Generally speaking, it is best to visit China in spring and autumn because that is when the weather is pleasant in most parts of the country. But it should be noted that China is a vast country with the total area of nearly 10 million km2. Choosing the best time to visit also depends on where you go in China. There are plateaus, jungles, deserts, alpine rain forests, and coastlines. Check out our guide to know what to expect on your amazing China tours from cruise port.
Main Seasons in China
Based on the weather, there are 4 seasons in China:
- Spring: April to June
- Summer: July to August
- Autumn: September to October
- Winter: October to March
You should also know the peak and low travel seasons in your Chinese destinations as they will have quite a significant impact on your trip. It is best to avoid major public holidays as all tourist sites will be packed. They are: Chinese New Year (mid-January to early February), Labor Day (3 days around May 1), and National day (7 days around October 1st)
Best Time to Visit Northern China
Springtime in Northern China is not a good time to travel because of unpleasant sandstorms. Wait until summer and autumn, they are the golden time to visit. With plenty of rainfalls, fresh air, and majestic scenery, a trip here is one of the highlights of traveling China. The cold months of winter may be quite difficult to travel to this region for some people. However, if you’d like to see the snowy scenery of China, consider this area.
Popular Destinations to Visit in Northern China:
Beijing: generally, it is good to visit Beijing from spring to autumn, but note that the Spring Festival is a hot season for tourists who want to experience Chinese New Year
Chengde: During the hot months of summer, it is best to visit Chengde Summer Resort to escape from the heat.
Best Time to Take an Excursion to Central China
The Central region of China has the climate of a temperate and continental monsoon. The four distinct seasons, however, are all quite pleasant to visit. The best weather for traveling is the summer, with not too hot temperatures of only 30° C max. It will rain the most from July to October with showers that come and go. The winter months can have a temperature of around 0 ° C.
Popular Destinations to Visit in Central China:
Xi’an: If you will be spending most of the time of your Xi’an trip in Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, then the best time to visit is all year around. And if you will also take part in outdoor activities, April to June is the best period.
Yangtze River: The Yangtze River cruise is best taken in spring and autumn for the best sceneryand weather.
Best Time to Travel to Southern China
The Southern parts of China have a significant hot summer. Therefore, it is best to visit this region in spring and autumn. If you would like to see green trees, colorful flowers and breath in the warm air, book your South China tour in spring. Or if traveling in autumn is your choice, then you will see clear rivers, grand mountainous scenery in cool air.
Popular Destinations to Visit in Southern China: Guilin and Yangshuo; Yunnan; Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou.
Best Time to Visit Eastern China
The Eastern part of China has a relatively comfortable climate, which makes cities here have a better-developed pace. You can easily travel Eastern China all year round, although, in the wet season, rainy days will be more frequent. It is recommended to take a tour here in spring to autumn, or specific, April, May, June, September, and October.
Most Popular Destinations to Visit in Eastern China: Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou, Huangshan.
The Best Time to Take a Tour to The West of China
If you would like to pay a visit to Western China, make sure to pick the right time as the weather here is pleasant only in a short period. The best time to take a tour here is in summer (April to September). Remember to bring long sleeves clothing and sunblock to protect yourself from the sun.
Visiting the West of China, you will experience a significantly slower pace of lifestyle that can only be seen here. There are many natural resources that haven’t been spoiled much by over-tourism. However, some travel destination might be a little remote and difficult to access.
Popular Destinations to Visit in Western China: Tibet, Zhangye, Dunhuang.