best time to visit china and thailand

• 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 popular destinations throughout the country.

In the following article, we will provide recommendations for the best destinations and activities to explore in each season and month.

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• Best Times to Visit China

The Worst Times to Visit China

China travel guide by month, best times to visit china for great weather, sightseeing, festivals, and low prices.

The best time to visit China could vary significantly depending on your China vacation purposes, budget, and weather preferences.

• Spring and autumn are the best times for the most pleasant weather and stunning natural landscapes. They are also good times for enjoying outdoor activities.
• If you're looking to enjoy good weather and avoid crowds , we recommend April, September, and mid to late October.
• For families with children , the available time usually revolves around the summer vacation period. If you prefer a quieter environment and less crowded attractions, June could be a good choice.
• If you are interested in experiencing China's festivals , we recommend visiting during Chinese New Year, which usually falls in late January and early February.
• November to March is the off-season. It is a time to benefit from less-crowded attractions and favorable prices . March and November could be smarter choices. The weather in these two shoulder-season months is better compared to other months in the off-season.

Most sightseeing in cultural and historical destinations, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an, is hardly affected by weather conditions. These destinations are suitable for visiting all year round.

No matter in what season you visit, we will carefully customize your itinerary based on your travel time to ensure that you enjoy the many charms of China without any hassles.

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While there are certain times to travel that may be considered worst, such as those having large crowds or bad weather, the impact of these conditions could be significantly minimized with proper planning, enough knowledge of the destination, and the right destination selection . That's what we could do for you. We would try our best to ensure you have an enjoyable travel experience by skillfully managing these factors.

To Avoid Crowds

If you don't like crowded environments, you should avoid traveling during the Chinese holidays. Most of the attractions are flooded with Chinese tourists during festivals and holidays, especially the two golden weeks:

• Labor Day holiday (May 1–5)
• National Day holiday (October 1–7)

If you are traveling during the above periods, book well in advance (at least 6 months) and get ready for the crowds.

In this case, we have three suggestions.

First, get up early to visit as you would enjoy a quieter scenic spot . Compared to the noisy environment, you will find that your early rise is worth it.

Second, choose less popular destinations , such as the Silk Road .

Third, skirt around the peak travel period and visit before or after the holidays . April, late May, and late October could be good times for the good weather, fewer crowds, and nice scenery. Travel costs are also down compared to the costs during holidays.

To Avoid the Rainy Season

If you don't like rain, you'd better avoid visiting in the rainy months.

For southern cities, such as Shanghai and Guilin, June, the rainiest month, is not a good choice for a visit, especially if you are looking for outdoor activities.

But you don't need to worry too much about the rainy season. China is a large country and the rainy season will be slightly different in each city, which provides you with a variety of options. Just contact us for recommendations and itinerary planning.

The northern cities of China, such as Beijing and Xi'an, are generally less affected by the rainy season, which occurs in July and August. There are only occasional short bursts of rain, which have little impact on the tourist experience.

China has four seasons: spring (officially March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February). The north has longer winters and the south has longer summers.

China is vast, with destinations for every season. Whether you visit in winter or summer, there's a suitable place.

Click the sign of each month to check the travel guide information. All our tours can be adjusted/customized based on your requirements. Just contact us .

China Weather in January

• North China (Beijing): freezing, -8–2°C (18–35°F)
• South China (Shanghai): chilly, 2–8°C (35–46°F)

On the whole, most cities in China are cold in January with low rainfall, except for the extreme southern, including Hainan Island, which still retains a warm 22–26°C (72–79°F) range.

There is snow in the north, but there is little snowfall in the south. If you want to see beautiful snow scenery and do some exciting snow activities, Beijing, Harbin, and many northern cities are recommended.

Seeing the snow-covered Great Wall, skiing in a winter games venue, and exploring a special residence in the north (a cave dwelling), which is warm in winter and cool in summer, are some of the best winter activities.

Harbin's Ice and Snow Festival , which often has more than one large castle that is made of ice and snow, is also popular among travelers.

January is a good time to experience the culture and atmosphere of Chinese New Year . You could explore interesting temple fairs, watch wonderful folk-art performances, and learn about the many customs of Chinese New Year.

If you want to have a warm winter holiday, Hainan Island (i.e. Sanya) could be your choice with its beautiful beaches and sunny weather. Yunnan is also recommended for its mild weather.

See more on China Weather in January (with travel info).

China Weather in February

• North China (Beijing): cold, -5–6°C (23–42°F)
• South China (Shanghai): chilly, 3–9°C (37–49°F)

The weather in February is very similar to January, with a slight increase in temperature.

February is not the peak season (except for the increase in domestic travel during the Chinese New Year holidays), so you could enjoy less-crowded attractions. The cold weather does not have a big impact on sightseeing, especially in the historical/cultural destinations, such as Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai.

The Lantern Festival, a traditional Chinese festival, usually falls in February. Many areas, such as Shanghai's Yu Garden, have lantern shows and fairs where you could see lantern displays and parades, and eat traditional festival snacks.

See more on China Weather in February (with travel info).

China Weather in March

• North China (Beijing): cold, 2–12°C (35–54°F)
• South China (Shanghai): chilly, 7–13°C (45–55°F)

In March, the temperature gap between the north and the south narrows and it begins to warm slowly, gradually entering spring.

March is good for sightseeing at natural attractions, such as in Guilin and Yunnan . Outdoor activities, such as biking and hiking, are suitable at this time.

Moreover, you could expect fewer tourists in March than in the coming peak months.

See more on China Weather in March (with travel info).

China Weather in April

• North China (Beijing): mild, 9–21°C (49–69°F)
• South China (Shanghai): warm, 12–19°C (54–66°F)

In April, the weather in China is generally mild and pleasant, although specific temperatures and conditions vary by region.

The southernmost regions have significantly higher temperatures, making them suitable for outdoor activities, such as flower viewing, hiking, or picnicking in the countryside.

Some cities in the south will have drizzle, which brings fresh air and magical misty scenery. The rains can actually enhance views, with mountain mists in areas like the Li River (Guilin) and the Yellow Mountains.

In the northern regions, the weather is cooler but still enjoyable for sightseeing and exploring historical sites, such as the Great Wall, or visiting cultural attractions, such as museums and temples.

See more on China Weather in April (with travel info).

China Weather in May

• North China (Beijing): warm, 15–27°C (59–80°F)
• South China (Shanghai): warm, 17–24°C (63–75°F)

In May, the weather in China is generally warm and pleasant as spring transitions into early summer.

The pleasant weather is suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing in most cities, such as exploring Yunnan and historical sites like the Forbidden City in Beijing.

The first week of May (Labor Day holiday) is one of the peaks of China's travel season. Airlines, trains, hotels, shops, and restaurants are very busy. Contact us for an early booking!

After May's first week, you can discover China in relatively uncrowded springtime days (early summer days in more southern China).

See more on China Weather in May (with travel info).

China Weather in June

• North China (Beijing): hot, 20–30°C (68–86°F)
• South China (Shanghai): muggy, 22–27°C (71–81°F)

In June, China experiences varied weather conditions across different regions. Southern China enters the rainy season with higher temperatures and occasional thunderstorms.

You could explore the picturesque landscapes of Yunnan or visit the famous Yellow Mountains .

Northern China enjoys warmer temperatures and sees increased tourist activity at landmarks such as the Great Wall or the Forbidden City.

It doesn't rain much in the north. Outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, are popular choices during this month.

See more on China Weather in June (with travel info).

China Weather in July

• North China (Beijing): hot, 23–31°C (73–88°F)
• South China (Shanghai): hot, 26–32°C (78–89°F)

In July, China is getting hotter, especially in southern regions. There are occasional typhoon rains in coastal areas, such as Shanghai and Guangdong, but these don't last long.

Northern regions also have high temperatures. Indoor cultural attractions with air-conditioning would be a good choice, such as museums, the Terracotta Army, etc.

July is the peak season for tourism in China because of the summer vacation. If you want to avoid the crowds, some less-traveled destinations, such as Inner Mongolia , are recommended.

If you still don't want to miss the popular attractions, such as the Great Wall, we could arrange less-traveled sections for you, such as hiking at a wild and less-crowded section of the Great Wall or a night tour of the Great Wall.

See more on China Weather in July (with travel info).

China Weather in August

• North China (Beijing): hot, 21–30°C (70–86°F)
• South China (Shanghai): hot, 26–31°C (78–88°F)

In August, China is still hot across the country. Like July, there could be occasional showers of rain.

