Hainan
China's southernmost island province, Hainan suits travelers who want warm sea, slow beach days and a tropical break from the mainland.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Hainan is China's southernmost province, an island separated from the mainland by the Qiongzhou Strait. Its tropical climate means palms, warm water and sandy bays shape most trips. Sanya, on the southern tip, is the best-known resort city. Haikou, in the north, is the provincial capital and has its own airport.
Beaches are the main draw, but the forested mountains inland, part of a national park, offer a different pace. Li and Miao communities also call the island home, and their villages and crafts add another side to a beach trip. Hainan is a free trade port, so duty-free shopping draws some visitors. Four or five days covers a beach stay; a week or more lets you combine the coast with the interior. December to March is the best window, drier and cooler. Summer and early autumn bring heat, humidity and typhoon season.
Hainan in five
- Set up mobile data before you landGoogle services are blocked in mainland China. Maps, ride-hailing and food ordering mostly run through apps such as WeChat and Alipay. Buy an eSIM or local SIM before you arrive so map apps work from the first taxi ride.Phones and eSIM
- Carry yuan for small shops and marketsForeign cards work at larger hotels and some shops, but markets, street food stalls and many small vendors expect cash or mobile payment. Withdraw or change some yuan in Sanya before your first beach day.Money and costs
- Book your transfer from Sanya airportSanya Phoenix International Airport is outside the beach areas, so a taxi or ride-hail car is the usual way into town. Use the meter or confirm the app pickup point before you leave arrivals.Getting around
- Watch typhoon warnings from July to OctoberTyphoons hit Hainan most often in these months and can disrupt ferries, flights and boat trips. Check the warnings from the China Meteorological Administration before you book a boat or a flight.
- Carry your passport at all timesHotels register foreign guests with your passport at check-in, and police can ask to see it at any time. Keep the original with you, not only a photo on your phone.
Things to do in Hainan
See all attractions in Hainan
Need to know
- Currency
- Renminbi, yuan (CNY)
- Entry
- Visa-free for some nationalities under Hainan's policy; others need a visa Read more
- Emergency
- 110 police, 120 ambulance, 119 fire
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+8, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, mild
- FebruaryDry, mild
- MarchDry, warm
- AprilWarm, humid
- MayHot, rain starts
- JuneHot, rainy
- JulyTyphoon risk
- AugustTyphoon risk
- SeptemberTyphoon risk
- OctoberTyphoon risk
- NovemberDry, warm
- DecemberDry, mild
Right now in Hainan
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
19
- Feels like
- 21°
- Humidity
- 97%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 98%
Hainan
04:40 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today28°21°98%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Wed29°20°100%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu30°21°90%Thursday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 90%.
- Fri31°20°39%Friday: Fog. High 31°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 39%.
- Sat29°20°39%Saturday: Fog. High 29°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 39%.
- Sun28°19°91%Sunday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 91%.
- Mon24°19°100%Monday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 100%.
Updated 12:49 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 6.661 CNY
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Yalong Bayabout 30 min by taxi from central SanyaA long beach lined with resort hotels, close to the city.Read the guide
- Nanshan Templeabout 1 hour by car from SanyaA large Buddhist temple complex on the coast, with a tall statue of Guanyin.
- Haikouabout 2 to 3 hours by high-speed trainHainan's capital, known for its old arcade streets and a volcano geopark.
Before you go to Hainan
Rules for Hainan, checked
- Carry your passport at all times. Hotels register it at check-in, and police may ask to see it.
- Declare cash and goods above the limits on your customs form. Check the rules on the China Customs website.Source
- Many foreign apps and websites are blocked in China, including Google services. Download offline maps and check app access before you fly.
- Drug offences in China can lead to long prison sentences. Never carry a bag or parcel for someone else.
Plan around Hainan
Cities, regions and rules for the whole country
Read the guideSanya travel guideBeaches, bays and the main sights in the city
Read the guideGetting aroundAirport transfers, taxis and trains to Haikou
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, mobile payment and typical prices in Sanya
Read the guideVisas and entryVisa-free rules and what to check before you fly
Read the guideWhere to stayDadonghai, Yalong Bay and quieter resort areas
Read the guideHainan FAQ
Is Sanya worth visiting?
Yes, for the beaches and warm sea. It is a resort city, and day trips to Yalong Bay and Nanshan Temple are easy from the centre.
How many days do you need in Sanya?
Three to four days covers the beaches, Yalong Bay and one day trip. Add a day if you want Nanshan Temple and a slower pace.
Do I need a visa for Hainan?
It depends on your passport. Some nationalities can enter visa-free under Hainan's policy, so check the official entry page before you book.
Is Haikou better than Sanya?
Haikou is the provincial capital, with old arcade streets and more local life. Sanya has the beaches and most of the resorts, so it suits a beach trip.
Can I use Google Maps in Sanya?
No, Google services are blocked in mainland China. Use a Chinese map app such as Amap, or download offline maps before you arrive.
When is the best time to visit Hainan?
December to March is dry and mild, with the fewest storms. July to October brings the highest typhoon risk and heavy rain.