This study involved determining temporal variation in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in Houwan seawater. Factors causing the variability in PAH concentrations and partitioning of PAHs between the particulate and dissolved phases were investigated. The results showed that the total concentrations of PAHs in the dissolved phase and particulate phase ranged from 0.46 to 3.86 ng/L and 0.04 to 1.8 ng/L, respectively. The Houwan seawater is less contaminated with PAHs than the adjacent seawater. Sediment resuspension was likely the main reason for the high variability observed in PAH concentrations. This study also found a linear relationship between logKoc and logKow of PAHs. The observed high partition coefficients in this study may be explained by the presence of soot-like carbon, a strong adsorbent, in the suspended particulate matters.