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China Weather in October 2025: Temperature & 8 Best Spots

Written by Senior Expert Roxy|Updated: 2025-03-12

October marks the height of autumn in China, making it one of the best months for China travel. The season is dry, cool, and comfortable, with sunny or cloudy skies and pleasant temperatures.

Outdoor landscapes, such as forests and mountains, are painted with autumn colors, and attractions in cities are surrounded by ginkgo and maple leaves, creating stunning scenery perfect for capturing the best pictures of your China trip.

This China Weather in October guide helps you plan a perfect trip to China:

1️⃣October weather in major Chinese tourist cities.
2️⃣The top 8 places to visit.
3️⃣Tips about packing, and advice on avoiding crowds during the first week of October.

Visa-free Travel to China:

Starting December 2024, transit travelers from 54 countries can stay for up to 10 days without a visa. Better yet, visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and several Asian countries enjoy 30-day visa-free stays through 2025.

US, UK, and Canadian passport holders can visit for 6 days visa-free. Learn more details about How to Visit China Without a Visa in 2025>>

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  • triangleChina Weather in October: Cool with Crisp Wind & Dry
  • triangle8 Best Places to Travel in October in China
  • triangleWhat to Wear Based on China Temperature in October
  • triangleAvoid Crowds in the First Week of October (China National Holiday)
  • trianglePlan Your China October Trip with Asia Odyssey Travel

China Weather in October: Cool with Crisp Wind & Dry

The overall weather in China during October is cool and dry. The average temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, with the highest temperature reaching 31°C and the lowest dropping to -1°C.

The average rainfall in October is 34mm. Rainfall is mainly concentrated in the southern regions, and the number of rainy days is low compared to other months.

Northern regions, including the capital Beijing, experience cool and dry weather this month, while central regions like Shanghai are typically warm and humid in October. Southern regions, such as Guangzhou, are warm with occasional high temperatures.

Detailed temperatures for cities across different regions of China are provided below.

Xian City Wall in Fall
Xian City Wall in Fall
Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall
Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall

China Temperature in October of North China - Beijing

Northern China is characterized by Beijing China weather in October, which is cool, dry, and mostly sunny. Evenings and mornings are cold. In this season, you can feel the crisp, cool autumn wind if you travel to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

North China weather in October Celsius and Fahrenheit:

Destination Average Temperature (°C/°F) Highest Temperature (°C/°F) Lowest Temperature (°C/°F) Rainy Days
Beijing 13°C (55°F) to 19°C (48°F) 18°C (64°F) 6°C (43°F) 5

China Temperature in October of Central China - Shanghai

Central China, like Shanghai China weather in October, transitions to pleasantly comfortable conditions, with warm days and cool mornings and evenings. Most days are sunny, with occasional light rain. When visiting outdoor locations like the Bund, you can enjoy both sunshine and a cool breeze.

Central China weather in October Celsius and Fahrenheit:

Destination Average Temperature (°C/°F) Highest Temperature (°C/°F) Lowest Temperature (°C/°F) Rainy Days
Shanghai 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F) 23°C (73°F) 15°C (59°F) 9

South China - Guangzhou, Zhangjiajie, Guilin

Southern China experiences warm and humid weather in October, with minimal temperature variations between day and night.

In Guangzhou, visitors can comfortably explore the Canton Tower or enjoy leisurely walks through the city streets, occasionally encountering light showers.

In mountainous regions like Guilin and Zhangjiajie, temperatures are cooler, with potential for precipitation in the mornings and evenings.

South China weather in October Celsius and Fahrenheit:

Destination Average Temperature (°C/°F) Highest Temperature (°C/°F) Lowest Temperature (°C/°F) Rainy Days
Guangzhou 24°C (75°F) to 31°C (88°F) 28°C (82°F) 20°C (68°F) 7
Zhangjiajie 12°C (54°F) to 25°C (77°F) 22°C (72°F) 12°C (54°F) 12
Guilin 18°C (64°F) to 29°C (84°F) 25°C (77°F) 16°C (61°F) 10

China Temperature in June of Northwest China - Xi'an, Dunhuang, Xinjiang

October in Northwest China marks the transition from summer to winter. It is colder than Beijing and Shanghai, with a large temperature difference between day and night, strong winds, and mainly sunny days.

Typical northwest tourist cities such as Xi'an, Dunhuang, and Urumqi have clear blue skies and a noticeable chill.

