China Climate & Weather Guide: Best Time to Visit China (2026)

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Table of Contents

  • 1. What Is China’s Climate Like?
  • 2. China Weather by Season
  • 3. China's Climate Characteristics by Region
  • 4. China’s Major Tourist City Weather Guide by Month (℃ | ℉ & Rainfall mm)
  • 5. Travel Tips Based on China’s Weather
  • 6. FAQ on China Weather

When we talk about China weather, we think it is very complicated -- because China's climate is complex and diverse.

In the eastern monsoon region, dry and cold continental air currents prevail in winter in China, while in summer it is controlled by the moist and warm oceanic seasonal influence. The northwest inland presents a dry climate feature, and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau forms a unique high-altitude cold climate. Moreover, China's climate pattern is also influenced by the latitude position, the distribution of land and sea, the topography and terrain, and the monsoon circulation.

So, when is the best time to visit China? While spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are considered the best times to travel to China, China is suitable for travel all year round, depending on your interests and preferences.

The best time to visit for hiking the Great Wall is September through October, but you should avoid China Golden Week during the National Holiday. The winter in China is cold, yet Harbin witnesses its exciting Snow and Ice Festival, and Sanya's beaches are best visited in milder weather. 

Our China climate and weather guide breaks down regional weather, seasonal patterns, average temperatures, and the ideal times to visit the top tourist destinations in China for different experiences.

Great Wall of China in Spring

What Is China’s Climate Like?

The main characteristics of China's climate can be summarized as follows: the climate types are diverse and changeable, and the continental monsoon climate is prominent.

The vast territory of China spans nearly 50 latitudinal degrees, and most of it is in the temperate zone, with a small part extending south into the tropical and subtropical zones and the northernmost tip close to the Frigid Zone. There are perennial icy and snowy zones in some alpine regions.

China is a world-renowned monsoon region, where most parts are cold and dry in winter and hot and rainy in summer. Diverse temperature belts and arid and humid areas have formed the country's complex climate, a complexity that is enhanced by the country's variegated landform. 

The northern part of Heilongjiang Province has long winter but no summer, while the Hainan Island has long summer but no winter. The Huai River valley is marked by distinct seasonal changes, but it is spring all year round in the south Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. In the northwest hinterland, the temperature changes strikingly. China's high tundra zone is in the southwest of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where the temperature is low all year round. Some deserts are perennially dry and rain-poor.

The annual average precipitation across the country decreases from the southeast coast to the northwest inland. The 400 millimeters precipitation line corresponds to the boundary of the influence of the summer monsoon, and the 800 millimeters line is distributed along the Qinling-Huai River.

Zhangjiajiie in Summer

China Weather by Season

China's seasonal climate is defined by multiple classification standards. In ancient times, the four seasons began with the solar terms. Astronomically, the boundaries are marked by the vernal equinox, summer solstice, autumnal equinox, and winter solstice. Modern climatology employs a temperature-based classification: periods with temperatures ≥22°C are classified as summer, those ≤10°C as winter, and the intermediate periods as spring and autumn. 

Spring in China (March to May)

As winter transitions to spring, temperatures rise rapidly. By February, the 0°C isotherm extends from the Huai River to the Yellow River. By March, it reaches southern Inner Mongolia. By April, temperatures rise above 0°C across most regions except mountainous areas like the northern Greater Khingan Range, the Altai Mountains, western Tianshan Mountains, and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Northern regions (e.g., Beijing and Harbin) and the Junggar Basin see temperatures between 0°C and 6°C. The Yellow and Huai River basins and the Tarim Basin reach 12°C to 16°C, while areas south of the Yangtze River (e.g., Guilin, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong) experience 16°C to 26°C. However, “spring cold snaps” frequently occur nationwide, especially in March and April, when temperatures may plummet suddenly.

Spring precipitation is scarce. Except for a fairly extensive spring rain zone in the Jiangnan region, most areas remain dry and arid.

Best places to visit in China in spring

Yunnan (Kunming, Dali, Lijiang): Sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C, almost no rainfall. The highlights of the Yunnan tours at this time are cycling by the Erhai Lake, strolling in the Lijiang Ancient Town, and hiking in the Ruiping Sunflower Sea.

