High and low tourist seasons are very common for smaller countries in the world. They determine which part of the year you might choose to visit such countries. You may thus make your travel decisions to a particular country based on whether or not the climate suits you. China, however, is a different story.

Occupying a vast territory, and having many provinces with contrasting climates mean that there is a wide range of things to see and do in different regions throughout the year. Hence you will certainly be able to find something that would cater to your tastes no matter when you plan to visit. I shall thus provide you with some information on the different climates and characteristics of different regions that would help you to plan when to travel to China.

The different climates and weather conditions that you can expect in China

In general, the seasons of spring through autumn are the most popular among visitors to China. For more comfortable temperatures, you can consider visiting in spring and autumn when you can enjoy clearer skies with lower rainfall and temperatures averaging between 10-22°C. However, you should still bring along a jacket or some thicker clothing to guard against unpredictable weather.

Brace yourself for a summer that is hot and wet by bringing along an umbrella or raincoat. The winters see the harshest and coldest weather, especially if you visit the northern regions.

If you are venturing away from the coast, do be ready to experience more extreme temperature differences. Most importantly, keep yourself updated on the latest news regarding the weather in your selected destination.

China’s north typically enjoys pleasantly warm temperatures for about six months towards the middle of the year. It will however get much colder towards the end to beginning of the year, with sub-zero temperatures the norm from December to March. If you visit places such as Beijing during the spring or summer months, you may experience dust storms, hence be adequately prepared.

The central China region, which includes Shanghai, Wuhan and Chongqing, experiences sweltering summers and short, freezing winters. Here, you can expect a considerable amount of rainfall and precipitation throughout the year.

If you would prefer to visit a place with a semi-tropical climate, Southern China, comprising of places such as Guangzhou and Hainan Island, would be right for you. Temperatures and humidity levels soar in the summer, while the short winters are more tolerable with moderate temperatures. It will however get colder if you leave the coastal area.

Crowds at tourist attractions

Closely linked to the weather conditions of different seasons is the number of visitors that you can expect at your destination. You can expect larger crowds of visitors from spring to autumn, as stated earlier, hence do take that into consideration when planning when to visit China.

These visitor numbers reach their peak during the Golden Weeks which generally see a huge surge in local tourists. These periods include the Spring Festival as well as the week following National Day on 1 October.

If you prefer to travel during a quieter season, do consider doing so in winter. Winter is also a good time to consider participating in some spectacular winter festivals such as the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. During the festival, you can marvel at the magnificent ice and snow artwork while taking part in various winter sports.