Asiahighlights logo

  • 2 Weeks for Couple
  • 2 Weeks for Family
  • Thailand Lantern Festival
  • Indonesia(Bali)
  • South Korea
  • China (HK, Taiwan)
  • Itinerary Ideas
  • Asia Highlights Travel Reviews
  • Thailand Travel Reviews
  • Vietnam Travel Reviews
  • Cambodia Travel Reviews
  • Japan Travel Reviews
  • Myanmar Travel Reviews
  • China Travel Reviews

Best & Worst Time to Visit Thailand 2024, Rainy Season (Not when you think!)

  • Best & Worst Time to Visit Thailand 2024, Rainy Season (Not when you think!)

The best time to visit Thailand is between November and March when the weather is cool and dry . However, it is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge.

Thailand experiences very hot weather between April and June . The rainy season in Thailand occurs between June and October . One exception is the south's east coast (including Koh Samui), which experiences heavy rainfall from October to December.

Ready to plan your trip? Explore the ultimate guide to the best and worst times to travel to Thailand, complete with insider tips, recommended destinations, and curated activities for each season and month.

  • 1. Best Times to Visit Thailand
  • 2. Worst Times to Visit Thailand
  • 3. Thailand Weather Month By Month

Best Times to Visit Thailand for Great Weather, Beaches, Festivals, and Low Prices

As mentioned above the best times to visit Thailand are from November to March. However, this can depend on your Thailand holiday purposes, budget, and weather preferences.

Best Time for the Best Weather

To bask in Thailand's finest weather, plan your visit between November and February. During these months, the country from the north inland to the south islands experiences cool and dry conditions, offering a delightful escape from extreme heat and rain. Perfect for exploring with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

Best Time for Beaches and Islands

If you are a beach/island lover, November to March is the best time to visit beaches on the west coast of Thailand like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Similan Islands, and Krabi. Meanwhile, Koh Samui, nestled on the east coast, is good to visit from January to March and July to September.

Get more ideas on planning a family trip to Thailand .

Best Time for Low Prices

For budget-conscious travelers, the monsoon season from May to October offers lower prices and fewer crowds. Despite frequent rain showers, this period offers unique opportunities to secure significant discounts – up to 50% – on accommodation, flights, and tours.

Best Time for Thailand Festivals

For an authentic experience of Thailand's vibrant festivals, plan your visit in November for the enchanting Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival or in April to immerse yourself in the lively Songkran Festival. Additionally, many couples opt to celebrate their honeymoon or anniversary at the captivating Yi Peng Festival.

Get more tips in our article: How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps .

Or tell us your interests , and we're glad to share the perfect timing and activities.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

The Worst Times to Visit Thailand

Avoiding the hot season if possible.

Thailand's hot season, from April to June, brings soaring temperatures and intense humidity, peaking in April and May at over 40°C (104°F). If you're not a fan of the heat, be sure to avoid those months.

Tips for Travelling during the Hot Season:

  • Explore northern regions like Chiang Mai, where the climate is generally cooler compared to the southern parts of the country.
  • Engage in water-based activities to cool off, such as visiting coastal areas or islands.

Avoiding the Rainy Season If Possible

While the rainy season (July to October) graces Thailand with lush landscapes, it also brings short afternoon showers and potential disruptions due to monsoons and storms.

However, you can revel in the perks of serene locales with fewer crowds and attractive prices.

Tips for Travelling the Rainy Season:

  • Explore eastern and northern regions during the rainy season, as they typically receive less rainfall compared to the southern areas.
  • Keep an eye on weather forecasts and plan indoor activities on days when rain is expected.
  • Consider the sun-kissed beauty of Bali as a radiant alternative when Thailand is drenched in rain.

If you are going to visit other countries in Southeast Asia, you can read the Best Times to Visit Southeast Asia .

Thailand Travel Guide by Month

Click the sign of each month to check the travel guide information.

Thailand Weather in January: Nice Weather

  • Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 15–25°C (59–77°F)
  • Central Thailand (Bangkok): 25–32°C (77–89°F)
  • Southern Thailand (Phuket): 26–32°C (79–89°F)

January offers great weather conditions, whether for city sightseeing or beach holidays.

It is a popular tourist season in Thailand, especially in tourist hotspots, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Koh Samui. Expect larger crowds at popular attractions and book accommodations in advance.

Events and Festivals

The key festival, when it is in January, Chinese New Year, is celebrated right across the country, especially in Bangkok's Chinatown.

Suggested read: Thailand in January: the top 5 places to visit, costs, and crowds .

Thailand Weather in February: Nice Weather

Similar to the weather of January, February's weather is still nice, warm, and dry.

Good weather means almost anywhere is a good place to plan your holiday.

Beautiful islands and beaches are also good places to go — Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak... All kinds of water activities enjoy ideal conditions.

Thailand Weather in March: The Heat Builds

  • Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 20–30°C (68–86°F)
  • Central Thailand (Bangkok): 28–35°C (82–95°F)
  • Southern Thailand (Phuket): 28–34°C (82–93°F)

March is still a fabulous month to visit Thailand, especially in the first half of the month, though it starts to heat up in March. It's advisable to stay hydrated, especially in the central region with warmer temperatures.

During this season, you can go literally anywhere in Thailand thanks to the low rainfall. Water-related activities in the southern islands are enjoyable.

Suggested read: Thailand in March: top places to visit, costs, and crowds .

Thailand Weather in April: Hottest

  • Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 25–35°C (77–95°F)
  • Central Thailand (Bangkok): 29–35°C (86–97°F)
  • Southern Thailand (Phuket): 29–35°C (84–95°F)

April is the hottest month in Thailand. It is not unusual for temperatures to exceed 30°C (95°F) all day and night!

The heat in Chiang Mai during April gets even more oppressive than in Bangkok. Chiang Rai is slightly cooler by 1 or 2°C but is still hot nonetheless.

For beach lovers, you are almost guaranteed some blue skies and clear seas. Staying in a beach resort will be at least 4 or 5°C cooler than in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

Festivals and Events

Thai New Year (Songkran Festival) is the biggest, longest, and most enjoyable festival in Thailand. It is a 3-day-long water fight that takes place throughout the country!

Suggested read: Thailand in April: top places to visit, costs, and crowds .

Thailand Weather in May: The Rains Start

  • Central Thailand (Bangkok): 31–36°C (88–97°F)

May is still hot and starts to be wet with it, as Thailand begins its rainy season. The rainy season is in full swing by the end of the month.

The weather in Bangkok and other cities in May starts to get extremely humid. Koh Samui is better than Phuket and Krabi to go because rainfall during May is much lower on the Gulf of Thailand than on the Andaman Coast.

May sees the end of the high season, which means that prices on hotels and flights begin to drop, bringing great value for visitors.

Suggested read: Thailand in May: top places to visit, costs, and crowds .

Thailand Weather in June: Wet and Hot

  • Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 28–38°C (82–100°F)
  • Central Thailand (Bangkok): 29–35°C (84–95°F)
  • Southern Thailand (Phuket): 27–33°C (81–91°F)

Thailand can expect an average of 15 to 22 days of rain in June. However, the rain is usually short-lived, occurring in short bursts in the afternoon or evening.

This tourism low season is the best time to travel to Thailand for prices and quietness, with more choices of accommodation and various different promotions.

For beachgoers, Ko Samui and Hua Hin are the best destinations as they are not so affected by the rains at this time.

Suggested read: Thailand in June: top places to visit, costs, and crowds .

Thailand Weather in July: Wet

  • Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 28–36°C (82–97°F)
  • Central Thailand (Bangkok): 28–34°C (82–93°F)
  • Southern Thailand (Phuket): 27–32°C (81–89°F)

July experiences heavy rainfall, so be prepared for wet conditions.

The southern islands are affected by the monsoon in July, which brings heavy rains and turbulent waves to the west coast.

However, the east coast (Koh Samui, Koh Tao, etc) experiences fewer showers during this season and has relatively good weather in July. You can still enjoy sunny days at the beach on these islands.

Some urban areas, such as Bangkok, remain hot and wet. Staying refreshed with indoor swimming pool visits and cold showers will help relieve any discomfort.

Suggested read: Thailand in July: top places to visit, costs, and crowds .

Thailand Weather in August: Wet

  • Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 27–35°C (81–95°F)
  • Central Thailand (Bangkok): 27–33°C (81–91°F)

Like July, August is one of the best times to visit Koh Samui and the surrounding islands. Though there are some brief rains, it is much better than the other side of the peninsula in Phuket, Krabi, Koh Chang, and the Phi Phi Islands.

A trip to Thailand in August can be a cost-effective opportunity to enjoy scenic spots and quiet beaches without the crowds.

Suggested read: Thailand in August: top places to visit, costs, and crowds .

Thailand Weather in September: Wettest

  • Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 25–32°C (77–89°F)
  • Central Thailand (Bangkok): 26–32°C (79–89°F)
  • Southern Thailand (Phuket): 26–31°C (79–88°F)

September is the wettest month in Thailand. But actually, only some rural areas are significantly affected by the rains during the wet season, such as the mountainous north around Chiang Mai.

Destinations like Bangkok offer travelers plenty to do and see, even when it's raining outside. Koh Samui is recommended for beach holidays in September as it is less affected by the rains.

Rains do not disrupt the travel experience too much for some, as it seldom rains all day long.

Suggested read: Thailand in September: top places to visit, costs, and crowds .

Thailand Weather in October: End of the Rains

  • Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 22–30°C (72–86°F)
  • Central Thailand (Bangkok): 24–31°C (75–88°F)
  • Southern Thailand (Phuket): 25–30°C (77–86°F)

Thailand experiences high or very high rainfall again in October, except in Northern Thailand where the rainy season already tails off to moderate levels.

The monsoon rain eases off with less rainfall and lower temperatures by the end of October in most of Thailand. However, Koh Samui begins its peak rainy season at this time.

Some visitors come to Thailand at the end of October to wait for the annual grand Thailand Lantern Festival in early November. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are the main venues.

Suggested read: Thailand in October: top places to visit, costs, and crowds .

Thailand Weather in November: Peak Season Starts

  • Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai): 18–28°C (64–82°F)
  • Central Thailand (Bangkok): 23–30°C (73–86°F)
  • Southern Thailand (Phuket): 24–30°C (75–86°F)

Thailand's peak travel season starts from November. The rains and heat are gone or going from most of the country.

You can venture out without any worries of getting drenched, EXCEPT on the east coast, which receives a massive half a meter of rain in November.

Islands on the Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Island, Similan Islands, etc.) are ideal places to go, by contrast, with only moderate rainfall.

Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with low rainfall, are the most popular cities in November for the Thailand Lantern Festivals .

Suggested read: Thailand in November: top places to visit, costs, and crowds .

Thailand Weather in December: Coolest

  • Central Thailand (Bangkok): 22–31°C (72–88°F)
  • Southern Thailand (Phuket): 23–39°C (73–84°F)

December is the coolest month in Thailand, but it's still warm everywhere but in the cool/mild mountainous north.

December is a great time to visit most areas in Thailand (Koh Samui is still in rainy season though) and is also the country's busiest month for tourism.

There are celebrations on Christmas and New Year's Eve in Thailand. Shopping malls in Thailand have big sales from late December to early January. If you're planning a trip to Thailand over the Christmas and New Year period, try to book as early as possible. Popular hotels are usually booked up 3-6 months in advance.

Suggested read:

  • Thailand in December: top places to visit, costs, and crowds .
  • The Ultimate Guide to Spending Christmas / New Year Holidays in Southeast Asia
  • Planning a Family Holiday to SE Asia? 20 Expert Tips for Christmas

Thailand Weather/Temperature Month by Month

Tour thailand your way with us.

Discover Thailand through our unique tours with award-winning guides and with 1:1 help from a dedicated Thailand expert, every step of the way.

Tell us your interests and needs , and we will create a wonderful trip for you. We are happy to show you the authentic and colorful Thailand.

  • 12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour : Bangkok — Khao Yai — Chiang Mai — Krabi
  • 13-Day Essence of Thailand Tour : Bangkok — Chiang Mai — Phuket
  • More Thailand tours

Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)

  • Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
  • Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
  • Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.

19-Day In-Depth Tour of Southeast Asia

  • 9-Day Thailand Family Tour
  • 12-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour
  • 12-Day Thailand Family Holiday
  • 12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour
  • 14-day Thailand and Vietnam Family Tour
  • 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
  • 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
  • 19-Day Highlights Tour of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
  • 19-Day Singapore, Thailand, India and Nepal Tour
  • 20-Day Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bali, Phillippine and Taiwan Tour
  • 21-Day Thailand and Vietnam Adventure Tour
  • 3-Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour for Couples
  • How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps
  • How to Visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam 2024: 10, 14 and 21-Day Itinerary Ideas
  • How to Plan a Trip to Thailand and Cambodia (2024/2025)
  • How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2024/2025): 10 Days, 2, 3 Weeks Itineraries
  • How to Plan a Trip to Singapore and Thailand 2024/2025
  • How to Plan a Trip to Japan and Thailand
  • How Long to Spend in Thailand: Itinerary for 10 Days, 2, 3 Weeks
  • 2 Weeks Thailand Itinerary 2024: Top 4 Itineraries with Maps
  • 2 Weeks in Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam: 3 Perfect Itineraries for 14 Days
  • 2 Weeks in Thailand and Cambodia: 3 Perfect Itineraries (Insider Tips)
  • How to Plan a 3-Week Thailand and Cambodia Itinerary (2024/2025)
  • Thailand Weather in January 2025: Which Island/Best Places to Visit
  • Thailand Weather in February 2024/2025: Which Island/Best Places to Visit
  • Thailand Weather in March 2024/2025: Temperature, Places to Visit, Travel Tips
  • Thailand Weather in April 2024: Temperatures, Places to Visit, Songkran Festival
  • Thailand Weather in May 2024: Too Hot & Rainy? Best Places to Go and Travel Tips
  • What's the Weather Like in Thailand in June?
  • Thailand Weather in July 2024: Tips for a Family Vacation
  • Thailand Weather in August 2024: Temperature and Best Places to Go
  • Thailand Weather in September 2024: Temperature, Best Places to Visit
  • Thailand Weather in October 2024: Still Rain? Where to Visit?
  • Thailand Weather in November 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
  • Thailand Weather in December 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds

best time to visit china and thailand

We made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

best time to visit china and thailand

Other highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,

Our day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.

We had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

We traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.

We visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.

Amazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!

We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion.

Guilin, but mostly Yangshuo was at the tail end of our China adventure so there was a lot to live up to. Having a guide like Gary Wei meant that our trip ended on a high! We arrived in Guilin very late from an 11 hour train journey. Gary met us with gifts of fruit, sweet bread and cakes which was so unexpected and thoughtful.Gary's knowledge of the area was exceptional and his attention to us the same. He really took our children under his wing - even tuning in to annoying sibling rivalry and managing to keep the peace very well! Gary was our personal photographer at times and even our Taiji instructor, making a beautiful video of us all doing Taiji in a scenic setting :)The cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is definitely worth taking and we enjoyed our few nights in the area, riding bikes along the river, doing a cooking class and enjoying the scenery

More reviews

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

TrustPilot rating

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

The Asia Highlights Experience

Where can we take you today.

  • Middle East
  • African safari
  • Indonesia (Bali)
  • South Africa
  • Central Asia

China Tours

  • Inner Mongolia
  • Yangtze River
  • Zhangjiajie
  • Tours from Hong Kong
  • Tours from Shanghai
  • Travel Agents
  • Our Differences
  • 86-19138970032 (GMT+8 18:00~09:00)

China Tours

  • Beijing Xian Tours
  • Shanghai Beijing Tours
  • Hong Kong Guilin Tours
  • Hangzhou Suzhou Tours
  • Kunming Lijiang Tours
  • Shanghai Yangtze Cruise Tours
  • Chengdu Tibet Tours
  • More Short Stay Tours
  • China Tours in January
  • China Tours in February
  • China Tours in March
  • China Tours in April
  • China Tours in May
  • China Tours in June
  • China Tours in July
  • China Tours in August
  • China Tours in September
  • China Tours in October
  • China Tours in November
  • China Tours in December

China Tours

  • High Speed Trains
  • China Yangtze Cruise Tour
  • Photography
  • Desert Adventure
  • Ethnic Villages
  • Biking Tours
  • Kung Fu Tours
  • Heritage Sites Exploration
  • China Spring Tours
  • China Summer Tours
  • China Autumn Tours
  • China Winter Tours

best time to visit china and thailand

  • Best-value Yangtze Cruises
  • Top Family-friendly Cruise Ships
  • Top 3 Luxury Yangtze River Cruises
  • Yangtze River Highlights
  • Yangtze River Cruise Routes
  • Upstream or Downstream?
  • Dining & Drinking
  • Accommodations
  • On-board Activities
  • Yangtze Cruise Booking Steps

China Tours

  • Inner Mongolia

China Tours

  • Fanjingshan
  • How to Plan Your First China Tour
  • How to Plan Beijing Tour
  • How to Plan Xian Tour
  • How to Plan Shanghai Tour
  • How to Plan Guilin Tour
  • How to Plan Sichuan Tour
  • How to Plan Family Tour
  • 2024 China Travel Ideas

Best Time to Visit China

  • What to Pack for Your China Journey
  • Updated China Travel News
  • Ultimate Chinese Visa Guide
  • Chinese Visa Types
  • Chinese Visa Requirements
  • Do I Need a Visa for China
  • Chinese Visa Application
  • Chinese Visa Exemptions
  • 144-hour Visa Free
  • Shenzhen Visa on Arrival
  • Hainan 30-day Visa Free
  • Embassies & Consulates
  • Invitation Letter
  • Useful Visa FAQs & Tips
  • Entry Regulations
  • Baggage Allowance
  • Customs Declaration
  • Exit Regulation
  • How to Book Train Tickets
  • How to Collect Train Tickets
  • How to Cancel & Alter Train Tickets
  • How to Read Train Tickets
  • China High Speed Train Types
  • Seats Class & How to Choose
  • Friendly Facilities on the Train
  • The Train Station Departure Process
  • Available Food and Drinks on the Train
  • Western Toilets on the Train
  • Luggage Racks & Baggage Allowance
  • Beijing Train Stations
  • Shanghai Train Stations
  • Guilin Train Stations
  • Xian Train Stations
  • Chengdu Train Stations
  • Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station
  • Beijing - Xian
  • Beijing - Shanghai
  • Guangzhou - Shanghai
  • Shenzhen - Shanghai
  • Chengdu - Xian
  • Shanghai - Hangzhou
  • Shanghai - Xian
  • Chengdu - Chongqing
  • Kunming - Lijiang
  • Beijing Capital International
  • Beijing Daxing International
  • Shanghai Pudong International
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International
  • Guangzhou Baiyun International
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International
  • Chengdu Tianfu International
  • Chengdu Shuangliu International
  • Xian Xianyang International
  • Shanghai - Beijing
  • Hong Kong - Shanghai
  • Guangzhou - Beijing
  • Chengdu - Lhasa
  • Shanghai - Guilin
  • Shanghai - Sanya
  • Travel in Spring Season
  • Travel in Summer Season
  • Travel in Autumn Season
  • Travel in Winter Season
  • Weather in January
  • Weather in February
  • Weather in March
  • Weather in April
  • Weather in May
  • Weather in June
  • Weather in July
  • Weather in August
  • Weather in September
  • Weather in October
  • Weather in November
  • Weather in December
  • Top 10 China Destinations
  • Top 15 Things to Do
  • China World Heritage Sites
  • Top 10 Best Natural Beauties
  • Top 10 Museums in China
  • Top 10 Old Towns & Villages
  • Five Great Mountains in China
  • Top 10 Monasteries & Temples
  • Top 10 Ski Resorts
  • Top 10 Beautiful Lakes in China
  • 7 Best Beaches in Sanya
  • Top 6 Beautiful Waterfalls
  • Panda Volunteering
  • Having fun on Ice and Snow Festival
  • About Us Who We Are Our Team Why Travel with Us Feedback & Reviews Travel Stories Travelers' Gallery Payment Guide Customer Support Contact Us
  • Tour Experiences

Destinations

  • Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit China

Traveling in the broad country, it’s hard to say when is the best time to visit China. However, generally, with the variety of weather and climate, you may choose the  comfortable weather in spring and autumn to go and admire the most stunning landscapes across the country; Join in the crowds in high season or save money to travel in low seasons; if you are a Chinese culture fan, the local festivals, presenting the traditions shouldn’t be missed out. On the other hand, the best time to visit China depends on the places you go and other preferences.

In a nutshell, when and where you decide to visit China, it serves up a tasty smorgasbord of jaw-dropping attractions and makes you gladly to adventure each day.

China Weather & Climate by Season

With the wide-ranging weather of hot summer and cold winter, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit China with mild climate and comfortable temperature throughout the country, especially the months of April, May, September and October. Decorated with spring flowers blossoming and golden autumn leaves falling, China seems more attractive with various amazing and picturesque scenic spots. However, before deciding when to go, you should check the  China Weather  to make a better preparation for the sudden change of weather.

  • Spring - March, April & May
  • Summer - June, July & August
  • Autumn - September, October & November
  • Winter - December, January & March

China Weather in March

...

  • Average Temperature: 11.8 °C
  • Average Rainfall: 42.3 mm
  • Highlights: Rape Flowers, Peach Blossoms
  • Recommended Places: Beijing, Wuyuan, Nyingchi, Hangzhou, Danba
  • Seasonal Activities: Great Wall Hiking, Yangtze River Cruise
  • Packing Tips: Normal spring clothing like long skirts, sweaters, windbreakers… and extra thick layers

China Weather in April

...

  • Average Temperature: 12.3 °C
  • Average Rainfall: 59.4 mm
  • Recommended Places: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Huangshan, Weifang…
  • Seasonal Activities: Kite Flying, Hiking, Photography
  • Packing Tips: Normal spring clothing like long skirts, sweaters, windbreakers…

China Weather in May

...

  • Average Temperature: 17.1°C
  • Average Rainfall: 69.7 mm
  • Highlights: Azalea
  • Recommended Places: Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guilin
  • Seasonal Activities: Hiking, Photography, Biking
  • Packing Tips: Light spring clothing like long skirts, windbreakers, skirts…

China Weather in June

...

  • Average Temperature: 20.7°C
  • Average Rainfall: 85.7 mm
  • Recommended Places: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Shangri-La
  • Seasonal Activities: Hiking, Photography, Sand Festival (Dunhuang)
  • Packing Tips: Sunblock, umbrella, breathable clothing like short sleeve T-shirts

China Weather in July

...

  • Average Temperature: 23.2°C
  • Average Rainfall: 112.5 mm
  • Recommended Places: Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Lijiang, Qinghai
  • Seasonal Activities: Shoton Festival

China Weather in August

...

  • Average Temperature: 21.5°C
  • Average Rainfall: 102.7 mm
  • Recommended Places: Yunnan, Guizhou, Gansu, Inner Mongolia
  • Seasonal Activities: Qingdao Beer Festival
  • Packing Tips: Sunblock, umbrella, breathable clothing like short sleeve T-shirts...