Guilin and Yangshuo: Temperatures range from 20 to 25°C. After being moistened by the spring rain, the mountains and waters appear even more lush and green. The scenery of the misty Li River is dreamlike and enchanting.

Central and Lower Yangtze River Region (Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Jiangnan Water Towns, Huangshan): Continuous spring rain creates a poetic and picturesque atmosphere. The West Lake in Hangzhou, the gardens in Suzhou, the ancient villages in southern Anhui (Hongcun, Xidi), and hiking in Huangshan will make your Chinese Spring Festival trip unforgettable. 

Recommended China Tours in Spring

  • 19 Days Wonders of South China Tour
  • 10 Days South China Explorer Tour for Seniors

    • Take Yangtze River Cruise in Spring

    China Spring Travel Guide

    1. You need to prepare multiple layers of clothing ranging from thin T-shirts to windproof jackets.
    2. Avoid the domestic travel peaks during the Qingming Festival (in early April) and Labor Day (in early May).
    3. Avoid the Qingming Festival (early April) and Labor Day (early May).

    Summer in China (June to August)

    The primary characteristics of summer in China are high temperatures and abundant rainfall. Except for the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, high temperatures prevail nationwide, with July temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C across most regions. South of the Huai River basin, temperatures generally reach 28°C to 30°C. Chongqing, Wuhan, and Nanjing are renowned as China's three major “furnaces.” Meanwhile, the Turpan Basin (e.g., in Xinjiang) experiences extreme maximum temperatures of up to 48.9°C. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau remains below 10°C.

    Summer monsoons originate from tropical oceans, making summer the wettest season in most parts of the country. The plum rain season typically lasts from mid-June to early July, approximately one month. During this period, continuous rain, often accompanied by heavy rain and thunderstorms, can bring total rainfall up to 300 millimeters. Typhoons have a significant impact on southeastern China (including Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces) and southern coastal areas (such as Fujian, Guangdong, Taiyuan, Macau, and Hong Kong).

    Best Places to Visit in Summer

    The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (Tibet, Qinghai, Western Sichuan): The best places to visit in China during summer. Their temperatures range from 15 to 25°C. Don't miss Lhasa's Potala Palace, Namtso Lake, Mount Qomolangma Base Camp, Qinghai Lake Cycling around the lake, and Daocheng Yading.

    The northwest of Yunnan (Shangri-La, Lijiang): The weather is cool and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C. Although there is plenty of rain, it is mostly in the form of showers. Let yourself immerse yourself in Pu'Daoshuo National Park, visit Songzanlin Monastery, and hike along Tiger Leaping Gorge.

    The Inner Mongolia Grassland: July and August are the most beautiful seasons for the grassland. It is dry and cool, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 28°C. Ride through Hulun Buir Grasslands or Xilingol Grasslands, ride horses, stay in yurts, watch the starry sky and the Nadam Fair. 

    Recommended China Tours in Summer

  • 7 Days Tibet Highlights Tour
  • 12 Days Wild West Yunnan Tour

    • Hulunbuir Grassland in Summer

    China Travel Tips in Summer

    1. Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses and umbrella are essential.
    2. For your summer trip to China, pay close attention to typhoon warnings and flight and railway information.

    Autumn in China (September to November)

    Autumn brings mild weather and sunny skies to most parts of China. Temperatures follow the opposite trend of spring, cooling down from warm to cold. The distribution of isotherms in October is largely similar to that in April.

    The Greater Khingan Range, Tianshan Mountains, and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau see monthly average temperatures below 0°C. In North China, monthly averages range from 6°C to 16°C. Regions south of the Huai River and Qinling Mountains, and north of the Nanling Mountains, experience temperatures ranging from 16°C to 22°C. Southern China sees temperatures between 22°C and 24°C.

    Precipitation is relatively low. Except for the southeast coastal areas, the eastern side of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, regions south of the Qinling Mountains, and Sichuan-Guizhou, where over 30% of annual rainfall occurs, most other parts of the country receive between 15% and 20% of their annual precipitation during this season.Autumn is considered the best time to visit China weather-wise, as the weather is most comfortable and late September through late-October brings fabulous fall colors to the landscape. 

