The short answer
- Best overall: April to May and September to early November, with mild weather in most cities.
- Avoid if you can: National Day Golden Week (1–7 October) and the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) holiday, when trains and sights are packed.
- Chinese New Year 2027 falls on 6 February. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February.
- Summer (June to August) is hot, humid and rainy in much of China, and busy with school holidays.
- Winter is cold in the north, and the season for Harbin's ice and snow festival.
Short on time? Tell us your month and we plan around holidays, festivals and Ramadan. Plan my trip free → Or ask us anything: free answer within 24 hours.
China by season
| Season | Weather | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Mild; blossoms in March–April | Beijing, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Guilin, Zhangjiajie | Qingming holiday in early April; Labour Day holiday 1–5 May |
| Summer (June–August) | Hot and humid; rainy season in the south and east | Qingdao's beaches, mountain areas | School holidays; heavy rain; typhoons on the southeast coast |
| Autumn (September–November) | Clear, dry and comfortable | Almost everywhere; red leaves in Beijing | National Day Golden Week, 1–7 October |
| Winter (December–February) | Cold and dry in the north; mild in the south | Harbin ice and snow, Guangzhou, fewer crowds in the south | Chinese New Year travel rush |
Public holidays that change your trip
- Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): the biggest travel period of the year. Trains sell out and many factories and small shops close. In 2027 the new year falls on 6 February.
- Qingming (early April) and Labour Day (1–5 May): short holidays with busy sights.
- Dragon Boat Festival (June): a short holiday.
- National Day Golden Week (1–7 October): the busiest week for domestic travel. Prices rise and sights are crowded.
- July and August: school holidays, so family sights and museums are busier.
Ramadan and Eid
- Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February, with Eid al-Fitr around 9 March. Dates depend on the moon sighting.
- In 2027 the start of Ramadan overlaps with Chinese New Year travel. Read how to plan for both.
- We plan suhoor, iftar near a mosque and quieter days for fasting travellers. See Muslim-friendly journeys.
For business trips
- The Canton Fair runs every spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November).
- Chinese suppliers slow down from mid-January until after the Lantern Festival. Place orders and finish inspections before then.
Questions
What is the best month to visit China?
For most cities, April, May, September and October are the most comfortable. Avoid 1–7 October if you can, because of the National Day holiday.
When is Chinese New Year 2027?
Saturday 6 February 2027. The official holiday schedule is usually announced in November of the year before. Travel is busiest in the weeks around it.
Is it a good idea to visit China during Ramadan?
It can be. Big cities such as Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and Guangzhou have halal restaurants and mosques that hold iftar and tarawih. In 2027 Ramadan overlaps with Chinese New Year travel, so book early and plan a gentle pace.
Rules change. We re-check this guide regularly; confirm details before you travel or ship.