China Weather in September

...

  • Average Temperature: 18°C
  • Average Rainfall: 71.6 mm
  • Recommended Places: Beijing, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Kanas, Changbai Mountain
  • Seasonal Activities: Photography
  • Packing Tips: Long-sleeved shirt, blouse, light sweater...

China Weather in October

...

  • Average Temperature: 10.6°C
  • Average Rainfall: 46.2 mm
  • Recommended Places: Jiuzhaigou, Huangshan, Daocheng Yading, Wuyuan, Ejina
  • Seasonal Activities: Photography, Hiking, Climbing
  • Packing Tips: Windbreakers, blouse, down sweater...

China Weather in November

...

  • Average Temperature: 3.6°C
  • Average Rainfall: 15.9 mm
  • Recommended Places: Wuyuan, Huangshan, Xiamen, Kunming…
  • Packing Tips: Facial cream and lip cream, sweater, scarf, hat and thick coat.

China Weather in December

...

  • Average Temperature: -2.2°C
  • Average Rainfall: 3.6 mm
  • Recommended Places: Kunming, Sanya, Lijiang, Harbin, Huangshan, Emeishan...
  • Seasonal Activities: Snow Sports
  • Packing Tips: Scarf, hat, gloves, thick layers...

China Weather in January

...

  • Average Temperature: -5.3°C
  • Average Rainfall: 19.6 mm
  • Highlights: Harbin, Kunming, Lijiang, Huangshan, Sanya
  • Recommended Places: Snow Sports
  • Packing Tips: Down jackets, scarf, hat, gloves, thick layers…

China Weather in February

...

  • Average Temperature: -0.2°C
  • Average Rainfall: 16.3 mm
  • Recommended Places: Harbin, Kunming, Lijiang, Huangshan, Sanya
  • Packing Tips: Facial cream and lip cream, sweater, scarf, hat and down coat.

Best Time To Visit Popular Destinations in China

Due to the geography, China has different weather and climate in different regions and destinations, especially the places in the north and south parts. Usually, the northern China including Beijing, Xian, Luoyang, Pingyao, etc. is cold in winter with temperatures usually below 0°C and is great to visit in autumn. However, sandstorm occurs more often in spring months in some places. Southern China covering Zhangjiajie, Guilin, etc. is hot in summer and cold in winter with comfortable temperature in spring and autumn seasons. Southern Coastal China including Fujian (Xiamen), Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau, etc. has find scenery and pleasant climate around the year, but rains often in spring and monsoon gathers most in summer with some heavy rains. Spring and Autumn are best time to go. There is a small temperature difference around the year. Southwest China usually refers to Sichuan (Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou), Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou, etc. offers various kinds of sites for your travel at any time of the year. With mountains, plains, etc., temperatures differs a lot in this area, but cities share that similar. Northeastern China covering Harbin, Jilin, Shenyang, etc. is cold and dry in winter. The thick snow cover is terrific to play with snow. However, summer is hot and rainy. While Eastern China part refers to Shanghai, Huangshan, Hangzhou, Suzhou, etc. and is nice to travel in spring and autumn, and is a little wet and cold in winter. Check the detailed weather and best time to go of the following top 14 popular destinations in China to plan your travel time to the beautiful country!

Beijing - Ancient & Modern China Capital!

Four seasons are distinct in Beijing with hot and rainy summer as well as cold and dry winter. Many people visit Beijing in any month of the year. April to November is the best period to visit this capital city with many World Cultural Heritage sites. While Autumn from September to November is most recommended to enjoy the fabulous scenery around Great Wall and city flowers and the most comfortable weather.

  • Best Time to Go: All year round, especially April to June and September to November
  • Best Highlights: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Bird Nest, Beijing Hutongs...
  • Recommended Trip Length: 2~6 days

Alexia - Mutianyu Great Wall

4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package

Visit the best and featured highlights of Beijing in a single trip and explore the glorious past and present of Beijing in one go. Apart from Beijing's time-honored landmarks - Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and Great Wall, you will take a special visit to 798 Art Zone and admire the most outstanding architectures in Olympic Park.

Price from $485

Alex and Keneilwe from Zimbabwe and South Africa - Forbidden City, Beijing

3 Days Visa-free Beijing Essential

Apply to Beijing Transit Visa Free Policy, including airport pick and drop off. You will make best discovery of top best cultural and historical highlights of Beijing Capital City without missing the hiking experience on Great Wall!

Price from $375

Shanghai - Largest & Most Developed China City

Shanghai is suitable for any time visit. It has abundant rainfall in each season and overall mild and moist around the year, especially from May to September. Spring to and autumn are most cozy and nice with blue sky to admire the glazed skyscrapers. Summer is hot and humid while winter is humid and cold with bare snow.

  • Best Time to Go: All year round, especially March to May and late September to November
  • Best Highlights: The Bund, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Disneyland, Yuyuan Garden, Wukang Road City Walk...
  • Recommended Trip Length: 2~4 days

Shanghai City Landscape

3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour

Explore the old and new of Shanghai, admire the past cultural heritages among the modern scrapers, meet perfect blend of traditional and urbanization

Price from $346

West Lake Summer

5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour

Explore the 3 most popular destinations of the Yangtze Delta - Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou by the fast bullet trains. Every day is connected well, without any waste of time and money.

Price from request

Xian - World Fame Capital of 13 Ancient China Dynasties!

All seasons are suitable to travel to the ancient city to visit Terracotta Warriors and various museums. However, it is more dry than the southern China places. It is hottest and rains most in July. Spring to Autumn are the best comfortable and beautiful seasons to Xian. Summer is hot with strong UV while winter is cold with snow.

  • Best Time to Go: All year round, especially March to May and September to November
  • Best Highlights: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum...

Terracotta Warriors in Xian - Our Customers

3 Days Classic Xian Tour

Travel the best highlights and the unique historic relics of the ancient capital Xian at an enjoyable pace in 3 days. This is the most classic Xian itinerary, with visits to all the bests of this ancient capital!

Price from $298

Looking West Peak from South Peak on Huashan

4 Days Xian Highlights Tour with Huashan Hiking

Visit the best attractions in Xian, then take a side trip to hike Mount Huashan which is famous for its thrilling hiking routes and Plank Walk.

Price from $563

Hong Kong - Glitzy Pearl of the Orient blending of East & West!

Hong Kong is featured with warm and humid spring, hot and rainy summer, pleasant and sunny autumn, cool and dry winter, with an average temperature of  about 73°F (23°C). May to September is the rainy season, and typhoon occurs more often in July and September. October to the next April is relatively the best popular time to discover Hong Kong with not so much heat.

  • Best Time to Go: All year round, especially October to the next April
  • Best Highlights: Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong Skyline, Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland, Po Lin Monastery, Stanley Market, Wong Tai Sin Temple...
  • Recommended Trip Length: 1~4 days

Ruins of the Church of St Paul

2 Days Hong Kong & Macau Highlights

Enjoy one full day trip from Hong Kong to Macau by ferry with wonderful experiences - skyline, niho, culture, history, markets, temples, shopping, casinos and much more!

Price from $707

Hong Kong Star Ferry

6 Days Best Hong Kong Guilin Tour with Guangzhou Layover

Enjoy a contrasting exploration of prosperous Hong Kong and have a short layover in cultural and modern Guangzhou and then take a high speed train to the picturesque Guilin to get laid back at its idyllic Karst countryside spectacles!

Price from $928

Guilin - Idyllic Paradise witht Best Landscape on Earth!

The Karst landscape shows you the unique beauty of Guilin and is suitable for any time visit, especially April to November months. It has a long frost-free period, abundant sunshine, a long summer and a short winter with January and February being the coldest month but not so cold. Spring and Autumn are comfortable with warm sunshine and gentle breeze. Guilin downtown, Li River and Yangshuo are suitable to visit all year round, and rice terraces in Longsheng are distinctly fabulous from spring to autumn.

  • Best Time to Go: All year round, especially April to November
  • Best Highlights: Li River Cruise, Elephant Trunk Hill, Yulong River, West Street, Moon Hill, Longji Rice Terraces...

Claire from UK - Li River, Guilin

4 Days Highlights of Guilin, Yangshuo & Longji

This short 4-day tour covers the three most popular destinations of Guilin - Li River, Yangshuo County and Longji Rice Terraces. Only 4 days are needed to get them all in a single trip.

Price from $464

Steven - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Nice Dragons and Five Tigers, Spring), Guilin

5 Days Best Guilin In-depth Vacation

This is the in-depth way to travel Guilin. Guilin, Yangshuo and Longji, three most popular tourist destinations with best highlights are arranged to the point to let you love the terrific sightseeing and simple life of this wonderland!

Price from $561

Yangtze River - Great Beautiful Mother River of China & Magnificent Three Gorges!

Yangtze River boasts different and charming scenery in each month of a year. Spring and autumn are peak seasons with comfortable weather and best splendid sightseeing in bright. Summer is nice for family trip with good discounts of the Yangtze cruise and emerald Three Gorges. Winter is nice to admire red leaves, and enjoy low price and less crowds. The port city Chongqing is hot and sultry in summer.

  • Best Time to Go: all year round, especially March to May and September to November.
  • Best Highlights: Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Shennv Stream, Fengdu Ghost City, Luxury Cruise Leisure, ...
  • Recommended Trip Length: 4~5 days

Relaxing Yangtze River Cruise

4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze Cruise

This Chongqing Yangtze tour is the most classic route for a single Yangtze cruise experience in China! If you want a relaxing way to relax your body and feast your eyes with countless charming natural scenery, this short cruise trip is definitely the perfect one for you.

Price from Request

The Lesser Three Gorges

7 Days Nature Tour to Yangtze River & Zhangjiajie

This 7-day tour shows you amazing natural landscape in China. You will marvel at the beautiful gorges scenery along the Yangtze River and breathtaking scenery in the World of Avatar in Zhangjiajie.

Price from $959

Chengdu - Land of Abundance & Hometown of Giant Pandas!

It is suitable to visit Chengdu any time of year. You can enjoy yourself by hanging out leisurely in downtown, visit Giant Panda, or travel nearby Leshan Giant Buddha and Mt. Emei. The average temperature is around 16°C (61°F) and rainfall is concentrated in July and August. Summer is sultry while winter is moist and a little cold with barely snows. Emeishan and Jiuzhai Valley nearby are great for summer heat escape.

  • Best Time to Go: All year round, especially March to June and September to November. All year round for Emeishan and Jiuzhaigou.
  • Best Highlights: Giant Pandas, Jinli Old Street, Wenshu Monastery, Renmin Park, Emei Mountain, Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Qingcheng...

Look up at Leshan Giant Buddha from its foot stage

4 Days Classic Leshan Buddha & Mount Emei Tour from Chengdu

A great tour of a visual feast to explore two magnificent World Heritage Sites around Chengdu - Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei in a leisure way, also visit the adorable Giant Pandas in Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Price from $570

The multi-faced golden statue (48m) of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva at Golden Summit

7 Days Sichuan Discovery Tour

This is the best tour of Sichuan's BESTS, strongly recommended for the first-timers, best deal for normal travelers, families with kids, seniors and couples. Stunning scenery, treasured culture, turbulent history.

Price from $1,390

Zhangjiajie - Miraculous “Avatar World” in Reality!

It is suitable to visit Zhangjiajie anytime but better to avoid the too cold winter months with slippery snow covered paths. Temperatures there rarely exceed 35°C (95°F) or fall below 0°C (32°F). Spring and autumn are comfortable and charming with seasonal blossoms. Summer is quite cool, making Zhangjiajie the best place to avoid summer heat. Also the magnificent stone pillars will feast your eyes in Zhangjiajie National Park; during the summer months, you can view the cloud and fog spectacle in Tianmen Mountain.

  • Best Time to Go: Spring to autumn, especially April to November
  • Best Highlights: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountain, Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain, Yellow Dragon Cave...
  • Recommended Trip Length: 3~5 days

Bernhard’s group from German - Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

4 Days Zhangjiajie Exciting Adventure with Glass Bridge

If you show interests in the natural splendid landscapes and like to take challenges, this 4 Days Zhangjiajie Exciting Tour will be your satisfactory selection.

Price from $618

Fenghuang Ancient Town - Helen from Australia

5 Days Amazing Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour

This 5-day Zhangjiajie Fenghuang tour is the best way to fully make use of your time in Zhangjiajie. Admire all natural must-sees in UNESCO Zhangjiajie Forest Park with a cultural relaxation at antique Xiangxi flavored Fenghuang Ancient Town.

Price from $699

Huangshan - The Best Mountain Landscape with Four Nature Wonders!

You can have different sightseeing and experience in Huangshan in four seasons. It rains more from May to August. Due to the high altitude, the spring, summer and autumn visit Yellow Mountain later than the plain areas, but winter comes earlier. Temperatures on the mountain are lower than that at the plain areas, so Yellow Mountain is popular to enjoy a pleasantly cool summer. Winter is the best time to see sea clouds, and other seasons are great to find its beauty.

  • Best Time to Go: all year round, especially March to middle November (Xihai Grand Canyon and Tiangdu peak are closed from Dec. to next March.)
  • Best Highlights: Yellow Mountain, Hongcun Ancient Village, Xidi Ancient Village, Tunxi Old Street, Bishan Village, Hu Kaiwen Ink-stick Factory...

Jenny's group from Vietnam - Yellow Mountain Sunrise, Huangshan, Anhui

3 Days Huangshan Highlights Leisure Tour

Suits all kinds of travelers, especially family with kids, seniors and those who need to hike in a leisure way. Explore the best highlights of the Back Mountain, West Sea Grand Canyon and Bright Top area in 2 full days.

Price from $391

Hongcun Village - Mr. and MRS. Jorge from Peru

4 Days Best Huangshan Hongcun & Xidi Tour

You will have a leisure tour on Huangshan Mountain to admire its archetypal granite peaks, twisted pines, beautiful cloud sea and fabulous sunrise and visit two remarkable ancient villages - Hongcun and Xidi which are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Price from $540

Hangzhou - Poetic Heaven on Earth

Hangzhou city is popular to visit all year round. There are two rainy seasons - from late June to early July and from August to September. Typhoon seldom strike it directly. Spring and autumn are the best comfortable seasons to savor the picturesque city landscape in Hangzhou. June to August are the best time for West Lake lotus flowers. And spring is best for fresh Longjing tea savory.

  • Best Time to Go: all year round, especially March to June and late September to November
  • Best Highlights: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing Tea Plantations, Hefang Street, Beijing Hangzhou Grand Canal, Xixi Wetland Park, Qiandao Lake, Qiaoxi Preservation Area, China National Tea Museum, China National Silk Museum...

West Lake Sunset at Changqiao Park

2 Days Hangzhou Essence Tour

Collect the essence of Hangzhou natural scenery, featured culture and profound history, visit the landmark and more amazing places, experience unique Longjing Tea culture.

Wuzhen Water Town - Last Town Resting on Water in China

3 Days Best Hangzhou Tour with Wuzhen Water Town

The amazing 3-day trip to discover the antique and tranquil Wuzhen Water Town in day and night and the best poetic beauty of Hangzhou lakes, temples, old street, tea fields, etc.

Yunnan - Colorful Yunnan with Various Landscape & Ethnic Charm!

Yunnan is large and has several weather types varied in different areas. Usually, it is suitable to visit the top places all year round, like Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, etc. April to June and September to October are better for Shangri-La, since it rains more in summer and is cold in winter. Summer is also the best for visiting Lugu Lake. While, Xishuangbanna is great for a warm winter vacation. Yuanyang terraced fields are most beautiful from November to the next April. Sunglasses and sunblock are recommended anytime for the strong UV.

  • Best Time to Go: all year round
  • Best Highlights: Stone Forest, Lijiang Old Town, Dali Three Pagodas, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Dongchuan Red Land, Meili Snow Mountain, Tropical Botanical Garden
  • Recommended Trip Length: 3~12 days

Ashima Featured Limestone Rock

6 Days Kunming, Dali & Lijiang Essence Tour

Reach the place south of the colorful clouds, enter into the “Plant and Animal Kingdom”, see the magnificent mountains and plateaus, appreciate the breathtaking river and lakes, and join in minority village to enjoy ethnic culture…

Price from $972

Magnificent sunrise at Yuanyang Terraces-2017-Olivia

11 Days Amazing Yunnan Tour

It’s hard to comprehend all that Yunnan has to offer until you get there. This tour covers the highlights of amazing Yunnan, including TOP landscape of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La, as well as Yuanyang Rice Terrace. Just go and explore the most aspects of our planet with us.

Price from $1859

Tibet - Everlasting Holy Land & Roof of the World!

Tibet has freezing winter and mild summer and is featured with strong sunlight, ultraviolet radiation and dry and thin air. Temperature drops as elevation rises.usually the Everest and Ngari is much colder than Lhasa, with only about 10°C in the daytime in summer. It is suitable to visit lots of top places in Tibet all year round like Gyantse, Shigatse, Nyingchi, Shannan, etc., but April to October is the best to admire the most beautiful sightseeing and warm temperature.

  • Best Time to Go: all year round, especially April to October
  • Best Highlights: Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple, The Everest, Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, Ganden Monastery, Mount Kailash, Tashilumpo Monastery, Nyingch Peak Blossom Festival, Shoton Festival...
  • Recommended Trip Length: 4~8 days

Drepung Monastery Entrance

4 Days Lhasa Essence Tour

This 4 Day Lhasa Tour is the idea trip - you will visit the most famous temples and palaces, the most authentic Tibetan culture... to catch the essence the soul of Tibet!

Mount Everest

8 Days Classic Mount Everest Tour from Lhasa

"No Tibet tour is complete without visiting Mount Everest"! This tour will help you realize that dream and discover from Lhasa, travels via the cities of Gyantse and Shigatse, to Mount Everest, and then back to Lhasa.

Price from $1,589

Inner Mongolia - Best & Vast Grassland in China!

The large Inner Mongolia has various types of climate and weather at different regions. July to August and late September to early October are the peak season. Middle October to the next April is the low season. It is best to admire the verdant grassland from June to August with pleasant temperature and sunshine. Golden Ejin is most beautiful from late September to middle October. May, June and September is popular to enjoy the flowers at Great Khingan Forest and local festivals. And September to October is the best season for discovering deserts in Inner Mongolia. Naadam Fair is held during July to August.

  • Best Time to Go: all year round, especially May to October
  • Best Highlights: Xilamuren Grassland, Gegentala Grassland, Huitengxile Grassland, Inner Mongolia Museum, Dazhao Temple, Arxan National Geopark, Badain Jaran Desert, Kubuqi Desert, Erguna Wetland...
  • Recommended Trip Length: 3~6 days

Tom from UK - Huitengxile Grassland

5 Days Classic Inner Mongolia Tour

It is the classic trip to see the symbolic Huitengxile Grassland and Yemingsha at Kubuqi Desert and other top highlights of Hohhot City for a brief close-up with both nature and culture admiration in Inner Mongolia!

Price from $762

Ewan's Family from UK - Hulunbuir Grassland

5 Days Best Hulunbuir Tour

Best Hulunbuir tour to the Northeast Inner Mongolia! Visit Hulunbuir Grassland, the best preserved grassland in the world; get to the birthplace of Genghis Khan and immerse in the beautiful nature; transfer to the Sino-Russian Border Town - Manzhouli to know some folk customs. Wonderful places and wonderful time!

Fujian - Incredible Hakka Tulou & Refreshing Spectacles of Water and Mountains!

Fujian is suitable to visit all year round. January to March and June to October are the peak season. March to May and September to December are best to visiting Fujian Tulou. Spring and autumn are more pleasant for Xiamen. It is warm to escape from the winter coldness. While, summer is sultry, and typhoon occurs more from June to August. But Wuyishan is pleasantly for cooling down in summer, and is idyllic in spring and autumn. For photographing of Xiapu mudflat, April to December is more recommended.

  • Best Time to Go: all year round, especially January to March and June to December
  • Best Highlights: Fujian Tulou, Gulangyu Island, Huandao Road, Xiamen University, Wuyi Mountain, Xiapu Mudflat, Sanfang Qixiang Street, Kaiyuan Temple...

Mount Wuyi Joyous Jiuqu Stream Rafting

5 Days Xiamen, Tulou & Mount Wuyi Discovery Tour

The most popular Fujian trip to discover all best sightseeing, culture and history of Fujian Province with great fun, including classic visit to Xiamen with Gulangyu, Fujian Tulou in Nanjing and Yongding and Wuyi Mountain with Jiuqu Stream rafting!

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster

3 Days Classic Xiamen and Fujian Tulou Tour

Spend three leisure days and marvel at the essence of Xiamen, the Garden City on the Sea. You will not only visit the famous Gulangyu Island, but will also view the earth buildings in Nangjing County.

China Tourist High & Low Season

When is the peak season to get the best highlights of the attractions and the low season to travel with less crowds and lower prices in China? That measures great for your planning of when to visit this vast country with many appealing places to go and also a large population. Usually China's public holidays are the hottest tourist season, and you'd better avoid traveling to China during Chinese public holidays. What and when are the public holidays in China? Check 2024 China holidays travel tips about more details. Now you can check the detailed time and features of the tourist high season and low season in China below!

More Useful China Travel Tips

When to avoid visiting china (important chinese festival & events).

Worst Time to Visit China

A. China’s National Holiday & Labor’s Day Holiday

The National Holiday in China is usually from October 1st to October 7th and is called the “Golden Weeks”. And the Labor’s Day Holiday is usually from May 1st to May 3rd but varies slightly according to the calender every year. The hard-to-get train ticket, over-priced flight and short-supplied hotels all lead to the inconvenience during these times. If you have to travel these times, make all your reservations well in advance or join in the group tour will be much easier. And try to avoid the first two days and the last days, the busiest times for transportation system.

B. China Spring Festival (Chinese Lunar New Year)

The traditional new year for all Chinese people and the most important for family reunion at the end of the Chinese lunar year. So Spring Festival Travel Season, usually 40 days from late January to end February, is crowded with many people transferring back to their hometown from other cities. It is most crowded during the lunar December 29 to lunar January 7. tickets for flights, trains and buses are extremely hard to get. And as nowadays, many Chinese citizens spend their Spring Festival in some tourist areas, it is highly suggested not travel to China during this grand festival. However, if you are interested in feeling the traditional festive atmosphere, remember to book your tickets as early as possible. Some popular winter destinations may rise their prices.

C. China Summer Vacation

The summer vacation for students in China is usually from July to August, when many family groups take their student kids to travel to various tourist attractions across the vast country, particularly the top popular destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, etc. For the big crowds in the tourist area and long queue, you are recommend avoid traveling to China during this time. If you have to, choose some unusual and cool destination to escape from the travelers and summer heat.