    Best Places to Visit in China in Autumn

    Beijing: Take a Great Wall of China tour to hike along the Mutianyu or Jinshanling, capturing the vibrant autumn foliage against the backdrop of the ancient walls. The ginkgo trees at the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven are ablaze with golden leaves. Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan) is another excellent spot to appreciate Beijing's autumn scenery.Jiuzhaigou: The colorful forests of Jiuzhaigou are reflected in the azure lakes.Kanas and Hemu, Xinjiang: Renowned for possessing some of China's most beautiful autumn scenery, composed of golden birch forests, dark green pines, emerald lakes, and the traditional Tuva wooden houses.Huangshan and Ancient Villages of Southern Anhui: Explore Huangshan's uniquely shaped pines and rocks, its autumn sea of clouds, and the black-tiled roofs and white walls of ancient villages like Hongcun and Xidi.

    Best China tours in Autumn

  • 6 Days Private Beijing Jiuzhaigou Tour
  • 8 Days Beauties of Central China Tour

    • China Jiuzhaigou in Autumn Season

    China Autumn Travel Tips

    1. Avoid the National Day Golden Week in China, when domestic tourism is at its peak and tourist attractions are overcrowded, with airfares and hotel prices soaring.
    2.  The temperature difference between day and night in autumn increases further. Dress appropriately and adjust your clothing as needed.

    Winter in China (December to February)

    Winter is the coldest season in China, with January being the coldest month of winter. More than two-thirds of the country experiences average temperatures below 0°C.

    In North China, and most of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the average January temperature falls below -10°C. Areas including the Greater Khingan Range, Lesser Khingan Range, Altai Mountains, and northern Tibetan Plateau see temperatures below -20°C, while regions north of the Greater Khingan Range drop below -30°C. 

    The southern regions only experience light snowfall. Temperatures south of the Nanling Mountains remain above 10°C. Looking for China's best winter destinations? Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hainan Island enjoy spring-like warmth, with temperatures typically between 15-25°C.

    Unique China Winter Travel Experiences

    Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: Every December to February, Harbin becomes the world's largest ice and snow theme park. Here, there are also Sun Island Snow Expo, Yabuli Ski Resort, and ice activities on the Songhua River.Sanya Vacation: In the winter with an average temperature of 22-28°C, enjoy the sunshine, sandy beaches, blue sea and sky, and various water activities.Xishuangbanna's Tropical Rainforest

    Popular China Winter Tours

  • 4 Days Harbin & China Snow Town Tour
  • 7 Days Beijing Harbin Winter Tour

    • China Harbin in Winter

    China Winter Travel Tips

    1. If traveling to northern China, be sure to pack warm clothing.
    2. Except for popular winter escape destinations (like Sanya), winter is the off-season, offering relatively cheaper admission fees and accommodations.

    China's Climate Characteristics by Region 

    >
    RegionCore Climate FeaturesMajor Cities/AreasWinter Temp. Range (°C)Summer Temp. Range (°C)Annual Precipitation Pattern
    East ChinaDistinct four seasons, humid subtropical monsoon climateShanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Huangshan0 - 1025 - 35Abundant rainfall, concentrated in summer (Jun-Aug), includes Meiyu season (plum rains).
    South ChinaWarm & humid tropical/subtropical monsoon climateGuangzhou, Hong Kong, Guilin, Hainan, Kunming10 - 2028 - 35Plentiful rainfall, long rainy season (Apr-Sep), susceptible to typhoons. Kunming has a spring-like climate year-round due to high altitude.
    North ChinaCold winter, hot summer, precipitation concentrated in summer (temperate monsoon)Beijing, Xi'an, Luoyang, Harbin-20 - 025 - 35Rainfall highly concentrated in summer (Jun-Aug). Dry and windy with potential sandstorms in winter/spring. Harbin experiences severe winter cold.
    West ChinaArid, large diurnal temperature range (temperate continental/plateau climate)Ürümqi, Lhasa, Xining-15 - -515 - 30Scarce precipitation, dry climate, strong sunshine. Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region (Lhasa, Xining) has low annual average temperature and strong UV radiation.

