China
The best time to visit
When to go to China
Go in spring, April to May, or autumn, September to October, for the mildest, driest weather. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold, especially in the north. Avoid the national holiday crowds in early May and October.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Beijing. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Apr.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Rainy season.
In short
The year at a glance
China spans everything from frozen Harbin to tropical Hainan, but the classic route through Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai follows a clear four-season rhythm. The ratings key off Beijing, where spring and autumn bring the most comfortable, rain-free days.
Summer is hot and humid with the heaviest rain, and winter is cold and dry in the north. The dates to dodge are the Golden Week holidays around 1 May and 1 to 7 October, when domestic travel peaks and the great sights are packed.
Month by month
China month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Beijing.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C / 36°F | -9°C / 16°F | 3 mm | Avoid 17 | Freezing and dry. |
| February | 5°C / 41°F | -6°C / 21°F | 5 mm | Avoid 18 | Cold and dry. |
| March | 12°C / 54°F | 0°C / 32°F | 9 mm | Great 59 | Cool and dry. |
| April | 20°C / 68°F | 7°C / 45°F | 26 mm | Ideal 100 | Mild and dry. Beijing hotels in April |
| May | 26°C / 79°F | 13°C / 55°F | 29 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Beijing hotels in May |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 18°C / 64°F | 71 mm | Ideal 88 | Hot with a little rain. |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 21°C / 70°F | 176 mm | Good 52 | Hot and wet. |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 20°C / 68°F | 182 mm | Good 52 | Hot and wet. |
| September | 26°C / 79°F | 14°C / 57°F | 49 mm | Ideal 98 | Warm and dry. Beijing hotels in September |
| October | 19°C / 66°F | 7°C / 45°F | 22 mm | Ideal 96 | Mild and dry. |
| November | 10°C / 50°F | -1°C / 30°F | 7 mm | Good 49 | Cool and dry. |
| December | 4°C / 39°F | -7°C / 19°F | 3 mm | Avoid 17 | Cold and dry. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Beijing, Xi'an and the north
Best in spring and autumn, with cold winters and hot, wet summers. The Great Wall is glorious under autumn skies.
Shanghai and the east
Mild and humid, loveliest in spring and autumn. Summer is sticky and brings the odd typhoon to the coast.
Yunnan, Sichuan and the southwest
Milder year round, with a dry, sunny stretch from autumn into spring ideal for Guilin, Chengdu and the mountains.
Go for
Best time to visit China for
The Great Wall and Beijing
September and October for clear skies and comfortable days, or spring before the summer heat.
The classic cities
April to May and September to October for Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai at their most pleasant.
Yangtze cruises
Spring and autumn, with the gorges most atmospheric and the weather mild on the river.
Smaller crowds
The shoulder weeks outside the May and October national holidays, when the big sights are far quieter.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Spring blossom, April
Cherry and plum blossom open across the parks and the southern gardens.
Autumn colour, October
The Great Wall and the northern hills turn gold under clear blue skies.
Rainy season
Jul to Aug.
Hard cold
Dec to Feb.
Where to stay
Where to stay in China
Compare hotels and rentals around Beijing, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
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Questions