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China Weather in August 2025: Is August Really a Bad Time?

Written by Celine Schneider|Updated: 2025-03-14

August in China is hot and humid, but is it really a bad time to visit? Not necessarily! While temperatures can reach 25-35°C (77-95°F), this month also offers unique experiences.

In northern cities like Beijing, the weather is warm but manageable, perfect for visiting the Great Wall or Forbidden City in the early morning. Southern cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai are hotter, but you can escape the heat by exploring indoor attractions or enjoying cool evenings by the water.

For nature lovers, Yunnan and Tibet are cooler and less humid, offering stunning landscapes and comfortable hiking conditions.

With proper planning - like staying hydrated, avoiding midday heat, and packing light clothing - August can still be a great time to explore China. So, is August really a bad time? It all depends on where you go and how you prepare!

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  • triangleWhat is the Weather in China in August
  • triangleNorthern China Weather & Climate in August
  • triangleCentral China Weather & Climate in August
  • triangleSoutern China Weather & Climate in August
  • triangleSouthwest China Weather in August
  • triangleWhere to Go in China in August
  • triangleCrowds & Costs in China's August
  • triangleHolidays & Festivals in August
  • triangleAsia Odyssey Travel: Your Year-Round China Expert

What is the Weather in China in August

Visit Mutianyu Great Wall in Small Group with AOT
Visit Mutianyu Great Wall in Small Group with AOT
Visit Terracotta Army Museum with Asia Odyssey Travel
Visit Terracotta Army Museum with Asia Odyssey Travel

Average Temp Rainfall Weather Pattern
25-35°C (77-95°F) 140 mm hot and humid

August in China is peak summer season. The weather is hot and humid across most of the country. Temperatures usually hit 25-35°C (77-95°F), making August the hottest month of the year.

  • Southwest China: The southwest highlands are coolest, with pleasant temperatures of 12-25°C (54-77°F). This makes it China's best summer destination!
  • Northern China: Northern cities like Beijing are sunny and hot, around 30°C (86°F). You'll see some short rain showers, but not every day.
  • Southern China: Southern cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou are even hotter, reaching 35°C (95°F). The monsoon season brings lots of rain, especially in the south. The air is very humid, and coastal areas may see typhoons.

Related Article:Summer in China: 16 Best Places to Visit in China During Summer

Rainfall in August (Moonsoon Season)

In August, China's average rainfall reaches 140mm(6 in) during the monsoon season. South China experiences the heaviest rainfall. North China gets moderate rainfall, while the Northwest regions, including Xinjiang and Gansu, are the driest.

Region Average Rainfall Rain Pattern
Northwest China (Xinjiang, Gansu) 60mm Light to moderate rain
North China 145mm Short showers
Central & East China 160mm Frequent showers, typhoon
South China 195mm Heavy rain, thunderstorms

Northern China Weather & Climate in August

Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall
Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall
Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Spring
Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Spring

Average Temp Top Destinations
20-30°C(68-86°F) Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Silk Road, Changbai Mountains, Qinghuang Island, Dalian

Yes, In August, Beijing is hot, but way better than the south - around 30°C in the day and down to 20°C at night. Even better, Inner Mongolia and Changbai Mountains are at their most beautiful right now - green grasslands everywhere and stunning mountain views.

If you want beaches, Dalian and Qinhuangdao are perfect for family fun. And places like Xinjiang and Gansu? Almost no rain, making them great for exploring the ancient Silk Road.

In cities like Beijing and Xi'an, you can visit the Great Wall or Terracotta Warriors in the cool morning, then head to air-conditioned museums when it gets hot. Just bring a raincoat - it usually rains in the evening.

Best Time to Visit Beijing: Beijing Weather, Seasons & Festivals

Best Time to Visit Silk Road China, Weather, Activities & Tips (2025)

Central China Weather & Climate in August

Visit Huangshan Yellow Mountain in Summer
Visit Huangshan Yellow Mountain in Summer
Flying-over Rock, Mt. Huangshan
Flying-over Rock, Mt. Huangshan

Central China gets pretty hot in August - we're talking 25-35°C, and it can feel pretty sticky. But don't worry, this region totally knows how to handle summer - everywhere from malls to hotels has great AC.

