Geographical position and Climate of Hainan
Hainan province, located at the southernmost point of China, is an island that lies to the south of Guangdong province separated by the Qiongzhou Strait. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 18°10′ – 20°10’N latitude and 108°37′ – 111°03’E longitude, making it the smallest province in terms of land area but the largest in terms of marine area in China.
The climate of Hainan is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The temperature is warm year-round, with an average annual temperature ranging from 23°C to 27°C (73°F to 81°F). Summers are hot and humid, dominated by the southwest monsoon, which brings heavy rainfall from May to October. Winters are mild and drier, influenced by the northeast monsoon from November to April. Hainan also experiences typhoons, typically occurring between July and November.
This tropical environment allows for a diverse range of flora and fauna to thrive in Hainan, and the pleasant climate makes it a popular destination for tourists seeking sunshine and beaches. Additionally, Hich climate supports a rich agricultural industry, including the cultivation of tropical crops such as coconuts, coffee, and pepper.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit this province is during the months of November to April. During this period, the island experiences its dry season with mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits. The weather is comfortable for exploring the island’s attractions without the high humidity and heat that come with the summer months.
From November to April, visitors can enjoy clear skies and pleasant breezes, perfect for sightseeing, swimming, and partaking in water sports. It’s also a great time to explore Hainan’s cultural sites and natural landscapes without the interruption of tropical rains.
Keep in mind that Chinese New Year usually falls between late January and February, which can be a particularly busy time with domestic tourists. If you prefer a quieter visit, you might want to plan your trip outside of this holiday period.
Travel to Hainan
Getting to Hainan Province is relatively easy due to its well-connected transportation system. Here are the primary ways to reach Hainan:
By Air:
- Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) and Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) are the two main airports in Hainan, with Haikou being the capital city. They offer numerous domestic flights from major cities in China as well as international flights from various countries.
- Direct flights are available from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong.
- International flights connect Hainan with destinations such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok.
With Train:
- The high-speed train network in China allows for convenient access to Hainan. Trains run from cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen to the railway stations in Haikou and Sanya.
- There is a unique train-ferry service that transports the entire train across the Qiongzhou Strait from the mainland to Hainan.
By Ferry:
- Ferries operate between Hainan Island and mainland China, with routes connecting cities like Haikou and Sanya to Guangdong province.
- The ferry is a popular option for those traveling with vehicles as it allows passengers to bring their own cars or bikes to the island.
By Bus:
- Long-distance buses run from cities in Guangdong province to Hainan, crossing over on ferries where necessary.
Once you arrive in Hainan, there are various modes of local transportation available, including buses, taxis, and rental cars, making it easy to explore the island’s attractions.
Places to visit in Hainan
Important Information
Capital – Haikou
Largest City – Haikou
Territory – 35,191 km2
Population – 10,081,232
Time Zone – UTC+8 (CST)