Bring Suitable Clothing While Travel Different Seasons

What to Wear in China

What to wear also differs based on where to visit. For most mainland destinations in the north, east, south and west, the clothing are similar, particularly in spring, summer and autumn. Sunglasses, sunblock and lip balm are recommended in any season.

Spring & Autumn

Jackets, coats, sweaters, thin scarves, long sleeve shirts, jeans, long pants, travel shoes, socks, etc.

Light coats, T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, skirts, shorts, jeans, sandals, caps, rain wear, etc. Warm clothes, scarves, sports shoes are needed for cold places including Tibet, etc.

Overcoat, down jackets, cotton clothes, lined coats, sweaters, warm pants, warm socks, hats, scarves, gloves, etc. In very cold areas like Northern China, Tibet and Xinjiang, extremely warm clothes, a cap, and cotton-padded shoes are required.

Recommended Tour Itinerary for First-Time Travelers

Best Time to Visit China

Travel note for some special regions of China

Best Time to Visit China

With the high altitude, Tibet is a typical plateau with hug temperature gap in different areas, and April to October are the best months to visit with stunning nature and various local festivals, such as the Shoton Festival.

Before you go, make a full preparation to handle altitude stress. It is better to dress in layers with both thick and thin clothes, thus you can easily take on or off your clothes according to the frequently changed weather and climate.

Yangtze River

Running through many cities and left most highlights along the southern China, Yangtze River is best for cruise in spring and autumn with most beautiful sightseeing. Also summer and winter are still attractive with different scenery and good discounts. Besides, you can discover the cruise port cities, like Chongqing, Yichang and Shanghai without a detour.

2024/2025 Popular China Tour Packages

CD-BXS-08 8 Days Best of China Tour

Beijing / Xian / Shanghai

Victoria from South Africa visited Terracotta Warriors in 2023

Chengdu / Leshan / Emeishan / Xian / Beijing

Stone Monkey Watching the Sea (on Lion Peak)

Shanghai / Suzhou / Hangzhou / Huangshan

Forbidden City Photographed by Our Guest Jessica in September 2023

Hong Kong / Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin / Shanghai

Guilin Li River Scenery on 20 RMB Chinese Note, Taken by Claire from UK in October 2021

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Shanghai

Our clients Miriam's group visited Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in 2017

Beijing / Xian / Zhangjiajie / Guilin / Shanghai

Potala Palace

Shanghai / Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin / Chengdu / Lhasa / Xian / Beijing

Yangtze River Cruise

Beijing / Xian / Lhasa / Chengdu / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once enquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

best time to visit china and thailand

  • Affordable and valuable price
  • 100% tailor-made packages
  • Highly rated customers reviews
  • Efficient customer support

China Tours

  • Top 10 China Tours
  • Classic China Tours
  • China Tours from Beijing
  • China Tours from Shanghai
  • China Tours from Hong Kong
  • China Tours from Chengdu
  • Short China Trips
  • Customize China Tour
  • China Panda Tours
  • Family Tour with Kids
  • High-Speed Train Tour
  • Silk Road Travel
  • Yangtze River Cruise
  • Hiking & Trekking Tours
  • Photography Tours
  • China Minority Travel
  • Beijing Shanghai Tours
  • Shanghai Yangtze Tours
  • Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tours
  • Chengdu Lhasa Tours
  • Suzhou Hangzhou Tours
  • Guilin & Yangshuo
  • Zhangjiajie

“Very good experience”

“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”

“Awesome China tour from northeast to southwest”

Any questions, please email us at: [email protected] or call us at: 86-19138970032 (Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. GMT+8)

  • Terms & Condition
  • Privacy Policy
  • Customer Support

Copyright © 2011-2024. All rights reserved.

Cookie policy

We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue using our website means you agree with our cookie policy. For more info, please read here .

We’re not taking new bookings for travel to China at the moment. Our specialists can advise you on all the destinations you can currently book with us.

best time to visit china and thailand

Change location

  • UK / International
  • Call toll-free from 9am EST 617-223-4521 617-223-4715 or
  • REQUEST A QUOTE

Huihang ancient hiking trail

When is the best time to visit China?

  • Month-by-month

The best time to visit China is during spring or fall. The weather tends to be warm and dry during these periods, in contrast to the bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summers experienced in much of the country. China’s sheer size, however, means there are no true limitations for travel, and with one or two exceptions it is possible to visit all year round.

In general, the ideal time to visit western China is between April and October, when the flowers are blossoming and the local bazaars throng with life. For those heading across the high passes or into the mountains, the best time to visit is from June to August, when alpine flowers carpet the steppe and the conditions for hiking and trekking are at their best.

Conde Nast Traveler Award - Favorite Specialist Tour Operator

Month-by-month guide for traveling in China

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yunnan, China

Visiting China in January - February

In the north and in the mountainous areas — for example, around Beijing and in the mountains of Yunnan — winter is cold but dry, with typically clear blue skies and possible smatterings of snow at night. Elsewhere, China's humidity levels make January and February cold and damp, although most sites will be fairly quiet. Chinese New Year usually falls in early February or late January, and traveling over this time is extremely busy.

Events & Festivals

  • Chinese New Year (late January or early February): Celebrated across the country with fireworks, lanterns, decorative red scrolls, gifts and feasting with the family.
  • Harbin Ice Festival (early January): This is held over a week or so and features a large, impressive display of intricate ice sculptures.

Yangshuo, China

Visiting China in March

Temperatures in March are a little warmer than in the earlier winter, and toward the end of the month the fruit trees start to blossom. While not as prolific as the spread in Japan , the blossoms in China — mostly found in rural areas — are nevertheless still strikingly beautiful.

Yao lady in Longji

Visiting China in April

April can be rainy in central and southern areas, although temperatures are fairly warm. The fruit trees will be in full blossom and the landscape beautifully verdant. Every year in early April there is a Tomb-Sweeping Festival, which is a public holiday for the Chinese. On this day, people tidy up local graveyards and take a day out to enjoy the spring, so the whole country is very busy.

  • Lusheng Festival (April): Celebrated by the Miao minority in mountainous areas of the southwest with dancing in traditional costumes, lusheng-playing and bull-fighting.

Tibetan tribe in Zhongdian

Visiting China in May

May is one of our favorite months to visit China as temperatures are warm but not yet into the sticky heat of the summer. In Yunnan Province this is the peak month for flowers to bloom; particularly the rhododendron, which covers the mountain slopes. The first few days of May are a national holiday, which makes traveling very busy, so we would recommend planning around these dates.

  • Dragon Boat Festival (late May or early June): Exciting dragon boat races are held in many major cities and towns.
  • Sister's Meal Festival (May): A Miao minority festival similar to the Western Valentine's Day, young women dress in colorful costumes and distribute rice wrapped in leaves to young men who show an interest in them.

At Sayram Lake, China

Visiting China in June

June is the start of the summer, when temperatures start to get very hot and humid. June can also be quite rainy, which means that plant life is vibrant and river levels are high. Typically the Longji rice terraces will be irrigated, with the water creating mirror-like surfaces.

Old Man, Shuhe Yunnan

Visiting China in July

Summer in China can be exceedingly hot and humid; particularly in the south. In western China, temperatures can reach over 100°F but the climate here is dry. It is cooler in the mountainous areas, for example Yunnan Province, where conditions are ideal for hiking and the landscape is blooming.

Boats moored on Lu Gu lake

Visiting China in August

The weather throughout the country is hot but northern Yunnan can be home to some of the cooler weather this time of year.

Uighur men, Kashgar Sunday market

Visiting China in September

September is still warm, but not as hot, humid or wet as the summer, making it a great month to visit anywhere in China. It's an optimal month for journeying along the Silk Route as temperatures in western China fall dramatically, making travel more comfortable and still possible before snowfall in Kyrgyzstan's high passes.

  • Mid-Autumn Festival (September or early October): During this festival, people eat a delicacy called moon cake, light paper lanterns and in some regions, have dragon boat races.

Walk Along the Dragon's Backbone

Visiting China in October

The first week of October is a national holiday, so traveling during this time is extremely busy and best avoided. The rest of October, however, is a delightful month, with pleasantly mild temperatures, little rain and beautiful foliage.

Lhasa Express scenery

Visiting China in November

November is the key month to see autumn foliage colors; particularly in the northern and central areas of the country. Days become cool and crisp with typically clear blue skies, making it a wonderful month to visit if you don’t mind cooler temperatures. The north of the country may see its first snowfall in November. The main sites are less busy throughout the country, as domestic tourism is not as popular in November.

  • Lusheng Festival, Guizhou (November): This is the same festival as in April but held in different regions of Guizhou Province.

Forbidden City, Beijing

Visiting China in December

December is cold throughout China, with extremely low temperatures in places like Beijing and Xian . Here, days are typically cold but crisp and dry, and you may experience snow. December is a great time to visit Beijing if you don't mind the cold, as you'll have many of the main sites to yourself. Western China is exceptionally cold and not advisable to visit. Southern China has more mild temperatures, although because of the damp atmosphere it feels colder than it is.

Why travel with Audley?

  • 100% tailor-made tours
  • Fully protected travel
  • Established for over 25 years
  • 98% of our clients would recommend us

Travel advice aircraft image

Travel advice

Practical tips for traveling to China, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.

The World Your Way Brochure

Request our brochure

Covering all seven continents, The World Your Way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring China

Two old ladies, Beijing

Highlights of China: Beijing, Xian, Guilin & Shanghai

11 days from $4,405pp

Great Wall at Jinshanling

Classic China tour

14 days from $5,275pp

Yangshuo, China

What to do in China: our highlights guide

The Great Wall, Beijing

The Great Wall of China: taking a quieter path

10 min read

View itinerary ideas

  • Deutschland

Best Time To Visit China

Best time to visit China

A guide to the weather in China and its regions

Covering nearly 10 million sq km, China is the third-largest country in the world. Such a vast geographical expanse naturally lends itself to tremendous diversity in temperatures and weather conditions. The months of April and May (Spring) and then September and October (Fall) are generally considered the best time to travel to China – the temperatures are usually mild around this time and you can expect plenty of sunshine. While the summer months can be extremely hot and humid, winters get cold and freezing across most parts of the country.

Another important factor to consider when planning your China vacation is the Chinese public holidays. The two main holidays are the Spring Festival and the National Day – while the dates vary, based on the lunar calendar, you can expect the Spring Festival celebrations to fall between January and February, while the National Day week is usually celebrated in the first week of October. Travel becomes extremely busy in the country around this time and attractions are usually packed.

Best Time To Visit

We recommend.

  • Go skiing or ice-skating at a mountain resort
  • Head to the beaches of Hainan Island for some fun in the sun
  • The world-famous Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is held around this time
  • Enjoy the festivities around the Spring Festival
  • Take advantage of the warmer temperatures in Hong Kong and explore the diverse attractions of this cosmopolitan city
  • Take advantage of fewer crowds and head to the Great Wall of China
  • This is a good time to explore the major attractions in Beijing and Shanghai before they get busy
  • This is cherry blossom season in China and the blooms make for a pretty sight, especially in the rural areas
  • See the Great Pandas of Chengdu or take a culinary tour
  • Embark on a tour of Shangri-la (Zhongdian) with its deep roots in Tibetan history
  • See the Qingming (Tomb Sweeping Day), a two-day holiday in April, when the Chinese pay tribute to their ancestors
  • Enjoy a bamboo raft cruise on the Li River in Yangshuo
  • Take a walking tour of Shanghai
  • Explore the beautiful countryside of Yangshuo on cycle
  • Visit the Forbidden City
  • Unwind with an early morning Tai Chi class in Beijing or Shanghai
  • Embark on a cycling tour of Beijing
  • Enjoy the Dragon Boat Festival celebrations in Hong Kong, especially the rice dumplings!
  • Enjoy the celebrations around the Dragon Boat Festival that takes place in the first week of June
  • Savor the diverse tastes of Chinese cuisine on an evening culinary tour of Beijing
  • Go on a Yangtze River Cruise
  • Attend a Thangka painting class in Shangri la
  • Learn how to make handmade dumplings at a local family’s home
  • Hike in Yunnan province
  • Go on a tour of Tibet
  • Take advantage of the fewer crowds and visit the Museum of the Terracotta Army in Xi’an
  • Hike a remote section of the Great Wall of China in Jinshanling
  • Eat savory mooncakes – a ubiquitous part of the Mid-Autumn Festival across the country!
  • Take advantage of the fewer crowds and enjoy a picnic lunch atop the Great Wall after an exhilarating hike
  • Head on a Feng Shui walk in Hong Kong’s neighborhoods
  • Embark on a Star Ferry cruise in Hong Kong
  • Explore the historic region of Kunming
  • Explore the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve in Sichuan province, drenched in stunning fall colors
  • Enjoy a cultural experience in Chengdu – the Sichuan Opera
  • Enjoy the New Year’s Eve fireworks in cities like Hong Kong
  • Take advantage of the warmer temperatures in the coastal province of Guangdong and explore historical sights

What to Pack for China

What you pack on your trip to China depends on the region you plan to visit and the time of the year. Cool cotton clothes along with a hat, sunscreen and comfortable footwear are a must for the summer months. In spring and fall, do carry a few extra layers for the cooler evening and nights. Do carry appropriate raingear and ensure you carry plenty of warm clothing in the winters as there may not be central heating in some places. Other must-haves include an electrical adapter, a VPN and the WeChat app for your mobile phone.

It is important to note that without a VPN you will not be able to use apps like Whatsapp, Google, Instagram, Facebook, etc. on your mobile phone. Make sure you download a VPN in your home country before you embark on your China trip – you will find online options for both Android, as well as iOS phones. WeChat, a messaging app, is extremely popular in China, so ensure you install this on your phone as well.

Plan an unforgettable trip to China with expert advice from our team. We’ll plan a perfectly timed tour so you don’t miss out on any of the highlights! Get in touch with us for a personalized, obligation-free itinerary.

Temple of Heaven in Beijing

Popular Trips to China

Enchanting Travels China Tours Dragon boat on the Kunming Lake, Beijing, China

China for Families: Heritage Cities, Landscapes & Beach

Set out for a fun-filled family vacation in China, uncovering ancient heritage and world class cuisine on exclusive and unique tours that are perfect for travelers of all ages. Explore China’s big cities, landscapes and countryside on custom excursions, treasure hunts, cycling tours, theme park visits, rock climbing and more, and end your vacation on…

Fisherman stands on traditional bamboo boats at sunrise (boat with a red sail in the background)

China's Imperial Cities & Legendary Landscapes

Rich cultural experiences, memorable adventures, and breathtaking natural attractions – this trip through China has all of this and so much more! Begin your journey at bustling Shanghai. Observe the contrasts between the old and the new, the glitz and the gritty and everything in between as you tour the city. Browse through busy bazaars…

Enchanting Travels China Tours beautiful xian city wall and ancient tower at dusk, China

Imperial Cities, Tibet & Yangtze River Cruise

Unearth Chinese legends and spiritual citadels as you make yours way through China’s imperial cities to the Tibetan center of Lhasa. Afterwards, discover pastoral bliss as you cruise gently down the Yangtze river, finally ending your tour in eclectic Shanghai.

Best Places To Visit

Best time to visit China

The energetic megacity of Beijing is a rich tapestry of the old and new, where imperial palaces, museums and buzzing ancient alleyways rub shoulders with cutting edge architecture, new shopping malls and modern buildings.

Best time to visit China

Chengde’s stunning beauty leaves you in no doubt as to why it was chosen as a summer retreat during the imperial Qing dynasty. Nestled snugly among the verdant rolling hills to the north of Beijing, the town is washed by the Wulie River that flows past.

Best time to visit China

The capital of the Sichuan province, Chengdu, in the foothills of the Himalayas, is renowned for its giant pandas, flavorful cuisine, and a laid back vibe. The city is a mix of downtown skyscrapers and well preserved ancient neighborhoods.

Best time to visit China

Chongqing, also known as Mountain City, lies at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers in southwest China. It is best known for its food culture and its natural beauty – green capped hills, rivers, and the Three Gorges downstream.

Best time to visit China

Dali is located in China’s south western Yunnan province on the shores of Erhai Lake, between the Cang mountains to the west and Mount Jizu to the east.

Best time to visit China

Home to several indigenous communities like the local Tujia and the Miao people, Fenghuang has been a vibrant center of trade and culture for centuries.

Things To Do

Where else can you find a country that has both great lakes and a desert, cutting edge technology and architecture, and towns where life has gone unchanged for centuries? To help you navigate the vast expanse, here is our list of the top things to do in China.

In general, there is very little crime and violence in China. Nevertheless, there are still a few things worth noting down before you jet off on a China vacation. Our destination experts share an overview on the top tips for safe and seamless travel in China.

Travel Guide

Whether you’re a little unsure about China’s visa requirements, or simply want to know a bit more about the recommended vaccinations, prepare yourself for an unforgettable vacation in the Far East with tips from our China travel guide.

What Our Guests Say

Best time to visit China

The Enchanting Difference

Authentic & unique.

Our award-winning, licensed local guides provide incredible insights and exclusive experiences for you.

Personalized & Private

Our experts completely customize your private tour to match your interests and preferences.

High-Quality Experiences

All our accommodations and services are personally tested by our team.

Fully Supported Travel

You’ll have a personal and dedicated trip coordinator, backed by 24/7 support in case of emergencies while you’re traveling.

Financial Protection & Flexibility

Your booking is flexible and completely secure with us.

Safe & Secure

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

Do you have a vacation in mind? Personalize your itinerary with our Trip Builder.

The best time to visit Thailand

Chawadee Nualkhair

Jan 3, 2024 • 5 min read

best time to visit china and thailand

Find the best time to visit Thailand for you © Chadchai Ra-ngubpai / Getty Images

Silky-soft beaches, jungle-draped mountains, incredible food and a well-connected position at the heart of Southeast Asia have made Thailand a tourism hub for decades.

It welcomes more than 11 million visitors a year. All the same, travelers who dream of perpetually sunny skies and balmy weather might be dismayed at the pelting rain that arrives like clockwork every July or the sky-high price of their hotel from December to January.

The kingdom is full of diversions – myriad night markets, thundering waterfalls, even cherry blossoms and the occasional dusting of frost – but to experience them for yourself, you need to be in the right place at the right time. Here’s how.

Asian family enjoying summer vacation on the beach in morning with kids on their shoulders and the man pointing to something

December to February is best for beaches

The prevailing joke about Thai weather is that the country has three seasons: hot; wet and hot; and really, really hot. That may be, but when the “cool” season rolls around in December, you will find Thais bundled up in sweaters and even puffer jackets to combat temperatures that fall as low as 23°C (73°F).

While this may be cold for Thais, it’s perfect for international travelers hitting the beach, especially those escaping the northern winter, and resorts like Phuket , Samui and Krabi are predictably packed with sun-seekers at this time of year.

Daytime highs of 31°C (88°F) make outdoor activities warm but bearable, while nights are a hive of activity, with street food vendors lining the sidewalks and markets clad in fairy lights tempting even the most unwilling of shoppers.

The cool season is not for beachcombers alone. This time of year sees frost up north in the mountains as temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F). The northeast region even ushers in its own cherry blossom season as Phu Lom Lo erupts in a burst of pink Himalayan cherry blooms. Early morning hikers are rewarded with sunrise views over a sea of fog at the northern border with Laos , and wildflowers dapple the slopes of Doi Suthep and Phu Tabberk .

Not surprisingly then, this time is considered Thailand’s high season, when hotel and transportation prices are at their peak. However, the payoff is the kingdom at arguably its most beautiful and welcoming, temperature-wise.

Tourists spray water guns out of a tuk tuk on Khaosan Road during the Songkran festival in Bangkok, Thailand.

March and April are best for tropical fruit and Songkran

The weather, even for Thais, becomes alarmingly toasty during Thailand’s “summer” when temperatures average 30°C (87°F). School is out, meaning the capital is less crowded than usual, and the beaches are typically jammed with Bangkokians seeking reprieve from the heat. Meanwhile, temperatures in the usually temperate north soar to 36°C (97°F).

While it may seem a miserable time to visit, foodies will have a field day because all of Thailand’s most beloved fruits – mangoes, mangosteens, rambutans and Marian plums – are in season.

In mid-April, Thailand celebrates its new year, Songkran , and the streets burst into joyful water fights. You’ll find the entire country in celebration: families seeking blessings from their elders, Thais dancing in the streets, and travelers receiving benedictions in the form of perfumed water on the hands, daubings of brightly colored powder on the cheeks or (most likely) a blast of water in the face. Fans of water fights (and getting drenched) will find their like-minded brethren anywhere in the kingdom.

Meanwhile, fans of an empty Bangkok can take advantage of… an empty Bangkok. That means breezy commutes from one end of the city to the other, less competition at popular restaurants and fewer crowds to contend with at shopping malls and theaters. The change in the city is so pronounced that quite a few Bangkokians prize this time of year, opting to make sure that when Songkhran rolls around, they celebrate in the capital.

A Photographer bagpacker travel and take a caption of beautiful step of rice terrace paddle field during sunset in Chiangmai, Thailand

May to October is best for accommodation bargains

Thailand’s rainy season is long, but it doesn’t necessarily mean non-stop torrential downpours. Monsoon rains, especially before July, are typically violent but short, usually arriving in the early evening and lasting for 20 to 30 minutes. (Luckily, Thailand’s location means it avoids the strong typhoons experienced by Vietnam and the Philippines.) The problem is Bangkok traffic snarls for hours as a result, but travelers in less congested destinations are not necessarily affected, and hotel and transportation prices linger at months-long lows.

From May to July, beach resorts on the Andaman Sea side of Thailand – especially on weekdays – are basically deserted, claiming only a fraction of the prices they would normally charge during high season. This means that even at five-star resorts, choice rooms can be rented for far less than their usual rate. And while there will likely be daily rains, they’re usually brief.

Low-season rates extend to non-beach-but-still-popular destinations like Chiang Mai and Khao Sok , where a treasure trove of accommodation options, from floating bungalows to mountaintop cabins, awaits savvy bargain hunters willing to put up with a sudden shower or two. In contrast, July and August are peak season for islands in the Gulf of Thailand like Samui , where the weather is less affected by monsoon rains.

From September to October, the northeast is brimming with waterfalls, providing impromptu bathing areas for visitors with the foresight to bring bathing suits or even just towels. A word of warning: this is also when flooding may occur in the north or northeast, with water reaching all the way to Bangkok in some years. Only riverside areas are at risk, so make sure to check before you go.

Scores of lit lanterns float in the dark skies of Thailand as part of the Loi Krathong festival

November is best for experiencing Loi Krathong

November marks the beginning of the dry season and is considered the shoulder to high season, but bargains can still be found among the bigger local hotel chains.

On the night of November’s full moon, the country celebrates its Loi Krathong festival, marking the end of the rainy season. This is also when people float away their sins by placing candles on makeshift river rafts or lanterns in hopes of welcoming the coming year with a clean slate.

