What is the weather in China? China’s weather varies greatly due to its vast land area and diverse topography. The climate types in different regions differ significantly, ranging from cold in the north to warm in the south, and from arid in the northwest to humid in the southeast.

China Weather, Climate & Temperature

  • Northern Region (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, etc.): Temperate continental climate. Winters are cold and dry, and summers are hot and rainy. Winter temperatures can drop below -20°C, while summer temperatures can exceed 30°C.
  • Northeast Region (Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang): Temperate continental monsoon climate. Winters are long and extremely cold, while summers are short and warm. Winter temperatures can drop below -30°C.
  • East China Region (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi, Shandong, etc.): Subtropical monsoon climate. This region has distinct seasons, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The rainy season (June to July) brings abundant rainfall, and summer temperatures can exceed 35°C.
  • South China Region (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, etc.): Tropical and subtropical monsoon climate. This region is warm and humid year-round, with hot, rainy summers. The typhoon season (July to September) often brings heavy rain and strong winds.
  • Southwest Region (Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Yunnan, Tibet, etc.): Plateau mountain climate and subtropical monsoon climate. This region has diverse climates, with temperatures and precipitation varying significantly with altitude. The Sichuan Basin is mild and humid, while the Tibetan Plateau is cold and dry.
  • Northwest Region (Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Shaanxi, etc.): Temperate continental arid and semi-arid climate. This region has scarce rainfall and dry conditions. Summers are hot, and winters are cold. Some parts of Xinjiang can have summer temperatures exceeding 40°C.
  • Central Region (Henan, Hubei, Hunan, etc.): Subtropical monsoon climate. This region has distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and relatively cold winters. Rainfall is concentrated in the summer.

  China’s climate diversity results in significant differences in weather conditions across regions and seasons. Each region has its unique climate characteristics and seasonal changes.

In Spring (March-May):

  • Northern regions experience gradually warming temperatures, but mornings and evenings remain chilly. Cold snaps can still occur in early March. Snowfall decreases in Inner Mongolia and parts of the northeast. Sandstorms are frequent, especially in desert and grassland areas.
  • East China sees rising temperatures and warming weather. The Jiangnan region often experiences “late spring coldness” with significant temperature fluctuations. The rainy season starts with increasing precipitation.
  • South China warms up, becoming warm and humid. Guangdong and Guangxi often experience “HuiNanTian (continuous humid weather)”, with high humidity.
  • The Sichuan Basin in the southwest is warm and rainy, with gradually rising temperatures. The Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau warms up more slowly, with large temperature differences between day and night.
  • Northwest regions warm up, but there is a large temperature difference between day and night. Dry and rain-scarce, with frequent sandstorms.

In Summer (June-August):

  • Northern regions are hot, with temperatures exceeding 30°C in places like Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. Rainfall is concentrated, with frequent thunderstorms.
  • East China is hot and humid, with the Jiangnan region entering the rainy season. The typhoon season begins, significantly affecting coastal areas.
  • South China is hot and humid, with summer temperatures often exceeding 30°C in places like Guangdong and Hainan. Frequent typhoons bring heavy rain and strong winds.
  • The Sichuan Basin in the southwest is hot and humid. The Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau remains cool with frequent rainfall.
  • Northwest regions have hot days and cool nights. Some parts of Xinjiang experience temperatures exceeding 40°C. Dry and rain-scarce, with large temperature differences between day and night.

In Autumn (September-November):

  • Northern regions experience gradually decreasing temperatures and cooling weather. Rainfall decreases, and the air becomes dry.
  • East China sees temperatures dropping gradually, with cool weather. Typhoon impact decreases, and rainfall decreases.
  • South China experiences gradually dropping temperatures but remains warm. Typhoon impact decreases, and the weather stabilizes.
  • Southwest regions have moderate temperatures and cool weather. Rainfall decreases, and the air humidity is moderate.
  • Northwest regions see gradually dropping temperatures and increasing temperature differences between day and night. Dry and rain-scarce, with clear weather.

In Winter (December-February):

  • Northern regions experience low temperatures, with cold and dry weather. Places like Beijing and Tianjin can see temperatures drop below -20°C in winter. Inner Mongolia and northeast regions often have snowfall and extremely low temperatures.
  • East China has relatively low temperatures, with the Jiangnan region experiencing cold, damp winters. Rainfall decreases, but rain and snow can still occur.
  • South China has mild temperatures, with winter temperatures between 10-20°C in places like Guangdong and Guangxi. The weather is dry with little rainfall, occasionally affected by cold air from the north.
  • The Sichuan Basin in the southwest has relatively low temperatures and cold, damp weather. The Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau has mild winters with little rainfall.
  • Northwest regions have low temperatures and dry conditions. Some parts of Xinjiang and Gansu can see winter temperatures drop below -30°C. Clear weather with large temperature differences between day and night.

  China weather and its distinct seasons offer unique tourism attractions for each season. Spring and autumn are the golden seasons for tourism, with pleasant weather suitable for most travel activities. Despite the heat of summer, some summer resorts and special landscapes still attract many tourists. Winter is ideal for snow tourism and escaping the cold. Tourists can choose the best destinations according to the different seasons, enjoying the unique scenery and activities each season offers.

  The best time to travel China is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), browse our best time to visit China guide to plan your China tour!