What's the weather like in August? Is it a good time to visit? Will it be as hot as July? You might have many questions. As a local from Guilin, I'd like to offer practical advice based on real experience.
August shares some similarities with July but also has its differences. Like July, daytime temperatures often range between 30-35°C, with 5-6 days exceeding 36°C. It tends to feel humid and hot most of the time.
However, by mid-August, there are more partly cloudy days without getting too much sun. And the mornings are generally cooler compared to July.
In terms of rainfall, August is similar to July, with precipitation around 160mm. Rain occurs on about 10 days, mostly short afternoon or evening showers (lasting around half an hour). It has little impact on travel plans. After rainfall, temperatures typically drop by 5-8°C, making it feel more comfortable.
Is August a Good Time to Visit Guilin?
Guilin water funLike July, August is one of the hottest months of the year in Guilin. The most suitable outdoor activities remain water-based activities and exploring cool limestone caves.
However, unlike July, mid-to-late August often brings cooler mornings with less intense heat. It is a great time for outdoor activities such as countryside cycling or visiting the Longji Rice Terraces. During the hotter afternoons, you can opt for water fun or cave exploration.
August is still part of the peak summer travel season, and attractions can be crowded. After mid-August, as the summer vacation period winds down, tourist numbers decrease. Scenic spots become less packed, and it's easier to book popular tickets such as Li River cruises or bamboo rafting. So if you're planning a trip to Guilin in August, the period after mid-month is a smarter choice.
Additionally, August hosts cultural celebrations like the River Lantern Festival, offering rich cultural experiences. August is also the harvest season for local fruit - perfect for enjoying fresh, delicious produce at great prices.
Unique Experiences in Guilin in August
In August, besides water activities and cave exploration, Guilin also offers unique ethnic minority festivals and an abundance of local fruits to enjoy.
1. Visiting Great Spots for Water Fun
Longtan RiverBeyond taking a cruise on the Li River, you can also visit some favorite local water-playing spots:
Xing'an Longtan River: Located about 90 km from downtown Guilin (around a 2-hour drive), this area is famous for its crystal-clear emerald waters and stunning "jelly-like"waterfall pools. It is a perfect summer getaway popular among locals. Here, you can swim, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and even experience thrilling via ferrata climbs along the canyon walls.
Hongxi Waterfall: Situated approximately 40 km from Guilin (about 1 hour by car), this spot is on the way to the Longji Rice Terraces. It is a perfect half-day side trip. You can trek up the stream through the canyon to reach the midsection of the waterfall. At the base, you can splash around in the water or even try climbing the waterfall with ropes.
I've been to both places. Longtan River has larger and deeper waterfall pools (up to 5-10 meters deep), ideal for swimming and SUP, while Hongxi is better suited for stream trekking and waterfall climbing.
2. Exploring Cool Karst Caves
Yangshuo Moon Water caveIn addition to water activities, Guilin is famous for its karst landscape and numerous limestone caves. These caves maintain a comfortable temperature of 18-22°C year-round, making them perfect summer retreats. You can not only explore well-developed caves like Reed Flute Cave but also venture into lesser-known primitive caves such as Swallow Cave and Moon Water Cave.
Reed Flute Cave (Fully Developed): The most famous cave in Guilin, located just a 20-minute drive from the city center. Known as "the Palace of Natural Art," its stunning stalactites and stalagmites become even more magnificent and mysterious under the clever lighting. To avoid waiting in the heat, I recommend paying an extra $40 for VIP access to skip the lines. Read more about Reed Flute Cave.
Swallow Cave (Primitive Cave): Situated about 40 km from downtown Guilin (approximately a 1-hour drive). You would descend about 5 meters using ropes to access the cave floor. The exploration inside takes around 4-5 hours. Led by our experienced guides, you'll discover unique stalagmites, stone curtains, and underground rivers. This activity is suitable for children aged 10 and above.
Yangshuo Moon Water Cave: Approximately a 40-minute drive from Yangshuo West Street. This 6-kilometer-long cave passes through eight mountains. It features natural wonders including various stalactite pillars, and crystal-clear pools. Under the guidance of professional instructors, you will traverse primitive dark chambers, explore underground halls and rivers. No rope climbing is required. It is an ideal adventure for families with children aged 5 and up.
3. Experiencing River Lantern Festival
River Lantern FestivalIf you visit Guilin in mid-August (around the 15th day of the seventh lunar month), you can immerse yourself in unique local festivals such as the River Lantern Festival.
Ziyuan River Lantern Festival: Held annually in mid-August on the banks of the Zī River in Ziyuan County, about 100 km (a 2-hour drive) from downtown Guilin. Here, you can visit cultural heritage workshops along the river and learn to make traditional lotus-shaped lanterns.
After nightfall, you'll witness the breathtaking scene of thousands of lanterns floating together on the river. At the same time, there will be a grand fireworks display lights up the night sky.
In addition to lantern releasing, you can listen to authentic folk song performances by Miao and Yao ethnic groups, watch traditional dragon and lion dances. Remember to taste local delicacies such as oil tea, lotus fish, and five-color sticky rice.
4. Tasting Guilin's Seasonal Fruits
Guilin's Seasonal FruitsGuilin is renowned across China as a major fruit-producing region, and August marks the peak of the harvest season. Throughout the city, you'll find fruit stalls and mobile vendors lining the streets. They offer a colorful variety of fresh fruits like watermelon, grapes, pears, longan, dragon fruit, passion fruit, wampee (huangpiguo), and many more.
Some of them you might not even recognize! Locally grown and freshly picked, these fruits are not only delicious but also very affordable, with most priced at just $1–2 per kilogram.
If you venture into the countryside around Yangshuo, you can even pick your own fruit at local orchards. The wampee and longan are popular choices. This activity is especially enjoyable for families with children. I still remember taking my child to pick wampee last summer. It was a wonderful chance for them to experience harvest season firsthand and learn about how fruits are grown.
What to Wear in Guilin in August
In August, it's best to wear lightweight and breathable clothing such as short sleeves, shorts, and dresses. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal to handle sudden rain showers and perspiration. Since exploring Guilin's natural landscapes usually involves a lot of walking, comfortable and slip-resistant sandals or sports shoes are highly recommended.
Sun protection is also essential. Be sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a sun-protective jacket, and sunscreen, especially when visiting the rice terraces.
If you're planning to explore caves, note that the temperature inside is around 20°C, and a thin long-sleeved layer will help you stay comfortable.
Additionally, Guilin typically has around 10 days of sporadic rain in August. So, carrying a compact umbrella or a lightweight raincoat is useful.
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