Climate

Located in the subtropical climatic zone and surrounded on all sides by mountains which keep heat in，Nanjing is known as one of the three “furnaces of China” (the other two are Wuhan and Chongqing). 

Nanjing’s average annual temperature is 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit) and the annual average rainfall is 1106mm.

October is the best month to visit Nanjing. Travelers can beat the summer heat, avoid the cold of winter, and stay dry from the spring showers.

The summer temperatures range between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius (86 - 104 Fahrenheit), and often feels even hotter due to the high humidity.  Air-conditioners are present in nearly every home, restaurant and car. Some buses have air-conditioning while others do not.  Even if I walked on the street naked and constantly sprayed water on myself I would still be too hot in the summer. It is not advisable to go out much in the middle of the day.  If you do go out, bring as much water as you can.

During winter the temperature occasionally drops below 0 degrees celsius (32 Fahrenheit), but usually it hovers around 5 degrees celsius (41 Fahrenheit).  Interior heating is not standard inside apartments.  Indoor public areas such as shopping centers and restaurants are usually warmer, but they are not always heated to the extent that people should need to take their jackets off.  Layered clothing, a warm jacket, and an umbrella are appropriate during this season.

The middle of June in Nanjing is known as the "Mei Yu" or "wet" period. Nanjing residents can count on heavy and prolonged rainfall during that period. Sometimes, the rain lasts for several days at a time, so umbrellas are a necessity when venturing outside during this time.