    China’s Major Tourist City Weather Guide by Month (℃ | ℉ & Rainfall mm)

    Destinations (Climate Characteristics)JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
    Beijing(Temperate monsoon, cold-dry winter, hot-rainy summer)1°C
    34℉    		4°C
    39℉    		11°C
    52℉    		20°C
    68℉    		27°C
    81℉    		30°C
    86℉    		31°C
    88℉    		30°C
    86℉    		26°C
    79℉    		19°C
    66℉    		10°C
    50℉    		3°C
    37℉

    		4mm5mm9mm21mm32mm74mm193mm190mm51mm17mm7mm3mm
    Xi'an(Warm-temperate monsoon, distinct seasons, dry spring)5°C
    41℉    		8°C
    46℉    		15°C
    59℉    		21°C
    70℉    		27°C
    81℉    		32°C
    90℉    		33°C
    91℉    		31°C
    88℉    		25°C
    77℉    		20°C
    68℉    		12°C
    54℉    		6°C
    43℉
     6mm9mm23mm44mm58mm53mm92mm87mm96mm57mm21mm7mm
    Luoyang(Similar to Xi'an, temperate monsoon)4°C
    39℉    		7°C
    45℉    		13°C
    55℉    		20°C
    68℉    		26°C
    79℉    		31°C
    88℉    		32°C
    90℉    		30°C
    86℉    		25°C
    77℉    		19°C
    66℉    		11°C
    52℉    		5°C
    41℉
     7mm12mm25mm40mm55mm60mm140mm120mm80mm45mm20mm8mm
    Chengdu(Humid subtropical basin, cloudy-humid, less sun)9°C
    48℉    		11°C
    52℉    		16°C
    61℉    		21°C
    70℉    		25°C
    77℉    		27°C
    81℉    		29°C
    84℉    		29°C
    84℉    		25°C
    77℉    		20°C
    68℉    		15°C
    59℉    		10°C
    50℉
     8mm12mm20mm50mm85mm108mm236mm231mm124mm47mm18mm6mm
    Guilin(Humid subtropical, karst landscape, rainy)13°C
    55℉    		13°C
    55℉    		17°C
    63℉    		23°C
    73℉    		28°C
    82℉    		31°C
    88℉    		33°C
    91℉    		33°
    C91℉    		32°C
    90℉    		27°C
    81℉    		21°C
    70℉    		16°C
    61℉
     55mm84mm141mm124mm349mm339mm220mm183mm85mm88mm65mm48mm
    Zhangjiajie(Similar to Guilin, subtropical humid mountainous)8°C
    46℉    		10°C
    50℉    		15°C
    59℉    		21°C
    70℉    		26°C
    79℉    		29°C
    84℉    		32°C
    90℉    		31°C
    88℉    		27°C
    81℉    		22°C
    72℉    		16°C
    61℉    		11°C
    52℉
     40mm60mm100mm150mm200mm250mm200mm180mm100mm90mm70mm40mm
    Kunming(Plateau spring city, mild year-round, dry/wet seasons)15°C
    59℉    		16°C
    61℉    		19°C
    66℉    		22°C
    72℉    		24°C
    75℉    		24°C
    75℉    		24°C
    75℉    		24°C
    75℉    		22°C
    72℉    		20°C
    68℉    		17°C
    63℉    		15°C
    59℉
     15mm15mm20mm25mm100mm180mm220mm200mm120mm90mm40mm15mm
    Shanghai(Humid subtropical, maritime influence, four seasons)8°C46℉9°C48℉13°C55℉18°C64℉23°C73℉27°C81℉32°C90℉32°C90℉27°C81℉22°C72℉17°C63℉11°C52℉
     44mm57mm75mm88mm91mm169mm141mm135mm130mm54mm49mm39mm
    Hangzhou(Similar to Shanghai, humid subtropical, scenic lake)7°C
    45℉    		9°C
    48℉    		13°C
    55℉    		19°C
    66℉    		24°C
    75℉    		28°C
    82℉    		33°C
    91℉    		32°C
    90℉    		28°C
    82℉    		23°C
    73℉    		17°C
    63℉    		10°C
    50℉
     60mm80mm100mm120mm130mm200mm160mm150mm150mm80mm60mm50mm
    Guangzhou(Subtropical oceanic, hot-humid summer, mild winter)19°C
    66℉    		19°C
    66℉    		22°C
    72℉    		26°C
    79℉    		29°C
    84℉    		31°C
    88℉    		33°C
    91℉    		33°C
    91℉    		32°C
    90℉    		29°C
    84℉    		25°C
    77℉    		20°C
    68℉
     40mm60mm80mm170mm280mm280mm230mm220mm170mm90mm40mm30mm
    Hong Kong(Subtropical oceanic, humid, typhoon season)19°C
    66℉    		18°C
    64℉    		21°C
    70℉    		25°C
    77℉    		28°C
    82℉    		30°C
    86℉    		31°C
    88℉    		31°C
    88℉    		30°C
    86℉    		28°C
    82℉    		24°C
    75℉    		20°C
    68℉
     25mm45mm73mm153mm301mm367mm346mm380mm277mm120mm34mm27mm
    Harbin(Cold-temperate continental, severe winter, cool summer)-18°C
    0℉    		-13°
    C9℉    		-3°C
    27℉    		8°C
    46℉    		17°C
    63℉    		23°C
    73℉    		25°C
    77℉    		24°C
    75℉    		17°C
    63℉    		8°C
    46℉    		-4°C
    25℉    		-15°
    C5℉
     5mm5mm10mm20mm40mm80mm160mm120mm60mm30mm10mm5mm
    Urumqi(Mid-temperate continental, arid, large diurnal range)-12°C
    10℉    		-9°C
    16℉    		0°C
    32℉    		12°C
    54℉    		20°C
    68℉    		25°C
    77℉    		27°C
    81℉    		26°C
    79℉    		20°C
    68℉    		11°C
    52℉    		0°C
    32℉    		-10°C
    14℉
     10mm10mm20mm30mm30mm30mm20mm20mm20mm20mm20mm10mm
    Lhasa(Plateau climate, dry, strong sunlight, large diurnal range)7°C
    45℉    		9°C
    48℉    		12°C
    54℉    		15°C
    59℉    		19°C
    66℉    		22°C
    72℉    		22°C
    72℉    		21°C
    70℉    		20°C
    68℉    		16°C
    61℉    		11°C
    52℉    		8°C
    46℉

