The best time to visit China
The best time to visit China for warm, sunny weather is April to July, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 69/100 with daytime highs around 28°C / 82°F. August is a quieter shoulder-season alternative with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) about 7 months a year, warmest in August at 31°C.
China by month, averaged across 158 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14 | 6° / 43°F | 26 mm | 12° | Poor |
| February | 23 | 9° / 48°F | 30 mm | 12° | Poor |
| March | 46 | 15° / 59°F | 48 mm | 14° | Good |
| April | 71 | 22° / 72°F | 70 mm | 20° | Excellent |
| May | 73 | 27° / 81°F | 105 mm | 23° | Excellent |
| June | 68 | 30° / 86°F | 143 mm | 26° | Very good |
| July | 62 | 31° / 88°F | 153 mm | 29° | Very good |
| August | 66 | 31° / 88°F | 138 mm | 31° | Very good |
| September | 73 | 27° / 81°F | 96 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| October | 70 | 21° / 70°F | 56 mm | 25° | Excellent |
| November | 39 | 14° / 57°F | 39 mm | 21° | Mixed |
| December | 18 | 7° / 45°F | 22 mm | 15° | Poor |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: April to July — China's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 69/100, ~28°C / 82°F days). Shoulder season: August — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: July, ~31°C / 88°F. Wettest: July (153 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Lhasa (3,630 h/yr), Dunhuang (3,390 h/yr), Hotan (3,347 h/yr). See every China destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.