When to visit - China

What is the best time to visit China?

What is the best time to visit China?

The best times to travel to China are in the spring and autumn, when there are pleasant temperatures and it’s fairly dry across the country. China is a vast country, and there are distinct weather patterns in different regions. If you are planning a tour covering a few different areas, then travelling in Spring (April – June) and Autumn (September – November) gives you the best chance for good weather all round. For inspiration, see our selection of tours in China.

Best months to visit China

Best months to visit China

China can be a year-round destination, with very few areas being off-limits at any time of year. The winters can be extremely cold in the north and the summers are hot and humid in the south. The months of April, May, June, September & October are ideal months for travel almost anywhere in the country, but this means that some tourist areas can be busier. There are also a few festivals to avoid during these times, such as National Week at the beginning of October. If you want to avoid some of the crowds at the major sites a good time to visit China would be the shoulder season months of March and November.

When is the rainy season in China?

When is the rainy season in China?

The summer months of July to September see increased rainfall across the country, with rain being more frequent and heavier in the south where the climate is more tropical. However, China does not suffer from as intense a rainy season as its neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia, so there is no barrier to travelling during this time of year.

See our selection of the best experiences in China.

  • Best time to travelBest time to travel
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  • Very coldVery cold

Northern China Weather Information (Beijing)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Very cold
Very cold
Cool temperatures
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Green season
Green season
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Cool temperatures
Very cold
Max Temp °C14112127313130262093
Min Temp °C-10-8-1713182120146-2-8
Hours Daylight9101113141514131211109
Rainfall (mm)358243173179175482062

April – May: Northern China, including Beijing, sees a short but pleasant spring season. The temperatures start to rise from late March and continue to increase rapidly until the end of May. Bring some layers, particularly in early spring, as the temperature can be changeable and it will still be chilly in the evenings. Rainfall will also return to the city, becoming more likely as you get into May and closer to summer. At this time of year, the plants and flowers come back to life and Beijing is at its most picturesque. Visiting during this period gives you a good chance of seeing the spring blossom in bloom. We recommend Yuyuantan Park in west Beijing, which has an abundance of beautiful cherry blossoms every year. Overall, this is a fantastic time to travel to Beijing and the surrounding area!

June – August: Summer in Beijing is hot and humid. Temperatures frequently top 30°C, and there is an increased chance of rain. Sudden, heavy rainstorms are common during the summer, but they rarely last for long. Pack a light raincoat or umbrella in case you get caught unawares. The weather further north, around Harbin, is cooler and slightly drier, with temperatures generally staying in the mid-20s.

September – October: Autumn is one of the best times to travel in China, as the summer heat and rainstorms withdraw. There can be a big difference between day and night, so bring some layers for the evening. If the timing of your visit works out, head out to Xiangshan (Fragrant Hills), just outside Beijing, to see the autumn red leaves in all their glory. We recommend avoiding travelling to China during the first week of October. This is National Week holiday, and the trains and tourist areas can get very crowded.

November – March: The winter in Beijing can get very cold, with temperatures frequently dropping well below zero. This is a dry time of year, with very little rainfall and very occasional snow. Further north than Beijing, around Harbin, the temperature can drop to below -20°C, and there is heavy snow and ice. The Harbin Snow & Ice Festival is held here every year, and is an exceptional winter experience. Chinese New Year takes place in late January/early February. At this time there are increased numbers of people moving around the country and transportation and hotels can get very busy. We recommend avoiding travelling to China during Chinese New Year if possible.

Central China Weather Information (Chengdu - Sichuan Province)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Cool temperatures
Cool temperatures
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Good time to travel
Green season
Green season
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Good time to travel
Cool temperatures
Max Temp °C91116222628303025211611
Min Temp °C35813172122221815104
Hours Daylight9101112121313121110109
Rainfall (mm)91520488910922220912541187

March – Mid-May: Spring in Chengdu arrives early, around the beginning of March, and later in March in Xi’an, and is one of the best times of year to travel. Temperatures should reach up to the pleasant 20°Cs but will be cooler in the evenings and at night. Some light rain showers are expected as summer approaches. The scenery will become greener and flowers back in bloom. Head to the parks or mountains outside the cities to enjoy the beautiful spring blossom.

