Hainan in September 2026 – is it worth going on vacation? Weather in Sanya and Dadonghai, Yalong Bay, reviews, water and air temperature, humidity, is it possible to swim, how likely are typhoons? What to take with you, prices for tours and hotels. What to do and what to see in Hainan in early autumn, what you need to know – says Eurotraveler.
In September you can relax in Turkey, which is gradually moving away from temperature extremes and therefore turning into a very attractive place. And also in Egypt. Also welcoming the velvet season, and no longer inclined to surprise travelers with temperatures of 40 (and above) degrees.
Well, you can do something less standard. And in general – very original.
For example, go to Hainan in China in September. The island is all tropical and exotic. But at the beginning of autumn, how can I say this, there is limited suitability for relaxation.
It’s all about the monsoon rains and especially typhoons. At the end of summer and beginning of autumn, they appear with enviable consistency over the South China Sea. And in most cases reaching the coast, Hainan, like most of Vietnam, knows firsthand what this natural phenomenon is.
And do not be lulled by the insinuating assurances of guidebooks and writers of paid reviews – they say that it only “rains” in Hainan in early September, and then it will be wow. Because the facts do not support such conclusions – both at the beginning and at the end of the first autumn month, the Chinese island can become a target not just for rain, but also for tropical showers and even hurricanes.
Well, that is, storms. Having an excellent chance of degenerating into a typhoon, which will be written and talked about a lot in the global media.
At such moments
It becomes alarming not only on the streets – by the way, sometimes they are like raging rivers – and not only on the beaches, under palm trees bending almost to the ground. You start to panic a little in the hotel room too. Especially when you find out about the closure of airports and other restrictions.
Yes, a typhoon usually lasts no more than a day or two. He then moves further west, and daily life in Hainan quickly recovers.
But, you must admit, if your vacation lasts only 6-7-8 days, it’s a shame to just lose a couple of them? Or not?
After all, watching the elements unfold from a safe distance is also entertainment (and generous with adrenaline)?
Judging by the fact that trips to Hainan are in demand in September, most tourists are more likely guided by the second consideration. Again, prices are lower than ever during this period of the year!
Worth knowing
- When does the velvet season begin in Hainan? Usually in October, when the rains stop and the weather calms down. Particularly cautious tourists can go to the island in November, a warm but moderately humid month. In a word – highly seasonal!
- What month is the rainiest in Hainan? July and August claim this title. However, it is worth remembering that precipitation on the island is often (almost always) salvo characterso it rarely rains for several days without a break. Usually the matter is limited to heavy rain, sometimes leading to local flooding
- Who is September in Hainan suitable for? First of all, to those who are determined save money on vacation in the tropics and has no reason to doubt his (good) health. For in September the weather in Sanya and Dadonghai, Yalong Bay is not only very damp and humid, but also unstable: one day it can be +30-35 °C, and on another – no more than +25 °C
Weather in Hainan in September
From the point of view of weather forecasting as a science, this is probably an interesting topic. But the average tourist would probably prefer something more predictable and stable.
One way or another, he (the tourist) will not have to freeze. Since the air temperature in Hainan during September is in the range of +25-38 °C. The first numbers are more typical for the end of the month, the second you have a chance to see in meteorological forecasts for the first ten days of the month.
Usually, however, in Hainan in early autumn less hot – no higher than +30-32 degrees Celsius. Which, as you might guess, against a background of high humidity, not everyone can tolerate equally well.
This point should be especially taken into account when planning a trip. Because if you read the reviews, you’ll be amazed at how much they all adore the humid stuffiness and are ready to exist in it forever (crossed out) for weeks.
Evenings in Hainan in September are cooler. And much more – temperatures drop to +24-26 °C at the beginning of the month and +22-25 °C at the end.
Equally, daytime temperatures also fall into approximately similar ranges. All it takes is for a tropical storm of decent size to arrive on the island.
Chance of a sunny day frankly small. But walking through unshaded spaces and under cloudy skies in Hainan can lead to a great burn (and very quickly).
Therefore, even if you are convinced that inclement weather is expected in the future, take plenty of sunscreen and long sleeves with you on vacation to China (and hats, too). Well, or buy all this on the spot – there will be something to do in case of “non-flying” weather.
Precipitation
It rains often and one might even say willingly. So if you decide that there are exceptions, and go to Hainan in September relying on your own luck and mostly dry weather, you may be very disappointed.
On the contrary, those who are mentally prepared to wander in the rain and are able to find pleasure in it (the rain on the island is warm, about the same as in the summer in southern Europe) will not be deceived. And they will even receive a bonus or several in the form of a completely dry day(s). Plus the opportunity to swim not in the pool, but in the sea.
The average monthly rainfall in Hainan during September is close to 200 millimeters. Inclement: partially or predominantly may be up to 18-20 days.
