Things to do in Guangzhou in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Guangzhou. The weather is usually very warm with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 74—87°F (23—30°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Guangzhou during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Guangdong Museum, visit the Guangzhou Opera House, explore the Lingnan Impression Park, and more!

Guangzhou has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Guangzhou. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Guangzhou in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Guangzhou in May

Top experiences in May
Visit the Guangdong Museum
May is a great time to visit the Guangdong Museum and explore its fascinating exhibits on the history, art, and culture of the region. The museum features a wide range of artifacts, including ancient ceramics, traditional costumes, and contemporary art. It's a great way to gain insight into the rich heritage of Guangdong and learn about the diverse influences that have shaped the region.
Visit the Guangzhou Opera House
May is a great time to catch a performance at the Guangzhou Opera House, a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid. The opera house hosts a variety of shows, including ballet, opera, and concerts, and the modern and avant-garde design of the building adds to the overall experience. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the arts and culture of Guangzhou.
Explore the Lingnan Impression Park
May is a great time to visit the Lingnan Impression Park and learn about the traditional Lingnan culture of Guangdong. The park features traditional architecture, gardens, and performances that showcase the unique customs and traditions of the region. It's a great way to gain insight into the history and heritage of Guangzhou and experience the charm of Lingnan culture.
Take a boat tour on the Pearl River
May is a great time to take a boat tour on the Pearl River and admire the stunning cityscape of Guangzhou. The river is lined with modern skyscrapers, historic buildings, and beautiful bridges, making it a picturesque and unique way to see the city. The boat tours often include live music and entertainment, making it a memorable experience for visitors.
Explore the Baiyun Mountain
May is a great time to hike up the Baiyun Mountain and enjoy the breathtaking views of Guangzhou. The mountain is known for its lush greenery, beautiful temples, and serene atmosphere. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and the cool weather in May makes it the perfect time to explore the trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Visit the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
May is a great time to visit the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, a historic Buddhist temple that dates back to the 6th century. The temple is known for its beautiful pagoda, intricate carvings, and serene atmosphere. It's a great place to learn about the history of Buddhism in Guangzhou and admire the stunning architecture and artifacts.
Explore the Shamian Island
May is a great time to explore Shamian Island, a historic area in Guangzhou that was once a foreign concession. The island is known for its colonial architecture, tree-lined streets, and peaceful ambiance. It's a great place to take a leisurely stroll, admire the charming buildings, and learn about the history of the area.
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Holidays in Guangzhou in May
May
  • Labour Day (May 1)
  • Youth Day (May 4)
  • Dragon Boat Festival (May 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Guangzhou in May

Temperatures on an average day in Guangzhou in May

The average temperature in Guangzhou in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 87°F (30°C) to a low of 74°F (23°C). Some would describe it as very warm with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Guangzhou, August, has days with highs of 90°F (32°C) and lows of 77°F (25°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 47°F (9°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Guangzhou in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
87°F
highs
74°F
lows

General weather summary

Very warm with a gentle breeze
Feels like
63%
Chance of rain
0.357 in
Amount
11.2 mph
Wind speed
82%
Humidity
13.2 hrs
Daylight length
5:46 AM
Sunrise
7:00 PM
Sunset
30%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 87°F (30°C) and a low of 74°F (23°C), it generally feels very warm with a gentle breeze. There might also be a moderate chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt and top it off with a rain coat and rain boots
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Best attractions for Guangzhou in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Guangzhou has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Guangzhou that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Guangzhou for May.
Canton Tower
1. Canton Tower
4.5
(101)
Ferry terminal
Sights & Landmarks
Shamian Island
2. Shamian Island
4.3
(292)
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park (Main Gate)
3. Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park (Main Gate)
4.5
(209)
National park
Zoos & Aquariums
Large zoo in a resort complex featuring many exotic animals, plus a safari train & water park.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
4. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
4.4
(653)
Art museum
Museums
Built in 1894, this academic temple is a large, architecturally notable complex exhibiting artwork.
白云山
5. 白云山
4.5
(167)
Nature & Parks
Mountains
Scenic mountaintop overlook & natural area with hiking trails & a cable car to the top.
Chimelong Paradise
6. Chimelong Paradise
4.4
(341)
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Large amusement park with many white-knuckle rides, including a roller coaster with 10 inversions.
Yuexiu Mountain
7. Yuexiu Mountain
4.5
(26)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket Office
8. Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket Office
4.3
(19)
Event ticket seller
Nature & Parks
Chimelong International Circus Ticket Office
9. Chimelong International Circus Ticket Office
4.4
(39)
Visitor center
Concerts & Shows
石室圣心大教堂
10. 石室圣心大教堂
4.4
(236)
Church
Sights & Landmarks
Soaring 1888 Catholic cathedral, one of only a few in the world constructed completely of granite.
The Western Han Nanyuewang Museum
11. The Western Han Nanyuewang Museum
Building
Museums
Guangzhou Zoo
12. Guangzhou Zoo
4.3
(264)
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Park with a wide variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, pandas & exotic birds.
Chimelong Water Park
13. Chimelong Water Park
4.4
(227)
Water park
Water & Amusement Parks
Sprawling aquatic recreation center with colorful slides & tubing rides, plus music & dance shows.
珠江新城
14. 珠江新城
4.6
(14)
Sights & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings
Modern business district featuring residential skyscrapers, malls & arts venues, plus Zhujiang Park.
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
15. Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
4.4
(528)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Buddhist temple complex first built in 510, featuring a main hall & flowerlike pagoda with relics.
Guangzhou Library
16. Guangzhou Library
4.6
(94)
Library
Giant public library featuring over 8 million books & a mix of modern & traditional Lingnan design.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Guangzhou?

Get inspired for your trip to Guangzhou with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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