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China Weather in October

October is one of the most pleasant times to travel China except for the Chinese National Day Holiday. Huge crowds in the Tian'anmen Square during the National Day Holiday October is one of the best months to travel China, as long as you avoid the week-long Chinese National Day holiday from 1st to 7th October. The weather is very comfortable. The Chinese call this month golden October because of the pleasant weather conditions. Autumn arrives with cool days and nights. Autumn colors begin to appear across the country and generally get to their best at the end of the month. Autumn is the best season to visit the Great Wall. When autumn comes, the mountains are blanketed by colors of red, golden, yellow and brown, creating an amazing view, and the weather during the daytime is pleasant. See China's top autumn destinations

Also read: The Five Best Places to Visit in the Cool October

Average October Weather in Major Chinese Cities

	Beijing	Shanghai	Guilin	Guangzhou	Hong Kong	Xi'an	Hangzhou	Kunming	Chengdu
High (oC)	19	23	26	29	28	20	23	21	21
Low (oC)	8	15	17	21	23	10	15	12	15
Rain (mm)	22	63	88	87	152	60	87	79	35
High (oF)	66	73	78	84	82	68	73	70	70
Low (oF)	46	59	63	70	73	50	59	54	59
Rain (in)	1	2	4	3	6	2	3	3	1

See China Weather

Beijing Autumn Scenery

October Clothes

North China: It is cool during the day and chilly at night. Generally, a base layer with a light jacket is a good option of day time. You may need a warm sweater or fleece for the cooler evenings.

Central China: It is warm during the day and mild in the morning and evening. A light base layer for day time and a light jacket for mornings and evenings are recommended. You may also need to bring a warm sweater in the case the weather becomes cold.

South China: It is warm. Shorts are enough for day time. Long sleeves are recommended for morning and evening.

See October clothing suggestions for Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Hong Kong and Xi'an.

Why visit China in October?

The weather is very comfortable.
It is the best time to view fall foliage. One of the greatest rewards of traveling in China during this month is the nice view of fall foliage on your trip. (See Best Places to Enjoy Autumn Colors in China).
It is the best season to visit the Great Wall. See Great Wall Weather
It is the last recommended month to visit Tibet before the following spring. See Tibet weather

Disadvantages of Visiting China in October

The first week is China's National Day Holiday. Tourist attractions and transportation hubs are packed with domestic tourists. Hotels, train and flight tickets are hard to book.
On top of the Great Wall, it can be cold and windy.
From November to April, Tibet is not suitable for traveling because of the severe weather conditions, so October maybe barely warm enough at times.

Top October Destinations

The Great Wall

The natural scenery of the wall reaches its summit during this month, when the mountains are covered with a colorful carpet of vibrant reds, oranges and golds. Read more on the Great Wall

Tibet

October is the last month during the year when Tibet is suitable for traveling. From November to next April, the region is not recommended due to its severe weather. See Tibet Weather

The Yellow Mountains

The Yellow Mountains offer autumn visitors a unique canvas with waterfalls, the sea of clouds, rocks and oddly-shaped pine trees set against the vibrant reds, oranges and golds. In late autumn, as the weather cools, parts of the mountains begin to develop occasional red splotches mixed with green, until the whole mountain is in fall colors. Read more on the Yellow Mountains.

The Silk Road

The period from May to October is the best time to travel. Weather conditions are pleasant from late spring to early autumn. In October the weather is no longer hot with an average temperature of 15°C (59°F). Read more on the Silk Road.

Weather in October by City

See all China's tourist destinations or return to China Weather.

Hi, I'm Gavin Van Hinsbergh
I updated this article on January 15, 2013
See My travel blog

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Q: Neve Asked on 2012-12-08 Reply

Hi, I was wondering about how much rainfall you would get in an average October (all of China) ? I''m planning a trip around then, and would like some infomation. Thanks!!

Dear Sir or Madam, In October, it is alway sunny in most cities in China, it is not too hot or not too cold. It is comfortable for traveling. We have many tour packages for reference. Please click: http://www.chinahighlights.com/tour/ I am glad to construct an itinerary for you based on your need. Lussie Lu Replied on 2012-12-10

Q: sultan botha Asked on 2012-10-04 Reply

hi i am planning to visit beijing n shinghai from 15 oct to 26 oct i would like to know if the weather there will be cold n do we need to bring warm clothes??

Hi Sultan, Oct. in both Beijing and Shanghai is very comfortable. It is cool. Prepare T-shirt, long-leeve shirt or a light coat is ok. Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-10-07

Q: ina Asked on 2012-09-28 Reply

Hi, I am planing to arrive in China, Beijing, on October 3rd. I learnt it is a holliday only now, are shops, restaurants and entertainement available or is everything shut? In Beijing, where can I go to see tea ceremonies? In the buddhist temples they also do tea ceremonies? Many thanks

Hi Ina, yes, from Oct.1-7 is the National Day Holiday in China. But all shops, restaurants and entertainements are available during this time. It is their peak season for business. However, there would be too many people everywhere. So better avoid this period to visit China. You can go to the tea house for tea ceremony. Some of the buddist temples may do tea ceremony, some not. Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-09-29

Q: Marian Ellison Asked on 2012-09-06 Reply

My husband and I are planning a trip to China from mid October to mid november how should we dress?

Hi Marian, which city are you going to visit, please? From mid October to mid November, the weather gets cooler to cold. In south of China, long sleeve shirts, coats, sweaters is okay. But in the north of China, you may need down-filled coats for mid-Novermber for occasionally chilly cold.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-09-07

Q: Maha Asked on 2012-08-28 Reply

Hi, I am planning to visit China during October and would like to know your suggestions about must see destinations knowing that I will try to find return flights from Bahrain for the period 26 to 31 Oct 2012.Please let me know if you can offer any packages. Thanks

Dear Maha, Thank you for your inquiry. My name is Doris Huang. I am your travel advisor at China Highlights. It is my pleasure to assist you in planning your trip to China. As you will have 6 days in China, I highly recommend you the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors and Horses—two of World Eight Wonders. We have a package tour for these two sights, please see the link below: http://www.chinahighlights.com/tour/chtgp-04/ If you are interested in it, just let me know and I will star to arrange if for you. Any emendation is welcome. Doris Huang Replied on 2012-08-29