August offers optimum conditions for mountain and highland destinations, such as Tibet , Yunnan , Guilin , and Zhangjiajie .

If the heat and crowds are challenges for you, a private tour will make your trip easier and more comfortable. Your guide can help you to avoid the crowds and private air-conditioned transport will keep you cooler. See more on How to Plan a Summer Trip to China .

Visitors will taper off in late August with the end of the summer vacation.

See more on China Weather in August (with travel info).

China Weather in September

• North China (Beijing): warm, 16–26°C (60–78°F)
• South China (Shanghai): less hot, 21–27°C (70–81°F)

In September, China experiences pleasant weather as summer transitions into autumn.

The temperature begins to cool down, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing in most cities. It is especially good to enjoy various natural sights. It is one of the best times to travel to China.

Although September is still the peak travel season in China, compared with the summer vacation and golden weeks, the flow of visitors in September is relatively small.

See more on China Weather in September (with travel info).

China Weather in October

• North China (Beijing): cool, 8–19°C (46–66°F)
• South China (Shanghai): warm, 16–22°C (61–72°F)

October is also one of the best times to visit China.

In October, China enjoys cool and comfortable weather. The cool weather is perfect for outdoor sports and for visiting large outdoor structures, such as the Great Wall.

It is also the prime time for admiring natural landscapes, especially the breathtaking autumn foliage.

Popular natural destinations include Guilin , Zhangjiajie , Jiuzhai Valley , and the Yellow Mountains .

However, it is important to note that the first week of October is a golden week for tourism. If you want to go to popular destinations, be prepared to expect crowds.

Traveling after the golden week is what we recommend, with more reasonable prices, comfortable weather, similar beautiful scenery, and fewer crowds.

See more on China Weather in October (with travel info).

China Weather in November

• North China (Beijing): chilly, 0–10°C (32–50°F)
• South China (Shanghai): mild, 10–15°C (50–59°F)

In November, China experiences varied weather conditions across different regions.

Northern China starts to get colder with occasional snowfalls, making it suitable for enjoying winter activities like skiing in resorts, such as Yabuli.

Southern China remains mild and pleasant, offering opportunities to visit cities like Shanghai and Guilin. Sightseeing, visiting historical sites, and experiencing local cuisine are popular activities during this month.

See more on China Weather in November (with travel info).

China Weather in December

• North China (Beijing): cold, -6–3°C (21–37°F)
• South China (Shanghai): chilly, 4–11°C (39–51°F)

In December, China experiences cold weather in most regions.

Northern areas, such as Harbin, offer the fascinating Ice and Snow Festival with intricate ice sculptures and winter sports.

Cities in the south have also begun to see significant cooling. Further south, such as in Guangdong and Hong Kong, relatively mild temperatures are maintained.

December is ideal for exploring cultural attractions and enjoying local cuisine.

See more on China Weather in December (with travel info).

Tour China with Us

Our travel advisors are very happy to give you suggestions and guidance for your trip planning. They can tailor-make your trip according to your interests and requirements, and help to find the best time of year for you to go to China.

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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.

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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

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Jessie was amazing ! Everything from her level of English to her understanding of what we valued .

We had a good time exploring the city with Selinda!

Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.

Our guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!

Our China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.

She was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,

Our tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.

He picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.

Tom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.

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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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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...

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

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...

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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...

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!

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).

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 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

Travel note for some special regions of 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

Beijing / Xian / Shanghai

Chengdu / Leshan / Emeishan / Xian / Beijing

Shanghai / Suzhou / Hangzhou / Huangshan

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

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Shanghai

Beijing / Xian / Zhangjiajie / Guilin / Shanghai

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

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

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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.

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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…

Imperial Cities, Tibet & Yangtze River Cruise

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Best Places To Visit

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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The best time to visit Thailand

Jan 3, 2024 • 5 min read

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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  PLANNING A TRIP TO CHINA? Start Here

  Best Times To Visit China in 2021 (Based on Months & Seasons)

  October 21, 2020 By Josh Summers 17 Comments

  When is the best time to travel to China? I’ve been asked this question multiple times and over the years I’ve finally developed an answer that I feel comfortable giving you here.

  The fact is that China is a big country and anybody who gives you a “one size fits all” answer probably doesn’t understand that.

  

  No matter what season of the year it may be, there is always a place in China that is worth visiting. I’ve traveled in the dead of winter and in the heat of the summer – both experiences have had their ups and downs.

  For this reason, I’m going to share with you my answer based on the season / month you plan to visit China, along with my recommended places to visit during that time.

  Table of Contents

  • Spring (April to June)
  • Summer (July to August)
  • Fall (September to October)
  • Winter (November to March)

  When NOT to Travel to China

  Additional china travel resources.

  We’ll start be detailing exactly when you should not travel to China.

  If there is any way to avoid it, there is a specific time during which you should avoid stepping foot in China:

  Chinese Spring Festival (aka Chinese New Year).

  If you’re doing your research, then you’ll probably read other travel websites telling you to avoid all China holidays but this isn’t true . I’ve traveled plenty of times during the National Holiday and Labor Day, and it’s been great.

  The holiday has been cut short so much that now most Chinese citizens have decided its not worth traveling during those holidays anymore.

  The one exception is the Chinese New Year (aka “Spring Festival”) which usually falls in late January or into February. Not only is each mode of transportation packed full and often sold out of tickets, most shops, grocery stores and even some tourist attractions are closed for a few days during this holiday.

  

  Because it’s based on the lunar calendar, you’ll need to check the 2020 China public holiday calendar to find out which day Spring Festival lands on.

  Visiting China in Spring (April to June)

  There aren’t too many places in China that you can’t visit in between the months of April and June. The only exception might be the far northern parts of Heilongjiang and Xinjiang , which can still be somewhat cold during the month of April.

  Throughout the south of China the wet season has begun during these months, which may be a bit of a hassle. At the same time, it could enhance your trip with early morning mist which can be spectacular in places like Guilin and Yunnan.

  

  The weather will be quite dry in places like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an, so this is a great time to visit those places before it gets hot and humid in the summer.

  Overall, the spring season is one of the most popular times to visit China , in part because you can go pretty much anywhere and find good weather, but also because you’ll get to see the beauty of spring throughout the country.

  

  Visiting China in Summer (July to August)

  July and August is the peak travel season here in China , mostly because everybody is off from school all over the world. It’s not always the best time to visit, however.

  Places like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xi’an are all crazy hot, unbelievably humid and often just plain uncomfortable.

  That’s not to say that you can’t visit, just be prepared with plenty of water and make sure to book your China hotels in advance since many of the desirable budget hotels and hostels book up quickly during the summer months.

  

  Summer is an excellent time to find your way out to Tibet, where temperatures are a bit more mild with the high altitude.

  You could also consider traveling down to Hainan, sometimes referred to as the “Hawaii of China” with some stunningly beautiful China beaches , where you can at least jump into the ocean when it gets too hot.

  Keep in mind that even during the peak travel season, there are ways to avoid the crowds in China . Also, it’s worth noting that most hotels and many businesses in China now have air conditioning.

  Visit China in Fall (September to October)

  Like the April and May months, the fall season (September and October) is another excellent time to visit China.

  Places like Xinjiang, which are normally blazing hot in the summer and still a bit too cold in spring, are in perfect season.

  The same goes for Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and all of the other major tourist cities. What I suggest, however, is that you try to make your way inland during these months.

  

  China Travel Tip

  If traveling during China’s fall season, take some warmer clothes for the evening, just in case temperatures dip down low.

  Frankly, there isn’t really a bad place to visit during these months, which is why September and October are such popular travel months among the Chinese and the knowledgeable expats here in China.

  Keep in mind that during the October holiday (usually starting October 1st and lasting for a few days), you might run into heavier crowds of Chinese tourists, but overall it’s not that bad.

  The beautiful fall colors often make up for any inconvenience you might come across.

  Visiting China in Winter (November to March)

  Finally, we’re left with the winter months in China (mid-November to early March).

  Most people try to avoid traveling to China during the winter but the fact is that there are some great places to visit during this time. Most of these places are in the south, including Hong Kong, Macau, Hainan, Yunnan and others.

  Of course, if you’re really brave, China is gorgeous under a blanket of snow.

  Walking through Beijing or around Pingyao while it has a few inches of snow can be very memorable. The problem is you never quite know when it’s going to actually snow, so if you’re unlucky you’ll just be stuck walking around with your teeth chattering (trust me, I’ve done this while taking my family on the Great Wall and it was miserable!).