The real trick is to either get in the water or head to the mountains to beat the heat. Huangshan and Lushan mountains are way more comfortable, and you can catch some amazing traditional scenes in Hongcun and Xidi villages in Anhui, or watch the autumn harvest scenes in Wuyuan.

Plus, you can escape to Zhangjiajie National Park or Mount Emei where it's way cooler and the views are incredible.

Love water activities? You've got plenty of options: take a boat ride on the Li River in Guilin, or try bamboo rafting down the Yulong River in Yangshuo. There's also some really cool cave exploring if you want to escape the heat completely.

Best Time to Visit Guilin: Seasonal, Monthly Weather & Climate Guide

Huangshan Weather | Best Time to Visit Huangshan & Yellow Mountain

Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie (Avatar Mountains): Zhangjiajie Weather 2025

Soutern China Weather & Climate in August

Beach in Gulangyu Island
Beach in Gulangyu Island
Huandao Road in Xiamen
Huandao Road in Xiamen

Southern China in August is super hot and humid - temperatures hit 30-38°C, and sometimes it feels like you're in a sauna.

The coast is where you want to be. Xiamen and Hainan's beaches are perfect for swimming, and you can work on that nice tan. Just keep in mind - it's typhoon season, so watch the weather.

Sanya's beaches are beautiful, and you'll find nice shade under the trees. The best part? There aren't many domestic tourists right now, so you can avoid crowds and get better deals.

But skip Hong Kong this month, unless you really love that intense urban summer heat.

Related Article:Xiamen Weather: Best Time to Visit Xiamen, Climate, & Weather by Month

Southwest China Weather in August

Erhai Lake Cycling Trail
Erhai Lake Cycling Trail
Lhasa Potala Palace
Lhasa Potala Palace

Southwest China in August is pretty interesting - it's actually one of the better times to visit if you know where to go!

In Yunnan, you're looking at the perfect escape. Places like Lijiang, Dali, and Shangri-La stay really comfortable at 20-25°C because they're up in the mountains. The weather's mild, and you might catch some afternoon rain that keeps everything nice and green.

Guizhou is similar - not too hot at 25-30°C, and the Huangguoshu Waterfall is at its most powerful right now. The Miao villages are super active with festivals, and the mountains keep things cooler than the big cities.

Tibet? If you're going, August is actually ideal. Daytime temperatures in Lhasa hit about 20-25°C, perfect for exploring, and the high-altitude sun feels strong but not brutal.

Best Time to Visit Tibet 2025: When to Go to Tibet

Best Time to Visit Yunnan: Yunnan Weather, Climate & Travel Tips

Where to Go in China in August

Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing
Beijing Summer Palace
Beijing Summer Palace

Everyone wants to hit Beijing's famous spots, and honestly - even in August's heat (it gets up to 30°C), the Forbidden City and Great Wall are still totally worth it. Here's the trick: hit the Great Wall super early, and go to Simatai - way fewer tourists there.

For the Forbidden City, get there right when it opens at 8:30. The courtyards are like a frying pan, but the palace halls are surprisingly cool! The Summer Palace is actually perfect in August - it was literally built for hot summers! You get nice lake breezes, shady walkways, and these cool garden pavilions.

Related Article:Top 10 Beijing Tourist Attractions | Best Places to Visit in Beijing

Guilin

Our Customers Experience Stream-Tracing in Longhuxia Canyon
Our Customers Experience Stream-Tracing in Longhuxia Canyon
 Our Customers Experience SUP in Longhuxia Canyon
Our Customers Experience SUP in Longhuxia Canyon

In steamy August Guilin (28-35°C), water activities are your best friend! Hop on a Li River cruise to see those famous karst mountains - it's a classic for a reason.

For something more adventurous, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River is fantastic now with high water levels, and Longhuxia Canyon offers exciting stream tracing and SUP opportunities.