This article was first published March 2021 and updated January 2024

Explore related stories

best time to visit china and thailand

Festivals & Events

Nov 27, 2023 • 7 min read

New Year is a truly global celebration, and you’ll find a party on every continent. These 10 cities promise an unforgettable New Year's Eve experience.

best time to visit china and thailand

Feb 10, 2023 • 6 min read

Male backpacker standing in front of a temple on Yaowarat road (Chinatown) in Bangkok.

Mar 12, 2021 • 5 min read

best time to visit china and thailand

Feb 29, 2024 • 12 min read

Young couple having dinner together at the night market

Feb 23, 2024 • 7 min read

best time to visit china and thailand

Feb 3, 2024 • 7 min read

best time to visit china and thailand

Jan 17, 2024 • 6 min read

Young adult woman in black swimsuit walking into sea between rocks cliff in Croatia

Jan 17, 2024 • 8 min read

best time to visit china and thailand

Jan 11, 2024 • 5 min read

best time to visit china and thailand

Jan 11, 2024 • 4 min read

China Travel Logo

Yulong River in Summer

China Weather - Best Time to Visit China

Generally, compared to the sweltering summers and chilly winters, the cool autumns (September and October)  and warm springs (end of April to the beginning of June) are the best seasons to travel to China.

Time recommendations for travel, however, are blurred because of the sheer size of China. In other words, no matter when you come to this country, there are always beautiful views awaiting you to explore.

China's Climate

China's climate is divided into six categories as follows: tropical, subtropical, warm-temperate, temperate, cold-temperate, and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau temperate zone . Most of the country lies in the northern temperate zone, which is characterized by a warm climate and well-defined seasons, being suitable for habitation.

Actually, the climate in China varies greatly from south to north , especially in winter when dry and cold winds, blowing from Siberia and the Mongolian Plateau, lead to a huge temperature gap between the south (above 0℃) and north (far below 0℃) China.

In summers, however, except for a few remote places, there is little temperature difference between north and south China for there are overall high temperatures in almost the whole country.

Rainfall in China varies from place to place and from season to season. Precipitation gradually increases from the northwestern inland areas to the southeastern coastal regions. And rainy season usually begins earlier in the southern regions, from May to October, while in the northern areas, it lasts for a shorter time, from July to early September .

Spring - The Best Time to Visit China

Generally, spring is considered to be the best time to visit China. Early spring (around March) is an off-season when the weather remains cold and changeable with intermittent showers, and late spring ( April- May ) with an average temperature of 20℃ (70℉) creates an optimal environment for tourists who would come to this country.

Travel Advice

In early spring: we suggest you travel to Shanghai or Beijing which are the most popular destinations in China. It would be fewer people during this time.

As for late spring, the fine weather means no true limitations for traveling in China. So we recommend you to visit the essence of this country or admire the spring color in some mountainous destinations such as the Li River and Zhangjiajie when drizzle adds special character to the views in the form of mountain mists in these places.

Spring Packing Suggestions

North: Walking around outside during the day, visitors can enjoy the bright and beautiful sunshine. But temperatures drop in the evening. You need to bring T-shirts and shorts for the daytime and warm layers, a light jacket, and pants for the night.

South : The southern region is warm and damp. By the late spring, it may even be hot by day. For hotter days, you may only need thin layers and shorts. For cooler days, however, weather-proof layers, sweaters, and light pants are recommended. Prepare raincoats and/or umbrellas for your family when traveling to the south in spring and a nice backpack for anyone who wants to participate in outdoor activities.

Chinese Festivals in Spring

  • Water Splashing Festival (April 13-15): The festival is celebrated by the Dai people (in Yunnan Province) by splashing water on others to express goodwill.
  • Sisters' Meal Festival (mid-May) It is a Miao (in Guizhou Province) minority festival for local people to express love, resembling Western Valentine's Day.
  • Labor Day Holiday  (May 1-3): Since the holiday has been cut short from 7 days to 3 days, Chinese people will only go to nearby places for travel within those days. So you may want to choose remote places in China as your destinations.

Recommended Spring Tour

  • Now it's your turn to be the emperor:  8-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Tour
  • Go to mountainous areas to breathe spring fresh air:  4-Day Zhangjiajie Essence Tour

Summer - A Hot Period

Summer (June to early September) is a hot period, with daytime temperatures of about 28+°C (92+°F) in most parts of China. Moreover, influenced by the monsoons from the ocean, it is generally a time for abundant rainfall, especially in the southeast coastal area.

Summer is a peak season mainly due to the summer vacation of Chinese students. And the weather is not lovely in hot destinations. We suggest you go to some remote resorts of China like Yunnan, Tibet, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang, where you may have the chance to exclusively enjoy the unique scenery. The weather is comfortable and the scenery is the best in these destinations in summer.

Summer Packing Suggestions

North: As it's burning hot in North China, tourists need to bring short-sleeved shirts, shorts, sandals, sun cream, sunglasses, sunbonnets, and a beach umbrella

Central: Tourists need to bring short-sleeved shirts, shorts, sandals, sun cream, sunglasses, and sunbonnets.

South: As it's rainy and sultry, sun cream, sunglasses, sunbonnets, and beach umbrellas are necessary.

Chinese Festivals in Summer

  • Dragon Boat Festival (around June): Many cities will hold exciting dragon boat races and the traditional food "zongzi" will be offered during these days.
  • Nagqu Horse Racing Festival (around August): It is the most important event held in Naqu Prefecture, Tibet. Join the local people in observing the exciting horse race first-hand.
  • Shoton Festival (August-September): It is one of the most popular festivals held in Tibet. On those days, you will enjoy the Tibetan Opera and local delicious yogurt.

Autumn - The Optimal Season to Visit China

Most travelers would find this season the optimal one to travel to China, even though some may think that the weather in September still is a little hot and changeable. From October to November, nearly the whole country would be carpeted by fall colors, and days become cool and dry with a clear blue sky.

Similar to spring, there are not too many places in China that you cannot visit during this season. Therefore, we highly recommend you to explore the top destinations in this country to avoid the pity of missing worthy places.

And when November comes, you would also have the choice to go to the north of the country to see its first snowfalls.

Autumn Packing Suggestions

North : As it is cool during the daytime and a little bit cold in the evening, long-sleeved coats and woolen sweaters are needed.

Central:  It's warm in the daytime and cool in the evening, thus, light long-sleeved coats are enough.

South: As it is still very warm in South China, short-sleeved T-shirts and shorts are recommended. Meanwhile, tourists need to bring some light long-sleeved coats in case of the cold weather during November.

Chinese Festivals in Autumn

  • Mid-Autumn Festival (mid-September- early October): It is one of the most important festivals. Gaze at the full moon, which symbolizes family unity in China, with a traditional food called moon cakes.
  • Chinese National Day Holiday (October 1-7): Since it is the “Golden Week” of China, we strongly advise you to choose some remote resorts as your destinations and remember to book early.

These tours above can be customized to meet your requirements and time schedule.

Recommended Autumn Tour

  • Admire the elegant side around Shanghai: 1-Day Suzhou and Tongli Water Town Tour

Winter - Cold but a Good Time to Come to China

Due to the cold and humid northwesterly winds blowing from Siberia, most regions in China experience chilly and damp winters. Temperatures in the northern parts of this country, especially at night, often drop below freezing. And during most days in the north, you experience snow.

Actually, there is a narrow temperature gap between south and north China in this season, except for some places located in the tropical zone like Sanya, Yunnan, and Hongkong with mild winters.

Generally, winter is a low season for traveling in China, with relatively lower prices  for accommodation and other expenses .

Visit big cities to experience traditional Chinese festivals , like Chinese New Year. Cities like Shanghai and Beijing would be fewer people  because many people who just work there go back to their hometowns to get together with their families.

Go for some unique winter sceneries like Harbin's ice and snow world, where a large number of ice sculptures, varying in styles and scales, awaits you to explore.

Moreover, if you get cold easily, we suggest you head down south to Sanya city of Yunnan Province where you can enjoy a mild winter with an average temperature of around.

Winter Packing Suggestions

North : Due to the severe cold weather, very warm and thick clothes should be worn, such as down jackets, cotton-padded jackets, thermal underwear, cotton glove, a scarf and warm shoes.

Central : Due to the chilly and damp weather conditions, warm clothes such as down jackets are needed.

South : Though it's not that cold in South China, warm clothes are still necessary.

Chinese Festivals in Winter

  • Chinese New Year (late January or early February): This is a time that every travel website would advise you to avoid. But actually, since it is the most important festival in China (like Christmas in western countries), people will return to their hometowns and big cities like Shanghai and Beijing would be much fewer people. You may find local families jointly celebrate an authentic Chinese New Year Festival and learn some Chinese customs.
  • Lantern Festival  (around February): This is the first night of the year to see a full moon. Join in a Chinese temple fair which is only held during those special days and eat "yuan xiao".
  • Minority festival: Lusheng Festival (begins on the 16th day of the first lunar month): It is the most influential festival celebrated by the Miao minority in the mountainous areas of Kaili, Guizhou Province, with local people dancing in traditional costumes, playing lusheng and holding bull-fights.
  • Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival (early January): The festival lasts for more than a week and has a display of a great number of stylish ice sculptures.

Recommended Winter Tours

  • Visit Beijing to explore the culture of China:  4-Day Classic Beijing Tour
  • Explore the essence of China:  8-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Private Tour

China Weather by Month

  • January Weather
  • February Weather
  • March Weather
  • April Weather
  • May Weather
  • June Weather
  • August Weather
  • September Weather
  • October Weather
  • November Weather
  • December Weather

Request a custom itinerary today and get one step closer to your personalized trip

Create Your Trip

  • Meet the Team
  • Work with Us
  • Czech Republic
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Scandinavia
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa
  • Budget Travel
  • Work & Travel
  • The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
  • Travel Resources
  • How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Southeast Asia » Best Time to Visit Thailand – MUST READ • 2024 Guide

Best Time to Visit Thailand – MUST READ • 2024 Guide

Idyllic beaches, fascinating culture, and sublime cuisine come together to provide one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations – Thailand. Once you’ve narrowed down your options of what you’d like to see and do, you’re left with choosing the best time to visit Thailand.

From exploring the many ornate temples and monuments to lazing on a sandy, palm-fringed beach with a festive cocktail, there’s no shortage of experiences to be had. Water sports enthusiasts have a wide range of aquatic activities to choose from, including surfing, fishing, snorkelling, and whale and dolphin watching.

The bustling capital of Bangkok is a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds where the modern and the traditional coexist. Whilst the various islands and beach destinations provide a simpler, slower pace of life in stark contrast to the buzzing cities.

Thailand is a great year-round destination, but because of its geographical location, the country can experience climate extremes that may influence your decision. It all comes down to finding the best time to go to Thailand for the experience you’re wishing to have.

Finding the sweet spot in terms of costs, crowds and climate is the ultimate juggling act, but it’s one we hope to simplify with this guide.

Best Time To Visit Thailand – January to April

Best Time To Go To Bangkok – November to March

Best Time To Go To Koh Phangan  – January to May

Best Time To Go To Chiang Mai  – November to February

Best Time For Sightseeing – November to February

Cheapest Time To Visit Thailand – May to September

When is the Best Time to Go to Thailand?

When to visit thailand – a month by month breakdown, faq about the best time to visit thailand, final thoughts on the best time to visit thailand.

Choosing the best time to visit Thailand will depend largely on the kind of experience you’re wishing to have.

Perhaps you’re planning a trip for a specific season or event, or even if you have a small window for travel and want to decide on where to go for that season, we’ve gathered all the facts.

The busiest season for travel in Thailand is the cooler season between November and March. While technically this is the winter, don’t let that fool you. Temperatures are still in the high 20s (Celsius) with blue skies and lower humidity than at other times of the year.

Because the weather is so good, this is a popular time with other tourists too. So expect crowds at attractions and inflated pricing on flights and accommodation across Thailand . If you wish to travel at this time, it’s best to book well in advance as hotels fill up fast.

February is the driest month, particularly in the south, so if avoiding rainfall is important to you, then this is the best time to travel.

Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand

April and May, and September and October are good times to travel if you’re looking for lower prices and smaller crowds. The weather at this time is still good, but not too hot. Rains can be expected but these are usually in the form of a sudden, heavy shower which passes quickly. 

August can get busier in Thailand as a result of the influx of visitors from Europe taking their summer holidays along the west coast. 

The summer months in Thailand are humid, making the already high temperatures feel even hotter. It’s the rainy season which means rain is expected almost every day, causing potential travel delays and changes to plans. Because of the weather, there are far fewer tourists and prices are pleasingly lower. This is the cheapest time to visit Thailand – whatever your Thai itinerary.  

While this is not the best time to visit for water sports, hiking or lazing on beaches, if you’re up for a cultural experience of visiting temples, Thai cooking classes, and other indoor pursuits, it’s worth it. 

Best Time to Go to Bangkok

The thriving capital of Thailand is a busy destination year-round, with distinct peaks of increased tourist numbers at certain times.

Ironically, the winter months (November to March) are the busiest times to visit the city. While it is technically winter, the temperatures reach into the high 20s and early 30s, so it’s still hot, but not unbearably so.

This is when tourists flock to the city to make the most of the milder temperatures, low humidity, and rainfall. As a result, expect larger crowds of tourists and elevated pricing when visiting at this time. Still, there are plenty of affordable Bangkok hostels so shop around.

By April, the humidity begins to rise and rainfall is becoming more common. Between the heat (average temperatures rarely drop below 30ºC) and the humidity, things can get uncomfortable. Between April and October, visitor numbers are lower and you’re more likely to pick up some good deals on accommodation and flights.

Thai festivals such as Songkran (Thai New Year) tend to attract many tourists and cause brief spikes in pricing and tourist numbers in this otherwise off-peak season.

Monsoon rains fall between July and August in Bangkok. While you’ll experience frequent bursts of heavy rain, you’ll also enjoy the benefits of the low season – fewer tourists and cheaper prices. Bangkok offers a wide variety of indoor attractions, temples, and shopping. There are lots of things to do in Bangkok even if it is raining. 

Best Time to Go to Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, offering powdery beaches, clear coastal waters, and a laid-back island atmosphere.

As one would expect from a tropical destination, the climate is hot and humid. January to April are the best months for a visit as the temperatures are milder, as is the humidity. This is peak season, so expect higher prices and lots of other tourists.

best yoga retreats on Koh Phangan

October and November (and sometimes into December) are the rainiest months on the island and not a good time to travel. Aside from making it difficult to even reach the island, flooding is common.

The rest of the year can also experience rainfall, however, this is usually in the form of short and heavy downpours. February is the only month of the year that doesn’t see much rainfall.

April to June can be extremely hot and humid, although it’s still less humid than Phuket. July and August are good times to travel from a weather perspective as it’s lovely and hot – perfect for lazing on the beach. You can expect frequent downpours but these are usually short and clear quickly.

The island gets really busy around Full Moon so book your Koh Phangan accommodation in advance.

Best Time to Go to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s elevated location in northern Thailand means it has a very seasonal climate, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity than the rest of the country.

The best time to go to Chiang Mai would be during the cooler months between November and February. Temperatures at this time peak in the high 20s (Celsius) and can drop to a cool 10°C. There’s also much less humidity and rainfall at this time. 

That said, you’ll be in the company of many other tourists at this time and likely have to pay slightly more for things like accommodation and activities. Locals also flock to Chiang Mai during this time to enjoy the cooler weather, so expect lots of the famous Thai traffic , and crowded restaurants and transport. 

chiang mai thailand

By April, the weather is hot, averaging around 40°C, and dry. The landscape is less lush and photogenic, and occasional wildfires choke the air with smoke.

Chiang Mai is a great place to experience Songkran (Thai New Year) – they have one of the largest celebrations in Thailand next to Bangkok and Khon Kaen. As a result, there’s a spike in tourism at this time.

The rainy season in Chiang Mai is between June and October. Conditions are humid and rain falls mostly in the late afternoons or evenings. After a short downpour, it usually clears up again. Towards August and September, you may experience longer rains which linger for a day or two.

The rainy season is considered low season, so you’re likely to snatch up some good bargains on accommodation, and enjoy a much quieter experience.

Best Time for Sightseeing in Thailand

The months between November and February are the best time to visit Thailand for sightseeing. This is technically the winter period, but temperatures are still hot, reaching the high 20s (Celsius).

This is the most popular time to visit, so be prepared for crowds of other tourists and long queues at attractions and restaurants. If you wish to travel at this time, you’d do well to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. 

If you’re wishing to avoid the crowds and snag a bargain on accommodation, the months between September and November are ideal. This is the rainy season when showers are frequent, but usually, only last an hour or two in the late afternoon and evening.

This is both the cheapest and least crowded time in Thailand, but it can mean some travel delays in the case of dirt roads turning to mud during this time. 

Best Time for Visiting Koh Phangan

The islands in the Gulf of Thailand offer an incredible tropical retreat that’s great to visit at most times of the year. The islands generally experience less rain than the rest of the country throughout the year. The monsoon rains arrive later here and are over in less time.

A tropical holiday on the island of Koh Phangan is best enjoyed between January and April when the temperatures are cooler and less humid. However, this time of year also comes with larger crowds of tourists and higher prices. Beaches will be packed, and there may be a wait at restaurants and water sports centres. 

Koh phangan thailand

Increased heat and rainfall are more common from April until August, so you’ll enjoy much more affordable prices, but short, late-afternoon downpours are frequent. July and August offer great weather but see a peak in summer tourist numbers from Europe and prices can rise in anticipation of this. 

The best time to visit Koh Phangan for a beach holiday that offers a balance between the climate and the crowds is between September and October. 

Divers visiting the island can head out at most times of the year outside of the heavy rains. Good visibility and an incredible variety of species make Koh Phanang a popular spot to explore the world under the waves. 

Cheapest Time to Go to Thailand

In general, Thailand is an affordable destination with a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. It’s possible to experience all that this incredible country has to offer at a reasonable cost, but if you’re feeling flush, you can add the bells and whistles to take it up a notch or two.

Thorough planning is essential if you’re hoping to visit during the peak season. But if you’re very price conscious, then the cheapest time to visit Thailand is during the rainy high summer between May and September.

Busiest Time to Visit Thailand

Thailand is a popular destination that sees tourists pretty much throughout the year. Because most visitors are seeking an idyllic beach holiday in this tropical paradise, certain times of year see more tourist traffic than others. 

Peak season in Thailand falls over the cooler months of November to April. The weather is less stifling, with temperatures hovering in the high 20s (Celsius) and the humidity is much less. This is the best time to visit Thailand for a beach holiday as well as snorkelling and swimming, but it will come at an increased rate. Beaches will be crowded as will transport routes and restaurants. 

In April, the Thai New Year festival of Songkran attracts large numbers of tourists who come to join in the celebratory water fights in the streets throughout Thailand. 

If you’re planning to visit Thailand in the peak season, it’s best to plan and book your travels as far in advance as possible. There are more options in terms of accommodation, and costs can sometimes be lower by booking long in advance. Be aware that booking for high season will also come with stricter booking and cancellation terms. 

August sees another spike in tourist numbers when European travelers head to Thailand on their summer holidays.

best time to visit china and thailand

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Weather in Thailand

Thailand offers a warm tropical climate all year long. The weather in Thailand comprises three main seasons – rainy (May to October), cool (November to February), and hot (March to May). The high summer temperatures can feel even hotter as the humidity rises. 

The cool season falls between November and February and is considered the peak travel season. The weather in Thailand at this time is pleasant and hot (between the high 20s to low 30s), humidity is low, and rainfall infrequent. The cool season attracts significantly more travelers and you’ll likely need to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Prepare yourself to be among loads of other travelers at this time. 

In the north of the country, you can expect less humidity and overall cooler temperatures. Between November and February, the more mountainous regions can see some chilly weather, with temperatures dipping to the single digits (Celsius). 

Thailand sea

The rainy season also differs from place to place. In the northeast, rain is common between November and April, while the southwestern regions get their downpours between May and October. 

Overall, the southern reaches of Thailand experience the most rainfall in the country, usually in the form of short, dramatic downpours which clear up quickly. The central regions of the country experience the greatest heat. This includes cities like Bangkok which feels even hotter as a result of the high humidity. 

The rainy season is a great time to visit Bangkok for good shopping – the Amazing Grand Sale takes place from Mid-June to mid-August. 

Where is the Best Weather in Thailand?

It’s always warm in most of Thailand. The mountains in the north can get pretty chilly during the cool season, but for the rest of the year, the mercury hovers in the pleasant high 20s (Celsius). 

The best weather for a beach holiday is between November and March when it’s not too hot or humid, and there’s less rainfall. This does mean sharing those powdery beaches with other tourists though, and perhaps having to wait in lines at attractions.

The rainy season between May and September is a great time to hit the cities and visit the many temples and palaces, do some shopping, and explore the more cultural side of Thailand. 

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the rainy season is cooler. High temperatures and humidity combine to make things stiflingly hot. You’ll be saving on accommodation by traveling at this time, so we recommend springing for air conditioning if you can. If you can handle the heat and the afternoon downpours, you’ll be rewarded with blissfully empty beaches and a more laid-back experience with no queues. 

April to May and September to October offer somewhat of a balance between climate, crowds, and costs. The weather is still hot but not stifling and there is the occasional downpour. But usually, these are brief, and there aren’t too many other travelers about. Prices aren’t at their peak season high, but not quite as cheap as the rainy season. 

Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Festivals in Thailand

Most celebrations in Thailand have a religious root or are national holidays. Religious festivities don’t usually have fixed dates, so you’ll need to plan carefully and do your research before booking.  

Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai, Thailand

From the popular Songkran Thai New Year celebration to spectacular sights such as the Loy Krathong Festival, and even the Kin Jay Vegetarian Festival, there’s something for everyone.  

  • Full Moon Party :

Once a month, Phangan Island hosts a popular Full Moon beach party in celebration of the full moon. Dance music throbs throughout the night as partygoers dance into a new day on the sandy beach. These parties are very popular with tourists, and attract top EDM DJs to supply the beats. 

The Thai New Year celebration is a popular event with tourists. The Thai people pour scented water on each other to symbolically wash away the sins and bad luck of the previous year. This turns into a spirited water fight in the streets with people using buckets, water pistols, and hoses. The festival is best enjoyed in the bigger cities–so plan to stay in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. 

  • Amazing Thailand Grand Sale :

Mid-June to mid-August draws shoppers to Thailand for a nationwide shopping extravaganza. Bangkok is arguably the best place to take advantage of these incredible sales, but other places like Phuket and Chiang Mai are still worth checking out.

Shoppers can grab some incredible discounts on everything from clothes to jewellery and electronics. If you’re searching for a bargain, you’re likely to find one here with up to 80% discounts being offered by retailers.

  • Chonburi Buffalo Racing Festival :

If you’re in Bangkok in October, why not try something a little different and head out to Chonburi (about an hour away) for this unique 140-year-old festival? In addition to the main event, buffalo racing, there are also some other fun side attractions like the buffalo beauty pageants and other contests. 