Well, yes – at the end of September the likelihood of rainy weather, as well as the arrival of a typhoon, decreases slightly. So if you shift your trip to dates bordering October, you might get a little more positive emotions.
In September 2025, Typhoon Ragasa, however, decided to hit southern China at the end of September – edition.cnn.com/2025/09/23/asia/typhoon-ragasa-hong-kong-southern-china-impact-intl-hnk. Hainan, however, was only slightly affected by the disaster…
Water temperature
It remains at commendable levels – in the range from +28 to +30 degrees Celsius. Obviously, in theory, everyone, young and old, will be able to swim in the sea, heated to such a state.
Of course, when the weather and rescuers allow it. Promptly and at any hint of strong wind, plant red flags on the shore.
You need to understand that even a visually not too stormy sea in the tropics can conceal serious danger. Because unstable and windy weather in this terrestrial climate zone contributes to the emergence of dangerous rip currents. Which are strong enough to drag an entire Olympic swimming team out to sea with them.
Here – about what rip currents are and how not to let them defeat you – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rip_current.
What to take with you
We have already mentioned sunscreen (with SPF 50 and above). As well as the need to take definitely summer clothes with you.
Moreover, we especially emphasize that there should be 3 or more sets of this clothing. So that you have something to change into, whether you get wet in the rain or simply sweat.
Take light raincoats and umbrellas with you. Plus rubber shoes (flip-flops, Crocs), in which it will not be offensive to walk on a water-filled sidewalk.
Carefully stock your first aid kit with first aid medications. Moreover, put there not only anti-poisoning remedies, but also antipyretic, antihistamine, and painkillers. Here’s what you need to put in your first aid kit for a beach holiday.
In our opinion, it is very advisable to take out travel medical insurance before traveling to Hainan. Or simply purchase a tour that includes this option by default.
Prices
tours to Hainan in early autumn 2026 look tempting! A week’s holiday for two people who decide to go to Sanya or Dadonghai in September will cost only €1100-1200. This amount will include flights to the island and back, transfers from (to) airport(s), insurance and breakfasts.
If you decide to travel to Hainan on your own, you will find that prices in local hotels are as follows:
- a double room at the Holiday Inn & Suites Sanya Yalong Bay, a very good hotel, one of the best on the island, will cost about €40 per night (accommodation only, breakfast not included). There is a swimming pool, a fitness center and a children’s playground, and the sea is no more than 7 minutes away
- It costs comparable money to stay at the Shengyi Holiday Villa Hotel in Sanya, located next to the city beach. There is a swimming pool of impressive size; if you are lucky with your room, you will be able to admire both the sea and the sunsets right from the balconies
Check hotel prices in Hainan
Cost of excursions
in Hainan has recently increased slightly, but is still at a level accessible to the majority of even poor tourists. For a fee of about €25-30 you can explore Sanya with a guide and, perhaps, take a cruise to Phoenix Island.
A slightly more expensive pleasure is a trip with an accompanying person to the Nanshan Buddhist Center. About €50-60 for a visit in an organized group to the Yanoda rainforest.
What to do and what to try
Obviously, the main goal of foreign tourists coming to Hainan is the beach and the sea. Sunbathe in the first and swim in the second – when these tasks are completed, and – even better – put on stream, the vacation can safely be considered a success.
Equally many, if not all, foreigners visit Hainan’s shopping malls and restaurants. How to get acquainted with the assortment and prices (well, buy souvenirs, of course), and through them with the life and realities of the country. Same goes for trying Chinese cuisine.
Quite original, but still not looking completely alien to a European.
In September, fruits such as mangosteens and rambutans, jackfruits and papayas, and melons and watermelons, which are more traditional for Westerners, ripen in Hainan. It’s still possible buy a mangothere is nothing to say about pineapples – they are sold “on every corner.”
Also in September, the harvest season of an interesting local fruit, sapodilla, starts in Hainan. It tastes like a cross between a fig and a persimmon.
Well, guava and coconuts ripen on the island all year round. Guava pulp is the basis for a variety of fresh fruit juices, and coconut milk on the island is the same as cow milk in Europe or America.
Here are the fruit seasons in Hainan.
What to see
If the weather is not as rainy as we predicted above, there are several interesting places worth visiting in Hainan.
The most easily accessible is the Deer Turned its Head Park in Dadonghai. From the top of which there are excellent views panoramic views.
Among the main attractions of the island is Phoenix Island, which looks very interesting (from a distance). As well as the Yanoda rainforest and the Nanshan Buddhist Center, which we have already mentioned.
Also, literally every first tourist considers it his duty to visit the local “Monkey Island”. And not everyone makes it to the Nian Tian thermal springs.
Which, however, not only perfectly relax, but also improve your health. Subjectively, it’s much better than the numerous massage parlors in Sanya.
© Eurotraveler