    		1mm1mm3mm6mm25mm70mm120mm130mm60mm10mm2mm1mm

    Please note: The above information presents the average temperature and precipitation levels for each city based on historical data. If you want to know the weather in China today or now, please check the China weather forecast.

    Travel Tips Based on China’s Weather

    How to Plan a China Trip Around the Weather

    For first-time visitors to China, spring and autumn are the best seasons for visiting classic destinations in China, such as Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, etc. If you visit in summer, embark on a Silk Road tour and explore Xinjiang, Gansu and Inner Mongolia. What about winter? You can choose either Sanya or Harbin, for a warm winter escape or an exciting winter party.

    Dealing with pollution and air quality

    In northern China, sandstorms occur sometimes in spring, and some cities may experience pollution as well. You can use a weather app to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) or consult your Easy Tour China travel advisor. On days with poor air quality, you can enjoy more indoor activities, such as visiting museums and art galleries.

    FAQ on China Weather

    What is the Weather Like in China at Christmas?

    Planning a China tour during Christmas and New Year? At this time, northern China is cold and dry, with frequent snowfall. Temperatures in Beijing range from -5°C to 5°C, while in Harbin they can drop as low as -20°C. Meanwhile, southern China is damp and chilly, with temperatures in cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing mostly between 0°C and 10°C.

    Does China Have Cold Weather?

    Yes, as mentioned earlier, some areas experience extremely cold winters. Mohe Town, China's “Arctic Village,” recorded an extreme low of -52.3°C.

    What Time of Year Is It Cheapest to Go to China?

    The cost of traveling is mainly driven by airfare and accommodation prices, which are directly related to the peak and off-peak seasons of tourism. Winter is the off-season for tourism in China, so it is also the cheapest time to visit most destinations in China (except for Harbin and Sanya).

    Keep reading: 

  • How Long to Stay in China: Best Itineraries
  • Top China Travel Tips for First-time Visitors to China
  • China Accommodation: Where to Stay in China

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