  • Loy Krathong Festival:

This is arguably the prettiest festival in Thailand. Locals release thousands of boats made from banana leaves bearing flickering candles and flowers into ponds, lakes, and rivers throughout Thailand to symbolically wash away sins. The spectacle is a feast for the eyes as these glittering offerings float along in the night. 

  • Phi Ta Khon :

Also known as the Ghost Festival, this three-day celebration replicates the legend of a party that both the living and the dead wish they could attend. On the first day, it’s traditional for everyone to dress up as a ghost. The second day features pageants and shows, and on the last day, Buddhist ceremonies are held. 

  • Kin Jay Vegetarian Festival:

This annual festival is celebrated between late September and mid-October and is centered on cleansing the body by not consuming meat, fish, or alcohol. Any vendor who wears a yellow apron, or hangs a yellow flag in their establishment will provide only completely vegan food during this time. 

If you’re still trying to pinpoint the exact time to go to Thailand that ticks all of your boxes, we’ve broken down each month of the year and detailed the experience you’re likely to have. If you have a very narrow window to travel and need help deciding what’s good at that time, this breakdown will make that easier. 

thailand

January in Thailand

January offers great weather throughout the country with cooler temperatures and a lower chance of showers. Chiang Mai is the coolest in January, dropping to around 10-15ºC. Tourist season is kicking in throughout the country, so things are likely to be busy (roads, restaurants, beaches) and more expensive.

February in Thailand

Warm weather in the high 20s and low 30s can be expected. Further north, you’re likely to experience more rainfall, as well as occasionally along the east coast. Rain generally comes down in short showers that cool things down a bit.

In other parts of the country, February offers perfect beach holiday weather – hot, sunny weather, and minimal rain. This also means it’s a popular time to travel, so you’re advised to book well in advance for a visit during peak season. Crowds of tourists and higher pricing may deter some.

March in Thailand

On the whole, March is lovely and hot. As the summer season approaches, temperatures can head into the mid-30s, and rainfall is minimal. Water sports along the west coast are great at this time, especially scuba. The crowds of tourists start to lessen as the offseason approaches, so prices can start to ease.

April in Thailand

April sees temperatures rise and rise, and the addition of increasing humidity before the monsoon can make the heat quite oppressive. There’s a spike in tourism over April with people coming to join in the Songkran New Year festivities. While this is a great experience, it comes with those higher prices and much larger crowds.

May in Thailand

Temperatures drop off a bit from April, but it’s still stifling. Humidity increases significantly as a result of more frequent downpours. Despite the approaching rainy season, there are still plenty of sunny days to be enjoyed. This is a good time to travel if you’re wanting to miss the crowds and high costs, but still enjoy lovely weather that isn’t too hot or too rainy. 

June in Thailand

June is still considered shoulder season, so you’re likely to enjoy some lovely sunny days with some afternoon showers that pass as quickly as they arrive. The west coast gets somewhat more rain than other places at this time. 

June features several food and music festivals, making it a really fun and fascinating time to visit. Overall, you’ll enjoy the shoulder season benefits in June – fewer crowds and some really good bargains on accommodation. 

phang gna island thailand

July in Thailand

Heavier rainfall is expected in July, especially along the coast, but temperatures remain in the low 30s. There’s an increase in tourist numbers related to the start of the summer holidays, and so accommodation costs are likely to increase at this time. 

There are a few important celebrations in July, namely the King’s birthday and the Buddhist period of Lent. 

August in Thailand

Rainfall is at its highest in the north and west Thailand, making travel here much less appealing. You’re likely to find some good deals on travel at this time as a result. 

The east coast is still reasonably rain-free, making it a popular spot with European travelers on their summer holidays. 

September in Thailand

Heavy rains and stormy seas make escaping to the islands difficult. In the rest of the country, the heavy rains bring muddy roads and humid conditions that make the 32ºC average temperature feel much hotter. 

On the upside, there won’t be many other tourists around resulting in some really good bargains to be had. 

October in Thailand

The major rains start to taper off in most of the country, taking much of the humidity with them, especially in the north. Temperatures are easing too as we head into the winter months. 

This milder climate brings an increase in travelers coming to enjoy the pleasant weather. As tourism picks up again, so the prices begin their steady climb to the peak season. 

The end of the rainy season and the end of Lent bring many religious celebrations. 

November in Thailand

Thailand’s one of the best countries to explore in November . The West Coast is blessed with mild temperatures and sunny skies, and visitors begin to flock here for beach vacations, kicking off the peak season. You can still pick up a deal on accommodation at this time, especially if you book in advance. 

In the north of the country and the high-lying regions, the cool weather arrives, with temperatures getting decidedly chilly in the early mornings and evenings. The east coast and islands in the gulf are only now getting the peak of their rainfall. 

December in Thailand

December offers some of Thailand’s best weather – it’s sunny and pleasant with minimal rain. With the peak season crowds, you can expect peak season pricing, so if you plan to visit at this time, make sure you book well in advance. 

The Christmas and New Year period bring high rates as well, as well as stricter booking conditions and cancellations. 

If you’re traveling to the north, make sure to pack in some warm clothing to beat the evening chill, while visitors to the south-east should not forget to bring a light rain jacket as rainfall is still expected. 

When is the Best Time to Go to Chiang Mai?

The busiest time in Chiang Mai is between November and early February when the weather is cool and comfortable. Rainfall and humidity are also much lower at this time. Maximum daytime temperatures are in the high 20s, but at night, it can get quite cool, dropping to the low teens.  Because of this mild weather, it’s peak tourist season, so you’ll pay quite a bit more for accommodation. At this time of year, Chiang Mai sees an influx of local tourists as well, so it can get quite busy.  If you’d like to balance good weather with smaller crowds, then a good time to visit would be between June and October. While this is the rainy/monsoon season, the rainfall isn’t more than a brief, short downpour, which cools things down somewhat too. The surroundings are lush and green at this time, and there are few other tourists about.  

When is the Rainy Season in Thailand?

Thailand’s rainy season arrives in various places at different times and affects each region differently.  In the north, the rains arrive earlier and stay longer, beginning in mid-June and sticking around well into December. The rains aren’t the persistent, lingering sort. Instead, showers are frequent and unpredictable, occurring in short, sharp bursts. The rains arrive later as you move south, with central Thailand getting rainier in June, but it’s all over and done with by late October.  The west coast sees a similar rainfall pattern to central Thailand, but the east coast experiences its rainfall much later, between October and December.

When is the Coldest Month in Thailand?

The word ‘cold’ isn’t usually associated with a tropical location such as Thailand which offers warm to hot weather for the most part throughout the year. January generally sees the lowest temperatures of the year.  In the northern parts of the country, especially in the more mountainous regions, temperatures can dip to the low teens (Celsius) between December and March, especially in the early mornings and evenings.  Between November and April, Thailand is generally much cooler than during the high summer months, with average temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s (Celsius). This is the best time to visit Thailand for pleasant weather that’s ideal for a beach holiday.

When is the Worst Time to Visit Thailand?

The worst time to visit Thailand is during the summer (May to September) when it’s oppressively hot, humid, and rainy. In certain parts, this can cause unpleasant traveling conditions, and stormy weather can pull the hand brake up on any travel plans.  It is the best time to travel if you’re looking for a bargain on accommodation and far fewer other tourists. Conversely, the high season, which offers incredible weather, is the worst time to travel if you’re not keen on large crowds and inflated prices. 

Don’t Forget your Thailand Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

best time to visit china and thailand

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

By now, you’ve probably settled on the best time to visit Thailand that will offer you the experience you’ve been dreaming of. 

If you’re planning a tropical beach break in high season, make sure to book well in advance to mitigate some of the high-season inflation, and to ensure you have more accommodation options. Last-minute deals are a great way to save even more for low season travel, but it will leave you frustrated and out of pocket if you try it over the high season. 

Whenever you choose to visit, a trip to Thailand is guaranteed to leave you with incredible memories of a colorful country, amazing nature, sandy beaches, palm trees, and vibrant culture. 

a girl smiling with an iced green tea in her hand, looking at the sunset

  • Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Thailand for a wealth of info!
  • Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Chiang Mai covered.
  • Check out the best places to stay in Chiang Mai before you arrive.
  • Save yourself hassle and money and get an  international SIM card .
  • Swing by our super epic  backpacking packing list  to prep for your trip.
  • Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Thailand to avoid any issues. 

best time to visit china and thailand

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Clair Cathryn

Clair Cathryn

Best Time To Visit Thailand Pinterest Image

Share or save this post

promotional sidebar image for booking.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

tct-logo

  • China Tours
  • Top 10 Tours
  • Group Tours
  • Tailor-made
  • Destinations
  • Classic China Tours
  • Scenic China Tours
  • China Cultural Tours
  • Yangtze River Cruises
  • Silk Road Adventure
  • Tibet Tours
  • Yunnan Tours
  • Beijing Tours
  • Shanghai Tours
  • Guilin Tours
  • Chengdu Tours
  • Zhangjiajie Tours
  • China Group Tours 2023
  • Beijing Group Day Tours
  • Shanghai Group Day Tours
  • Guilin Group Day Tours
  • Hong Kong Group Day Tours --> All Asia Tours Privacy Statement

    Our license Number: L-GX-CJ00001

    Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved Top China Travel

    go to top

    • South Africa
    • Philippines
    • New South Wales
    • Northern Territory
    • South Australia
    • Western Australia
    • Switzerland
    • United Kingdom
    • Netherlands
    • New Zealand
    • Solomon Islands
    • Itineraries
    • About Travel2Next
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Travel2Next TV
    • Travel Shop

    travel 2 next

    • Destinations
    • Best Time To Visit China

    - This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

    Although I lived in China for 2 ½ years and travelled as frequently as possible, I did not even scratch the surface in terms of visiting all the beautiful places that China offers. China is the fourth-largest country in the world and has a variety of seasonal differences, temperatures and climates despite only having a single time zone. C hina is defined by the traditional four seasons, winter, spring, summer and autumn, and each season allows you to discover a new and exciting place. If you are searching for a concrete answer on the best time to visit China, it depends on where you are looking.

    Generally speaking, the north of China is characterised by freezing winters. In Beijing, temperatures in the winter months of December to February can reach -20 °C! In the central part of China, the climate is different once again, with many provinces experiencing less extreme temperatures. Winter can see average countrywide temperatures between 0 to 10 °C and summer months are long and often reach well into the 30°C mark. 

    The best time to visit places in China such as Shanghai and Zhangjiajie (the famous Avatar movie mountains) is autumn and spring but can be enjoyed in the summer and winter months. Head south to Guangzhou, and the climate turns to typhoon rains between July and September, with temperatures reaching nearly 40°C. Head in the complete opposite direction to the northwest of China, and you will be transported to a dry and sunny desert-like region with highs of 47°C and cold wintery nights of -10°C. 

    Many consider China’s autumn and spring months, from September to November and mid-March to May, as  the  ideal time to visit the country. This is because the weather in these two seasons is more neutral, not swelteringly hot and not finger numbingly cold.

    With so many incredible places to visit in China and such a diverse climate to consider, it can often feel overwhelming when planning your destinations and itineraries. There are so many  must-see  cultural sites and picturesque natural landscapes that you are spoilt for choice. China is so vast that squishing all of the top tourist attractions into one trip might result in you staying for several months. So, I hope that this guide of the best time to visit China will help make those seasonal and destination choices a little easier, so you can plan your trip to China in a hassle-free manner. 

    One thing about China is if you are willing to embrace the summer humidity, don’t mind donning a large puffy jacket in winter and do not mind sharing your experience with many other visitors during the country’s many national holidays then you will find China to be an incredible place to explore no matter the season. 

    Plan Your Trip

    Average weather in china in summer, 1- sanya, hainan island, 2- xi’an (terracotta warriors), 3- xiamen, (fujian tulou), 4- shenzhen, 5- huangshan mountain (yellow mountain), average weather in china in autumn, 1- shanghai, 2- guangzhou, 5- the potala palace, lhasa, tibet, average weather in china in winter, 1- harbin ice festival, 2- inner mongolia, 3- hailuogou scenic area, sichuan province, 4- lake yamdrok, tibet, 5- northern xinjiang, average weather in china in spring, 1- zhangjiajie, 4- the great wall of china, 5- fenghuang ancient town.

    best car rental

    Rent A Car – Find the best car rental rates at Discover Cars . They compare car hire companies to provide you with the best deal right now.

    best time to visit china and thailand

    Find A Hotel – If you’re curious about this article and are looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at these amazing hotels .

    China in Summer 

    best time to visit China weather Huangshan mountains

    Summer in China is hot, humid, and depending on where you are, you may experience the occasional tropical rainstorm. 

    But don’t let the heat and summer haze put you off from travelling during this time. 

    There are fantastic places to visit where you can escape the heat and explore some breathtaking vistas. 

    During the hottest months, locals, expats and tourists choose to visit the beaches of Hainan Island or the breezy coastal city of Xiamen. 

    Discover the cultural and architectural wonders of the cities of Xi’an and Shenzhen or get lost in the cooler Huangshan Mountains (otherwise known as the Yellow Mountains). 

    China in summer may not be as popular for foreign visitors as the autumn and spring seasons, but it is still worth a visit during this time. 

    Throughout the summer months, China has on average around 15 daylight hours, so there’s plenty of time to explore your surroundings. 

    With the strong sun and humidity, always pack copious amounts of sunscreen and hydrate regularly. 

    It’s amazing just how quickly you can dehydrate in the Chinese summer sun (trust me, I’ve been there).  

    *The following daylight hours and temperatures are based on China’s capital Beijing.

    • Daylight hours: 14 hrs 48 mins
    • Min temperature: 18.8°C (85.4°F)
    • Max temperature: 30.2°C (65.8°F)
    • Daylight hours: 14 hrs 57 mins
    • Min temperature: 22°C (71.6°F)
    • Max temperature: 30.9°C (87.6°F) 
    • Daylight hours: 14 hrs 15 mins
    • Min temperature: 20.8°C (69.4°F)
    • Max temperature: 29.7°C (85.5°F)

    Five Things To Do In China In Summer 

    best time of year to visit China for the weather Sanya Tianyahaijiao

    Make sure to find a hotel on the waterfront in Sanya for excellent views of the ocean and enjoy what many Chinese people refer to as the ‘Hawaii of China’.

    Terracotta warriors in Xian

    Xi’an is the perfect base for you to visit the famous Terracotta Warriors but also to explore the cities many wonders. Be sure to check out the ancient city walls, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the beautiful Bell Tower of Xi’an.

    what is the best time of year to visit China Xiamen aerial view

    If you are visiting Xiamen and especially the rural dwellings of Fujian Tulou, then you will be rewarded with incredible, unique architecture and history dating back to the Song and Yuan Dynasties.

    Fancy some Chinese bargains? Shenzhen is known for its shopping and big discounts. From designer clothes to electronics, Shenzhen is the place to be. While you’re there make sure to wander aimlessly around the CBD, keep your eyes peeled down every alley, where there’s bound to be something unique to discover.

    Best time of year to visit China Huangshan Mountains

    You’ll be blown away by the beauty of the smoky mountain peaks of Huangshan, and within seconds of arriving you’ll be able to understand why many call them ‘the loveliest mountains in China’.

    Top tips: 

    • Always be armed with sunscreen, a large hat and make sure you keep continually hydrated. Oh, and you may want to invest in one of those handheld fans!
    • Chinese school summer holidays are usually from mid-July to the end of August. Although you can still travel during this time, it will be busier, so opting to travel during June or early July might be preferable.  
    • A tip here for photographers (or those wearing glasses) – As the summer humidity in China often reaches 80%, you may experience issues with your glasses fogging up or camera equipment being damaged due to the high moisture content. In addition, humidity can cause fungus to grow on your camera’s lens, causing irreparable damage. My top tips for protecting your camera are using it frequently to get it adjusted to the temperature, keeping some silica gel packs handy, and using a lens hood!  
    • Rainfall in summer can be unpredictable, so it’s always best to keep a small umbrella on you at all times. However, if you want to travel light, you can pick one up from almost every mini-mart style store in China.   

    China in Autumn 

    when is the best time to visit China autumn

    Autumn is by far my favourite time of year in China, the colours, the crispness, the transition from sticky heat to chilly evening winter temperatures makes for the perfect travelling environment. 

    On the whole, autumn in China runs from September to November, but these dates and temperatures can vary a little due to the country being so vast. 

    Like other places around the world, China changes colour in the autumn months, making for a spectacularly diverse way of viewing some of its many breathtaking destinations. 

    One of the main reasons many visitors are drawn to China during Autumn is that the average temperatures are bearable, often between 16°C to 26°C. 

    Daylight hours for Beijing vary from around 12 ½ hours in September to 10 hours in November. 

    Autumn in China is the perfect time of year to visit many big cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu, as the city heat is pleasant and not overwhelming. 

    Destinations such as Lijiang and the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet are also spectacular at this time when the air is fresh, and the trees turn vibrantly orange in a plethora of attractive hues. 

    • September: Daylight hours: 12h31m, Temp: 15°C (59°F) – 26°C (78.8°F) • October: Daylight hours: 11h14m, Temp: 19°C (66.2°F) – 8°C (46.4°F) • November: Daylight hours: 10h02m, Temp: 10°C (50°F) – 0°C (32°F)

    Five Things To Do In China In Autumn 

    best time to visit Beijing China The Bund at night

    In my opinion, there is no better city in China than Shanghai. It has it all, an impressive modern skyline view from ‘The Bund’ (which you will struggle to peel your eyes away from) all the way to the spectacular gold plated Jing’an Temple which is old and tranquil despite being in the centre of an immense megacity.

    best time of the year to visit China Guangzhou City

    Located on the beautifully named Pearl River, the port of Guangzhou is a hustling and bustling city. No trip to Guangzhou is complete without a visit to the fluorescent rainbow Canton Tower and a relaxing stroll along the promenade.

    Who can resist a trip to see China’s most famous animal, you guessed it, the panda! Although the city has much to offer, most centre their trip to Chengdu around our fluffy black and white friends located at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Want to cuddle a Chengdu panda? Well, you better get saving, at the research base you can cuddle a panda for 60 seconds for a whopping $350!

    best time to visit china lijiang

    The old town of Lijiang can act as your base for exploring the surrounding area, with a beautiful pagoda, arched bridge and snowcapped mountain being one of the most attractive viewpoints. But while you’re there make sure to head just outside the city to the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge.

    the best time to visit China Potala palace in Lhasa

    Perhaps one of the most spectacular architectural gems you will see on your visit to China, the Potala Palace is nothing short of breathtaking. The palace lies in Tibet, an autonomous region of China so you will be in for a unique change in culture as you head towards the west of China.

    • 1 to 7 October is the Chinese National Day Holiday, one of China’s busiest times for travel. If you want to avoid tourists, long queues, and busy public transport, I strongly advise avoiding the first week of October altogether. But if you must travel during this season, you will need to book transportation (especially high-speed trains), accommodation and entrance tickets well in advance.  
    • The autumn temperatures are much more bearable than the summer sun, but you may want to remember to pack some warm clothes as the evenings can get cold, with temperatures in November reaching 0°C in some areas.  

    Are you itching to travel somewhere but can’t decide where or when to go? These posts might help:

    • Best Time To Visit Iceland
    • Best Time To Visit Macau
    • Best Time To Visit Singapore
    • Best Time To Visit Egypt
    • Best Time To Visit Japan
    • Best Time To Visit Cuba
    • Best Time To Visit England
    • Best Time To Visit Peru
    • Best Time To Visit Spain
    • Best Time To Visit California
    • Best Time To Visit Colorado
    • Best Time To Visit Turkey
    • Best Time To Visit Greece
    • Best Time To Visit France
    • Best Time To Visit Switzerland
    • Best Time To Visit Norway
    • Best Time To Visit Italy
    • Best Time To Visit Germany
    • Best Time To Visit Thailand
    • Best Time To Visit Portugal
    • Best Time To Visit Croatia
    • Best Time To Visit Scotland
    • Best Time To Visit Costa Rica
    • Best Time To Visit Argentina
    • Best Time To Visit Brazil
    • Best Time To Visit Chile
    • Best Time To Visit Austria
    • Best Time To Visit India

    China in Winter 

    when is the best time to visit China weather wise Doacheng Yading National park

    Winter in China is vastly different depending on where you are travelling to. 

    In areas such as Harbin and Inner Mongolia, the northern part of China are extremely cold, with 25.8mm of snowfall being recorded in Harbin last year. 

    Don’t take it as a discouragement from travelling during this time, but more as a warning to come prepared. 

    The beauty that these destinations offer is well worth the minus figure temperatures as long as you wrap up warm. 

    Inner Mongolia may be cold during this time, but it is effortlessly beautiful, and there are also several festivals in the region that you can add to your itinerary, such as the Winter Naadam Festival and the Ice and Snow Festival. 

    One of the perks of travelling during winter in China is that there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy some of these natural landscapes almost entirely to yourselves. 

    As well as having many of these places practically to yourself, the winter months often come with more significant discounts on transportation and accommodation. Beautiful views and a bargain.

    • December: Daylight hours: 9h25m, Temp: 4°C (39.2°F) – -6°C (21.2°F) • January: Daylight hours: 9h42m, Temp: 2°C (35.6°F) – -8°C (17.6°F) • February: Daylight hours: 10h46m, Temp: 5°C (41°F) – -6°C (21.2°F)

    5 Things To Do In Winter In China 

    During the winter months, Harbin transforms into an icy replica city. Ice sculptures depicting Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Statue of Liberty and traditional Chinese pagodas are to scale and spectacular. Bring a warm coat, your camera and get ready for a night of chilly photography.

    best time to visit china inner mongolia

    When staying in Inner Mongolia you simply must explore the option of staying in a traditional Mongolian yurt, a perfect and simplistic way of connecting with nature and the local culture.

    Located in China’s spiciest province, Sichuan, the Hailuogou Scenic Area is imposing and glacial in nature. Enjoy the chilly winter scenery by day and be sure to try Sichuan Hot Pot for dinner, it will surely warm you up and keep you fueled for the night.

    what is the best time to visit China Yamdrok Yumtso lake, Tibet

    Another Tibetan wonder is Lake Yamdrok, it is known as being one of the three largest sacred lakes in the region and provides effortlessly secluded beauty and fresh blue skies.

    Head to Xinjiang to experience meandering lakes, rolling hills and most importantly the unique culture of the Uyghur people, one of China’s ethnic minority groups.

    • The Harbin Ice Festival usually runs between 24 December and late February; it showcases incredible ice sculptures. 
    • The China Lunar New Year holiday season is the busiest holiday period in China and the largest human migration globally. People travel to China to visit relatives and travel extensively in the country, particularly to key tourist locations. Each year the holiday changes according to the lunar calendar, but 2022 will see the national holiday take place between 31 January and 6 February. Travel during this time will be more expensive and tickets for high-speed trains sell out months before departure. Having travelled in China during this time, I would suggest avoiding this week altogether. If you must travel during this time, be very open-minded and accept that queues will be mind-numbingly long, and tourist hot spots will be packed. Personally, I never like to travel to natural landscapes with a hoard of people shuffling around me.  

