Hunan, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Hunan, China? If you're planning to go to Hunan, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Hunan
- Important essentials for Hunan
- Activities for Hunan
- Hunan in January: weather and what to pack
- Hunan in February: weather and what to pack
- Hunan in March: weather and what to pack
- Hunan in April: weather and what to pack
- Hunan in May: weather and what to pack
- Hunan in June: weather and what to pack
- Hunan in July: weather and what to pack
- Hunan in August: weather and what to pack
- Hunan in September: weather and what to pack
- Hunan in October: weather and what to pack
- Hunan in November: weather and what to pack
- Hunan in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Hunan, China
Based on the climate and weather in Hunan, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Hunan, China
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Hunan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a great kit.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Hunan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. This one should be sufficient for most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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For families with young children
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Hunan, China by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, Hunan can be very chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Hunan, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. There is frost about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Hunan, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great option.
February
February in Hunan is cold. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) to high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
March
March in Hunan is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). There is frost occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
April
April in this region is balmy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
May
May in Hunan is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
June
In June, Hunan is extremely warm. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Hunan, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
July
July for Hunan is really hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
August
In August, Hunan is really hot. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Hunan, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
September
In September, Hunan is warm. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Hunan, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
October
If you visit Hunan during October, you will probably find that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
November
November in Hunan is cool. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
December
If you vacation in Hunan during December, you will probably find that it can be brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time. There is frost regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
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