  There are also some places in China that have made a name for themselves during the winter months, particularly Harbin, whose ice festival is one that shouldn’t be missed.

  

  Make sure you watch your calendar during the winter months, though. As I mentioned earlier, it’s important that you at least be aware of when the Chinese New Year lands so that you can be prepared or avoid it all together.

  

  Are you traveling to China soon? Check out these additional free resources:

  • The Ultimate China Travel Handbook
  • Free Downloadable PDF Guides For China travelers
  • How To Pack For China (including free packing list!)
  • The Best China Travel Guide Books – Rated and Reviewed
  • How To Travel China Without Speaking Mandarin Chinese
  • How To Get a Chinese Visa | Tourist Guide 2020
  

  Further Reading & Resources

  

  Traveling or Moving to China Soon?

  Download "44 Tips You MUST Know Before Traveling to China". These simple but often overlooked tips could make or break your trip !

  Download the Tips Here

  

  About Josh Summers

  Josh is the founder of TravelChinaCheaper.com who has been living in China with his family since 2006. Over that period of time he has traveled by plane, train, car, motorcycle and even camel to explore almost every corner of the country.

  Reader Interactions

  

  April 13, 2018 at 11:40 pm

  Quite informative and useful

  

  April 14, 2018 at 2:40 am

  I’m glad you found it useful, Rajiva! Thanks for the comment.

  

  June 19, 2018 at 11:53 pm

  Very useful info. Thanks ! Plan to travel with friends on a budget early April….any recommendations please????????

  

  March 23, 2020 at 1:17 am

  I have one recommendation which may not be so good is that try not to travel to China due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak since there is still some comfirmed cases in china also. even if you do land in china, you will have to do a 14-day self qurantine and also avoid visiting hubei province would be the best option. Well anyway, which city are you and your friends travelling to which city in china.

  

  August 12, 2018 at 10:27 pm

  My husband, my sister, a freind of hers and myself are looking for a cruise to China & Tibet. My Husband is 100% DISABLED vet. We are in our 70’s , my Husband will walk with canes or a walker. He wants to go so bad that he will do whatever he can to see everything. We thOught a cruise would off er him some resPit.

  We are not wealthy and are really stretching to take this trip. We will travel first class on long flights.

  Any thoughts will be appreciated. Ellen

  August 13, 2018 at 1:11 pm

  Hi Ellen, the best I can tell you is that you’re going to need to work with a travel agency. And I don’t know what your standard of “budget” is, but it probably won’t be cheap.

  

  September 29, 2018 at 2:54 pm

  Hi Josh, my husband and I will visit China in November. Any advise about nice place to see in this time?

  Thanks for your answer. Nana

  October 1, 2018 at 2:27 pm

  Hi Nana, really hard to answer a question like that if I don’t know where you’re going (China is a huge country!). I recommend you start with a good China travel guide book to see what is worth seeing wherever you plan on going.

  

  January 3, 2019 at 3:42 pm

  I am so happy to have found your website, josh. I have spent the last couple of hours going through it. so first of all, thank you for all the extremely useful information you provide. your website made my day. we are taking a gap year (our daughter and son, my husband and I) and plan to reach china the first or second week of march, spend some time around chengdu or guangzhou or Hangzhou, and then head to Beijing around the last week of march or/and first week of april. and today a friend warned us about yellow dust in march in beijing. is it very bad? should we aim for rather beginning of april?

  January 4, 2019 at 4:17 pm

  You should be fine, Martha. If you’re really worried, make sure you get some good pollution masks before you go. That will do the trick 😉

  

  January 28, 2019 at 2:49 am

  Hi josh, quick question do you recommend travelling to beijing from April 29 – may 03? We are a family who are currently residing in japan. would like to visit beijing this holiday season but reluctant because of congestion mentioned. (my 2 year old son would not like stay ing unmoved in stagnated traffic) please advice us on this.

  January 28, 2019 at 8:37 am

  I think it will be fine. May holiday can get a little congested at the major tourist sites, but it’s not like Chinese New Year where everybody and their brother is traveling and a lot of stuff is shut down. It will be great weather, that’s for sure!

  

  July 31, 2019 at 4:44 pm

  I’m planning to visit china, maybe between February and March next year, so my questions are: – is this a good moment to travel to china? – do I need a visa transit if my flight will be changed on the Moscow airport? Thanks,

  July 31, 2019 at 8:14 pm

  Hey Albert, February and March are great times to travel, although it can still be very cold in northern China. As for the transit visa, as long as you have a single flight ticket and are only spending a few hours in Moscow, you shouldn’t need a visa there. Check with your airline to be sure.

  

  September 24, 2019 at 5:57 am

  We are both in our 70’s and coming to China: Beijing, Suzhou, Shanghai 20th march 2020. What to wear would be helpful.

  Is it safe to walk around these towns after 6pm? How cold will it be? Will we be able to find vegetarian cafes? Do we need special footwear?

  September 25, 2019 at 12:38 am

  Great questions, Sue. March will still be chilly through parts of China, so I recommend long pants and a jacket at the least. For all your other questions, I highly recommend you check out my China travel handbook that details everything I wish I had known before coming to China. It will answer all your other questions and many more.

  March 23, 2020 at 1:21 am

  This website about when to travel to china is very useful.

  what my opinion about travelling to china is that do not travel to hubei province. the reason for that is that hubei province is the centre of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

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  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. 

  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, china in summer .

  

  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 

  

  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’.

  

  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.

  

  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.

  

  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 

  

  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 

  

  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.

  

  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!

  

  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.

  

  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:

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  China in Winter 

  

  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.

  

  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.

  

  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 

  

  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!

  

  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.

  

  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!

  

  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

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  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.

  

  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. 

  

  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. 

  

  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.

  

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  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). 

  

  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. 

  

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  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.  

  

  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. 

  

  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. 

  

  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 .

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  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. 

  
  • 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. 
  

  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

  

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  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

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  • 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.

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  Best Time To Visit Thailand: Complete Guide on When To Go

  • Last updated: February 29, 2024
  

  Welcome & thank you for reading our blog. :) We love what we do and put a lot of work in our free articles. We hope you find what you are looking for!

  

  What is the overall best time to visit Thailand?

  The overall best time to visit Thailand is from November to early April for islands, beaches, hiking, vacation, and outdoor activities, as it falls into the dry season, which typically runs from November to February.

  During this time, the weather is relatively cooler and less humid, making it perfect for exploring islands like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan , lounging on the beautiful beaches of Phuket or Krabi , exploring floating markets in Bangkok , and the northern mountains near Chiang Mai .

  

  However, if you are interested in diving or snorkeling, the best time to visit would be from March to May when the waters are clearest. For experiencing traditional festivals like Songkran (Thai New Year) or Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights), plan your visit around April or November respectively.

  

  It’s worth noting that popular tourist destinations may be crowded during the peak season. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting Thailand during the shoulder seasons of March to May or September to October when the weather is still good but there are fewer tourists.

  It’s also important to remember that specific regions of Thailand may have slightly different optimal times to visit based on their unique climate patterns.

  We’ll explore it all in this complete guide on when to visit Thailand.

  

  About the weather in Thailand

  Thailand , a fascinating country in Southeast Asia, has a tropical climate, with seasonal monsoon winds and monsoon rains affecting it. This means warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and occasional bursts of rain to keep things lush and green.

  The weather in Thailand can vary across different regions. This is because the country stretches from north to south and has a wide variety of scenery, including beaches, mountains, lakes, and jungles.

  

  In addition, Thailand also boasts three distinct main seasons that bring their own unique vibe. So, knowing the hot, wet, and cool seasons is key to maximizing your Thailand vacation.

  Therefore, the best time to visit Thailand depends on which places you would like to visit and the activities you want to do.

  Must-do activities and experiences in Thailand

  Snorkeling in the clearest waters of Similan Islands and Surin Islands . Scuba Diving among rich marine life around the waters of Koh Tao . Staying overnight in a floating bungalow in Khao Sok . Island-hopping in Phuket and Phi Phi Islands . Exploring floating markets in Bangkok . Temple-hopping and nature exploring in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai . Rock climbing and adventure activities in Krabi .

  

  THAILAND EXPERIENCES

  Thailand Weather Seasons Explained

  Hot season in thailand.

  The hot season in Thailand runs from March to May . On certain days, the temperature can rise to 33°C (90°F) or even reach 38°C (100°F), especially in the north and central parts of the country, with the hottest places being Bangkok and Chiang Mai .

