What is the Weather in China in August


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.
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


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


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


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.
Xiamen Weather: Best Time to Visit Xiamen, Climate, & Weather by Month
Southwest China Weather in August


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


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.
Top 10 Beijing Tourist Attractions | Best Places to Visit in Beijing
Guilin


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.
Top 10 Guilin Tourist Attractions - Things to Do & Places to Visit
Huangshan


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


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.
Top 10 Tibet Attractions | 10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Tibet
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.
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!
China Trip Cost: How Much is a Trip to China
Holidays & Festivals in August


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 |
Chinese Festivals: 11 Traditional Celebrations in China
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