China’s national average annual temperature reached 10.9°C (51.6°F) in 2025, tying the record set in 2024, and marking the highest number of high-temperature days ever recorded, the China Meteorological Administration said Thursday.
The announcement was made during a press conference alongside the release of the administration’s 2025 climate bulletin.
According to the administration, 2025 was the warmest year since nationwide records began in 1961, continuing a long-term warming trend. Days with temperatures at or above 35°C—China’s definition of high-temperature days—were more frequent than ever.
From late June to early September, central and eastern China experienced sustained heat, while average precipitation was 4.5% above normal. Northern China saw record rainfall in both amount and duration, and western China recorded the heaviest autumn rains on record.
The increase in extreme heat and heavy rainfall highlights growing risks from flooding and other natural disasters, the administration said.