October is the most popular month for people traveling to China. Sunny and cool weather that's ideal for travel prevails in most of China. Autumnal colors begin to appear across the country and are generally at their best at the end of the month.
Read on to learn more about China's weather in October and take advantage of our helpful travel tips.
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China Weather in October: Overview
- Average daily temperature range: 10–20°C (50–68°F)
- Average rainfall: 49 mm (2 in)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average sunny days: 26
Weather in North China (Beijing, Xi'an...)
Cities in North China are quite chilly in October and the temperature could be below 10°C (50°F) at night. The summer rains are over, so it is usually dry, but the cold air brings light rain.
Take Beijing as an example — the average temperature is 8–19°C (46–66°F). Beijing gets optimal crisp, cool, and clear weather, and locals love to go out to see the scenery and exercise outdoors in October.
Clothing: Generally, a base layer with a light jacket or fleece is a good option for the daytime, with a coat at the ready for the evening.
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Beautiful Beijing with Ethan & Mr. Chen
Ethan, our wonderful guide, whose praises we can not sing loudly enough, was compassionate, caring, and overall endearing! His sense of ease and familiarity with each sight, which were unfamiliar wonders to us, provided a sense of peacefulness that facilitated full enjoyment - helped too by his punctuality and attention to detail. more
Feb 2024, apisn2023
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The Highlights and High Life of Beijing with Ethan & Mr. Chen
Ethan, our wonderful tour guide, made our entire trip an absolute joy for us as he was extraordinarily caring, considerate, and generous. Having had the pleasure of taking in the sights of Beijing previously with another lovely guide, Angela, it was spectacular not only to show the family how fantastic the city is but also how high the quality of services provided by China Highlights are. Each day unveiled a new treasure, helpfully detailed by Ethan, and punctuated by delicious and varied local food. Our driver, Mr. Chen, was also a delight, and was equally as key to the overall experience as he was both attentive and almost mystically punctual! more
Feb 2024, Apis
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Great Time in Beijing
Our 4-day experience in Beijing was unforgettable. Our guide, Selinda, opened the doors to the city's millennia-old history and culture with her knowledge, kindness, and courtesy. We discovered magnificent places, tasted delicious food, and stayed in clean hotels, all accompanied by safe and reliable transportation service. We recommend traveling with China Highlights. more
Feb 2024, Nicola B
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3rd time the charm, is being charmed for the 3rd time.
This is my 3rd tour of Beijing in the last 18 months and I think that speaks a little to the quality of service you get with China Highlights. Each time the sites are the same but each tour guide managed to present them in new and wonderful ways. Also some attractions that were undergoing renovations have been completed, so there were new things to see as well.A big thanks to Mr. Michael, our tour this time around. He was very gregarious and knowledgeable about all the sites. more
Feb 2024, Jonathan Mueller
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3rd time the charm, is charmed for the 3rd time
The sites stay the same but each time we have done this tour, the tour guides manage to make it feel like it is the first time you are experiencing it. And, with the constant renovations, this time we were able to see previous areas that were unavailable the last time we came. more
Feb 2024, Jonathan M
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Great trip and experience!
From beginning to end, China Highlights was very courteous, responsive and attentive in planning and executing a great trip!Aspects and execution of the trip was as discussed and was an overall great experience. Our guide, Michael, was very kind and knowledgeable throughout the tour and would address all questions and help us take lots of photos. Would definitely travel with China Highlights again! more
Feb 2024, Karol
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3rd the charm is charmed for the 3rd time
This is my 3rd tour of Beijing in the last 18 months and I think that speaks a little to the quality of service you get with China Highlights. Each time the sites are the same but each tour guide managed to present them in new and wonderful ways. Also some attractions that were undergoing renovations have been completed, so there were new things to see as well.A big thanks to Mr. Michael, our tour this time around. He was very gregarious and knowledgeable about all the sites. more
Feb 2024, jkjmueller
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1 Day in Beijing
Nice views, Not too much people, Jessi (guide ) so friendly and she have a great service & she knows the answer of all your questions more
Feb 2024, Fernando J
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Fabulous day!