Late-May – August: Starting from late May, the summer in Central China is hot, humid, and wet. Sudden, heavy downpours are common, but are usually short-lived. Temperatures often top 30°C, but the humidity can make it feel hotter, particularly in the cities, such as Chengdu, Xi’an, and Chongqing. The hottest months are July and August. As the cities of Central China are very hot and humid in the summer we recommend heading out of the cities and into the mountains (for example Mt Qingcheng, Huashan, Emeishan, Zhangjiajie) to escape the worst of the summer heat.

September – October: Autumn is one of the best times of year to travel in Central China. The summer heatwave comes to an end and temperatures are cooler and less humid. Rain becomes less and less frequent as winter approaches. Take to the mountains and national parks (Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou, Mt Qingcheng, etc) to see the spectacular autumn leaves. We recommend avoiding travelling to China during the first week of October. This is National Week holiday, and the trains and tourist areas can get very crowded.

November – February: Winter in Central China, much like the rest of the county, is cold and dry. December and January are the coldest months and temperatures can drop down to around 5°C in Chengdu (although the humidity can make it feel colder), and below 0°C in Xi’an. Rain is uncommon at this time of year and it very rarely snows. Chinese New Year takes place in late January/early February. At this time there are increased numbers of people moving around the country and transportation and hotels can get very busy. We recommend avoiding travelling to China during Chinese New Year if possible.

Southwest China Weather Information (Guilin - Guangxi Province)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Cool temperatures
Cool temperatures
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Green season
Green season
Green season
Good time to travel
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Cool temperatures
Max Temp °C121316222730333330262015
Min Temp °C571116202325242217127
Hours Daylight101112131314141312111110
Rainfall (mm)589313325035534522717380876946

* Southwest China, particularly Yunnan province, has a very varied climate. The below is a general overview, but there may be variations depending on the specific areas you are visiting.

March – April: Spring is one of the best times of year to travel in Southwest China. Spring in Guangxi (Guilin, Yangshuo, Longji etc.) arrives early and is short-lived but pleasant. The temperature stays in the comfortable 20°Cs, but rainfall and humidity will increase as summer approaches. Spring in Yunnan on the other hand is longer and drier, with warm days and cool evenings from March through to May.  This is the optimal time to visit much of Yunnan, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures showing the whole province off at its best. The Water Splashing Festival takes place in Xishuangbanna in April each year to mark the Dai New Year, and is an exuberant three-day long celebration. Spring in Yunnan also sees the arrival of wild flowers, including azaleas, which can be seen growing in multitudes across the province. Dali and Lijiang are good places to see the spectacular spring flower scenery.

May – August: Summer in Southwest China is long and humid. In Guangxi & Guizhou the wettest months are May and June, but July & August are the hottest, with temperatures frequently topping 30°C. This is a great time of year for river cruises and exploring the countryside, as the river levels are high and the scenery is lush and green. Wear light summer clothing and always carry an umbrella for those unexpected downpours. Dragon Boat Festival takes place in June, and Guilin is a great place to see the boat races and other festivities. Most of central and northern Yunnan, including Kunming, Dali & Lijiang, has a warm summer, with some rain but much lower humidity than other parts of Southwest China. These areas see highs of around 27°C in the hottest months, but it rarely tops 30°C. On the other hand, Southern Yunnan (for example Xishuangbanna) is tropical and has a summer climate more similar to that in Southeast Asia – hot, humid and wet. Yunnan’s mushroom season starts from June onwards. Shaxi is a great pace to learn about the wild mushrooms and even pick some of your own.

September – November: Autumn is one of the best times of year to travel in Southwest China. Guangxi & Guizhou are both drier and cooler than the summer, meaning it is the perfect time of year to do some hiking in the countryside and enjoy the scenery. Most of Yunnan is generally cooler and less humid, and Autumn sees pleasant temperatures, little rain, and clear skies. In late Autumn the days will still be quite warm but evening and night-time temperatures will drop, so bring some layers when traveling at this time of year. September & October is one of the best times to visit the rice terraces of Longji and Yuanyang, as the rice fields are spectacularly golden just before the rice is harvested. We recommend avoiding travelling to China during the first week of October. This is National Week holiday, and the trains and tourist areas can get very crowded.