    China in Spring 

    best time to visit China 2021 Zhangjiajie mountains

    Spring comes out as a close second in terms of my favourite seasons in China. 

    Spring begins in mid-March through to mid-May. 

    Pastel pink blossoms fill the trees, temperatures are moderate, but you can expect to experience some rain showers if you’re visiting southern or central China. 

    Explore the mystical mountains of Zhangjiajie or walk along The Great Wall of China, where the spring colours enhance the walls stony features. 

    As temperatures are lower than in the summer months, spring is an ideal time to visit the capital, Beijing. 

    In summer, Beijing can feel unbearably hot, especially when walking around to all the best tourist attractions. 

    But in spring, taking a stroll around Beijing’s Forbidden City or the Temple of Heaven feels pleasant and relaxing. 

    • March: Daylight hours: 11h58m, Temp: 1°C (33.8°F) – 12°C (53.6°F) • April: Daylight hours: 13h18m, Temp: 8°C (46.4°F) – 21°C (69.8°F) • May: Daylight hours: 14h26m, Temp: 14°C (57.2°F) – 27°C (80.6°F)

    5 Things To Do In Spring In China 

    Wow, just wow! Ever watched the movie Avatar? Well, those floating mountains were inspired by the real thing in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province. The misty clouds linger creating a spooky floating effect. If the impressive mountain views don’t satisfy your adventuring side, then you can also take the cable car ride or the Bailong Elevator, which claims to be the highest outdoor elevator in the world!

    If you’re visiting China, you simply cannot miss the capital Beijing. The historic Forbidden City is the epitome of Chinese culture, the Temple of Heaven depicts Chinese architecture to a tee. In fact, in Beijing, the list of things to do can go on for weeks!

    best time to visit China temperature Guilin Yangshuo

    Guilin is affectionately named (for all the botanists out there) the “forest of sweet Osmanthus”. You simply must take a river cruise down the Li River to see the undulating mountains, traditional farming culture and river wildlife.

    best time to visit china great wall

    Contrary to popular belief the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from space, but rest assured you’ll get spectacular views from the cobbled stones themselves. At 21,196km long there are a myriad of sections of the wall to explore. I can personally recommend the Mutianyu and Jinshanling sections of the wall as they provide great views and are the closest to Beijing!

    China best time to visit FengHuang Ancient Town at night

    Fenghuang Ancient Town is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, now I urge you not to feel “tentative” about visiting this water town as it’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you are also travelling to neighbouring Zhangjiajie.

    • The Chinese Labor Day holiday is usually from the end of April to the beginning of May and is also considered to be another of China’s ‘golden weeks’ in terms of tourism. The labour day holiday for 2022 is from 30 April to 4 May. Although not as popular a travel time as the October holiday or the Lunar New Year holiday, bookings should still be made in advance and expect prices to be slightly elevated. 
    • A face mask is now undoubtedly part of any persons packing list in this COVID era, however for travel during spring in northern China, a face mask can be handy to protect you against the winds and dust swept across many cities from the Gobi Desert.  

    For more things to do in China read:

    • 25 Famous Landmarks in China
    • 20 Ways To Celebrate Christmas In China
    • 20 China Beaches For Your Bucket List
    • 20 Things To Do In Shanghai At Night
    • 20 Things To Do In Guangzhou
    • 21 Places To Visit In China
    • 7 Things To Do In Xiamen
    • 20 Things To Do In Xian
    • Yangtze River Cruise
    • Inner Mongolia In Winter
    • Places To Visit In Yunnan
    • 20 Things To Do In Beijing At Night
    • 20 Smart Cities in China
    • Winter in China – 20 Things To Do
    • 15 Things China Is Famous For
    • Living in China – Everything You Need To Know
    • 20 Endemic Animals In China And Where To See Them
    • 12 National Parks in China
    • 20 Things To Do In Chengdu At Night
    • 20 Things To Do In Chongqing At Night

    Editor's Picks

    101 travel quotes – inspiring the journey, 60 luxury escapes for your bucket list, 25 australian landmarks, what's hot, 20 fairytale castles in wales.

    travel 2 next

    • Destinations
    • Asia pacific

    Best time to visit China

    China's relatively extreme climate mean that the country is best visited in the spring and autumn months: this roughly corresponds to March/April and October/November in the south, and April/May and September/October in the north.

    Chinese New Year

    throughout the country

    The year’s most important festival, the Lunar New Year (known as chunjie – the Spring Festival), can occur at any time during the four weeks  beginning 21 January. Public buildings are festooned with coloured lights, and people from all over China travel to reunite with family and friends.

    It is a time for buying new clothes, giving and receiving gifts, paying debts and eating well, and shops and offices close for 3–5 days, or longer. Temple fairs feature martial-arts demon­strations, stand-up comedy, home-made toys and, of course, food.

    The holiday ends with the Lantern Festival, a carnival of light and noise involving dragon dances, firecrackers and fireworks which can be spectacular – Hong Kong harbour is a great place to see the display.

    Among the other better-known traditional Chinese festivals, the Qingming Festival is an occasion to pay tribute to one’s forebears. This festival is marked by visits to the graves of ancestors. Tombs are cleaned, paper money (not real!) burnt, and food offered in honour of the departed.

    Tin Hau (Matsu, Maz-u, A-Ma) festival

    southern coastal regions: Fujian, Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macau

    The Tin Hau (aka Matsu, Mazu or A-Ma) Festival takes place on the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month April/May) in southern coastal regions, in memory of the Fujianese girl who had a mystical premonition that her father was drowning in a storm and went out to rescue him. Known as Tin Hau in Hong Kong and A-Ma in Macau, she is regarded as the protector of all fishermen. The festival is full of colourful parades, ear-splitting firecrackers, song and dance.

    Dragon boat festival

    Southern China, notably at Yueyang (Hunan province) and Hong Kong

    On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month – usually late June or early July – this celebration recalls the ancient poet and statesman Qu Yuan (340–278BC), who drowned in Hunan Province in spite of efforts to save him by throwing rice cakes into the river to stop the fish devouring his body. Many cities organise highly ­competitive dragon-boat races. Read more...

    Mid-autumn festival (lantern festival)

    The date depends on the full harvest moon – between mid-September and early October. Everyone turns out to toast the full moon and hope for a big harvest. The shops do great business in ‘moon cakes’ (pastries filled with gooey sesame paste, red-bean and walnut filling). In some places, notably Hong Kong, beautiful lantern parades also feature. It is now an official 1-day holiday.

    Read more from the travel guide to China

    • Top attractions
    • Historical highlights
    • Cultural features
    • Plan your trip
    • Top restaurants
    • Useful phrases

    Insight Guide

    • Burda Luxury
    • Prestige Online
    • Pin Prestige
    • TRAVEL+LEISURE

    Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

    What to know about the new Thailand-China free-visa entry policy

    From 1 March 2024 onwards, Thailand and China have agreed to implement a visa-free entry policy permanently for their citizens. This means that tourists from both countries are free to enter and exit with a stay of up to 30 days per entry.

    This new policy has been implemented to replace the former temporary visa waiver for Chinese travellers which was in effect until 29 February 2024. It is expected that this new enactment will encourage more economic activities between the two countries.

    Following the implementation, airlines are launching more flights and routes to Chinese cities like Shanghai , Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Kunming.

    20 things every tourist should try while in Beijing, according to locals

    A low-down on the new Thailand-China free-visa entry policy

    best time to visit china and thailand

    Conditions for the Thailand-China visa-free entry

    According to the terms of the agreement, Thai nationals holding valid passports and Chinese nationals holding valid public affairs and ordinary passports will not require visas for entry, exit, or transit through each other’s countries for up to 30 days. Within 180 days, the cumulative days of stay should not exceed 90 days. Otherwise, they will need additional official approval.

    Other things to note

    For Thai tourists, this means one less hurdle for travelling to Mainland China. Still, there are several things to prepare before you embark on your trip.

    • Some social media applications are not available in China such as Instagram, Facebook, LINE, Google and Youtube. In order to still have access to these, it is recommended to turn on the roaming from your Thai cellular service, or use a travel sim card bought from Thailand. VPN access is generally illegal in China.
    • Digital wallet is highly preferred in China, and some shops don’t accept cash payments at all. WeChat Pay and Alipay are two common channels for online payment, though you will need a Chinese bank account to use WeChat. For tourists, Alipay Tour Pass can be used to connect with your credit cards.
    • You can carry cash not exceeding CNY 20,000, and other currencies not exceeding USD 10,000.
    • Marijuana is prohibited in China.

    The new diplomatic manoeuvre holds significant importance for both nations, coinciding with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations in 2025. Additionally, there is a push for further policies aimed at constructing a railroad between the two countries to enhance tourism even further.

    For more information, visit Embassy of The People’s Republic of China in The Kingdom of Thailand .

    [Hero and featured image credit: Ling Tang/unsplash]

    What to know about the new Thailand-China free-visa entry policy

    Paint Chayanin

    In spite of her name, Paint can't really paint or even draw. Life, for her, is a journey in search of good chocolates, fries, chicken wings, and the implication behind her fat cats' split personalities.

    Yes, I agree to the Privacy Policy

    Most Popular

    Where to find the best traditional breakfast in KL and PJ, Malaysia

    Recommended for you

    An itinerary for Coldplay in Bangkok, based on their best songs

    An itinerary for Coldplay in Bangkok, based on their best songs

    Inside ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 filming locations (and the plot lines they inspire)

    Inside ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 filming locations (and the plot lines they inspire)

    Japan has announced limits for climbers of Mount Fuji

    Japan has announced limits for climbers of Mount Fuji

    9 best nightclubs in Bangkok to party like never before this 2024

    9 best nightclubs in Bangkok to party like never before this 2024

    Follow our daily snapshots at @ lifestyleasiath

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates.

    You’re all set

    Thank you for your subscription.

    • Travel Planning Guide

    A Travel Comparison for Vacations, Honeymoons, and Tours China vs. Thailand

    Should you visit china or thailand, which country is cheaper, thailand or china.

    Should I visit China or Thailand? This is a popular question for many travelers. By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in Thailand can cost you about $585 (per person), while a week in China may cost you around $559. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days , two weeks , or even one month of travel to Thailand or China can really add to your travel budget.

    Accommodation is often cheaper in China compared to Thailand ($34 vs. $36). Budget travelers often stay in cheaper hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels usually appeal to families and upscale travelers.

    Or, compare hostel and guesthouse prices between Thailand and China to find the cheapest accommodation here: Thailand hostels and China hostels .

    When comparing food in China vs. Thailand they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in China ($23) are often cheaper than Thailand ($17).

    • China Prices Thailand Prices
    • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day China $ 80 Thailand $ 84
    • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person China $ 34 Thailand $ 36
    • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room China $ 69 Thailand $ 72
    • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. China $ 16 Thailand $ 12
    • Food Meals for one day China $ 23 Thailand $ 17
    • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. China $ 17 Thailand $ 19
    • Alcohol Drinks for one day China $ 11 Thailand $ 8.72
    • Water Bottled water for one day China $ 1.00 Thailand $ 1.37

    How much are flights to China and Thailand?

    The price of a plane ticket may help you decide which country you should visit.

    Find a Hostel in China or Thailand

    Hostels, guest houses, and locally owned B&B's are often the cheapest form of accommodation.

    Related Articles for China

    Related articles for thailand, when is the best time to visit china and thailand.

    Huangshan

    Why is China more expensive than Thailand?

    What are the most expensive and cheapest cities and regions in china and thailand.

    Railay Bay

    How you can save money when visiting China and Thailand?

    Subscribe to our newsletter.

    By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies , plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers!

    best time to visit china and thailand

    More Country Comparisons

    For thailand, pin this page.

    Thailand vs. Laos

    • Privacy / Terms of Use
    • Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

    You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

    We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy . Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.

    care

    New User? Register

    • Manage bookings
    • Cancellation
    • On Behalf Booking

    We're unable to sign you in because the password entered incorrect.

    Your request for OTP will be sent to registered email id and mobile number, if not registered please do the same.

    You exceed the OTP limit. Please try again after some time

    best time to visit china and thailand

    Don't have an account?

    • Contains between 8-12 alphanumeric characters.
    • Can add special character but not mandatory(Only !, @, #,$,%,^,&,* to be used).
    • Does not contain White spaces

    I would like to be kept informed of special Promotions and offers. I hereby accept the Privacy Policy and authorize Thomascook to contact me.

    Already have an account?

    • Your existing Google or Facebook Id will be a Thomascook ID
    • No need to remember different Ids & Passwords
    • One Click login

    Fill in the email Address that you used to register or book with Thomascook.

    We will reset and send your new password.

    Please enter the valid email address

    Thomascook Staff / Preferred Agents / corporate's, please enter your Login-id only. E.g. Tcil_aalok / Jaft_prakash / Rc_mumbai

    Your request for new password has been accepted.

    The new password would be emailed to the registered email address, if not registered please do the same

    • international tourism
    • best time to visit china

    Best Time To Visit China

    Best time to visit china.

    Since China is a vast country, there is always a place you can visit when you are here. The climate conditions in China are wide-ranging with each area having a different season at a different point in time. There are four different seasons in China; Summer, Winter, Autumn, and Spring. Autumn and Spring are unarguably the best time to visit China , as the temperatures are moderate and the weather is delightful with the onset of winter and offset of summer respectively. However, Summer and Winter are not bad ideas either, if you have no issues with the scorching and freezing temperatures. Especially, during these seasons, the weather is on its extreme; making it a particularly stranded place regarding tourists. Hence, the hotels can be available at affordable prices. 

    What is the best time to visit China?

    The most popular time to visit China is the Spring and Autumn. However, it changes depending on each individual’s preferences, and also their budget. Nevertheless, during Spring and Autumn, the temperatures are in control, and they cooperate in enjoying a better holiday in China. 

    Spring in China (April to May)

    It starts in the month of April and extends until May

    Temperature: The temperature in China during Spring ranges between 10 degrees to 23 degrees Celsius. 

    Weather: The weather is warm and comfortable with fresh air that makes you feel delightful. 

    Significance: The Labor Day on May 1st is not a bad idea in China. 

    Why you should visit now: It is the best season to visit China to get the most of its nature. Due to the fantastic weather, flowers bloom everywhere, making the place very beautiful. 

    Know before you visit: Popular attractions like the Terracotta Army and the Forbidden City will be very crowded. 

    Tips: Make all your hotel booking in advance, as this period is very crowded in China. 

    Summer in China (June to August)

    The summers in China start in June and extend until August.

    Temperature: The temperatures during the summers range between 25 degrees to 33 degrees Celsius. 

    Weather: The weather during this period is sweltering and sultry with high temperatures.

    Significance: The place is decidedly less crowded during this period. 

    Why you should visit now:  Summer is the best time to visit for the scenery as nature is it's most verdant. Hence, it is the best time to visit all the rural areas of China and the most unexplored places. 

    Know before you visit: Towards the southeast, there can be abundant rainfall, so try to avoid this place. 

    Tips: Carry shorts and t-shirts, because the weather can get awful. 

    Autumn in China (Sep to Oct)

    The autumns in China start in September and extend until October.

    Temperature: The temperature during autumn ranges between 15 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius. 

    Weather: There is very less rain and most of the days are bright with warm and mild temperatures. 

    Significance: Chinese National Day is conducted during this period, which is the biggest festival of China that attracts people from all over the world. 

    Why you should visit now: This is the perfect time to visit for all the people who love outdoor activities. 

    Know before you visit: Chinese National Day holiday period is not a good time to visit China, because all the places and streets are incredibly crowded, and you cannot explore the areas properly. 

    Tips: if you are visiting during the Chinese National Day period, make sure you book everything in advance, as the places get incredibly crowded. 

    Winters in China (Nov to Mar)

    The winters in China start in November and extend until March.

    Temperature: The temperatures in China during winter range between 0 to 8 degrees Celsius

    Weather: The weather is extremely chilly with lots of snowfall. In particular places, the temperature can get as low as zero degrees Celsius, making you want to run for heat. This explains the intensity of crowd during this period. 

    Significance: The cities are at their best during this period. 

    Why you should visit now: It is the best time to visit all the historical sites and all the modern buildings in Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and Hong Kong. It is also the best time to visit for the people who love snow. The best part of this period is that the prices are also meager. 

    Know before you visit: You can save a lot of money on the flights and entry tickets for tourist places. 

    Tips: The place is less crowded, and the prices are relatively lower.

    Get insured with an Asia Travel Insurance  and also buy Visa  by Thomas Cook.

    Recommended china Holidays

    Best domestic packages.

    Kashmir tour packages

    Best International Packages

    Dubai tour packages

    Our Featured Blogs

    50 Goa Beaches, Including The Ones You Don’t Know

    50 Goa Beaches, Including The Ones You Don’t Know

    best time to visit china and thailand

    Sentosa Island – Everything You Need To Know About

    10 Things You Probably Don’t Know About North East India

    10 Things You Probably Don’t Know About North East India

    Top 5 Magnificent Canadian Cities: You Must Visit

    Top 5 Magnificent Canadian Cities: You Must Visit

    • International Honeymoon Packages
    • Popular Tourism Destinations
    • Most Trending International Holidays

    tc_chat

    Best Times to Visit the Great Wall of China | Weather, Scenery and Packing

    Best Times to Visit the Great Wall of China | Weather, Scenery and Packing

    The Great Wall of China has spectacular views at all times of the year, but the best time to visit is in the fall (September–November) , with less rain, comfortable temperatures, and more clear days for you to enjoy hiking and photography.

    As most people visit the Great Wall sections near Beijing, this article is focused on that area. Follow the guideline below:

    • Great Wall Weather: What to Expect and Pack
    • Choosing the Best Times (of the Day) to Meet your Travel Needs
    • The Worst Times to Visit and How to Avoid Crowds

    Great Wall Weather: What Scenery to Expect

    Spring (march-may) — warm and fresh.

    Weather: The weather in spring in Beijing is delightful. March is still quite chilly to hike on the Great Wall. April and May are the recommended time when the daytime temperature is on average 11–24°C (52–75°F). However, it can be windy and there are sometimes dust storms in the city.

    Scenery: The plants on the mountains turn green, and the blossoming flowers make the fresh spring Great Wall vistas even more beautiful.

    Clothing: Take a warm jacket as the mountains are cooler than in the city, especially in the mornings and evenings.

    • 1-Day Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour
    • 1-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Private Tour
    • 2-Day Great Wall Mutianyu-Simatai Day-Night Tour

    Summer (June-August) — Hot and Crowded

    Weather: Summer in Beijing is usually hot with sizzling temperatures at noon in the city. However, the Great Wall is cooler as it's higher up, away from all the concrete, and it gets more rain. Its average high temperature is 30°C (86°F). July and August are the months when most of the year's rain falls, so expect some downpours. Beware of thunderstorms.

    Scenery: Blooming flowers dot the mountains and leaves turn dark green. The Great Wall snakes its way like a silver necklace, standing out clearly in the strong mountain sunlight. Everything looks better in the bright sun, but it may be too bright/hazy for the best photography.

    Clothing: Pack for sun and rain. Bring sunglasses, sun cream, and a hat to protect you from the strong sunlight. But, bring waterproofs in case of rain. Umbrellas can be awkward on steep, wild, Great Wall sections, especially in wind, otherwise, they're fine. If you're going to hike on the Great Wall, we recommended you take two fast-drying T-shirts and a pair of hiking boots or sports shoes.

    Sun Protection: There are no trees or bushes on the Great Wall to provide you with cool shade. The only shade you'll find is when you arrive at the beacon towers on the Great Wall. It is necessary to take sun protection, like a hat, a pair of sunglasses, and sunscreen cream, with you.

    • 2-Day Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall Hiking and Camping Tour
    • 2-Day Jiankou Wild Great Wall Camping Tour
    • 5-Day Huangyaguan to Huanghuacheng Great Wall Hiking Tour

    Autumn (September-November) — Cool and Clear

    Weather: Fall is often recommended as the best season to visit the Great Wall. The weather is generally comfortable, though changeable. The sky is often deep blue and clear, offering the best chance to see the Great Wall snaking off into the distance. The average temperature range is 8–18°C (46–64°F).

    Scenery: When fall comes, the mountains are blanketed by colors of red, golden, yellow, and brown, creating amazing views, which complement the grays and paler colors of the Great Wall well.

    Clothing: Pack a warm jacket, as it can be quite cool in the mountains, especially in the mornings and evenings and if you camp there.

    • 3-Day Jiankou to Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Discovery Tour

    Winter (December-February) — Cold and Windy

    Weather: Beijing is cold and dry with occasional snow in winter. The temperature is usually below freezing, averaging -10–4°C (14–41°F).

    Scenery: The mountains and the Wall itself are often covered with snow in winter, offering awesome snowy scenes.

    Clothing: Prepare down jackets, thick windproof trousers, long johns, sweaters, hats, and gloves. You might also need a mask/scarf to protect your nose on windy days, snow glasses to protect your eyes, and snow boots or crampons.

    Choosing the Best Times to Meet your Travel Needs

    When your travel needs meet the right time, you will have a better travel experience, that should yield fantastic memories that last a lifetime.

    The best times for pleasant weather: September and October

    The best times for avoiding crowds: early September (when school is just started), December to March

    The best times for snow-capped Great Wall views: mid-November to March

    The best times at different Great Wall sections:

    • Mutianyu or Badaling : visit in the afternoon to miss the large Chinese groups.
    • Simatai : visit in the evening when the Wall is lit up.
    • Jinshanling or Gubeikou : depart for the Wall in the early morning to ensure enough time for hiking or more great photos on the Wall.

    The Worst Times to Visit the Great Wall

    Try to avoid the following dates, when traffic jams, over-crowding, transport stress, and high prices will affect your experience.

    Public Holidays

    Public holidays usually last from 3 to 7 days, and these are the golden times for domestic travelers to go for a tour . The public holidays that may affect your Great Wall travel experience are:

    • Qingming Festival — 3 days in early April
    • Labor Day Holiday — 5 days in/around the first week of May
    • Dragon Boat Festival — 3 days around mid-June
    • National Day Holiday — 7 days in/around the 1st week of October

    The Great Wall was built on the mountain ridges that are far from the city, which keeps weekday crowds away. During the weekends, local citizens rush to the suburbs to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You will not only find the traffic busy on the way but also more crowds on the Wall.

    Summer Vacations

    The Great Wall is very popular with families from mid-July to late August when children are out of school.

    How to Escape the Crowds at the Great Wall

    What if your Great Wall travel dates meet the worst times? Follow the suggestions below to avoid crowds on the Great Wall.

    Depart early in the morning, and be the first to climb the Wall on that day.

    Or plan a late arrival (around 2 hours before closing time) . Though you may need to have a quick walk on the Wall, you get nice pictures with fewer people. Or maybe enjoy a breathtaking sunset if the weather allows.

