In general, China weather features a distinct continental monsoon climate, characterized by cold winter and hot summer. However, it’s hard to define China weather in a few words because of vast land. It enjoys a rich climate and the weather differs from region to region by different temperature zones according to the diverse landforms. Two different cities may have totally different temperature and climate in the same time, that makes China is a great country to travel all the year around.

No matter when you step into the land of China, you can easily find some great places to visit. Traveling to China in different seasons, you will enjoy quite different scenery. It is also important to pack and dress accordingly if you visit different places or in different month. This China Weather Guide including weather today, climatic characteristics, different climate of top tourist cities, four seasons features, top recommended tours by months, etc. to help you enjoy a better China tour!

China Climate Types

The temperature varies a lot in cities in different climate zones. There are five climate types in China, including Tropical Monsoon Climate, Subtropical Monsoon Climate (Shanghai, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Kunming, Hangzhou…), Temperature Monsoon Climate (Beijing, Xian, Luoyang, Pingyao…), Temperate Continental Climate (Harbin, Inner Mongolia…) and Alpine Cold Climate (Chengdu, Lhasa, Jiuzhaigou, Qinghai…).

Precipitation and Humidity

The precipitation decreases from the southeast to the northwest. Generally, southeastern coastal cities receive about 2,000 mm. The annual rainfall of farther northern areas along Huai River decreases to around 880 mm. The northeastern regions along Yellow River have around 600 mm rainfalls annually. Rainy season starts from June to August usually, so the humidity is higher in summer and lower in winter.

Monsoon and Typhoon

Typhoons generally track in a westward or northern direction and hit China a bit often than other Asian countries. Beginning in May and ending in September, the monsoon in China visit route is from southeast area along the coast, the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River, and to north and northeast China. Devastating typhoons usually strike in the southern and eastern coastal regions of China, like Fujian, Hainan Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces.

Air Pollution and Smoggy Weather

The air pollutions in recent years make travelers afraid. Because of the government’s control of pollutant discharge, the air condition becomes much better. Smoggy weather always occurs between November to next January in some northern cities, like Shijiazhuang, Xianyang, etc. Visiting these cities, you should wear a mask. Tourist destinations with less pollution include Shanghai, Guilin, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Sanya, Lhasa, etc.