Judged by the interval of temperature variety, China weather changes with seasonal replacement. In spring (March to May), the weather is warm and dry; in summer (June to August), it is hot and rainy; in autumn (September to November), the weather is quite cool on most windy days, while in winter (December to February), it is piercing cold and freezing in north China. Check the detailed weather in each season below:

Spring – March, April & May

Spring is always regarded as the beginning of a year in China. As the transition season between winter and summer, spring enjoys a changing temperature from cold to warm and an atmospheric circulation adjustment period. The air is usually dry in northern China and humid in southern China. It is a great time to travel China, especially in April and May.

China Weather in March

Average Temperature: 11.8 °C

Average Rainfall: 42.3 mm

Highlights: Rape Flowers, Peach Blossoms

Recommended Places: Beijing, Wuyuan, Nyingchi, Hangzhou, Danba

Seasonal Activities: Great Wall Hiking, Yangtze River Cruise

Packing Tips: Normal spring clothing like long skirts, sweaters, windbreakers… and extra thick layers

China Weather in April

Average Temperature: 12.3 °C

Average Rainfall: 59.4 mm

Highlights: Rape Flowers, Peach Blossoms

Recommended Places: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Huangshan, Weifang…

Seasonal Activities: Kite Flying, Hiking, Photography

Packing Tips: Normal spring clothing like long skirts, windbreakers, skirts…

China Weather in May

Average Temperature: 17.1 °C

Average Rainfall: 69.7 mm

Highlights: Azalea

Recommended Places: Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guilin

Seasonal Activities: Hiking, Photography, Biking

Packing Tips: Light spring clothing like long skirts, windbreakers, skirts…

Summer – June, July & August

Summer in China is from June to August in China, featuring hot and wet weather. Many regions suffer temperature of over 30 °C in July and the most precipitation of 40-70% of the whole year in this season. However, there are still many places to go to escape the summer heat and wonderful scenery in summer contains rivers, lakes, grassland and islandscape.

China Weather in June

Average Temperature: 20.7 °C

Average Rainfall: 85.7 mm

Recommended Places: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Shangri-La

Seasonal Activities: Hiking, Photography, Sand Festival (Dunhuang)

Packing Tips: Sunblock, umbrella, breathable clothing like short sleeve T-shirts

China Weather in July

Average Temperature: 23.2 °C

Average Rainfall: 112.5 mm

Recommended Places: Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Lijiang, Qinghai

Seasonal Activities: Shoton Festival

Packing Tips: Sunblock, umbrella, breathable clothing like short sleeve T-shirts

China Weather in August

Average Temperature: 21.5 °C

Average Rainfall: 102.7 mm

Recommended Places: Yunnan, Guizhou, Gansu, Inner Mongolia

Seasonal Activities: Qingdao Beer Festival

Packing Tips: Sunblock, umbrella, breathable clothing like short sleeve T-shirts…

Autumn – September, October & November

Together with spring, autumn is one of the best seasons to enjoy a China trip. The weather in autumn, especially in September and October is quite comfortable. The temperature is decreasing but not too cold. There are a plenty of sunshine and less rain. You are able to enjoy the floating clouds, clear sky, beautiful autumn colors. If you like outdoor activities, it is the best season.

China Weather in September

Average Temperature: 18 °C

Average Rainfall: 71.6 mm

Recommended Places: Beijing, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Kanas, Changbai Mountain

Seasonal Activities: Photography

Packing Tips: Long-sleeved shirt, blouse, light sweater…

China Weather in October

Average Temperature: 10.6 °C

Average Rainfall: 46.2 mm

Recommended Places: Jiuzhaigou, Huangshan, Daocheng Yading, Wuyuan, Ejina

Seasonal Activities: Photography, Hiking, Climbing

Packing Tips: Windbreakers, blouse, down sweater…

China Weather in November

Average Temperature: 3.6 °C

Average Rainfall: 15.9 mm

Highlights: Azalea

Recommended Places: Wuyuan, Huangshan, Xiamen, Kunming…

Seasonal Activities: Photography, Hiking, Climbing

Packing Tips: Facial cream and lip cream, sweater, scarf, hat and thick coat.

Winter – December, January & February

Winter from December to next February is cold in China, with dry air and little rain. Caused by the winter monsoon, the temperature is getting lower from south to north. The daytime becomes shorter and the nighttime becomes longer. The cold weather also brings many great enjoyments to travelers – beautiful snow view and exciting snow sports.

China Weather in December

Average Temperature: -2.2 °C

Average Rainfall: 3.6 mm

Recommended Places: Kunming, Sanya, Lijiang, Harbin, Huangshan, Emeishan…

Seasonal Activities: Snow Sports

Packing Tips: Scarf, hat, gloves, thick layers…

China Weather in January

Average Temperature: -5.3 °C

Average Rainfall: 19.6 mm

Highlights: Harbin, Kunming, Lijiang, Huangshan, Sanya

Seasonal Activities: Shoton Festival

Packing Tips: Down jackets, scarf, hat, gloves, thick layers…

China Weather in February

Average Temperature: -0.2 °C

Average Rainfall: 16.3 mm

Recommended Places: Harbin, Kunming, Lijiang, Huangshan, Sanya

Seasonal Activities: Snow Sports

Packing Tips: Facial cream and lip cream, sweater, scarf and down coat.