Best time to visit China
The best time to visit China is in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October), when skies are clear, temperatures are mild, and rainfall is low. Summers can be hot and humid – especially in the south and winters bitterly cold in the north, but with careful planning you can still travel year-round.
For western China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Xinjiang), aim for April through October, when forests and flower fields burst into color and local markets are at their liveliest. If you’re trekking in Tibet or the high plateaus, June through August offers the warmest weather, snow-free trails, and carpets of alpine blooms at their peak.
If you don’t mind colder temperatures, winter in northern China (December-February) brings unique attractions such as the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. Likewise, tropical Hainan Island remains pleasant in winter, offering a warm retreat. Finally, plan around national holidays like Golden Week (first week of October), when popular sites can be crowded.