December – February: Winters in Southwest China tend to be quite mild compared to the rest of China. In Guangxi & Guizhou the winter period is brief and mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 5°C. However, the high levels of humidity make it feel much colder than it is, so we recommend taking some warm layers, particularly for the evenings. Winters are quite dry, with snow extremely rare except in the mountains. In Yunnan, the main destinations of Kunming, Dali and Lijiang see sunny days and cold nights. This is not the best time of year to travel to Zhongdian and the surrounding Tibetan region, as it can get very cold at the higher altitudes. However, winter is one of the best times of year to visit Xishuangbanna and the tropical south. China is not generally thought of as a winter destination, but the mild temperatures and reduced crowds in much of Southern and Southwest China mean that this can be a fantastic time to visit. Chinese New Year takes place in late January/early February. At this time there are increased numbers of people moving around the country and transportation and hotels can get very busy. We recommend avoiding travelling to China during Chinese New Year if possible.

* Guizhou Province has a number of small local festivals taking place throughout the year, which are well worth experiencing if your visit coincides. Exact dates change from year to year, but the some of the major festivals include: the Sister’s Meal Festival, usually around April; Lusheng Festival, usually around February; and the Miao New Year, usually around October.

Southern China Weather Information (Hong Kong)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Good time to travel
Good time to travel
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Green season
Green season
Green season
Green season
Green season
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Good time to travel
Max Temp °C191921252930313130282420
Min Temp °C141517212426272726231915
Hours Daylight111112131314131312121111
Rainfall (mm)234564150260356317337265953224

March – May: Spring in Southern China and Hong Kong can be changeable, with warm days but a chance of some rain or fog. Evenings can still be cool, particularly in early spring, so we recommend taking some light layers, but temperatures will start to rise as summer approaches. Rain showers and mist are common at this time of year. Overall this is a good time to travel, as the temperatures are cooler than the blistering summer months and the rain showers are lighter, but be aware that visibility is not at its best due to the mist. If you are looking for a beach break, then Spring is one of the best times to visit Hainan, as temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is low.

June – September: Summer in Hong Kong is hot and humid. Temperatures frequently surpass 30°C, and both rain and thunderstorms are common. Typhoons are occasionally experienced between July and September. July and August are peak travel months for mainland travellers in Hong Kong, so if you can, time your visit for May, June or September to avoid the main crowds. Wear light and loose clothing to stay comfortable in the humidity, and bring an umbrella for those inevitable sudden downpours! Dragon Boat Festival takes place in June, and Hong Kong is a great place to see the boat races and other festivities.

October – November: Autumn brings with it cooler temperatures and drier conditions, and as a result is one of the best times to travel to Hong Kong and Southern China. The weather should stay in the 20°Cs for most of the time, getting cooler in the evenings. Rainfall is low, and the days are generally bright and clear. The milder conditions mean this is an ideal time for sightseeing and hiking in the surrounding area. We recommend avoiding travelling to China or Hong Kong during the first week of October. This is National Week holiday in Mainland China, and large numbers of mainland tourists come to Hong Kong during this period so it can be crowded.

December – February: Winter in Hong Kong is short, arriving in early December and ending in late February. Temperatures are generally around 16 to 18°C, sometimes dropping to 10°C or lower during the night. Rain is uncommon at this time of year and it never snows. Due to the humidity it can feel cooler than it is, so make sure to bring some layers. Chinese New Year takes place in late January/early February. At this time there are increased numbers of people moving around China and transportation and hotels can get very busy. We recommend avoiding travelling to China or Hong Kong during Chinese New Year if possible.

