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 71/100 with daytime highs around 27°C / 81°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 | 5° / 41°F | 26 mm | 12° | Poor |
| February | 22 | 9° / 48°F | 30 mm | 12° | Poor |
| March | 43 | 15° / 59°F | 48 mm | 14° | Good |
| April | 70 | 21° / 70°F | 70 mm | 20° | Excellent |
| May | 75 | 26° / 79°F | 105 mm | 23° | Excellent |
| June | 71 | 29° / 84°F | 143 mm | 26° | Excellent |
| July | 66 | 31° / 88°F | 153 mm | 29° | Very good |
| August | 69 | 30° / 86°F | 138 mm | 31° | Very good |
| September | 75 | 26° / 79°F | 96 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| October | 68 | 20° / 68°F | 56 mm | 25° | Very good |
| November | 38 | 13° / 55°F | 39 mm | 21° | Mixed |
| December | 18 | 6° / 43°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 71/100, ~27°C / 81°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: Hami (3,241 h/yr), Dunhuang (3,154 h/yr), Jiayuguan (3,066 h/yr). See every China destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.