Plan your China tours now? This article describes the main climate zones in China, the characteristics of the seasons, the best months to travel to China, the peak holiday season, for your pre-trip preparation.
Overview of the Climate in China
The North China region, including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi and other places, has distinct four seasons, pleasant spring and autumn, cold winters and hot summers.
The East China region, including Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou and other places, is humid and rainy, with hot summers and moderate spring and autumn.
The South China and southeast coastal areas, including Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Hainan, Hong Kong and other places, have a subtropical climate, with warm weather throughout the year and frequent typhoons in summer.
The southwest region, including Yunnan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Chengdu, Chongqing and other places, has a diverse climate, with plateaus and basins coexisting. Summers are cool or humid.
In the northwest region, including Xi ‘an, Gansu, Xinjiang, Qinghai and other places, it is dry with little rainfall, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. Sand, dust and cold are quite obvious.
In plateau and cold regions, including Xizang, Qinghai, and northern Inner Mongolia, the sunlight is intense and the average annual temperature is relatively low.
Four Seasons of Tourism in China
In spring
From March to May, the weather warms up, and flowers are in full bloom. It is recommended to visit Beijing, Xi ‘an, Suzhou-Hangzhou, Wuyuan (for flower viewing), Guilin and Zhangjiajie.
In summer
From June to August, it is hot and humid, with much rain in the South China and dry heat in the North China. It is recommended to travel to Tibet, Qinghai, Guizhou, Yunnan (for summer retreat), Inner Mongolia grasslands and Changbai Mountain.
In autumn
From September to November, the weather is cool, with many sunny days and brilliant autumn leaves. The best tourist destinations in China in autumn are Beijing (Red Leaves), Shangri-La, Inner Mongolia and Daocheng, Sichuan.
In winter
From December to February, it is cold and dry, while the south is damp and cold. Of course, we suggest you go to Harbin for the Ice and Snow Festival, Sanya for escaping the cold & sunny beaches, and Yunnan in a warm weather.
The Best Time to Travel to Major Destinations in China
The best time for a Beijing tour is from April to May and from September to October. The weather is pleasant, suitable for visiting the cultural sights.
The best time for a trip to Xi ‘an is from March to May and from September to November. Because the ancient capital is at its most beautiful at this time, and the Terracotta Army is suitable for visiting during the off-season.
Shanghai is best visited from March to May and in October, as spring and autumn are the seasons for flower viewing and sightseeing. Avoid the rainy season in the hot summer.
Guilin and Yangshuo are the best places to visit from April to May and from September to November. The water volume of the Li River is moderate, and the landscape is picturesque.
Chengdu is best visited from March to June and from September to November, as the weather is mild and pandas are active.
Tibet is best visited from June to September. Because there is abundant oxygen in summer, and the weather is suitable for highland Tours.
The best time for a trip to Yunnan is from October to March of the following year. You can expert a warm weather and blooming flowers — the first choice for escaping the cold.
After understanding China weather and best time to visit China, you can contact Easy Tour China, one of the best local China tour companies to plan your China itinerary.
