The concept of a “rainy season” is far more significant in Chinese and other East Asian cultures than in most Western cultures. It's not just a weather pattern; it's a major event that shapes life, agriculture, and even art. In much of the United States or Europe, rainfall is more evenly distributed throughout the year. A “rainy spell” is often unpredictable and short-lived. In contrast, the 雨季 in China is a predictable, annual phenomenon. For thousands of years, the timely arrival of the monsoon rains meant the difference between a bountiful harvest (especially for rice) and famine. This has embedded the 雨季 deep into the cultural consciousness as a force of both creation (life-giving water) and destruction (floods and landslides). A famous example is the 梅雨 (méiyǔ), or “Plum Rain” season, which occurs in the late spring and early summer around the Yangtze River Delta (including cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou). It's named this because it coincides with the ripening of plums. While essential for the crops, it's also known for its relentless dampness that can cause mold to grow on everything, a common complaint in daily life. This period is often referenced in poetry and literature to evoke a feeling of melancholy or pensiveness.
In modern China, 雨季 is a common topic of conversation and a practical consideration for everyday planning.
The term's connotation is generally neutral but leans slightly negative in casual conversation due to the inconvenience. However, in an agricultural or environmental context, it is seen as a positive and necessary event.