Jesse He ,she is a nice tourist guide patience and take good care for us. We had a wonderful time in Beijing,we did the forbidden city and greatwall We love everything ! more
Feb 2024, Charon R
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Private trip in Beijing and Luoyang
We spent 3 days in Beijing with Helen as our guide. We went to TianAnMen, Forbidden City and MuTianYu Great Wall to name a few. Helen took great care of us and is very attentive as I travel with my 60+ years old parents, from asking whether we need restroom breaks to making sure that our lunch were all according to our dietary needs more
Jan 2024, Iriana Iriana
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An excellent day with Linda
Linda (Ling ling)is a great tour guide,provide a lot of knowledge and history of the great wall,and took us to taste very delicious food too,we had a very good time with her!highly recommend her! more
Jan 2024, Angeline Lim
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Great time in Beijing with Bruce
We stayed in Beijing for three days altogether. We went to the summer palace. the Tian'an'men square, the Forbidden City,the Temple of heaven and the Great Wall. Our tour guide Bruce is very friendly and speaks English fluently. He explained every scenic spot to us patiently and humorously. my family are very satisfied with his service. more
Jan 2024, Mayra C
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Bucket List Trip to China
My first stop in China was Beijing. Ethan was my guide there. Daily, they would pick me up and take me to the spots on the itinerary. He helped me plan outside activities like a Chinese acrobat show. He even walked me to my seat in my theater so I could easily find my correct chair. What was most helpful was Ethan waiting with me at the train station and even helping me on to my seat and giving the train attendant my meal order. Very little English was spoken by the train attendant. more
Jan 2024, Megan Sandbothe
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Great Wall at Jinshanling
We went to the Great Wall at Jinshanling which is a very beautiful place which is not that busy. In fact most of the time it felt like we were alone on the wall.The tourguide (Jack) was very knowledgeable and very friendly.A big thumbs up more
Jan 2024, Onno
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Private trip in Beijing and Luoyang
We spent 3 days in Beijing with Helen as our guide. We went to TianAnMen, Forbidden City and MuTianYu Great Wall to name a few. Helen took great care of us and is very attentive as I travel with my 60+ years old parents, from asking whether we need restroom breaks to making sure that our lunch were all according to our dietary needs. We had great 3 days in Beijing.We also visited Luoyang. Our travel advisor arranged a Business class seat for our high speed train to Luoyang. We were picked up at the station by our guide in Luoyang, Lisa. We then visited Dengfeng to see Songyang academy, shaolin temple, Luoyang grottoes. She also took care of us very well and very knowledgeable about the history. more
Jan 2024, lriana lriana
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Beijing 2024
We traveled to Beijing with China Highlights in January 2024. Our tour guide Ethan was organized and knowledgeable which made our trip seamless and very interesting!! He helpfully suggested additional activities if we had time in the evenings and assisted us in booking tickets for them. Visiting the Mutianyu Great wall of China was a big highlight of our time in Beijing! more
Jan 2024, Lydia
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Beijing 2024
We traveled to Beijing with China Highlights in January 2024. Our tour guide Ethan was organized and knowledgeable which made our trip seamless and very interesting!! He helpfully suggested additional activities if we had time in the evenings and assisted us in booking tickets for them. Visiting the Mutianyu Great wall of China was a big highlight of our time in Beijing more
Jan 2024, Explore49612084715
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Beijing
Fantastic couple days in Beijing. Thank you to my guide Mark who eloquently relayed stories about China history and culture. more
Jan 2024, Steve P
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Jack is an excellent guide
Jack is an excellent guide, very patient, punctual, wonderful command of english. I recommend him any day. more
Jan 2024, Brahma
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Great intro to 🇨🇳
Candy was fabulous right from the start. She was knowledgeable, passionate and a lot of fun. Our introduction to China and Beijing was an interesting and memorable one!! more
Jan 2024, Jo66
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Weather in East China (Shanghai, Hangzhou...)
