less likely to affect your trip.

Unfortunately, the best time to visit Macao isn’t a secret. October is the busiest month to visit Macao, especially early in the month during Golden Week, an extraordinarily busy time kicked off by China’s National Day holiday on Oct.1.

What to Pack: Packing for fall in Macao is easy; most afternoons will be blessed with T-shirt weather. A lightweight cover-up will suffice when temps dip slightly in the evenings.

Average Temperatures by Month

• September: 86 F / 77 F (30 C / 25 C)
• October: 81 F / 72 F (27 C / 22 C)
• November: 73 F / 64 F (23 C / 18 C)

Winter in Macao

Although Macao’s winter temperatures are cold compared to summer temperatures, they’re still mild and much warmer than those in Beijing. Unless you come from a tropical home, you’ll probably chuckle when you see locals bundled up in scarves and gloves with temperatures barely below 60 degrees F (15.5 degrees C).

If you don’t mind temperatures too cool for getting wet on the beaches, winter can be a dry, pleasant season to visit Macao. December barely receives over an inch of rain for the whole month. Even in January, usually the coldest month in Macao, temperatures average in the mid-50s Fahrenheit (13 degrees C).

With fair weather for strolling and public squares beautifully decorated for Christmas, early December is an enjoyable time to visit Macao.

What to Pack: Macao has experienced some freezing winter temperatures in the past, but they’re exceptionally rare. Bring long-sleeved tops or sweaters with a lightweight coat, and you’ll have what you need to survive Macao’s winter.

Average Temperatures by Month

• December: 68 F / 57 F (20 C / 14 C)
• January: 64 F / 55 F (18 C / 13 C)
• February: 63 F / 55 F (17 C / 13 C)

Average Monthly Temperature, Rainfall, and Daylight Hours