Northwest China weather in October Celsius and Fahrenheit:

Destination Average Temperature (°C/°F) Highest Temperature (°C/°F) Lowest Temperature (°C/°F) Rainy Days
Xi'an 12°C (54°F) to 21°C (70°F) 20°C (68°F) 10°C (50°F) 8
Dunhuang 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F) 18°C (64°F) 3°C (37°F) 8
Xinjiang (Urumqi) 5°C (41°F) to 14°C (77°F) 15°C (59°F) 2°C (36°F) 3

Southwest China - Chengdu, Yunnan, Tibet, Chongqing, Jiuzhaigou

October weather in Southwest China is mild, with a large temperature difference between day and night, reduced rainfall, and an increase in sunny days.

The weather in Chengdu, Yunnan Province, and Chongqing is perfect for outdoor excursions, such as watching pandas in Chengdu, exploring snow-capped mountains and ancient towns in Yunnan Province, and taking a Yangtze River Cruise in Chongqing.

However, in Tibet and Jiuzhaigou, the weather gradually turns colder, and nights can even feel like early winter.

Southwest China weather in October Celsius and Fahrenheit:

Destination Average Temperature (°C/°F) Highest Temperature (°C/°F) Lowest Temperature (°C/°F) Rainy Days
Chengdu 14°C (57°F) to 24°C (75°F) 21°C (70°F) 13°C (55°F) 11
Yunnan (Kunming) 12°C (54°F) to 23°C (73°F) 20°C (68°F) 11°C (52°F) 6
Tibet (Lhasa) 0°C (32°F) to 20°C (68°F) 16°C (61°F) -1°C (30°F) 2
Chongqing 16°C (9°F) to 22°C (77°F) 24°C (75°F) 15°C (63°F) 12
Jiuzhaigou 8°C (46°F) to 13°C (55°F) 18°C (64°F) 6°C (43°F) 9

8 Best Places to Travel in October in China

October in China is one of the most popular months for travel. Autumn colors paint scenic spots, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

With over 10 years of experience as China travel experts, Asia Odyssey Travel has compiled a list of the 8 best places to visit in China during October. You can enjoy the stunning fall foliage of autumn in China.

1. Golden Triangle (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai) For Newcomers

Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing
The Bund, Shanghai
The Bund, Shanghai

For first-time visitors to China, the Golden Triangle is an ideal introduction.

In Beijing and Xi'an, you can delve into the depths of Chinese history and culture, while in the metropolis of Shanghai, you'll witness the harmonious fusion of Chinese and Western architectural influences.

October offers crisp, refreshing weather in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. Many scenic spots are adorned with golden ginkgo or crimson maple leaves, attracting photography enthusiasts.

The red walls of Beijing's Forbidden City provide a stunning contrast to the yellow ginkgo foliage, and the Mutianyu Great Wall is framed by a sea of red leaves. In Xi'an, ginkgo trees grace the vicinity of the Terracotta Army. Shanghai, from the iconic Bund to its charming alleyways, is blanketed in autumnal hues.

2. Guilin/Yangshuo - The Peaceful River and Mountain

Enjoy relaxing hike along the Li River
Enjoy relaxing hike along the Li River
 Locals are Farming Rice Paddy
Locals are Farming Rice Paddy

If you are passionate about Chinese pastoral landscapes and agricultural features, Guilin and Yangshuo offer peaceful rivers and mountains. October, in particular, is beyond words.

The mountains along the Li River in Yangshuo are covered in lush green, golden yellow, and fiery red hues. Many tourists taking Li River cruises are keen to capture the reflections in the water.

In the fields, golden waves of rice are everywhere, and you can cycle along country lanes to admire the rice paddies and the locals at work.

3. Jiuzhaigou - King of Waterscapes

Hike through Jiuzhai Valley
Hike through Jiuzhai Valley
Panoramic View of Jiuzhaigou Valley
Panoramic View of Jiuzhaigou Valley

The autumn scenery of Jiuzhaigou needs no editing. In October, the trees across the mountains and plains here display golden, fiery red, and deep green colors, reflecting in the crystal-clear lakes, forming a stunning mirrored landscape.

The Nuorilang Waterfall appears even more magnificent against the backdrop of autumn colors. Attractions such as Wuhua Sea and Changhai attract countless tourists with their unique color changes, who tirelessly take photos repeatedly.

Strolling along the wooden boardwalks, you can hear the rustling of leaves in the autumn wind and the distant babbling of streams.