East China's cities enjoy pleasant autumnal weather on most days. It is often still warm and there is much less rainfall than in summer. The exception is if a tropical storm or typhoon arrives.
Take Shanghai as an example — the average temperature is 15–23°C (59–73°F). The yellow ginkgo trees along the roads make the city of Shanghai appear even more beautiful.
Clothing: Wear a light jacket, light clothing, and shorts.
Weather in South China (Guilin, Hong Kong...)
Cities in South China still have fairly hot weather in early October. It rains half as much as it does during the summer or less. It could still be warm during the day and it is cool at night.
Guilin is a northerly example — the average temperature is 19–27°C (66–81°F). This makes for better touring, hiking, and biking weather.
Hong Kong eventually gets cooler and has drier fall weather by the end of October. However, sometimes there are typhoons and it rains heavily. It is warm during the day and sometimes still at night.
Clothing: Wear shorts and light clothes, but take rain gear.
Weather in West China (Chengdu, Tibet, Yunnan...)
The temperature falls significantly in China's west in October, and it gets cold at night. By the end of the month, it begins to freeze. The mountains grow cold and begin to be covered in snow. It is cold or warm depending on the altitude. Rainfall is very low, except in the mountains.
In Lhasa (Tibet) the temperature averages 5–19°C (41–66°F) and rainfall is light: 8 mm (0.5 in) in 4 days.
Travel in the west is popular with early autumn colors, for example in Tibet, Jiuzhaigou, the Silk Road, and Inner Mongolia.
Clothing: Wear a jacket/coat and trousers, and take a hat and other UV protection.
Top 7 Places to Visit in China in October
In October, almost everywhere is highly suitable for sightseeing. The cool and pleasant weather makes it perfect for a variety of activities. Most destinations are adorned with charming autumn colors.
If you have other destinations in mind besides the following, we could also arrange an itinerary to suit you: almost everywhere in China is good to travel in October!. All of our tours can be customized. Feel free to contact us.
1. Beijing: Embracing History Amid Fall Foliage
Beijing is a must-visit destination for most first-timers to China no matter when you travel. But visiting in October would give you a more comfortable experience.
October's mild weather makes activities on the Great Wall more delightful. Whether it's hiking or camping, both are optimal choices. Even if you're just sightseeing, the autumn scenery at the Great Wall would not disappoint you.
The scattered leaves of gold, amber, and crimson create a striking contrast against the ancient stone structure.
You could delve into the ancient world without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold in the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven.
You won't want to miss the chance to explore Beijing's traditional hutongs for a taste of local cuisine and authentic cultural immersion.
2. Shanghai: the Modern Marvels of Fall
In October, Shanghai's tree-lined streets and parks are adorned with a mosaic of golden and russet leaves.
The city's iconic Bund offers mesmerizing views of futuristic skyscrapers juxtaposed with the elegance of the Huangpu River.
A cozy walk along the Bund would let you touch and feel their charm and learn about the history behind them when you step into those old buildings.
You could visit the Jade Buddha Temple to feel the simplicity amid the urban glamour. After visiting, you could take a break at a quiet coffee shop to experience a moment of tranquility amid the bustling city. We know a shop that provides jobs for people with autism, for example.
3. Tibet: Spirituality and Majesty in Harmony
October's pleasant temperatures and clear skies create an optimal environment for a spiritual journey in Tibet. The Potala Palace and monasteries glow under the warm sunshine and clear sky.
You could hike in a Tibetan pasture and experience horse riding, milking yaks, and making butter. You could spend a day like a Tibetan nomad. It is a good way to get involved in rural local life.
Barkhor Street is another place to get an impression of the local way of life, but in the Tibetan capital. There, you could visit a local market and encounter devout pilgrims and local vendors selling Tibetan crafts and goods.