  The weather during the hot season is dry and sunny, with minimal chance of rain. So if you want to visit Thailand during the hot season, it’s best to wear light clothing, remain hydrated, and take advantage of any opportunity to spend time in an airconditioned environment or shade because the heat can be very intense.

  

  Do most of your sightseeing in the mornings.

  The advantage of this summer weather is that the ocean’s cooling water is ideal for swimming. It’s a great time to hit the beach, go island-hopping, explore underwater, or check out waterfalls and swimming holes. Indoor activities are also a great idea.

  The hot season marks the beginning of the low season in Thailand, meaning you can save money on accommodations and flights, and you can expect to share the attractions with fewer other tourists.

  

  Rainy Season in Thailand

  In most parts of Thailand , the rainy season, or the so-called wet season, is from June to October. The monsoons bring high humidity and frequent rain, which limits outdoor activities.

  However, this is a lush, green time of year that brings new life to nature. The rain might not be the best time for beach days, but it’s a beautiful time to explore Thailand’s forest trails, waterfalls, and rural areas. The rainy season is a low-tourism season in Thailand, so flights and hotels are cheaper.

  

  If nature is not your thing, you can always wear a raincoat and bring an umbrella to go sightseeing or go on a street food hunting trip. The downside is that some areas are prone to flooding, so it’s best to research local conditions before planning any trips.

  

  It’s worth noting that while the rainy season in Thailand comes with a lot of rain, it might not always be the case that it’s raining the whole time. But rather in certain periods of the day, when it’s a powerful downpour, and the rest can actually be a nice sunny day.

  It’s also important to know that the wet season is different on the Andaman Coast and Central Thailand (June–October) from the rainy season in the Southeastern part and Gulf of Thailand (October–January).

  Dry and Cool Season in Thailand

  November to February is the dry season in Thailand , with cooler temperatures, an average high of 27°C (80°F) and an average low of 10°C (50°F), especially in the northern mountain regions.

  Rainclouds are gone, the humidity drops and refreshing winds blow through. In this perfect weather comes peak tourism season, so hotels are full, flights and fares are costly, and famous destinations in Thailand are packed.

  

  Outdoor activities are also in full swing, and they’re definitely much more pleasant in the dry weather and lower humidity. You can safely access all the beaches and national parks, and you can explore tons of historic places or street markets without being too hot or wet. There are also a few Thai festivals you can join during the dry season.

  

  Pack a light jacket for chilly nights and early mornings because this season offers the best of Thailand’s tropical weather before the heat returns!

  The southeastern regions and the Gulf of Thailand are exempt from the dry season because the rainy weather starts during these months. – Koh Samui , Koh Tao , Koh Phangan ..

  

  Burning season in Thailand

  Burning season in Thailand typically lasts from February to early April and is a time of year when farmers burn fields and agricultural waste to make way for the incoming planting season. Every year, locals and travelers unfortunately deal with a reduction in visibility, respiratory issues, and an overall decrease in the quality of the air.

  

  This practice results in thick smog and air pollution that covers several parts of the country, making the burning season the worst time to visit Thailand, air quality-wise.

  This annual issue mainly affects Thailand’s northern region, especially Chiang Mai and its surrounding areas. So, for health and safety reasons, vacationing up north during this season is not ideal.

  KEEP IN MIND

  The burning season can affect all parts of Thailand, but never in the same amount . But it does depend on the year!

  For example, we traveled through Thailand at the exact time of the burning season, but as we mostly stayed on the islands of Koh Tao , Koh Phangan , Koh Samui , and the Andaman Coast ( Phuket , Krabi ), we weren’t affected at all.

  When is the high season in Thailand, and when is the low season?

  When you’re planning your travel in Thailand , knowing the high and low seasons can help plan your budget and manage your expectations regarding activities you can do on your visit.

  The months of November through February are considered the high season, or peak tourist period in Thailand because the weather is cool and pleasant, a big contrast to the winter months in Europe.

  The high season is the best time to visit Thailand because you can expect sunny skies and clear and calm waters for activities. However, with higher demand comes higher prices for accommodations.

  

  On the other hand, the low season in Thailand spans from June to October , when rain is more frequent due to the monsoon season. This is a good time to visit Thailand if you’re budget-conscious and enjoy reduced crowds.

  You can score great deals on accommodation and flights, but outdoor activities are more limited. So traveling to Thailand during the summer months (July – September) is not a bad idea if you know the limitations.

  

  When do Thailand islands close off to tourists?

  Thailand’s islands have varying closure periods for tourists due to the monsoon season, when heavy rains and rough seas can disrupt travel plans or make it more dangerous. And in most cases, they also close for conservation reasons.

  It’s always a good idea to check the specific closure periods for each island before planning your trip to ensure you can make the most of your time in Thailand’s beautiful island destinations.

  The Similan Islands , for example, are closed to tourists from mid-May to mid-October every year. The Surin Islands also have a similar closure period, with restrictions in place from May to October.

  Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Le is closed from August to October every year to preserve the natural environment.

  

  During the low season in Thailand, there are also much fewer ferries operating, especially for islands like Koh Kood and Koh Lipe, which are more affected by adverse weather conditions.

  Plus, the travel between Phuket and nearby islands like Phi Phi Islands is a bit rougher due to the rougher waters, as well as between Koh Lipe and other southern Andaman islands.

  Best time to visit North Thailand

  The cool season between November and February is the best time to visit the north of Thailand . This makes it the perfect time to see the stunning landscapes, temples, and vibrant cultures of Northern Thai provinces like Chiang Mai , Chiang Rai , and Mae Hong Son ( Pai ).

  If you book guided tours, you don’t have to worry about them getting canceled. You can also be sure that most of the famous attractions are open, like Tham Lod Cave in Mae Hong Son, one of the best caves to explore in Thailand.

  

  In addition to the comfortable weather and amazing sights, you’ll also have the chance to join traditional festivals like Yi Peng, Loy Krathong, and Chiang Mai’s flower festival.

  Most travelers avoid visiting the north of Thailand from late February to May because the burning season is not worth experiencing. Not only is sightseeing difficult, but the thick smog can cause some health issues.

  

  The rainy season in North Thailand, from July to October, is also not ideal because trekking or swimming in some waterfalls can be dangerous.

  However, no matter when you choose to go, the north of Thailand promises an unforgettable experience filled with scenic nature, delicious cuisine, friendly locals, and rich cultural traditions.

  

  NORTH THAILAND EXPERIENCES

  Best time to visit Bangkok and Central Thailand

  The best time to visit Bangkok and Central Thailand is from November to February , during the dry and cool season.

  During this time, the weather in Central Thailand is milder, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), making it comfortable to explore the bustling cities, temples, and nature.

  This period also coincides with major festivals like the Chinese New Year and the Candle Festival, adding more fun to your trip.

  

  Since March and April mark the end of peak season, they may be a good alternative for Central Thailand if you prefer fewer tourists and don’t mind slightly higher temperatures. If ever the heat gets unbearable, just consider it a chance to visit famous museums in Bangkok , shopping malls, trendy cafes, and other indoor attractions.

  From July to October, which is the monsoon season, outdoor activities will be limited in Bangkok and Central Thailand due to more frequent downpours.

  

  However, Bangkok is always fun to explore. We’ve spent time there in all the seasons, the hot, rainy, and the cool, and each was fine. The rains are often a welcome thing after the very hot periods, and often, they don’t last that long. And you can always choose to only explore in the morning to avoid the unbearable heat.

  

  CENTRAL THAILAND EXPERIENCES

  Best time to visit the Gulf of Thailand

  The best time to visit the islands in the Gulf of Thailand is from April to October for a pleasant time on the white-sand beaches and to have clear blue waters.

  Because the Gulf of Thailand is a tropical paradise filled with many picturesque islands, it’s no surprise that most things to do are water-related. That’s why visiting the Gulf of Thailand during the summer season is not only the best but also the safest time.

  

  Plan your trip from February to March when the waters are calm and clear if you want to go scuba diving, snorkeling, island-hopping, or kayaking in Koh Tao or Koh Phangan .

  The worst time to visit the Gulf of Thailand is the monsoon season, from October to December. Water-related activities can be a bit more dangerous because of the heavy downpours and rougher seas. Though, nature really comes to life then.

  However, it’s worth noting that the most visited Thai Islands in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui , Koh Phangan , and Koh Tao , are much less rainy than other places in Thailand during the rainy season.

