The Climate Across China
North China
North China includes Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province, Shanxi Province, and the central part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Generally, the area has a temperate monsoon climate, with hot and rainy summers and cold and dry winters. Take Beijing, for example. In summer (June-August), the average temperature is 22-26°C, but the thermometer can reach as high as 38°C. You should pack rain gear and sun cream during this season. In winter (December-February), the average temperature is -10-5°C and it can drop as low as -15°C. The air is cold and dry. You’ll want to wear down jackets, wool scarves and gloves during the winter months. Beijing has a pleasant climate during spring and autumn, with autumn being the best time to travel.
East China
East China includes Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province, Anhui Province, Fujian Province, Jiangxi Province and Shandong Province. A subtropical monsoon climate predominates, and rainfall is concentrated in the summer. Take Shanghai for example: the climate is mild and humid, with a short spring and autumn, and a long winter and summer. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is above 3°C, while the average temperature in July, the hottest month, is 28°C. Pack waterproofs for the rainy season (June and July) and down jackets for the humid and cold autumn and winter months.
Central South China
This region includes Henan Province, Hunan Province, Hubei Province, Guangdong Province, Guangxi Province and Hainan Province. The region has a mainly subtropical and tropical monsoon climate. Guangzhou, for example, has a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by warm temperatures, a fair amount of rain, ample sunshine, long summers, and a short frost period. The average temperature is 8-16°C in January and 28°C in July, making it one of China’s biggest cities with such little difference in temperature between the winter and summer months. Guangzhou boasts evergreen flowers in all four seasons.
Southwest
The southwest region includes Chongqing Municipality, Sichuan Province, Guizhou Province, Yunnan Province and Tibet Autonomous Region. A subtropical monsoon climate predominates. Chongqing, for example, has an average temperature of 1-8°C in January and 21-29°C in July. Rainfall is abundant and concentrated in May-September. Chongqing has some of the fewest hours of annual sunshine out of any region in China and it is often foggy, giving it the nickname “the foggy city”. It is said that the popularity of spicy food in the city is due to the area’s high humidity. Xizang (Tibet) has a separate climate, which is predominately alpine.
Northwest
The northwest region includes Shaanxi Province, Gansu Province, Qinghai Province, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Generally, the area has a temperate continental climate. The region is dry, precipitation is scarce, and there is little water. Much of this area is covered with desert and sand is often whipped up by the wind. Take Xi’an, for example. The city has four distinctive seasons: cold and foggy winters, warm and dry springs, hot and rainy summers, and cool and pleasant autumns. The average temperature in January is -11-3.5°C and in July it is 21-28°C. It is advisable to pay attention to your hydration when you travel in this area.
Northeast
The northeast region includes Heilongjiang Province, Jilin Province and Liaoning Province. A temperate continental climate predominates. Summer is short and hot and winter is bitterly cold and long. The region can see heavy snowfall and is home to several famous ski resorts. In Harbin for example, the average temperature is -15 to -5°C in January and about 24°C in July. The average annual rainfall is 569.1 mm, with precipitation mainly occurring between June and September. Snow falls from November to January. In winter, warm boots, down jackets, hats, and gloves are necessary.
Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan
Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan generally have a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Summer is hot and winter is warm. Take Hong Kong for example: the average annual temperature is 23.3°C, which drops to about 10°C in winter and rises to more than 31°C in summer. About 80% of the year’s rain falls between May and September.