When is the best time to visit China?

The best time to visit China is often considered to be spring – March to May – or autumn, from September to October. Both of these seasons generally offer pleasant, mild temperatures that are ideal for exploring and sightseeing.

Having said that, China is the world’s fourth-largest country, and its diverse landscapes span everything from tropical rainforests to arid deserts and snowy highlands. That means the weather at any one time will vary hugely depending on which area you’re visiting, so it’s worth bearing regional climate trends in mind when you book your trip. 

To give you an overview, we’ve outlined things like average temperatures and weather trends and pulled out some top things to do in China each month. When you’re ready to go, you can buy Chinese yuan so you’ve already got some cash to hand when you land.

China in January

January is winter across China, with average temperatures ranging from around 0°C in cooler northern destinations to 15°C or higher in the far south. It’s a relatively quiet time to explore major attractions like Beijing’s Forbidden City and the Great Wall, or you could head north to Harbin and experience the world’s biggest snow and ice festival. Bear in mind that if Chinese New Year falls in January, visitor numbers and prices will rise.

China in February

February is still cold in northern China, while southern cities are considerably milder. Temperatures in the city of Guangzhou – a popular starting point for bullet trains to Hong Kong – range from 12-20°C, for example. Chinese New Year often falls this month, making it one of the busiest periods for travel and an amazing time to visit. Stay until the end of the celebrations and you can experience the Lantern Festival, which lights up locations around China on the final night. 

China in March

Spring starts to bloom in China in March, with temperatures from 10-20°C in many of the country’s most-visited cities, although the north can still be chilly. It can be a good-value time to explore Beijing, Xi’an or Shanghai before the main spring crowds arrive next month and prices for flights and accommodation can go up. Plus, you can catch cherry blossom season this month in places like Beijing and Shanghai.

China in April

April is widely considered one of the best months to visit China, with mild temperatures generally around 15-25°C in popular destinations and comfortable conditions for sightseeing outdoors. Head to the gardens of Suzhou, wander Shanghai’s historic streets, or walk the Great Wall as the spring greenery starts to make an appearance.

China in May

May is generally warm in China, with temperatures often around 20-30°C in lots of popular destinations making this another excellent month for exploring. It’s a good time to see the dramatic mountain landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Park, for example, or take a cruise along the Li River in Guilin. Bear in mind there’s a Labour Day holiday – which is actually a five-day break – at the start of the month, so some attractions might be closed.

China in June

Temperatures climb into the mid-to-high 20s across much of eastern and southern China this month, with increasing humidity and rainfall as summer gets in full swing. June marks the start of the main typhoon period for southern China and the South China Sea, so lots of travellers opt for inland destinations like Xi’an – famously home to the Terracotta Army – instead of the beach.

China in July

July is hot and humid across much of China, with temperatures often reaching around 30°C or higher in many popular destinations, while northern China also sees its wettest period. Typhoon activity increases along the southern and eastern coasts, so inland destinations and scenic mountain locations like Yunnan can be popular options this month.

China in August

August remains hot, humid and wet across a lot of the country, with temperatures around 25-30°C or higher in many popular destinations and continued typhoon season along the southern and eastern coasts. The karst landscapes around Guilin and Yangshuo are particularly lush at this time of year thanks to all the rain, although showers can be heavy – so pack wisely.

China in September

Temperatures in September start to ease as China moves into autumn, and sit around 20-30°C in popular tourist destinations. Because of this, it’s a good time to explore the streets of Beijing or hike around Zhangjiajie, although bear in mind that typhoons can still affect southern and eastern coastal areas. China’s autumn foliage is a reason to visit in itself this month and next – and places like Jiuzhaigou Valley and Yellow Mountain are top spots to enjoy the scenery from.

China in October

Comfortable autumn weather continues in October, with temperatures hovering around 15-25°C in many destinations making it another good month for sightseeing. Admire the autumnal landscapes from the Great Wall or Huangshan, or shop for antique finds at Panjiayuan Market in Beijing – just make sure you have some Chinese yuan to hand, as smaller stalls may not accept card payments. 

China in November

November is cooler and generally quieter than previous months, with temperatures often around 10-20°C in major tourist cities, although northern China can be considerably colder. It’s a good month for exploring Beijing or Shanghai without the summer crowds, and you can still catch some beautiful autumn scenery in southwestern areas like Yunnan – where it’s still relatively mild.

China in December

December marks the start of winter in China, but that means different things in different areas. Temperatures can drop to below freezing in northern cities like Beijing, for example, with skiing at popular resorts like Yabuli. Southern locations like Guangzhou, meanwhile, are much milder – and tropical spots like Hainan and Sanya are popular for sunny beach holidays this month.

Don’t forget about taking spending money for activities in China

According to Exiap, the average daily cost for visiting attractions in China is around CNY 538, or £59. The exact figure will depend on your plans though, so always check prices before you travel and book popular attractions in advance. 

While China is well set up for card payments, some locations – like small shops in rural villages and local markets, for example – may only accept cash. If you’re not sure how much to take, bear in mind you can sell foreign currency notes back at an M&S Travel Money bureau* if you’ve got any left over after your trip, so you won’t be left with lots of foreign currency you can’t use.

How to experience the Lantern Festival in China

China’s Lantern Festival, which is also known as Yuan Xiao Jie, marks the final day of Chinese New Year, and it’s worth booking travel and accommodation well in advance if you’re hoping to experience it. The date changes every year around the lunar calendar – in 2027 the date falls on Saturday 20th February, and in 2028 it will be celebrated on Wednesday 9th February. Expect colourful dragon dance performances, illuminated lantern displays and lots of street food stalls selling sweet, sticky rice balls.

Buying Chinese yuan with Marks & Spencer Travel Money

Ready to go? Buy Chinese yuan (CNY) online for free collection from 580+ participating M&S stores, including Simply Foods*. 

*T&Cs apply. Subject to availability. Sell-back only available at bureau locations.

Prices quoted in this article correct at the time of writing in September 2026.