4. Zhangjiajie - Discover the Iconic Avatar Mountains

Tianzishan Cable Car, Zhangjiajie
Tianzishan Cable Car, Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie Autumn
Zhangjiajie Autumn

Although Zhangjiajie is bustling year-round, its beauty is amplified in autumn. Golden and fiery red leaves adorn the uniquely shaped Avatar Mountains. The peaks, set against the backdrop of autumn colors, appear even more majestic and rugged, like art pieces sculpted by nature itself.

In scenic areas like Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie, red leaves and green trees intertwine amidst the swirling mist, resembling a fairyland.

5. Tibet - Uncover the Tibetan Culture and Nature

Tibet Autumn
Tibet Autumn
Mount Everest, Tibet
Mount Everest, Tibet

October in Tibet features sunny days that are bright but not scorching, with the Lhasa River Valley turning golden, contrasting beautifully with the distant white snow-capped mountains.

During this month, you can enjoy tranquil street scenes at the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and other attractions in Lhasa.

The reduced rainfall makes the views of Mount Everest clearer, and there are many people trekking around Mount Kailash.

6. Silk Road - A Historic Trade Route

Tarim Huyanglin Park beside Desert Highway
Tarim Huyanglin Park beside Desert Highway
Visit Xinjiang Regional Museum in Urumqi
Visit Xinjiang Regional Museum in Urumqi

October on the Silk Road features warm days and cool nights. Along the way, you'll see golden and fiery red trees, with the already yellow Gobi Desert taking on an even more desolate air, while the poplar forests on the desert's edge thrive in the autumn wind.

The Silk Road route includes cities along the way in Xi'an, Gansu, and Xinjiang. You can see rainbow-like Danxia landforms in Zhangye, wander through the ever-bustling Silk Road bazaars in Kashgar's ancient city, feel the autumn wind blowing across Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains, and more.

October is the perfect time for a road trip.

7. Yunnan - Encounter Pure Nature and Ethnic Culture

Yunnan Autumn
Yunnan Autumn
Golden Summit Sunrise of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Golden Summit Sunrise of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

For travelers seeking stunning views of snow-capped mountains, ancient towns, and inland lakes against a backdrop of golden hues, Yunnan is a top destination in October.

At the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, maple leaves gradually turn red, and ginkgo leaves transform into a sea of gold. Beautiful autumn scenery can be glimpsed from Lijiang Old Town. Golden fields surround Erhai Lake in Dali, attracting countless cyclists.

West Hill in Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring, and Pudacuo National Park in Shangri-La are also excellent spots for capturing breathtaking landscapes.

8. Yangtze River Cruise - Relaxing Water Trip

Three Gorges
Three Gorges
Sunset over the Yangtze River
Sunset over the Yangtze River

Travelers seeking a relaxed river journey will find an October Yangtze River Cruise ideal. During this month, the Yangtze River's banks are a spectacle of vivid reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a stunning natural masterpiece.

Iconic destinations such as the Three Gorges are especially magnificent, providing breathtaking vistas for nature and photography enthusiasts.

What to Wear Based on China Temperature in October

When traveling in China in October, it's important to dress in layers to accommodate temperature variations and occasional rain showers.

You can wear long-sleeved T-shirts with thin knitwear or sweatshirts, and pack a lightweight down jacket or a waterproof jacket to deal with the low temperatures in the mornings and evenings.

In high-altitude areas like Northwest China or Tibet, you will need thick sweaters, down jackets, and windproof scarves. For footwear, we recommend non-slip sneakers or waterproof hiking shoes, which are especially suitable for mountainous areas and slippery roads after rain.

Be sure to bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and a folding umbrella to prevent sunburn.

Avoid Crowds in the First Week of October (China National Holiday)

If you travel to China in October, be sure to avoid the first week, October 1st to 7th. This is China's National Day holiday, during which all scenic spots are extremely crowded, and transportation tickets sell out instantly. It is not recommended to travel to China during this period.

Plan Your China October Trip with Asia Odyssey Travel

China weather in October is good for travel.

If you like the culture and history of China, you can choose the classic Golden Triangle trip or Silk Road trip. If you prefer natural landscapes, we recommend Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou, Yunnan, Yangtze River Cruise. If Tibet's mystique calls to you, it's a perfect time to visit.

Asia Odyssey Travel has branches all over the country, leading countless tourists to complete smooth trips in China.

Visit Forbidden City in Small Group in October with AOT
Visit Forbidden City in Small Group in October with AOT
Welcome to Mogao Caves
Welcome to Mogao Caves

Whether it's a short trip, a long trip, or a customized itinerary according to personal preferences, we can do it for you! Contact us for your China October trip!

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

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