    Visit comparatively less-crowded sections like Jiankou , Simatai, Jinshanling... More on different sections of the Great Wall, and which one(s) to choose >>>

    • 3-Day Gubeikou to Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour

    Enjoy a Tailored Great Wall Tour with Us!

    If you would like some help planning a Great Wall tour, don't hesitate to let us know. You can start to create your own Great Wall tour here by telling us your interests and requirements.

    If you want more inspiration, please see our popular Great Wall tours below. All these tours can be customized:

    • One-Day Jiankou-to-Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Tour
    • 10 Hours or More Beijing Great Wall Layover Tour

    1-Day Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour

    • 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Private Tour
    • 9-Day Beyond the Golden Triangle
    • 10-Day Lanzhou–Xiahe–Zhangye–Dunhuang–Turpan–Urumqi Tour
    • 11-Day Classic Wonders
    • 11-Day Family Happiness
    • 12-day Panda Keeper and Classic Wonders
    • 13-Day A Broad Taste of China
    • 13-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Dunhuang–Urumqi–Shanghai Tour
    • 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
    • 14-Day Classic China Photo Tour
    • 2-Week Riches of China
    • 3-Week Must-See Places China Tour Including Holy Tibet
    • How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2024/2025 — 7 Easy Steps
    • Best (& Worst) Times to Visit China, Travel Tips (2024/2025)
    • 15 Best Places to Visit in China for First-Timers, Families, Couples...
    • The 15 Most Beautiful Places in China (#7 Will Impress You)
    • One Week in China - 4 Time-Smart Itineraries
    • How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in China (Best 5 Options)
    • Top 4 China Itinerary Options in 12 Days (for First Timers) 2024/2025
    • 2 Weeks in China: 3 Top Itinerary Ideas for Couples, Families, and More
    • 17-Day China Itineraries: 4 Unique Options
    • How to Spend 19 Days in China in 2024/2025 (Top 5 Options and Costs)
    • How to Plan a 3-Week Itinerary in China (Best 3 Options & Costs)
    • China Itineraries from Hong Kong for 1 Week to 3 Weeks
    • China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
    • China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
    • China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
    • China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
    • China Weather in May 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
    • China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
    • China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
    • China Weather in August: Tips for Family Travel
    • China Weather in September: a Quieter Month in the Peak Season
    • China Weather in October: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
    • China Weather in November: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
    • China Weather in December: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds

    Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

    More travel ideas and inspiration, sign up to our newsletter.

    Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

    The China Highlights Experience

    Where can we take you today.

    • Top 10 Tours
    • Panda Tours
    • Family Tours
    • Nature Tours
    • Photography Tours
    • Visa-free Tours
    • Hiking Tours
    • Biking Tours
    • Festival Tours
    • Top Asia Tours
    • Inner Mongolia
    • Yangtze River
    • Zhangjiajie
    • Tours from Hong Kong
    • Tours from Shanghai
    • South Korea
    • Middle East
    • African safari
    • Indonesia (Bali)
    • South Africa
    • Central Asia

    best time to visit china and thailand

    • Travel Agents
    • Loyalty & Referral Program
    • Privacy Policy

    best time to visit china and thailand

    China Highlights uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy .

    best time to visit china and thailand

    Best time to Visit Chiang Mai: MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE TO Chiang Mai (2023)

    Chiang Mai is a popular name not only because of its beautiful nature but also of its rich culture. But also its stunning natural landscape, fantastic cuisine and big holiday. This place is a must-visit in Thailand, especially in the North.

    But when’s the best time to visit Chiang Mai ? I’ve visited Chiang Mai several times in different months and have my own conclusion for this question. To me, you can visit this beautiful city almost anytime in the year, except during the burning season.

    In this article, I’ll tell you about:

    • Which month is the best to visit Chiang Mai
    • What should you know about Chiang Mai every month
    • When you shouldn’t travel to Chiang Mai

    Quick Answer: When’s the Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai, Thailand?

    • The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to February . It’s the winter season in Northern Thailand. The weather is cool and dry, meaning perfect for outdoor activities. Travelers can enjoy flowers blooming in Chiang Mai. It means travelers can expect crowded attractions and run out of hotel rooms, tours, etc.
    • If you prefer to avoid the crowds and also save some money for your trips, April and May are great choices. They are in the off-season of Chiang Mai travel . It means there are many suitable accommodation and tour deals. But prepare that it can rain during your stay.
    • Late February to early April in Chiang Mai is the burning season in Northern Thailand. Even though the weather is beautiful, you shouldn’t travel to Chiang Mai during this time. Because of the harmful effect of the burning season, Chiang Mai’s air quality is terrible. It does not sound superb for traveling. You have to limit outdoor activities to protect your health.
    • June to October in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. So, it’s best to avoid traveling to Chiang Mai during this time.

    In the rest of the article below, I’ll give you a month-by-month guide about traveling to Chiang Mai.

    Relevant Reading

    When is chiang mai’s travel season.

    The travel season in Chiang Mai is from November to February. This time is also known as the winter season. The mild and dry weather makes Chiang Mai a hot place to travel during this time. 

    Temperature ranges from 15°C to 28°C, with low humidity. Everything is perfect to go out and enjoy the beauty of the old city of Chiang Mai or nature in Northern Thailand.

    High Season in Chiang Mai

    The high season in Chiang Mai is the winter time, which runs from November to February.

    November is the hottest month, with thousands of tourists visiting Chiang Mai. It’s because this month is when Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals happen. These festivals are so popular that they can attract travelers from all over the world to Chiang Mai.

    December is also a busy month in Chiang Mai, thanks to the beauty of nature in this season.

    If you want to enjoy the best of Chiang Mai and are ok with spending extra money, this season is the best time to visit Chiang Mai.

    But, it would be best to prepare for crowds and the higher prices for almost everything. I recommend booking your accommodation as well as flight tickets in advance. Also, if you plan to take any tour in Chiang Mai, plan and book them soon.

    Low Season in Chiang Mai

    The low season in Chiang Mai is from May to October, also known as the rainy season. In this period, you’ll experience heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. It sounds no good for traveling at all.

    But if you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit Chiang Mai in the shoulder seasons, which are:

    • From April to May
    • From September to October

    Those two periods have less rainfall and are less busy than the high season. It’ll be easier to book accommodation and tours during this time.

    From February to late March or early April, it’s the burning season in Northern Thailand. During this time, local farmers burn the leftover crops all over Northern Thailand. It can affect the air quality and make Chiang Mai polluted. During this season, I don’t recommend traveling to Chiang Mai.

    A Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting Chiang Mai

    If you are still trying to decide when to travel to Chiang Mai, don’t worry; I have your back!

    I’ve compiled a month-by-month breakdown of what you can expect when visiting Chiang Mai here. Be calm and read to find which month is the best for your trip to Chiang Mai.

    Chiang Mai in January

    Average Temperature: 15°C (59°F) to 28°C (82°F)

    Highlights: Mild and dry weather, busy, high season in Chiang Mai

    Festivals: New Year’s Day

    January is one of the busiest months in Chiang Mai. It might not be as active as in November or December, but still in the high season. You should book accommodation 1 – 2 months in advance if you plan to visit Chiang Mai this month.

    The weather in Chiang Mai in January is cool and dry, with an average temperature is about 22°C (71°F). You’ll find it a bit hot in the middle of the day and start cooler when the sun is down.

    January is not a festival month in Chiang Mai; the most significant event you’ll experience is New Year’s Day. Otherwise, Chiang Mai in January is suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. 

    If you have time, expand your trip to incredible places around Northern Thailand, like Chiang Rai, Nan, or Mae Hong Son loop. Thanks to its fantastic weather and natural beauty, January is the perfect time to wander around Northern Thailand.

    Read more about Chiang Mai in January .

    Chiang Mai in February

    Average Temperature: 16°C (61°F) to 32°C (90°F)

    Highlights: Mild and dry weather, less busy, high season in Chiang Mai

    Festivals: Lunar New Year

    February is a great time to travel to Chiang Mai; it’s also the last month of the high season.

    The weather in Chiang Mai in February is still cool and dry, which makes it perfect for traveling. Temperature ranges from 16°C (61°F) to 32°C (90°F).

    But February is when the burning season in Northern Thailand starts. Usually, local farmers will begin burning the leftover crops in late February. If you plan to travel to Chiang Mai this time, plan your trip for the first half of February.

    While you’re in Chiang Mai in February, remember to attend the Lunar New Year here. It might not be a big event, but still, a great one that gives you an extraordinary cultural experience.

    Read more about Chiang Mai in February .

    Chiang Mai in March

    Average Temperature: 19°C (66°F) to 35°C (95°F)

    Highlights: Not busy, burning season

    Festivals: N/A

    March is not a good time to visit Chiang Mai.

    Even if the weather is dry and not too hot, this month is the peak of the burning season. It means that Northern Thailand is smog and has poor air quality.

    The result is you have to limit as many outdoor activities as you can. Also, smog covers everything, and you can’t see the beauty of nature during this time.

    I suggest traveling to the south of Thailand or other countries in this period.

    Chiang Mai in April

    Average Temperature: 23°C (73°F) to 36°C (97°F)

    Highlights: Not busy, shoulder season

    Festivals: Songkran Festival

    April is an excellent time to visit Chiang Mai to avoid crowds. April falls into the hot season, so the weather in Chiang Mai is hot and dry.

    Even though Chiang Mai’s air quality is still affected by the burning season, but so much better than in March. The weather and air conditions during this time make it great to get outside and enjoy nature. 

    In April, you can enjoy the best of Chiang Mai at a much lower cost than the high season.

    Also, if you travel to Chiang Mai in April, you can attend Songkran Festival, also known as the Thai New Year. If you want an unforgettable cultural experience with a giant water fight, Chiang Mai in April is for you.

    April might not be in the hot season in Chiang Mai, but Songkran is a significant event in Thai. People might get to Chiang Mai to enjoy the holiday; you should book your accommodation in advance to take advantage of the good places to stay in Chiang Mai.

    Chiang Mai in May

    Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) to 34°C (93°F)

    Highlights: Not busy, shoulder season, occasional rainfalls

    May is the first month of the rainy season in Chiang Mai which means the weather is typically hot and humid. 

    May is a great choice to travel to Chiang Mai to avoid the busy season. You might meet some heavy rainfall days thought-out the month. Sometimes, it even has thunderstorms. 

    But, the rainfall also gives Chiang Mai a beautiful lush scenery.

    Also, a little rainfall can reduce the heat and make it easier for you to walk around and visit the temples of Chiang Mai. 

    Chiang Mai in June

    Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) to 33°C (91°F)

    Highlights: Not busy, rainy season

    June falls into the rainy season in Chiang Mai. The weather is warm and humid, with frequent rainfall and some thunderstorms.

    Chiang Mai in June has the beauty of moody green scenery but could be better for traveling. Chiang Mai in June, with its heavy rain, indeed makes it hard to go out and explore the beauty of this old city.

    But, some days, there is no rain, and some days the rain only lasts an hour or two. It will not negatively impact your trip to Chiang Mai but also allow you to discover some cozy and artistic coffee shops. 

    Chiang Mai in July

    Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) to 32°C (90°F)

    July is not a good month to travel to Chiang Mai for the same reason as June – rain.

    Chiang Mai in July is rainy every day with thunderstorms that make it not ideal for exploring and going out. But, if you still want to come to Chiang Mai this season, you’ll experience a romantic green lush scenery everywhere. 

    But the rainy season doesn’t mean it’ll rain all day and every day. Sure, you will experience rainfall and might get wet if you don’t prepare well. But the rain showers in the afternoon might reduce the heat and make you comfortable after a long day walking.

    Chiang Mai in August

    Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) to 31°C (88°F)

    Chiang Mai in August is the same as in June and July, which is in the rainy season. August is slightly more rain than the previous months.

    So, there are better times to travel to Chiang Mai than this one. But if you want to avoid crowds and can handle the heavy rainfall, it’s still an ok choice.

    But I prefer traveling to other places in August, like the South of Thailand, such as Phuket or Bangkok.

    Chiang Mai in September 

    Average Temperature: 23°C (73°F) to 32°C (90°F)

    Chiang Mai in September is still in the rainy season with high rainfall, the same as in August.

    So, there are better times to travel to Chiang Mai than this one. But if you don’t have any choice or want to experience how the old town is in the rain, it’s all yours.

    It might rain less in late September, and you can explore more. But I still suggest you avoid all the activities like trekking, camping, or zip lining during this season.

    Chiang Mai in October

    Average Temperature: 22°C (71°F) to 31°C (88°F)

    Even though October is still in the rainy season, it’s an excellent time to visit Chiang Mai as the weather is more relaxed and less rainy than in August and September.

    Chiang Mai will attract tons and tons of tourists in the next few months, especially in November. So, if you want to enjoy the beauty of Chiang Mai on a more affordable budget, October is an excellent choice.

    You can also experience how locals prepare for the biggest event of the year in Chiang Mai – Loy Krathong. Even though the festival happens in November and you might not be able to attend it. But seeing how people decorate their hours with lanterns is still an excellent cultural experience.

    Chiang Mai in November

    Average Temperature: 19°C (66°F) to 30°C (86°F)

    Highlights: Busy, high season, flower blooming season

    Festivals: Loy Krathong, Yee Peng

    Chiang Mai in November: Yee Peng festival

    November is the perfect time to visit Chiang Mai. And yes, it’s the hottest month of the whole year.

    November is the start of the winter season in Chiang Mai, the temperature is fantastic, and the sky is clear. Everything is just perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

    Also, the hottest event in Chiang Mai – Loy Krathong and Yee Peng happened in November. This festival is celebrated on the full-moon night of the 12th lunar month, usually in November.

    Yee Peng is a festival where thousands of people release lanterns into the air at the same time. This activity creates a magical moment that is super popular on social media.

    Furthermore, November is the flower blooming season. It’s the perfect time to get to Chiang Mai and enjoy the cultural experience, good food, and fantastic nature.

    Read more about Chiang Mai in November to plan for your trip!

    Chiang Mai in December

    Average Temperature: 16°C (61°F) to 28°C (82°F)

    Festivals: Chiang Mai Winter Fair, Christmas, New Year’s Eve

    December is also a magical time and perfect for traveling to Chiang Mai.

    December is a holiday season with events like Chiang Mai Winter Fair, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Even though those festivals are not as hot as Loy Krathong and Yee Peng in November, they still give Chiang Mai a lively holiday atmosphere.

    Moreover, Chiang Mai in December has cool and dry weather that is perfect for traveling. Come to Chiang Mai during this period; you can enjoy the culture, exciting festivals, and the beauty of nature.

    What are you waiting for?

    Read more about Chiang Mai in December and book your flight now!

    Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

    As Chiang Mai is a popular destination for tourists, you can find a variety of accommodation types here. Chiang Mai can offer you everything from the hostel, Airbnb, hotel, or resort.

    Here are some popular areas to stay in Chiang Mai:

    • Old City. The historic center of Chiang Mai is perfect for travelers who want to walk around and explore. It’s a great area to stay close to temples and cultural landmarks.
    • Nimmanhaemin. A more trendy and artistic area of Chiang Mai. It’s home to young locals and expats. There are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and coworking spaces in this area.
    • Riverside – a quieter but more beautiful area. It’s next to Mae Ping River and has excellent views of the water and surrounding mountains. Many hotels and resorts in this area make it perfect for a peaceful and chilling holiday.

    The best place to stay in Chiang Mai depends on your budget and preferences, but here are some of my recommendations:

    Essential Travel Tips For Chiang Mai

    If you plan to travel to Chiang Mai, Thailand, let me tell you some tips to enhance your experience.

    • Respect the local culture. Thailand is a Buddhist country, and Chiang Mai has many temples. Be respectful. Dress modestly when entering temples. Remove your shoes. And never touch monks.
    • Book accommodation in advance . Chiang Mai is a famous tourist destination. A good hotel room can be sold out in the high season. If you have a favorite hotel or resort, please book it 4 to 6 months in advance.
    • Carry cash. While Chiang Mai is a big city, many businesses still don’t accept credit cards. It’s a good idea to bring some money to enjoy street food or buy local goods.
    • Pay in local currency or use no exchange fee credit cards. If you can use credit cards in Chiang Mai, remember to pay in Thai Baht instead of your home currency, and you’ll get a better rate. Also, remember to use no-fee credit cards if possible.
    • Food is spicy. You’re in Thailand, the land of eating spicy food. Even though you order less spicy, it’s still hot as hell. So be mindful.
    • Stay hydrated. While Chiang Mai’s weather is slightly more relaxed, it’s still hot and humid. It would be best if you kept yourself hydrated. Bring a water bottle with you when you get outside.
    • Use Bolt for transportation. This ride-sharing app is cheap and easy to use. It’s like Uber in Thailand; the only negative thing is that you need a Thai phone number to register and only accept cash. (You can get a Thai SIM card here.)
    • The best way to enjoy Chiang Mai is to rent a motorbike or a bicycle. It’s easy to find bike rental shops in Chiang Mai; remember that they drive on the left side, and you need an international driving license.

    Hello, it’s me.

    best time to visit china and thailand

    I’m Winn, the one behind this travel blog, based in Vietnam. The more I travel, the more I want to share how beautiful the world is. Especially with you.

    RELATED POSTS

    Best time to visit malaysia: month-by-month guide.

    Malaysia is a vast country separated into two regions by the South China Sea. When is the best time to visit Malaysia? It is dependent

    Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Silver Temple

    20 Best Things To Do in Chiang Mai

    A complete guide about what to do in Chiang Mai.

    White temple in Chiang Rai

    Thailand packing list – What to pack for Thailand in 2023

    Ultimate packing list for Thailand: All essentials you will need.

    Chiang Mai in May: Weather & Everything you need to Know (2023)

    Is April a good time to visit Chiang Mai? Read all the weather information and travel tips you need about Chiang Mai in April now!

    best time to visit china and thailand

    Top Articles

    © Along The Trips Blog . All rights reserved

    Some of the links used on this blog are affiliate links.  We earn a small commission when you purchase via those links.

    Thailand expands visa-free access for tourists from China and Kazakhstan

    Passport holders from both countries will be able to enter and stay in thailand for up to 30 days without visas..

    Photo of TAT Newsroom

    Bangkok, 1 March 2024 – The Royal Thai Government has extended visa-free access for tourists from China and Kazakhstan, effective from today onwards.

    Thailand-China mutual visa exemption

    Thailand and China signed an agreement for a mutual visa entry for citizens of both countries on 28 January 2024, which officially comes into effect today.

    The agreement exempts holders of valid Thai ordinary passports and valid Chinese passports for public affairs and ordinary passports from visa requirement for entering, exiting, or transiting the other country’s territory for a 30-day stay. Cumulative stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.

    This is except for those with the purposes of residing or engaging in employment, study, media activities or other activities that require prior approval from competent authorities of the other country.

    Thailand previously granted temporary visa exemption for Chinese tourists from 25 September 2023 to 29 February 2024.

    China is one of Thailand’s largest markets. In 2023, the number of Chinese arrivals in Thailand reached 3.5 million, making it the second largest market after Malaysia and before South Korea, India, and Russia. From 1 January to 26 February 2024, Thailand welcomed 1.12 million Chinese arrivals.

    Extended visa exemption for Kazakhstani tourists

    The previous temporary visa exemption scheme for Kazakhstani tourists, which started on 25 September 2023, ended on 29 February 2024.

    Given the significant increase in the number of Kazakhstani tourists to Thailand, the Thai cabinet has approved an extension of the temporary visa exemption for visitors from Kazakhstan until 31 August 2024.

    They will be granted a temporary visa exemption for a 30-day stay on tourism purpose.

    Kazakhstan is one of Thailand’s fastest growing markets and is the second largest market in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), after Russia.

    In 2023, Thailand recorded 172,489 visitors from Kazakhstan, representing a 190% growth over 2022. From 1 January to 26 February 2024, the number increased 11% over the same period in 2023 to 55,566 arrivals.

    Photo of TAT Newsroom

    TAT Newsroom

    Jellyfish warning for travellers in thailand, march 2024’s festivals and events in thailand, related articles.

    Jellyfish warning: First Aid treatment for jellyfish stings

    The best time to visit Thailand’s beaches and islands

    The best time to visit Thailand’s beaches and islands

    We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

    Spectacular spots in Thailand for a truly memorable trip

    Whether you're searching for unspoilt sand or incredible street food, we know just the place

    where to go in thailand

    Here, discover the most beautiful places in Thailand, from the gateway island escape to some lesser-known hideaways.

    preview for 10 of the best travel experiences in the world

    For a weekend in the city: Bangkok

    Bangkok is not a city for the faint-hearted: from the humid climes to the non-stop moped traffic, it’s a city that requires both energy and enthusiasm.

    But come prepared (that’s comfortable shoes, a proper hat and a decent night’s sleep) and there is so much to discover in this vibrant city.

    On weekends, brave the rabbit warren of Chatuchak market (go early to skip the crowds and the heat) and hunt for designer vintage treasures hidden amongst the 15000 market stalls, or head to Chinatown’s Yaowarat road to traverse the miles of gold traders and street-food vendors. Looking for something more cultural? The Grand Palace is one of the most spectacular Buddhist temples in the country, sensitively maintained and glimmering gold beneath the sun.

    where to go in thailand

    The stay: Mandarin Oriental

    The oldest hotel in Thailand, The Oriental first opened on the banks of the Chao Phraya river in 1876 and, after being bought by the Mandarin group in the 1970s, remains the most prestigious place to stay in the city today. Ask for a room in the Author’s Wing, part of the original 19th century building, where each suite is named after a past literary guest.

    For jungle treks and food markets: Chiang Mai

    where to go in thailand

    An hour’s flight north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand, offering a serene contrast to the beachy Southern regions. Many come for the elephant sanctuaries (which can indeed be wonderful, but be sure to do your research to find an ethical option), and to delve into the country’s rich history and enduring Lanna heritage. Time-honoured temples, jungle treks and national parks are all on the cards here, as is a fantastic food scene for those unafraid to get stuck into a string of dishes on the side of the road. (Do as the late Anthony Bourdain did, and look for the lady in the cowboy hat at Chang Phueak Gate night market).

    The stay: 137 Pillars

    Chiang Mai isn’t the place for flopping into a five-star resort, with most visiting for a few action-packed days before recovering on the beaches. But that doesn’t mean a stylish stay is off the cards: opt for 137 Pillars, which honours the traditional Lanna architecture while working in modern (and truly luxe) touches, such as a slender swimming pool and well-kitted gym.

    For the best beaches: Koh Lipe

    where to go in thailand

    Koh Lipe is considerably trickier to reach than the popular islands of Samui and Lanta (the flight-taxi-speedboat trifecta takes up a whole day) which means it’s generally visited by those serious Thailand travellers who have ticked off the obvious spots and are in search of something that feels more secret.