  

  Otherwise, an alternative vacation destination, but on the mainland, is Hua Hin, which is mostly pleasant all year round since Hua Hin is considerably drier than Phuket and is one of the driest places in Thailand. Although the main beaches in Hua Hin aren’t the prettiest in the country, there are some really nice ones a bit north and south of Hua Hin. It’s a great place for a relaxed holiday, as it’s much slower-paced.

  Best time to visit the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand

  Another group of islands in the Gulf of Thailand is Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood, which have distinct weather patterns and are often quite the opposite of the other side of the gulf around Koh Samui .

  So the best time to visit the east coast islands of the Gulf of Thailand is between November and February . On the other hand, the rainy season, and also the low season there, lasts from May to October.

  To better understand the different islands in the Gulf of Thailand, check the map below.

  GULF OF THAILAND EXPERIENCES

  Best time to visit South Thailand (Andaman Coast)

  The Andaman Coast in the South of Thailand boasts some of the most beautiful and popular destinations in the country, like Phuket , Krabi , Phi Phi Islands , Koh Lanta, and Koh Lipe.

  Ideally, the best time to visit South Thailand and the Andaman Coast is from November to April, when the weather is sunny and dry .

  The water is clear and calm, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving around the Similan , Surin , and Phi Phi Islands . November to April is also the perfect weather for island-hopping from Phuket or Krabi and for kayaking around Phang Nga Bay’s limestone cliffs and through the fascinating sea caves.

  

  November to April is also the best time to visit Khao Sok National Park and the nearby west coast beaches and destinations like Khao Lak.

  

  During these months, Phuket and other islands come alive with festivals, beach parties, and night markets. It’s also the perfect time for witnessing stunning sunsets while relaxing on fine-sand beaches or viewpoints.

  

  The rainy season on the Andaman Coast of South Thailand is from May to October , which occurs a bit earlier than in the Gulf of Thailand. The monsoon brings heavy rain and high humidity, along with rougher seas, which makes it a bit tricky to go into the water, as the waves are higher, but also there are more rip currents.

  However, if water activities are not your thing, you want to avoid the flock of tourists, or you’re just looking for a chill staycation, then the rainy season on the Andaman Coast of South Thailand is a great choice.

  We spent time in Phuket , Krabi , and Phi Phi Islands during May and June and still had a pleasant time.

  

  SOUTH THAILAND EXPERIENCES

  Best time to visit Thailand for festivals

  Due to its rich cultural heritage, Thailand has many vibrant festivals celebrated throughout the year in different parts of the country. The most popular festivals in Thailand are usually held during the months of November and April when the weather is dry.

  One of these is the Songkran festival , also known as the Thai New Year, which the country celebrates around mid-April with massive, multi-day water fights, street parties, and other Buddhist rituals.

  

  You can also look forward to the magical Loy Krathong festival in November, which is celebrated on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, where people release beautifully decorated floating baskets into rivers.

  

  If you would rather see a sky full of illuminated paper lanterns, join the Yi Peng festival that occurs during the same time as Loy Krathong. And you can experience both on the same day in northern Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai .

  For a unique experience, visit the town of Dan Sai (Loei Province) to celebrate the three-day Phi Ta Khon festival . This is dubbed the Ghost Festival because of the grand parade, where participants dress up in spooky costumes that resemble ghosts and spirits. The festival usually occurs sometime between March and July, though the exact date changes annually.

  The Vegetarian Festival takes place in Thailand between late September and early October for nine days of festivities celebrating Chinese beliefs of abstinence from animal products. The vegetarian festival is mostly celebrated in Phuket and in Bangkok’s China Town .

  [ ALSO READ ]

  

  Songkran Festival: Thai New Year

  Best time to visit Thailand for surfing

  If you’re a surfing enthusiast, the best time to visit Thailand to catch some waves is during the monsoon season , which typically runs from May to October .

  During this time, the southwestern coast of Thailand experiences consistent swells and favorable wind conditions, making it ideal for surfing in Phuket , Khao Lak, Koh Phayam, or Koh Lanta.

  

  However, it’s important to note that the monsoon season also brings heavy rainfall and rough seas, so be sure to check the weather and surf conditions before heading out on the Surf Forecast .

  For beginner surfers, we recommend taking lessons or surfing with experienced locals who can guide you through the waves safely. Some of the recommended surf schools in Thailand are Talay Surf School , Whale Surf School , and Beyond Surf Kata in Phuket.

  

  For a more in-depth learning experience, check out one of the Thailand Surf Camps , like the Phuket 6-Day Learn to Surf Camp .

  

  Best time to visit Thailand plus other Southeast Asian countries

  The best time to visit Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam , Laos, and Cambodia , is during the dry season, which is from November to April.

  In Vietnam , the dry season varies slightly depending on the region, but it’s similar to the dry season in Thailand. In the north, it typically lasts from November to April, while in the south, it lasts from December to April.

  If you prefer cooler weather and don’t mind some rain showers, visiting during the shoulder seasons of May-June or September-October can also be a good option as there are fewer tourists and lower prices.

  

  Best time to visit Thailand: Month-by-month overview

  It’s quite hard to generalize the best time to visit Thailand by month since Thailand is a diverse country with variations in weather across different regions. For example, the southern islands have a completely different climate than cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai .

  Still, below is a month-by-month overview of the general weather and temperature in Thailand.

  Month-by-month Overview

  • November to February: This is considered the best time to visit Thailand as the weather is generally dry and temperatures are cooler, ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). It’s a great time for beach activities and exploring outdoor attractions.
  • March to May: These months are hot, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F) in some areas. It can be quite humid, but it’s still possible to enjoy outdoor activities if you stay hydrated and take breaks during the hottest parts of the day.
  • June to October: This period is Thailand’s rainy season, with increased chances of rainfall and occasional storms. However, it doesn’t rain all day every day, and there are still plenty of sunny hours. The advantage of visiting during this time is that prices for accommodations and flights tend to be lower.
  

  While it’s possible to have an enjoyable trip in the country at any time of year, the best time to visit Thailand really depends on what you want to see and experience.

  November to February is considered ideal , as you can have a pleasant time in almost all regions, Central and Northern Thailand and in the south along the coast of the Andaman Sea.

  We hope this comprehensive guide to the best time to visit Thailand, gives you all the information you need to plan your exploration or vacation to this wonderful country.

  Looking for more travel guides and Thailand travel inspiration?

  Bangkok – Krabi – Phuket

  Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Pai

  Phi Phi Islands – Maya Bay – Koh Hong

  Koh Samui – Koh Tao – Koh Phangan

  Similan Islands – Surin Islands

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  Best Thailand SIM Cards

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  • 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 $575 (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. $35). 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 $ 82
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person China $ 34 Thailand $ 35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room China $ 69 Thailand $ 71
  • 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 $ 8.57
  • Water Bottled water for one day China $ 1.00 Thailand $ 1.35

  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.

  

  Why is China more expensive than Thailand?

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

  

  How you can save money when visiting China and Thailand?

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  Ive never been to asia and im trying to decide whether my first visit should be to china or thailand. Any suggestions or oppinions?

  Ive been to europe several times just want to try something visit and see a completely diffrent culture and country.

  

  I'm staying 3 weeks.

  I was planning on going for about 10-13 days im really interested in sightseeing and learning a new culture and history not so much a beach getaway. I read that in march the weather is a bit better in thailand and china is this true?

  I want to go when its warm and not so rainy

  Stevenkscott- hows the weather supposed to be in thailand when you go in now in october?

  We went to China in September 2007. Weather was glorious. Blue skies in Beijing! China is immense but is fascinating with its mix of old and new. We did a small tour (there were 7 of us) and I'm glad we did it that way. We spent almost a month and only touched the surface of what you can see and do in China. Absolutely loved our time there.

  Both are great destinations. I suggest you do some research on the Thailand and China forums to help with your decision. Both countries offer so many cultural experiences. I don't think you can go wrong with either!

  

  China is a much much larger country and has an older and richer history.. If you're into culture and

  interested in amazing historic sites, visit China. (Beijing, Forbidden City, Ming Tombs, Great Wall, Terra Cotta warriers in Xian, etc. The list of historic sites goes on..

  If you want to combine some interesting culture and history.. and include beach time.. visit Thailand.

  Is it true once you arrive in china you have to register with the local police department within 24 hours of your arrival?

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  How many months do I need left on my UK passport before I travel?

