Macau Travel Info

CLIMATE IN MACAU

Best time to visit Macau
The climate in Macau is temperate throughout the year. The average temperature is about 23°C, ranging from 20°C – 26°C. Macau has an average of 79% humidity throughout the year. The rainy season lasts from May to September, with June being the wettest month. October and November are the ideal months to visit Macau, with mild temperatures and dry weather. It is often sunny in the winter months from December to March although it can be a little bit cold. Temperatures begin to rise in April and the heat becomes more intense from May to September. The coldest month appears in January which has the average temperature of 18°C, while the warmest month is July with the average temperature of 32°C.

Seasonal Overview
Macau has a humid subtropical climate. In winter, Macau experiences a north wind, cold and dry weather and low rainfall, due to a cold continental high-pressure system at medium and high latitudes. In summer, Macau is mainly subject to southwesterly winds, hot and wet weather and heavy rainfall, due to the influence of oceanic tropical weather systems. Its spring and autumn are relatively short.

The typhoon seasons in Macau normally runs from May to early November, with July, August and September being the most seriously affected months. When Typhoon signal No. 8 or above is hoisted, public offices and public transportations will shut down. Ferries and flights will stop running temporarily. The cross-sea bridges will be closed. All outdoor and marine activities will be suspended.

Visitors are advised to wear light cotton clothes in summer, while woolens are recommended along with a thick jacket or an overcoat to keep warm during winter. It is great to bring along cardigans or sweaters in spring or autumn as nights are cooler during the two seasons. Be prepared for rain at any time, but particularly from May to September.

Spring – March to April
Average Temperature: 18 – 23°C
March is the start of the short spring season, with pleasant weather that hosts average temperatures between 16°C and 21°C. The skies are mostly cloudy. It may be cooler at night, so be sure to take a coat to keep you comfortable. The rain begins to pour in April, with an average precipitation of 199mm. April is the most humid month of the year. The skies are cloudy. The weather is moist and foggy, with pleasant temperature.

Summer – May to September
Average Temperature: 26 – 32°C
The summer and rainy season coincide in Macau. Summer season in Macau begins in May, usually lasts till the end of September. The long summer season is very hot and humid, with occasional showers or thunderstorms. June and August have the highest average rainfall of the year. On sunny days, the temperature can reach 35°C, making it unfavorable for outdoor sightseeing. Usually, the weather remains hot and muggy even at night. July is the warmest month, with an average maximum temperature of 32°C. The probability of typhoons is highest in this season. Typhoons bring heavy rains and strong winds for a few days, with the risk of flooding and storm surges.

Autumn – October to November
Average Temperature: 21 – 26°C
The short autumn season brings drier and cooler weather with plenty of sunshine. It is considered the best time to visit Macau. You can expect clear days and comfortable temperature, making it an ideal time to get out and explore the city.

Winter – December to February
Average Temperature: 14 – 19°C
The winter months in Macau are generally cold, dry and often sunny. The temperatures range between 14 and 19°C, and sometimes can get as low as 10°C. The driest month and coldest month appear in January, with an average maximum temperature of 18°C.

Average Temperature and Precipitation

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Both Hong Kong and Macau are considered two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of the People’s Republic of China. Macau is situated at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta, along the southeast coast of Mainland China, 60 Km west of Hong Kong. It is surrounded by the South China Sea in the east and south, and neighbours the Guangdong city of Zhuhai to the west and north.

The Macao Special Administrative Region has grown in land area from 11.6 Km2 in 1912 to 32.9 Km2, due to land reclamation along its coastline. Macau comprises Macao Peninsula, which is connected to Mainland China, the two islands of Taipa and Coloane, the reclaimed area COTAI, Zone A of the new district and Macao Administration Zone on the Artificial Island of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge. The Hengqin campus of the University of Macau also falls under the regional government’s jurisdiction. Macao Peninsula is connected to Taipa by three bridges, while the two islands are linked by Cotai, the area of reclaimed land.

Besides the Border Gate (Portas do Cerco), visitors can access Mainland China through the COTAI Frontier Post.

POPULATION
The total population is estimated at around 685,400. Over 90% of Macao residents are ethnic Chinese. The remaining includes Portuguese, Filipino and other nationalities.

LANGUAGE
Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages while Cantonese being most widely spoken. The official languages are used in government departments in all official documents and communications. English is generally used in trade, tourism and commerce.