    Indeed, a trip to Lipe is something you’ll be talking about for some time: this truly paradisiacal island is dubbed the ‘Maldives of Thailand’ for good reason. Here, expect homespun cocktail bars, casual BBQ restaurants and some of the most jaw-dropping beaches in the country, with shallow shores and spectacular snorkelling spots. Don’t pack for an evening dress code – there is nowhere here that requires a high heel – and remember to throw in a few good books, as Lipe is really all about the reclining.

    The stay: Idyllic Concept Resort

    On hippy-centric Lipe, pristine sandbanks are flanked not by high-rise hotels and mega resorts, but lowkey properties designed around the natural landscape. The most luxurious is Idyllic, which is situated on a coveted spot at the end of Sunrise beach (early risers will be rewarded). The rooms are modest yet modern, with beachfront villas available, and there are two pools: one for lapping, and the other with a swim-up bar.

    For family-friendly fun: Koh Samui

    where to go in thailand

    Koh Samui is perhaps the most well-known of the Southern Thai islands, situated in the Gulf next to Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao. Served by its own airport, it’s an easy hour’s flight from Bangkok, yet the atmosphere is worlds apart from the bustle of the city. Development has been rampant on Samui, and there’s now a multitude of luxury resorts to choose from, while the nightlife of Chaweng beach and restaurants of Fisherman’s Village are there should you fancy a livelier libation.

    The stay: Six Senses

    Set into the hillside on the Northern edge of Samui, Six Senses is the kind of otherworldly retreat that instantly makes you feel deliciously free from the stresses of real life. It’s a taxi drive away from the crowds of the main tourist beaches, and offers both privacy and incredible ocean views (which you can gaze at smugly from your own private infinity pool). Be sure to reserve a table at Dining On The Rocks for a quiet, memorable dinner on a platform perched over the ocean.

    See our verdict on the very best Koh Samui hotels here.

    For a peaceful retreat: Koh Lanta

    where to go in thailand

    Koh Lanta, situated on the Western coast and easily accessible from the mainland at Phuket or Krabi, is one of the quieter islands, offering a true sense of castaway escapism. The beaches to the north are the most built-up (although they’re still beautifully chilled out) while the south of the island is where you’ll find the best resorts and most beautiful views. Lanta isn’t packed with tourist attractions or Western restaurants – families after ease and entertainment may want to consider Samui instead – but anyone after a week of rest and relaxation will be in their own personal paradise.

    The stay: Pimalai Resort and Spa

    Set into the snaking hillside of Lanta’s southerly Kantiang Bay, the Pimalai resort offers the most striking panoramic views of the Andaman sea (with a virtually private stretch of sand to boot). Here, you’ll feel immersed in nature, with villas built around the thriving tropical flora and fauna. Sure, you can rent a paddleboard, play tennis, complete a PADI diving course or borrow a bike to explore the island, but we think a day best spent involves a long, lingering trip to the award-winning spa, where massages take place under the palm fronds, soundtracked simply by the breeze.

    sicily hotels, best hotels sicily, best luxury hotels sicily

    The female spies behind Raffles London at the OWO

    luxury london hotels

    London's most luxurious hotels

    luxury allinclusive hotels

    The world's most luxurious all-inclusive holidays

    koh samui best hotels

    The most luxurious hotels on Koh Samui

    capri hotels

    The Bazaar edit of the most chic hotels in Capri

    best wellness retreats europe

    The Great Reset: the best luxury wellness retreats

    meribel france

    The luxury travel guide to Méribel

    coworth park

    The best luxury hotels for horse lovers

    sex and the city girls holiday

    Why an adult all-girls holiday is good for you

    villa igiea sicily

    Where to eat, drink and explore in Sicily

    a table with glasses and plates on it next to a tree with flowers

    Why Manchester is the chic capital of the north

    • Cast & crew

    Back to Black

    Marisa Abela in Back to Black (2024)

    The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

    • Sam Taylor-Johnson
    • Matt Greenhalgh
    • Marisa Abela
    • Eddie Marsan
    • Jack O'Connell

    Official Trailer

    • Amy Winehouse

    Eddie Marsan

    • Mitch Winehouse

    Jack O'Connell

    • Blake Fielder-Civil

    Lesley Manville

    • Cynthia Winehouse

    Juliet Cowan

    • Janis Winehouse

    Bronson Webb

    • Raye Cosbert

    Harley Bird

    • Aunt Melody

    Sam Buchanan

    • Nick Shymansky

    Pierre Bergman

    • Island Records Senior Executive

    Tim Treloar

    • CID Officer

    Jasmine Kerr

    • Mark Ronson
    • (as Jeff Thomas Tunke)

    Michael S. Siegel

    • Uncle Harold

    Dywayne Thomas

    • News Crew Man

    Christos Lawton

    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    More like this

    Abigail

    Technical specs

    Related news, contribute to this page.

    Marisa Abela in Back to Black (2024)

    • See more gaps
    • Learn more about contributing

    More to explore

    Production art

    Recently viewed

    PrestigeOnline

    10 Best Golf Resorts To Visit The Next Time You’re In Thailand

    W ith its heady selection including some of the world’s best golf resorts and hotels, Thailand has become a top golf destination amongst aficionados worldwide. In Asia, top golfers have long flocked en-masse to the burgeoning golf destination for luxury and leisure. And it’s easy to see why.

    Thailand is known as the ‘Land of the Smiles’, and there’s a very good reason for it. The unparalleled warmth of its people, its conducive climate, and plethora of golf courses across varied terrains make it top of the list for golfers looking to soak in the sun and manicured ‘greens’.

    Name any renowned golf course designer, and it’s likely they’ll have a masterful creation tucked away somewhere on Thailand – near the sea, amid the rugged terrain of a mountain, or surrounded by the vibrant sights and sounds of Bangkok. Boasting an impressive 200 odd golf courses relative to its size, Thailand is a shining example of inclusion; after all, their numerous resorts and hotels cater to different income groups, making the sport accessible to all who want to give it a go.

    To celebrate the sport, here are 10 of Thailand’s best golf resorts and hotels.

    The Best Golf Resorts And Hotels To Visit In Thailand

    North hill city resort.

    The North Hill City Resort is an exceptional property that combines convenience with the opulent setting of a golf course. The entire property has been meticulously planned with sports and leisure enthusiasts in mind. Luxuriously designed rooms and suites provide a chic and modernistic ambience with an amazing view of Doi Suthep. The resort’s stunning location inspires visitors to stay connected to nature, while its 18-hole, par-72 course is renowned for breathtaking views of rushing streams, white-sand bunkers, and undulating greens. The resort also features a number of recreational amenities, such as an outdoor pool, Italian restaurant, lounge, sky bar, pool bar, cafe, wine bar, sauna, and fitness center.

    Location: Chiang Mai-Hangdong Road, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai

    Visit the website here .

    Chatrium Golf Resort

    With an idyllic award-winning 18-hole golf course backed by the mountains of Pong Nam Ron, Chatrium offers the ideal countryside retreat where tranquility prevails. One of the best golf courses and resorts in Thailand, the property provides golfers with the opportunity to stay and play. The exceptionally considered course layout presents no shortage of interesting challenges, which players can enjoy whilst relaxing in the spectacular natural settings of the magnificent Soi Dao Mountain. Exclusive golf packages at the resort also guarantee a truly memorable golf vacation. A year-round outdoor pool, fine dining restaurant, pro shop, club house, luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, and a variety of event spaces, all nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes further contribute to this golf resort’s status as the best option for anybody seeking a serene golf getaway.

    Location: Tambol Tubsai, Amphoe Pong Nam Ron Chanthaburi

    Kirimaya Golf Resort and Spa

    Kirimaya, which literally means “the illusions of the mountains,” is regarded as one of the best golf resorts in Thailand. The resort is renowned for seamlessly combining the natural beauty of Khao Yai with contemporary living comforts. Located in the middle of picturesque mountains and verdant forests, the rooms, suites, and tented villas here are uniquely created with an Asian influence. The resort features an exclusive 18-hole championship golf course of Jack Nicklaus design , situated amid a huge natural setting with a sweeping vista of the mountains and lush flora of Khao Yai. Golfers can enjoy a unique golfing experience on this single-track course, which is meant to offer a sense of seclusion and make them feel like they are the only players on the whole property. Among the resort’s various amenities are a spa, movie retreat, winter retreat, a cruise, and many more.

    Location: Amphoe Pak Chong, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima

    Black Mountain Golf Club

    One of Thailand’s best golf resorts, Black Mountain Golf Club is situated just 20 minutes away from the Hua Hin Airport and 2 hours and 45 minutes away from downtown Bangkok . The East, North, and West nine-hole courses make up the 27-hole Black Mountain Golf Club, with two of the three courses typically combined to create a standard 18-hole round. With five tee boxes per course, every golfer is guaranteed an exciting round. The courses here are recognised for their lush landscaping and gorgeous woodland backdrop, and have played host to several competitions including the Royal Trophy and True Thailand Classic on the Asian Tour. The resort also features two studios with state-of-the-art golf instruction technology, a driving range, a short game area, pro shop, pool villa accommodations, an open-air restaurant, and many more experiences.

    Location: Nong Hieng Road, Hin LekFai, Hua Hin District, Prachaubkirikhan

    Blue Canyon Country Club

    One of Asia’s most esteemed golf clubs, the Blue Canyon Country Club was founded out of love for golf and the upscale lifestyle it offers. The legendary country club features two championship golf courses: the Canyon Course and Lakes Course. The Canyon Course, which is renowned for its award-winning design , has played host to several major international competitions like the Honda Invitational and the Johnnie Walker Classic. Built on the site of an abandoned tin mine and rubber plantations, this 18-hole championship course features a lush, visually appealing setting complete with freshwater lakes, water hazards, and a combination of narrow tree-lined fairways and doglegs. Alongside luxurious accommodation options, a spa, club house, driving range, and other amenities, this golf club seeks to enthrall visitors with its challenging holes and fascinating history from the first tee to the last putt.

    Location: Thep Krasattri Road, Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket

    Summit Windmill Golf Residence

    The Summit Windmill Golf Residence is a sophisticated lifestyle development project that redefines architectural concepts and contemporary luxury and leisure lifestyles. It features an exclusive golf club and residence, as well as an amazing selection of business and leisure facilities. The golf hotel is well situated on the Bangna-Trad Road, just fifteen minutes away from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. It features a top-notch golf course that was created by renowned British golfer Sir Nick Faldo, as well as a fitness center, restaurant and bar, swimming pool, spa, business center, and other amenities. The 18-hole, par-72 course here ranks among the most challenging in the region with numerous exquisite lakes, overlapping hills and strategically positioned sand bunkers amid the stunning fairways.

    Location: Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan

    Tinidee Golf Resort Phuket

    Located in a gorgeous terrain that represents unique Thai characteristics, he Tinidee Golf Resort is only 15 minutes away from the famed Patong neighborhood. One of the best golf hotels in Phuket , the resort features elegant interiors, modern amenities, and balconies in every room. In addition to two excellent restaurants that are tucked away next to their gorgeous golf courses, the property boasts a fitness center, pool, spa, among other amenities, making the resort the ultimate golfer’s paradise. Both courses have pro shops where guests can purchase or rent golf equipment and accessories to ensure they have all they need for a memorable round. Newbies, intermediates, and professionals alike are welcome at the resort, where they are certain to enjoy a calm and revitalising experience.

    Location: Kathu District, Phuket

    Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort

    Despite its proximity to the city center, Chiang Mai Highlands is a scenic sanctuary comprising 19 private resort villas, all furnished in the original Lanna style. Every room boasts a view of rivers, lakes, and woods, making the stay even more remarkable. Designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley of Schmidt-Curley design, the course at Chiang Mai Highland has received numerous accolades and is widely regarded one of the best in Thailand. The par-72 course is organised like a classic musical composition, culminating at the iconic 18th hole. To further provide luxury and leisure, the resort features a great restaurant, steam room, and a spa, allowing guests to relax their muscles after an active day of golfing.

    Location: Nuea, Mae On District, Chiang Mai

    Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort

    Featuring an 18-hole championship course created by the celebrated Nicklaus Design, Mission Hills Phuket Resort is a golfer’s haven. With its pastoral setting of white sand bunkers juxtaposed against verdant fairways and the azure Andaman Sea, this impressive golf hotel is nestled among mangroves and offers breathtaking views of the waters. Widely acknowledged as one of the best golf resorts in Thailand, Mission Hills provides an amazing range of recreational and business facilities to suit a variety of interests outside of golf. These include well-appointed accommodation options, a “Thai Style” clubhouse, a swimming pool, games room, fine dining, fully equipped conference rooms, and more.

    Location: Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket

    The Golf Lodge Hotel, Laem Chabang International Country Club

    Located just 30 minutes away from Pattaya, the Golf Lodge Hotel at the Laem Chabang International Country Club in Chonburi provides luxury and convenience, whether it’s for business or leisure. Three Nicklaus-designed golf courses are located within the country club, providing a range of experiences to remember. The Lake 9 course has a stream that flows through it; the Valley 9 course is bordered by gorgeous mountains; and the Mountain 9 course is situated around magnificent mountain-style slopes. These natural settings have been designed to provide golfers with a challenging layout where they can test their talent and abilities. Along with a bar, club house, pro shop, driving range, swimming pool, and other amenities, the resort offers great dining options with a stunning panoramic view of the golf course.

    Location: Beung, Sriracha, Chonburi

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    – How many golf courses are there in Thailand?

    Thailand boasts more than 200 golf courses. Of those, 30 to 40 are considered world-class and hold strongly in comparison with the top courses worldwide.

    – Which golf course is in Chiang Mai?

    The Chiang Mai Highlands Golf Resort in Chiang Mai is often recognised as the best golf course in northern Thailand. Designed by Lee Schmidt of Schmidt-Curley Design, the course first opened its doors in 2005.

    – How many golf courses are there in Pattaya?

    With over 25 golf courses for golfers to pick from, Pattaya has now become Thailand’s top golf destination. This is in addition to its vibrant nightlife scene and sandy white beaches.

    The post 10 Best Golf Resorts To Visit The Next Time You’re In Thailand appeared first on Prestige Online - Thailand .

    best golf resorts hotels featured image soi dao

IMAGES

  1. 15-Day China and Thailand Highlights Tour

    best time to visit china and thailand

  2. What Are The Best Times to Visit China? (By Month and Season)

    best time to visit china and thailand

  3. The Best Time to Visit Thailand: A Season-by-Season Breakdown

    best time to visit china and thailand

  4. The best time to travel to Thailand

    best time to visit china and thailand

  5. 10 BEST Places to Visit in Thailand in 2024

    best time to visit china and thailand

  6. Meilleure ciercuit de Chine en Thaïlande, Voyage de 19 jours en Chine

    best time to visit china and thailand

VIDEO

  1. Thailand China Town Market

  2. LIVE forum

  3. Why Visit or Move to Thailand?

  4. When is the best time to visit Thailand ?

  5. Thailand’s prime minister wants to see peace between the US and #china #politics #shorts

COMMENTS

  1. Best (& Worst) Times to Visit China, Travel Tips (2024/2025)

    Best (& Worst) Times to Visit China, Travel Tips (2024/2025) China is a year-round travel destination. Regardless of when you go, there is always a place that is worth visiting. However, weather-wise, the best times to visit China are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). These periods offer tourism-friendly weather in the most ...

  2. How to Plan a Trip to China and Thailand

    15-Day Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket Tour China and Thailand Combo. 2. In-Depth 3-Week China and Thailand Itinerary. This 3-week tour would have a more relaxed pace and give you more opportunities to explore Chinese history and culture as well as Thailand's forest parks.

  3. Best & Worst Time to Visit Thailand 2024, Rainy Season (Not when you

    By Cindy Updated Feb. 24, 2024. The best time to visit Thailand is between November and March when the weather is cool and dry. However, it is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge. Thailand experiences very hot weather between April and June. The rainy season in Thailand occurs between June and October.

  4. Best time to visit China

    Shoulder Season (mid-February-April, September & October) For many savvy travelers, this is the perfect time to go to China. Weather-wise, you have a more temperate climate. In the north in particular, this is the optimal season with fresh weather and clear skies. Accommodation prices can peak during the early-October holidays, another time ...

  5. The Best & Worst Times to Visit China in 2024 (Our Take)

    The best time to visit China is the spring or fall, when the weather is mostly mild throughout the country and you can enjoy some popular festivals. China is a vast country with many different climate zones. They vary from cold Beijing and the temperate inner south to the nearly tropical weather of the southern coastal area. The weather differs ...

  6. Best Time to Visit China

    Best Time to Visit China. Traveling in the broad country, it's hard to say when is the best time to visit China. However, generally, with the variety of weather and climate, you may choose the comfortable weather in spring and autumn to go and admire the most stunning landscapes across the country; Join in the crowds in high season or save money to travel in low seasons; if you are a Chinese ...

  7. Best Time to Visit China

    The best time to visit China is during spring or fall. The weather tends to be warm and dry during these periods, in contrast to the bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summers experienced in much of the country. China's sheer size, however, means there are no true limitations for travel, and with one or two exceptions it is possible to ...

  8. Best Time to Visit China

    The months of April and May (Spring) and then September and October (Fall) are generally considered the best time to travel to China - the temperatures are usually mild around this time and you can expect plenty of sunshine. While the summer months can be extremely hot and humid, winters get cold and freezing across most parts of the country.

  9. Best Time to Visit China (Climate & Seasons)

    The best time to visit China is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and sunny, with fewer crowds and lower prices than during the peak summer season. Mild weather: China has a diverse climate, with varying temperatures and rainfall depending ...

  10. The best time to visit Thailand

    March and April are best for tropical fruit and Songkran. The weather, even for Thais, becomes alarmingly toasty during Thailand's "summer" when temperatures average 30°C (87°F). School is out, meaning the capital is less crowded than usual, and the beaches are typically jammed with Bangkokians seeking reprieve from the heat.

  11. China Weather

    Spring - The Best Time to Visit China. Generally, spring is considered to be the best time to visit China. Early spring (around March) is an off-season when the weather remains cold and changeable with intermittent showers, and late spring ( April- May) with an average temperature of 20℃ (70℉) creates an optimal environment for tourists who ...

  12. Best Time to Visit Thailand

    February is the driest month, particularly in the south, so if avoiding rainfall is important to you, then this is the best time to travel. April and May, and September and October are good times to travel if you're looking for lower prices and smaller crowds. The weather at this time is still good, but not too hot.

  13. Best time to visit China

    So, if you prefer to travel when the weather is warm, late spring and early summer might be the best time for you to visit the interior of the country. During May and June, temperatures hover around 23°C (73°F) but the dust storms that plague early spring have normally settled down. Keep in mind that mountain regions like Emei Shan will ...

  14. How to Plan a Trip to China from Thailand

    Time difference between China and Thailand China has several time zones, but it uses UTC/GMT+8 as its standard time in every cities. Thailand uses UTC/GMT+7 as its standard time, and China Time is 1 hour ahead of Thailand. For example, In Thailand, it is 10 AM, and it is 11 AM in China. When to Travel-Autumn is the Best Time to Visit China

  15. Best Time To Visit China In 2024

    1- Sanya, Hainan Island. The best time to visit China for a beach vacation is summer. Head to Sanya for a relaxing holiday. Make sure to find a hotel on the waterfront in Sanya for excellent views of the ocean and enjoy what many Chinese people refer to as the 'Hawaii of China'.

  16. Best time to visit China

    January Chinese New Year lunar festival: date varies - Jan/Feb. throughout the country The year's most important festival, the Lunar New Year (known as chunjie - the Spring Festival), can occur at any time during the four weeks beginning 21 January. Public buildings are festooned with coloured lights, and people from all over China travel to reunite with family and friends.

  17. What to know about Thailand-China free-visa entry policy

    From 1 March 2024 onwards, Thailand and China have agreed to implement a visa-free entry policy permanently for their citizens. This means that tourists from both countries are free to enter and exit with a stay of up to 30 days per entry. This new policy has been implemented to replace the former ...

  18. A Travel Comparison for Vacations, Honeymoons, and Tours China vs. Thailand

    10 days, two weeks, or even one month of travel to Thailand or China can really add to your travel budget. Accommodation is often cheaper in China compared to Thailand ($34 vs. $36). Budget travelers often stay in cheaper hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels usually appeal to families and upscale travelers.

  19. Best Time to visit China

    Spring in China (April to May) It starts in the month of April and extends until May. Temperature: The temperature in China during Spring ranges between 10 degrees to 23 degrees Celsius. Weather: The weather is warm and comfortable with fresh air that makes you feel delightful. Significance: The Labor Day on May 1st is not a bad idea in China.

  20. Best time to visit China

    Discover when is the best time of year to visit China. See iconic highlights all year. Any dates. Small group, private, custom tours for USA, UK & Europe.

  21. Best Times to Visit the Great Wall of China

    The best times for pleasant weather: September and October. The best times for avoiding crowds: early September (when school is just started), December to March. The best times for snow-capped Great Wall views: mid-November to March. The best times at different Great Wall sections: Mutianyu or Badaling: visit in the afternoon to miss the large ...

  22. Best time to Visit Chiang Mai: MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE TO Chiang Mai (2023)

    February is a great time to travel to Chiang Mai; it's also the last month of the high season. The weather in Chiang Mai in February is still cool and dry, which makes it perfect for traveling. Temperature ranges from 16°C (61°F) to 32°C (90°F). But February is when the burning season in Northern Thailand starts.

  23. Thailand expands visa-free access for tourists from China and

    Thailand and China signed an agreement for a mutual visa entry for citizens of both countries on 28 January 2024, which officially comes into effect today. ... The best time to visit Thailand's beaches and islands. 2 weeks ago. Thailand's national park system announces 2024 annual seasonal closure of attractions. January 16, 2024.

  24. Best time to visit China

    So, if you prefer to travel when the weather is warm, late spring and early summer might be the best time for you to visit the interior of the country. During May and June, temperatures hover around 23°C (73°F) but the dust storms that plague early spring have normally settled down. Keep in mind that mountain regions like Emei Shan will ...

  25. Where to go in Thailand, according to a long-time traveller

    The oldest hotel in Thailand, The Oriental first opened on the banks of the Chao Phraya river in 1876 and, after being bought by the Mandarin group in the 1970s, remains the most prestigious place ...

  26. Dune: Part Two (2024)

    Dune: Part Two: Directed by Denis Villeneuve. With Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem. Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family.

  27. Back to Black (2024)

    Back to Black: Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. With Jack O'Connell, Marisa Abela, Eddie Marsan, Lesley Manville. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

  28. 20 Best Places to Visit in Thailand

    Thailand is so much more than a travel destination — visiting is a bona fide rite of passage. From hostel-hopping backpackers to well-heeled five-star hotel aficionados, there's something for ...

  29. 10 Best Golf Resorts To Visit The Next Time You're In Thailand

    One of Thailand's best golf resorts, Black Mountain Golf Club is situated just 20 minutes away from the Hua Hin Airport and 2 hours and 45 minutes away from downtown Bangkok. The East, North ...