Nanjing, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Nanjing, China? If you're planning to go to Nanjing, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Nanjing
- Important essentials for Nanjing
- Activities for Nanjing
- Nanjing in January: weather and what to pack
- Nanjing in February: weather and what to pack
- Nanjing in March: weather and what to pack
- Nanjing in April: weather and what to pack
- Nanjing in May: weather and what to pack
- Nanjing in June: weather and what to pack
- Nanjing in July: weather and what to pack
- Nanjing in August: weather and what to pack
- Nanjing in September: weather and what to pack
- Nanjing in October: weather and what to pack
- Nanjing in November: weather and what to pack
- Nanjing 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 Nanjing, China
Based on the climate and weather in Nanjing, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
Important essentials for Nanjing, China
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Nanjing, 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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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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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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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a good choice.
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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 Nanjing. 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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Airplane or car necessities
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
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Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. This one works in most places, but check with your hotel.
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For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Nanjing, China by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you vacation in Nanjing during January, you will probably find that it can be brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
February
February here is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
March
March in Nanjing can be brisk. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
April
April in Nanjing is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
May
If you visit Nanjing during May, you are likely to see that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally around 60 during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Extra socks
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Bug repellent
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Sandals
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Sunscreen lotion
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Light dresses
You can find some great options here
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Short pants or heavy shorts
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Long and short sleeve shirts
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Breathable footwear or sandals
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Light skirts
June
June for Nanjing is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Loose-fit shorts
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Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
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Sunglasses
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Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
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Bug repellent
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Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
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Waterproof sandals
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Skirts
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Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
July
July in Nanjing is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
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Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
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Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
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Loose-fit shorts
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Skirts
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Waterproof sandals
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Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
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Sunglasses
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Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your coat can be a lifesaver by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
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The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots work well for stormy weather:
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An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for stormy weather.
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Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. The finest luggage can let rain in. We recommend:
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Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
August
August in Nanjing can be very hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
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Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your coat. We like this one.
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The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are great for stormy weather:
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An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
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Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. The finest luggage can let moisture in. We recommend:
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Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
September
Traveling to Nanjing in September, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Bug repellent
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Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
October
October is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
November
November in Nanjing is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
Activities for Nanjing, China
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Nanjing.
If you see a temple, such as Confucius Temple, wear:
If you visit the Nanjing Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
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Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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Comfy walking shoes
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Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Castle hopping? For Ruins of the Ming Dynasty Imperial Palace, take:
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Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Iligan, Philippines, Kolomyia, Ukraine, Lakselv, Norway, Nové Město na Moravě, Czech Republic, Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada, Millport, Scotland, United Kingdom, Actun Tunichil Muknal, Belize, Paderborn, Germany, Gulu, Uganda, and Altoona, Pennsylvania, United States of America.