  Many countries across the world require you to have a few months left on your passport at the time of travel – here are the main holiday destinations to watch out for, article bookmarked.

  Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

  

  Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

  Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

  You might think that you can just hop on a plane with an in-date passport and travel the world. In fact, many countries demand that visitors have months left on their passport before it expires.

  Some – including Australia , Canada and the US – only require your travel document to be in date for the duration of your trip.

  But others give a more restrictive time frame, with no real pattern from region to region – while most of Asia requires six months on your passport, for example, different Caribbean islands demand different time frames.

  In some destinations, you can also be caught out for not having enough space left in your passport for new immigration stamps.

  Here are the key passport validity rules for British passports for the world’s top holiday destinations.

  • Barred from Europe: 2.4m Brits caught in post-Brexit passport chaos
  • When do I need to renew my passport for travel to Europe?
  • This is the best time to renew your passport to save money

  Valid for the duration of your stay

  These countries only ask that your passport is valid until the day you leave the country.

  *While this is technically the rule for Canada, if you have six months or less on your passport, it may take longer for you to get through immigration.

  Valid for one day

  Costa Rica requires Britons to have one day’s validity from the day of their departure.

  Valid for three months

  All EU countries, plus those in the Schengen Area (excluding Ireland) require you to have three months left on your passport from the day you plan to leave. Your passport must also be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country. This is true for the following countries:

  • Republic of Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Vatican City

  These non-European countries also require three months’ validity on your day of departure:

  • British Virgin Islands
  • French Polynesia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea

  Valid for six months

  In most cases, this means valid for six months from the date you arrive in the country, but it’s worth checking the Foreign Office’s individual entry requirements for the country you’re visiting to make sure.

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • The Bahamas
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador (& Galapagos Islands)
  • Madagascar*
  • Philippines
  • South Africa*
  • United Arab Emirates

  *South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya also require you to have two blank pages left in your passport; Namibia requires one blank page.

  Valid for 180 days

  India requires a more specific 180 days of validity from the date you arrive. It also asks visitors to have two blank pages available for their visa.

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  9 killed and 963 injured in Taiwan after 7.4-magnitude quake

  TAIPEI, Taiwan— A 7.4- magnitude earthquake, followed by several strong aftershocks, struck off the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday morning, killing at least nine people and injuring 963 others, according to Taiwan’s fire department. The earthquake, which damaged buildings and caused landslides, was the largest to hit Taiwan in 25 years and was also felt in parts of China. Overnight, at least 143 people remained trapped under rubble, authorities said, including more than 70 quarry workers.

  • Key computer chip maker to resume full production after quake shut some facilities
  • Dozens trapped in rock quarries, highway tunnel
  • Major earthquakes have struck Taiwan before: A look back

  Here's what to know:

  Here's what to know, live coverage contributors 19.

  

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  Europe Chevron

  Finland Chevron

  The Best Time to Visit Finland

  By Condé Nast Traveller

  

  The best time to visit Finland can vary because every season in the Nordic country brings a different kind of charm. If you're seeking sunlight, the sun barely sets in the summers, whereas winters are your best bet at catching a glimpse of the northern lights dancing in the skies. In autumn, Finland is bathed in shades of crimson and gold, and the springtime is temperate and green. The best time to visit Finland depends on what lighting excites you the most: 24/7 daylight , or the neon green aurora borealis against the night skies? Here’s a quick guide to the best time to visit Finland.

  • What is the best time to visit Finland? • What is the best time to visit Finland for the northern lights? • What is the best time to visit Finland for snow? • Temperature in Finland throughout the year • Plan your trip

  What is the best time to visit Finland?

  The best time to visit Finland is in the summer, between June to August , when the temperature ranges between 53°F and 73°C. The days are unusually long in the summer, with 20 to 22 hours of sunlight a day. Museums, castles , and other tourist attractions are open for longer during this time of the year, allowing you to explore long after the usual opening hours. Since winters last for nearly seven months in Finland, summer is also the best time to explore Finland’s 40 national parks and many nature hikes. This is also the season for festivals in Finland; for example. the 10-day Naantali Music Festival , which features classical music artists from around the world, takes place in June.

  Shoulder season in Finland spans from April to May, which is to say: springtime. The temperatures usually hover between 32°F and 50°F. There are fewer crowds and nightly rates at hotels take a dip. Speaking of shoulder season, visit Finland in autumn, between September to November, when the temperature fluctuates between 41°F and 59°F, and the country's trees are plentiful shades of yellow and crimson. As it goes with shoulder season, hotels and airfare tend to be cheaper, and there are fewer tourists.

  Winter in Finland, which is from December to March, is not for the faint of heart, with temperatures ranging between 14°F and 41°F and sunlight present only three to four hours a day. But this might also the most rewarding time to visit Finland because winter is northern lights season.

  What is the best time to visit Finland for the northern lights?

  Finland is one of the best countries in Europe where you can chase the northern lights. The northern lights are visible all year round, but they are seen only once the sun sets. Since there's minimal nighttime during the summer in Finland, the best time to spot the aurora borealis is during the winter season, from December to March, when days are actually just nights.

  The northern lights are easiest to spot when you’re away from the cities. The secret recipe for a great sighting is clear skies, low light pollution, and long winter nights. If you’re lucky, you may spot the aurora in Helsinki itself, but your best bet is to head north to Lapland, Kemi, Rovaniemi, Muonio, Ivalo, Kakslauttanen, Levi, or Saariselkä.

  What is the best time to visit Finland for snow?

  Even if you don’t get lucky with the northern lights, the good thing about visiting from December to March is that there are plenty of winter activities to do while you're in Finland. November marks the beginning of the snow season in Finland. Stay in an ice igloo; go skiing or dog sledging; race rally cars through the Arctic; and visit Santa Claus’ home in Rovaniemi.

  How many days do I need for a trip to Finland?

  The number of days totally depends on your itinerary. If you wish to just explore the capital of Helsinki and places close by, a four- or five-day trip is sufficient. However, if you wish to see Lapland and more, plan a 10-day trip.

  A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller India .

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  Best time to visit China

  

  The best time to visit China is during the spring or autumn, as the country experiences warm and dry weather during this period. However, from the rugged mountain interior of Emei Shan to the glittering coastal city of Shanghai, China is home to a diverse range of landscapes and the best time to visit can depend entirely on which parts of the country you’ll be travelling to and what each month of the year promises. 

  If you’re visiting Guilin, Yangshuo, Hong Kong, Longji, Guangzhou or Shenzhen, then you’re in China’s south. Generally speaking, late autumn (September, October and November) is a great time to visit the south of China as the weather is mild, and rain is rarer than in the humid summer months. We’re talking 20°C days, so they're perfect for getting active in the gorgeous countryside without overheating or feeling too uncomfortable. 

  The later you go in the season, the fewer tourists you’ll be sharing the streets with. If you can handle slightly chilly mornings and nights, November is still tolerable weather-wise, but the bulk of the holiday crowd has cleared out, making you feel as though you have China's southern regions all to yourself.  

  When we say ‘Chinese interior,’ we’re referring to both inland and northern destinations like Xi’an, Turpar, Zhangye, Beijing, the Great Wall, Mt Qingcheng, Chengdu and Changping. 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 but the dust storms that plague early spring have normally settled down. 

  Keep in mind that mountain regions like Emei Shan will likely be about 5°C cooler than the rest of the interior.  

  China's coastal weather patterns apply not only to waterfront destinations like Shanghai but also to places like Xitang, Guangzhou and Kaiping. Monsoons hit the coast hard during late spring and early summer, causing heavy rainfall so keep that in mind when planning your trip. However, the situation isn’t quite so dire outside of these few months.

  Early spring, late summer, autumn and early winter are all great times to travel the coast. If you don’t mind rugging up, try for November or December, when crowds are thin but the temperature is still a manageable 9°C.

  Best for: skiing, snowboarding, Harbin ice festival and other snow-related activities. 

  January tends to be the coldest month in China with temperatures dropping to a freezing -9°C in some regions, especially in the north. To make the most of this cold and often snowy weather, ski resorts are definitely the places to be with Beijing and Harbin proving to be the most popular. 

  Best for: the Lantern festival, blossoming flowers and Chinese New Year celebrations. 

  February in China is usually filled with lots of happiness and celebrations as the Chinese New Year falls in late January/early February (the dates change each year), so there's lots of buzz in the big cities of Shanghai and Beijing. It's also still fairly cold and snowy weather-wise, so skiing and other snow-related activities are still possible in ski resorts around the country. 

