September is the ideal month: warm and clear, the summer humidity has broken, and the International Fashion Festival brings energy to the city. The beaches are still usable but no longer overwhelmed. October and November are mild, often beautiful, and very quiet by Chinese standards — a good time to explore the colonial architecture without crowds.
June through August is high season: hot, humid, and the beaches are packed with domestic tourists. July and August in particular see huge crowds at Fujiazhuang and Tiger Beach. Winter (December to March) can be harsh — temperatures drop to -10°C or below — but the city empties of tourists and has a different, quieter character. The Winter Swimming Festival in January draws participants from across China.