Need to escape the heat? The Reed Flute Cave and Silver Cave are naturally air-conditioned and fascinating to explore. When the sun's less intense, rent a bike and cycle through the countryside - you'll see farmers working in their fields and get a glimpse of rural life at its most authentic.

Related Article:Top 10 Guilin Tourist Attractions - Things to Do & Places to Visit

Huangshan

Explore Yellow Mountain with AOT
Explore Yellow Mountain with AOT
Visit Hongcun Village in Huangshan with AOT
Visit Hongcun Village in Huangshan with AOT

Huangshan in August offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat, with temperatures typically 5-10°C cooler than surrounding cities (around 22-28°C).

The famous sea of clouds is most likely to form in this humid season, especially during early mornings. While you might catch some rain, it actually adds drama to the landscape, creating mystical scenes among the pine trees and granite peaks.

The Beihai Hotel near the summit makes a perfect base for catching both sunset and sunrise. Take advantage of clearer afternoons to explore the hot springs at the mountain's base or wander through nearby ancient villages like Hongcun.

Tibet

Gyawu La Pass in Tibet to View Mount Everest
Gyawu La Pass in Tibet to View Mount Everest
Saga Dawa Festival at Mount Kailash
Saga Dawa Festival at Mount Kailash

August is actually the perfect time to tackle Tibet, and here's why. The weather's super manageable (around 10-23°C), and those afternoon showers? They actually help with the altitude because there's more oxygen in the air. It usually hits in the late afternoon or evening.

Start in Lhasa to get used to the altitude, then head to Everest Base Camp for some epic views. If you're up for it, Mount Kailash is amazing this time of year - it barely rains there at all.

And, you're in luck with the timing - the Shoton Festival and Horse Racing Festival happen in August. The locals really go all out for these, and it's the kind of authentic experience you just can't get any other time of year.

Related Article:Top 10 Tibet Attractions | 10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Tibet

Yunnan

Black Dragon Pool Park Autumn View
Black Dragon Pool Park Autumn View
Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan
Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan

Yunnan is a perfect choice for summer vacation. Thanks to its high altitude, temperatures stay pleasant at 20-25°C. Start in Kunming to see the Stone Forest, then head to Dali where you can explore the old town and cycle around Erhai Lake.

Spend two days in Lijiang's old town (touristy but worth it), before experiencing Tibetan culture in Shangri-La. If crowds aren't your thing, check out the peaceful Shaxi Ancient Town.

For outdoor enthusiasts, both Tiger Leaping Gorge and Yubeng offer great hiking trails. Don't miss some unique local experiences: try your hand at tie-dye or learn to make traditional flower cakes.

Related Article:20 Things to Do in Yunnan: Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Yunnan

Crowds & Costs in China's August

August is China's peak tourist season - schools are out for the entire month and students make the most of it. Plus, it's holiday season across the Northern Hemisphere, bringing in lots of international visitors too.

What does this mean for you? You're looking at a high ticket prices and the long queues at major attractions. Book your hotels, tickets, and flights well in advance - you'll thank yourself later.

Want to dodge the crowds? It's actually a great time to explore smaller towns and outdoor spots on your list. Even the Great Wall has some quieter sections that most tourists don't visit. Just think about heading to places where others aren't!

Related Article:China Trip Cost: How Much is a Trip to China

Holidays & Festivals in August

Vibrant Saga Dawa Festival
Vibrant Saga Dawa Festival
Tibet Horse Racing Festival
Tibet Horse Racing Festival

Festival Date (2024) Location Key Activities
Shoton Festival August 15-21 Tibet Giant thangka unveiling, Tibetan opera, yak races, traditional sports
Nadam Fair Early-Mid August Inner Mongolia Horse racing, wrestling, archery, traditional markets
Torch Festival Early August Yunnan (Yi ethnic areas) Torch parades, folk dancing, bonfire celebrations

Related Article:Chinese Festivals: 11 Traditional Celebrations in China

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