June
Shenzhen is hot and getting hotter as the rainy season comes into full force. The great peak of China's busy tourist season starts cranking up, too.
Dragon Boat Festival: Especially popular in nearby Guangzhou is the water-borne drama of dragon boat racing, a celebration of one of China's most famous poets. In Shenzhen, you'll find delicious zongzi (conical glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in reed leaves) for sale during this festival.
July
Shenzhen's hottest month also marks the height of typhoon season, which lasts until about October. These infrequent but furious weather events lash the Guangdong coastline, wreaking havoc on travel itineraries. Heavy rain showers are frequent, so pack an umbrella.
September
The temperature falls away slightly after the dog days of summer, with cool mornings and evenings, less rain and breezy weather.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, this traditional festival is celebrated by devouring moon cakes stuffed with bean paste, egg yolk, walnuts and more.
Dapeng Outdoor Carnival: Billed as China's largest outdoor sports festival, this tourism event makes the most of Dapeng Peninsula's rugged coastal topography with sailing regattas, mountain biking, hiking, fun runs, music events and more.
October
The first week of October is China's national holiday, a "Golden Week" when you can expect the sights and beaches to be swamped with visitors.
OCT-LOFT Jazz Festival: Experimental and avant-garde jazz musicians from around the world descend on to OCT-LOFT for 16 days of performances every October.
November
Cool and dry, with frequent sunny days. A great time to get out of doors and climb Wutong Mountain or one of Shenzhen's other verdant peaks.
December
Shenzhen's driest month; winter is coming but the weather is still warm enough to enjoy time outside.