October also marks an ideal time for the revered Mount Kailash pilgrimage, facilitated by warm enough weather, low rainfall, and good oxygen levels.
4. Zhangjiajie: Avatar's Enchanted Realm
Zhangjiajie in autumn reveals a spellbinding panorama.
You could explore the iconic pillars and breathtaking landscapes that inspired the movie Avatar in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
When you take a cable car ride to the summits and hike along the trails amid the vibrant fall foliage, you may be amazed by the looming beauty when mist shrouds the mountains.
You could ride the world's longest cable car to Tianmen Mountain, marvel at the stunning vistas from the glass skywalk, and capture the stunning autumn scenery through your lens.
5. Guilin: Autumn's Splendor in Karst Landscapes
Guilin's karst landscapes come alive in October with hues of gold and red. The Li River reflects the towering limestone peaks, offering an enchanting scene during a leisurely Li River cruise.
You could immerse yourself in the serenity of Reed Flute Cave's illuminated wonders, which is a surreal underground experience.
For a charming escape, you could venture to Yangshuo's countryside. Cycling or walking along winding paths, and as the sun sets, the landscape is painted with a soft, golden glow, casting a serene enchantment over this idyllic corner of China.
6. The Silk Road: Tracing Ancient Trade Routes
Located in a relatively dry region with desert landscapes, the cool and mild weather in October offers the best sightseeing conditions to travel along the Silk Road.
You could travel from the ancient capital, Xi'an, to colorful Zhangye, then to mysterious Dunhuang, and finally to exotic Xinjiang. Along this journey, you would explore the mausoleum of China's first emperor — the Terracotta Army, vast deserts, and the Mogao Caves, the world's largest and most content-rich site of Buddhist art.
You could also explore the vibrant bazaars, old towns, and stunning scenery of Xinjiang, and immerse yourself in a blend of Chinese and Central Asian influences. You could savor local flavors and absorb the captivating atmosphere.
7. Ejina Euphrates Poplar Forest: An Awesome Autumn Attraction
In the heart of Inner Mongolia, Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest reveals an oasis of color amid the desert in October.
The ancient poplar trees don vibrant hues of yellow and orange, creating a striking contrast against the arid landscape. This stunning view can only be seen in late September to mid-October.
Sunset is the most beautiful time. When the golden sun illuminates the leaves of gold, its rays filter through the gaps, casting dappled shadows upon the ground beneath the trees.
You could witness the resilience of life in this harsh environment and embark on camel treks to fully appreciate the desert's unique beauty.
Costs and Crowds in October
October's allure should be accompanied by considerations of costs and crowds. While tourist numbers and travel costs may see a moderate increase compared to off-peak months, the experience is enriched by the captivating destinations and favorable weather.
For a better travel experience, we highly recommend traveling in mid to late October if your schedule allows, as there are fewer tourists, reasonable prices, and still good weather.
Important Golden Week (October 1st–7th) Tips
It is important to know that the first week of October is China's National Day holiday, also known as "Golden Week". The whole country has a 7-day vacation, which means there are seas of tourists in popular cities. Transportation, hotels, and attractions are usually fully booked.
Because of this, you are recommended to confirm your plans in advance — at least 1 month beforehand — if your departure time is during the National Day holiday. Alternatively, you could just contact our experienced travel advisors to help you arrange your China tour during Golden Week. See more on avoiding Golden Week crowds.
Recommended China Tours
Our service is personalized. Our travel advisors have an in-depth understanding of the destinations. Your travel needs and requirements would be carefully catered to and taken care of, making your trip hassle-free and enjoyable.
The following recommended tours can, of course, all be customized:
- 15-Day Beijing–Luoyang–Xi'an–Guilin–Hangzhou–Wuzhen–Shanghai Tour
- 16-Day Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu – Kunming – Guilin – Hong Kong Tour
- 17-Day Shanghai–Suzhou–Guilin–Zhangjiajie–Xi'an–Pingyao–Beijing Tour