Weather and climate in China: when to go to China?
China is a vast country where altitude and soil type vary from one place to another. This has a radical influence on the country’s climate. China is a country with changing temperatures, diverse rainfall zones, and regions affected by the monsoon season. Generally speaking, summer is rainy with sometimes extreme heat spikes, and winter is cold and dry almost everywhere. Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons to plan a trip to China.
Five temperature zones
There are two very pleasant times to travel in China: spring and autumn. Winters in China are very harsh, with very cold temperatures, especially in the north and northeast. It can sometimes get as cold as -40°C. Summers are dry and hot, sometimes even very hot.
In central China, along the Yangzi River and within the valley that includes Shanghai, summers are very long but unpleasant because the heat is as intense as the humidity. Winters are short, cold, and rainy. Not recommended for sightseeing.
In the south of the country, the weather is very hot from April to September. Temperatures can reach a maximum of 40°C, but there are also frequent downpours and even the occasional typhoon. Winters are almost as cold as in the north.
Northwest China experiences hot and very dry summers, while winters are once again very difficult to bear. Temperatures can drop to -30°C.
In Tibet, it sometimes feels as if the four seasons have been compressed into a single day. Evenings are very cool, while midday temperatures can reach 38°C, which is no surprise. Tibet is an arid land with intense rainfall, especially in summer.
Precipitation
Rainfall is a common feature of China’s weather throughout the year. However, it’s worth noting that the climate is milder in the southeast than in the northwest. This is due to the presence of the sea. Typically, the rainy season occurs between May and September. If we consider precipitation to divide China’s climate into different zones, we can distinguish four zones: the humid zone, the semi-humid zone, the semi-dry zone, and the dry zone.
Monsoon
In summer, the monsoon, which comes from the West via the Pacific Ocean and also from the Southeast via the Indian Ocean, hits China. These monsoons are the main cause of rainy weather. They begin in April or May and mainly affect the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan. In June, the downpours move north and continue until July and August. They gradually stop starting in September and fade completely by October. Eastern China has a climate with four distinct seasons, while in the Northwest, a region where there is no monsoon, the weather is more linear and stable.
When to leave?
You can, of course, travel to China year-round, but you’ll need to prepare specifically for the varying climates of each season. If you want to avoid extreme temperatures, both freezing and freezing, it’s best to avoid traveling in winter or summer. However, summer remains the busiest season for tourism.
Seasons in China
Winter
Unless you enjoy (freezing) winter weather or winter sports, there isn’t much reason to visit China at this time of year.
However, prices are low and unlike the tourist season you will have space to visit because there are few tourists.
Northern China is extremely cold and the South quite depressing because the days are very short.
The most recommended winter destinations are Hainan Island and its heavenly beaches like those of Sanya, Yunnan, with dry weather and offering beautiful sunny days, or Harbin for the ice festival where you can admire magnificent ice and snow sculptures, and venture onto the frozen Songhua River.
Chinese New Year
While prices are very competitive in winter and tourists are few and far between, it’s quite the opposite during Chinese New Year. It’s very difficult to find train, bus, and plane tickets, as well as a hotel room, during Chinese New Year. In addition, most shops remain closed as all the Chinese return to their hometowns to spend the most traditional holidays with their families.
Early spring (late March – early April)
If you’re traveling to the northern regions of China, this time is highly recommended. It’s warmer than late autumn and it almost never rains.
If you go to the South of China the climate is very humid which can quickly become uncomfortable.
Spring (late April – early May)
The buds have bloomed and temperatures have risen. Just as in October, it is best to avoid national holidays (May 1st to 7th) for the same reasons mentioned above.
At the end of spring, temperatures are very pleasant with an average of 20° across the country.
While the rainy season is still far from over in northern China, it is slowly settling in in the south. Guilin and all other mountainous regions of China are particularly recommended, as the wind blows away the clouds and the scenery is breathtaking.
Summer (May to August)
First of all, you should know that summer is very hot and humid. Therefore, it is not an ideal time. If you want to travel to China in summer, it is advisable to go to Tibet, Northwest China, Inner Mongolia, or the mountainous regions, which are more livable in terms of temperatures.
The rainy season:
Summer rains should be taken into account as they can be a hindrance to your trip.
If you’re planning a cruise on the Yangtze or the Li River, it would be a shame to miss it because of rising floodwaters. This applies to all outdoor activities; if you’re planning a hike lasting several hours, it would be a shame to have it ruined by an impassable path.
Be aware that the further south you go, the stronger the monsoon will be. Hong Kong is one of the cities most affected by summer rains, while Xi’an in the north is only slightly affected.
The period when the rainy season is at its peak depends on the region you are traveling to. It is recommended to do your research if you plan to travel to China during this time of year.
Indeed, if you go to Guilin, the rainy season is heaviest at the beginning of June. In Shanghai, the rainfall is heaviest at the end of June and continues throughout July and August. In Hong Kong, the rainy season is heaviest in August.
September
You get all the benefits of October, plus slightly higher temperatures, which can be pleasant if you like the heat. However, be aware that there’s still plenty of precipitation, which will depend on the region you plan to visit.
September is the month of the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. It takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month according to the lunar calendar, and on this day the moon is rounder and more beautiful than the rest of the year. The full moon in China is often an occasion for family reunions, so you will have the opportunity to see the most beautiful Chinese customs and traditions. It is also during this time that delicious moon cakes are eaten, which should not be missed if you are in China at this time of year.
October
Autumn is a beautiful season, the temperatures are mild, the sun is present and the rain is almost non-existent.
Be careful, however, during the first week of October, the official Chinese holiday week, tourist spots are crowded and prices are 2 to 3 times higher than usual.
There are many festivals to attend throughout China. Whether it’s National Day (October 1st), the Canton Fair (starting October 15th), or the Shaolin Monks Kung Fu Festival… there’s no shortage of activities!
Tourist cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin, Hong Kong, Chengdu and many others are all pleasant at this time of year.
November
November is a wonderful month for the nuanced colors that can be seen throughout China. If you choose to travel to southern Yunnan, where bougainvilleas are in bloom and peach trees are in full bloom, you will be amazed by the depth of color. If you want to explore the Shanghai region and decide to head to the Yellow Mountains, you will be amazed by the exceptional landscapes that China has to offer.
Weather and climate information by destination in China
Below you will find more accurate weather information for each major destination in China.
Weather Beijing Weather Shanghai Weather Guiyang Weather Guilin
Weather Xian Weather Fujian Weather Canton Weather Shanxi