  Best for: blossoming flowers and visiting ‘South of the Yangtze River' cities such as Guilin, Shanghai and Yangzhou.

  Everything from flowers to animals are starting to come out of hibernation in March as it's officially the first month of spring. This means temperatures are getting warmer and the sun is staying out for longer, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors. 

  Best for: hiking, cycling and walking through gardens 

  Spring scenery is well and truly out in full force so be prepared for flowering trees and greenery wherever you go. Temperatures are also starting to get warmer sitting at around 20°C on average but the month is known to bring some rainfall so make sure you pack your wet weather clothing. 

  Best for: kayaking, local markets and sightseeing 

  May is the last month of spring in China so be prepared for temperatures to warm up and for the weather to be at its peak. May is the best month for getting outside and exploring as much natural scenery as possible so consider going for a hike, kayaking on lakes and doing day trips to different provinces. 

  Best for: the Dragon Boat Festival, summer solstice celebrations and snacking on street food

  Summer is finally here in June (but so are the crowds) so expect popular spots and iconic landmarks to be packed with other travellers. Accommodation and internal flight prices will also be higher than usual, while availability will be at its lowest so make sure you book your trip well in advance to avoid disappointment.

  Notable events in China in June include the Dragon Boat Festival and the summer solstice where participants eat lots of noodles and carry out 'earth worship' rituals. 

  Best for: cruising along the Yangtze River, chasing waterfalls and the Fishing festival 

  The weather in summer can get very hot and very wet with high humidity levels but there are ways that you can escape the heat. Sticking to coastal regions will undoubtedly cool you down and participating in activities such as river cruising or waterfall sightseeing won't make you too uncomfortable when temperatures pass 30°C. 

  Best for: laying out on the beaches of Qingdao, Xiamen or Dalian, exploring big cities like Beijing and Shanghai and water-based activities 

  While July is technically the hottest month in China, August can still reach temperatures of around 32°C so regardless of how you want to spend your time (either inside or outside), it's best to drink plenty of water and keep up your hydration levels. Staying in coastal regions and hanging out at popular beaches are some good ways to beat the heat but there's also plenty to do in bustling cities - think water parks, river cruises, and rooftop bars overflowing with fruity and refreshing cocktails. 

  Best for: the Mid-Autumn festival, iconic attractions and visiting the terraced fields in Yuanyang

  There's guaranteed to be fewer crowds as summer turns to autumn in September so visiting popular attractions such as the Great Wall of China and the Temple of Heaven just outside of Beijing during this time is a good idea. There are also a few festivals celebrated in September (Mid-Autumn festival and Moon Cake festival just to name a few), so be prepared to revel with the locals and participate in cultural traditions.  

  Best for: photography, exploring natural landscapes and camping 

  Autumn has well and truly arrived in October with colourful oranges and reds taking over various Chinese landscapes. Temperatures are starting to come down in preparation for winter so being outside is more enjoyable than during the peak of summer - make the most of this before it gets too cold by exploring and camping in national parks. 

  Best for: wandering ancient cities, bird watching and trekking through national parks 

  Make the most of the changing colours (and cooler weather) by spending as much time outside as possible whether that's by wandering through provinces such as Yunnan or by trekking through national parks like Jiuzhaigou National Park and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. 

  Best for: checking out museums, winter solstice celebrations and Christmas markets  

  Everyone's pretty much preparing for Christmas and New Year's celebrations in December so there'll be lots of festive cheer going around. Snow also starts to fall in some regions from December onwards so many travellers head for the ski resorts to participate in skiing and snowboarding activities. Bathing in hot springs also becomes more popular during this time, as well as checking out frozen landscapes such as the ones in Chengdu and Mt. Changbaishan. 

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  Senior CPC official visits Thailand

  BANGKOK, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, led a CPC delegation on a visit to Thailand from Friday to Sunday.

  During the visit, Liu met and exchanged views with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai Party President Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and other leaders of political parties in the ruling coalition.

  Liu also attended an exchange event with Thai youth and met with Dhanin Chearavanont, senior chairman of Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Group.

  The two sides agreed to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, take the opportunity of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning on experience in governance, advance practical cooperation in various fields, enhance mutual understanding between the people, promote the development of China-ASEAN relations, and work together to build a China-Thailand community with a shared future.

  Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024 facts: Path, time and the best places to view

  In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality.

  Scroll down to see the list of U.S. cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible, the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

  "Eclipse Across America," will air live Monday, April 8, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu as well as network social media platforms.

  On April 8, 2024, a historic total solar eclipse will cast a shadow over parts of the United States, prompting a mass travel event to the path of totality -- from Texas to Maine and several states and cities in between.

  A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA .

  

  The track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the path of totality, and to witness the April 8 total solar eclipse, viewers must be within the 115-mile-wide path. To discover when to see the solar eclipse in totality or the partial eclipse in locations across the U.S. outside of the path, check out NASA's Eclipse Explorer tool .

  Eclipse travel

  In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality, bringing the celestial phenomenon to their doorsteps, Michael Zeiler, expert solar eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told ABC News.

  MORE: Eclipse glasses: What to know to keep your eyes safe

  But for individuals outside of the path, investing time and money are needed to experience the event in totality.

  

  Eclipse chasers, or umbraphiles, are individuals who will do almost anything, and travel almost anywhere, to see totality, according to the American Astronomical Society .

  "There's a very active community of solar eclipse chasers and we will go to any reasonable lengths to see solar eclipses anywhere in the world," Zeiler said. "All of us are united in pursuing the unimaginable beauty of a total solar eclipse."

  MORE: The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse

  Bringing together both eclipse experts and novice sky watchers, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is projected to be the U.S.'s largest mass travel event in 2024, according to Zeiler, who likened it to "50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation."

  "When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation, from Texas to Maine," he said.

  Eclipse map, path of totality

  In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

  Best times, places to view eclipse

  Below is a list of some American cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be most visible -- pending weather forecasts -- the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

  • Eagle Pass, Texas, 1:27 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
  • Uvalde, Texas, 1:29 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 16 seconds
  • Kerrville, Texas, 1:32 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
  • Austin, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 1 minute, 53 seconds
  • Killeen, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 17 seconds
  • Fort Worth, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
  • Dallas, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 47 seconds
  • Little Rock, Arkansas, 1:51 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 33 seconds
  • Jonesboro, Arkansas, 1:55 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
  • Poplar Bluff, Arkansas, 1:56 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
  • Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1:58 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 6 seconds
  • Carbondale, Illinois, 1:59 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
  • Mount Vernon, Illinois, 2:00 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
  • Evansville, Indiana, 2:02 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 2 seconds
  • Terre Haute, Indiana, 3:04 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 57 seconds
  • Indianapolis, Indiana, 3:06 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 46 seconds
  • Dayton, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 46 seconds
  • Wapakoneta, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 55 seconds
  • Toledo, Ohio, 3:12 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 54 seconds
  • Cleveland, Ohio, 3:13 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

  Pennsylvania

  • Erie, Pennsylvania, 3:16 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 43 seconds
  • Buffalo, New York, 3:18 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
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  20 Best Places to Visit in Thailand — From the Country's Oldest National Park With Secret Waterfalls to Stunning Islands With Excellent Diving

  There's no shortage of beautiful 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 everyone in “The Land of Smiles.” 

  My most recent trip to Thailand was in early 2022, when the country implemented strict entry requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was one of a few hundred thousand tourists who were allowed into the country, and it felt like I had many of the typically crowded attractions all to myself.

  The beauty of Thailand is that it will show you different sides of itself no matter how many times you visit. From the idyllic white-sand beaches and palm-fringed islands in the south to the misty hillsides and temple-peppered mountains of the north, the rattle and hum under neon lights of nonstop Bangkok, and the ruins of ancient cities surrounded by jungle, Thailand never disappoints.

  So, what are the best places to visit in Thailand? I reached out to a Thailand travel expert and threw in a bit of my own first-person experience to help you narrow down this ever-growing list.

  For most travelers, an adventure in Thailand will likely kick off in the nonstop, energetic capital city, Bangkok. A dizzying destination and one of my favorite international cities, Bangkok is full-on sensory overload — but in the best way. Dig into sizzling street food; meander back alleys and bustling thoroughfares in search of small markets, shops, and hidden temples; cruise along the Chao Phraya River, and grab a cocktail at the dozens of sky-high rooftop bars. 

  Tip: Book a room at the Capella Bangkok or Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok — two iconic luxury hotels with stunning locations perched on the Chao Phraya River.