The Silk Road Weather Information (Urumqi - Xinjiang Province)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Very cold
Very cold
Very cold
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Good time to travel
Good time to travel
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Very cold
Very cold
Max Temp °C-8-54172328302923143-5
Min Temp °C-17-14-4612161917124-5-14
Hours Daylight9101113141515141311109
Rainfall (mm)111322384237302825262015

April – June: Spring arrives later on the Silk Road than the rest of the country, but the weather changes quite rapidly when it arrives. Temperatures are still quite cool, ranging from 5-10°C near the start of the season up to 15-25°C as summer approaches. As some areas of the Silk Road are high altitude, the temperature in the evenings and at night will be much lower than the daytime. The flowers and plant life come back to life after the long winter, and this can be a very rewarding time to travel as the scenery is at its best across the whole region. Many of the mountain passes which are closed over the winter reopen to visitors from May, such as Karakul Lake along the Karakoram Highway outside Kashgar.

July – August: Summer along the Silk Road is hot, with temperatures frequently reaching 30°C in Urumqi, and often topping 40°C in Turpan, the hottest city in China. Most of the Silk Road is quite dry compared to the rest of China, with only a few days of rain expected per month. If you are comfortable travelling in hot weather summer is a good time to travel the Silk Road, as the scenery is lush and fruits are in season. Melons and grapes are the specialties of the region, found all over from Urumqi to Kashgar, and summer is the best time to sample them.

September – October: Autumn starts early in the Silk Road, around September. This is one of the best times to travel the Silk Road as the weather is cooler and more comfortable than the summer, and it is generally dry. Temperatures fall quite rapidly during this season, dropping from the heat of the summer to cooler days and cold nights as October draws on. Xinjiang is famous for having exceptional autumn scenery, and the autumn leaves of remote Kanas Lake are a spectacular sight. We recommend avoiding travelling to China during the first week of October. This is National Week holiday, and the trains and tourist areas can get very crowded.

November – March: Winter along the Silk Road is long and bitterly cold. Temperatures drop well below 0°C and stay there for several months, meaning this is not a good time for travel. However, the scenery outside the cities is amazing, with snow-covered mountains. This is a good region for skiing, but if you are traveling at this time you will need heavy winter clothes. Some of the remote and mountainous areas outside Urumqi and Kashgar will not be accessible at this time of year due to snow. Chinese New Year takes place in late January/early February. At this time there are increased numbers of people moving around the country and transportation and hotels can get very busy. We recommend avoiding travelling to China during Chinese New Year if possible. 

* Xinjiang is a predominantly Muslim area, so if your visit coincides with Ramadan please be aware that many local restaurants and shops may be closed. Tourist attractions are usually open as usual during this time.

Eastern China Weather Information (Shanghai)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Cool temperatures
Cool temperatures
Good time to travel
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Green season
Green season
Green season
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Good time to travel
Cool temperatures
Max Temp °C8913202528323228221711
Min Temp °C13611162125252116103
Hours Daylight101111121313131212111010
Rainfall (mm)7451108688320114522379614738

March – May: Spring is one of the best times of year to travel to Eastern China. Winter becomes a distant memory as the weather gets warmer and the flowers start to bloom. Blossom season is usually around March and April, and the parks around Shanghai and Hangzhou are beautiful at this time of year. There is usually some rainfall starting in this period, but it is generally light and should not disrupt your trip. Bring some layers for the evenings, particularly in early spring.

June – September: Summer is the longest season in Shanghai, lasting from June to September. July and August are the hottest months, and temperatures can frequently top 35°C. This is also the wettest time of year, and sudden heavy rainstorms are common. The Dragon Boat Festival takes place in June, and Hangzhou is a great place to see the boat races.

October – November: Autumn brings a dip in the rainfall and the weather gets cooler and drier as winter approaches. This is one of the best times to travel in Eastern China. This time of year also brings spectacular autumn leaves, which are particularly impressive around Huangshan (the Yellow Mountain). October and November is also hairy crab season in Shanghai, so make sure to try this delicacy while in and around the city! We recommend avoiding travelling to China during the first week of October. This is National Week holiday, and the trains and tourist areas can get very crowded.

December – February: Winter in Shanghai is fairly short and seldom drops below zero in the daytime. However, the humidity and wind can make the temperature feel colder than it is, so bring some warm layers if you are travelling at this time of year. Rain is uncommon at this time of year and it very rarely snows. Chinese New Year takes place in late January/early February. At this time there are increased numbers of people moving around the country and transportation and hotels can get very busy. We recommend avoiding travelling to China during Chinese New Year if possible.

Experiences to Inspire