  Second to Bangkok on most visitors’ lists is the northern city of Chiang Mai. Many travelers even prefer Chiang Mai to Bangkok for its relatively slower pace of life. The spectacular city is bursting with temples (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must) and humming with restaurants and bars. 

  "I would say for anybody, whether it's their first time or a repeat trip to Thailand, if you have been there or you haven't, [you have to visit] Chiang Mai," said Grant Ekelund , Travel + Leisure A-List advisor and senior travel consultant and Asia specialist at InsideAsia. "It's such a neat city. It’s one of those destinations that has something for everyone … Are you a foodie? Do you want to hike? See cool temples? Have amazing trekking opportunities? It can all be done [here], and it slots into any itinerary perfectly."

  Koh Phi Phi

  Thailand has more than 1,400 islands scattered around its coastline, but few are as famous or iconic as the Phi Phi Islands in the Andaman Sea. Comprising two islands — Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh — Koh Phi Phi is known for its natural beauty, excellent diving, and raucous party scene. For the latter, Phi Phi Don is the most famous. Phi Phi Leh, meanwhile, is uninhabited and beloved by those looking to disappear into nature. It was blasted into the public eye about two decades ago, when Leonardo DiCaprio's character went in search of an island paradise in the film "The Beach," which is set in real-life Maya Bay.

  While we’re on the topic of Koh Phi Phi, we’d be remiss not to mention Krabi province as a whole. Located in southern Thailand, bordering the Andaman Sea, Krabi is home to many of the beautiful beaches and islands that make Thailand famous. 

  "I've been booking many [trips to] Krabi lately," said Ekelund. "It ticks a lot of boxes for people. You've got the beauty, cool cliffs, and interesting geology. It has a beach, but it's for people who don't want to simply park it on the sand for 10 days. Krabi offers activities and more." Some highlights include the beach town of Ao Nang, as well as islands like Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Lipe, Railay Beach, and several national parks.

  Koh Yao Noi

  My first trip to Thailand was to the small island of Koh Yao Noi back in 2013. One of the most beautiful islands in Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi is flecked off the coast of its sibling island, Koh Yao Yai. Sandy beaches and small fishing villages comprise most of the land here, along with the luxe Six Senses Yao Noi resort tucked along the eastern coast. The property’s infinity pool is legendary for its explosive sunrise views that blur the distinction between the sky and sea.

  Related: The Best Times to Visit Thailand for Great Weather, Low Prices, and Fun Festivals

  Many Thai cities have the ability to make visitors feel like they’re stepping back in time. But few create the illusion as vividly as Ayutthaya. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, the ruins of Ayutthaya are breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful. It’s only an hour from Bangkok, making it an easy day trip or a great overnight excursion.

  Sukhothai is another beautiful ancient city. "Sukhothai is for people who like history. I was taken by how beautiful the area is and how extensive the ruins are," said Ekelund. "We cycled around the ruins with a guide and got a great sense of the history. Sukhothai is much more rural and harder to reach, meaning it has fewer tourists. You also don't have a city built up around it."

  Mae Hong Son Loop

  Of all the places I've visited in Thailand, none stick with me as much as the Mae Hong Son Loop. This 300-mile route is most often tackled by travelers on the back of motorbikes looking to brave the mountain switchbacks that descend into the thick jungle and pass from small village to small village. It's not a journey to be taken lightly — motorbike experience is strongly recommended — but those who make the trip are rewarded with spectacular scenery and access to remote communities.

  Khao Yai National Park

  Thailand has more than 100 national parks. The oldest is Khao Yai National Park, which also happens to be the country's third-largest. Within the park lies a web of hiking trails, secret waterfalls, and herds of elephants.

  "Khao Yai has a lot of bat caves, too, which is one of the coolest things I've ever experienced," said Ekelund. "I stood there for 30 minutes while an unending stream of bats flew over my head. It was all so beautiful. It's a beautiful park with waterfalls, trekking, and hiking. Plus, it's just a couple of hours [by car] from Bangkok."

  Approximately two hours southeast of Chiang Mai is the city of Lampang. Much like many large cities in Thailand, Lampang has its fair share of temples, street food, and markets. But unlike the others, it feels like a place where time has stood still. Just listen for the sound of clip-clopping horse carts, still used for transportation, and you'll understand what I mean. Because of Lampang's integral role in the teak trade, many migrants from Myanmar made this northern city home, and you'll find teak mansions and Burmese-style temples everywhere.

  Related: The Ultimate Thailand Packing List

  Chiang Rai, a northern Thai city, is often glossed over as most visitors opt to stop in Chiang Mai instead. "I am always struck by how chill Chiang Rai is," said Ekelund. "It's a relaxing place to be and has cool stuff to do. It's a great city to walk through the neighborhoods and see people living their daily lives. I enjoyed the mountains, nearby villages, and opportunities for cultural exchange."

  No list of best places to visit in Thailand would be complete without Phuket. While Phuket has a reputation for being crowded with resort after resort, the truth is it’s for a reason — the island is a beautiful place to be. Thailand's largest and most easily accessible island brings visitors in by the millions each year for its wide array of hotels, white-sand beaches, parties in Patong, colorful snorkeling, and eclectic culinary scene.

  Thailand’s second most popular island sits off the country’s eastern coast in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Samui is wreathed in bone-white sandy beaches, peppered with temples, veined with hiking trails, and splashed with fabulous resorts and energetic beach towns and villages.

  "It's hard to beat Koh Samui. It's just beautiful," said Ekelund. "If you want easy access without a full resort stay, I recommend Anantara Bophut . You can walk to Fisherman's Village, and you won’t feel like you're 'stuck' at a resort. If you want a full resort experience, I like Banyan Tree Samui for its private beach and spectacular rooms."

  The tiny island of Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand and not too far from Koh Samui, is one of the country’s best locations for diving and snorkeling. In fact, most avid divers will tell you that Koh Tao is their destination of choice in Thailand. The palm-fringed island is best known for its abundance of sea turtles.

  Kanchanaburi

  Shrouded in thick jungle and sliced by miles of track belonging to what was once known as the “Death Railway,” Kanchanaburi has a dark and tragic history. The infamous train route, which crosses the River Kwai, was built from 1940 to 1943 by prisoners of war taken by the Japanese in World War II. Today, only a small section of the rail route is open and takes travelers on a journey through the mountain cliffs and bamboo forests of Kanchanaburi. "If you're into history, beautiful vistas, trains, and wildlife, you can get all of that in Kanchanaburi. It's a place not many tourists go, either, so it has a lot to offer," said Ekelund.

  Trang is the province directly south of Krabi, which means it has the same beautiful stretch of Andaman Sea coastline, except with a fraction of the crowds. There’s no shortage of islands to explore around Trang, like Koh Kradan and Koh Muk. Koh Muk's crown jewel is the secret Emerald Cave, which can be entered via a dark tunnel that leads to a protected beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

  Located in the province of Phang Nga, Khao Lak can be thought of as Phuket’s much quieter cousin. Less than two hours from Phuket International Airport, Khao Lak is home to miles of sprawling, empty beaches, plus it offers easy access to beautiful national parks.

  "I've been hyping Khao Lak quite a bit for people who want something quieter," said Ekelund. "You have easy access to the Phuket International Airport, but it's much more chill than the other Andaman Islands. It has beautiful beaches, good infrastructure, a great spot for dining, and it’s not hard to get to."

  Whether or not you drive the Mae Hong Son Loop, you’ll want to stop in Pai when visiting northern Thailand. Once a sleepy community of expats, Pai has morphed into a must-visit backpacker destination. Visitors will find funky cafes and coffee shops, endless bars, guest houses, hostels, and a dispensary or two, particularly now that cannabis is no longer considered a narcotic in the country.

  Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

  South of Bangkok, the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan is best known for the glamorous, frenetic beach town of Hua Hin. The province runs down the skinny arm of the country, bordering the Gulf of Thailand on one side and Myanmar on the other. Here’s where you'll find Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand's first marine national park. The park's top attractions include a series of spectacular caves and a sprawling freshwater marsh. Visitors can enjoy the park’s beaches, islands, walking trails, and thick mangrove forests. It’s just an hour from Hua Hin and about 3.5 hours from Bangkok.

  This long, skinny island, also in the province of Krabi, flies under the radar, but it’s one of my favorite places in the country. Koh Lanta is home to beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, an amazing spot for diving and seeing undeveloped beaches.

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  Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .