February can actually be a great time to visit China, depending on what you want to experience. Here’s why:
A chance to see snow and enjoy winter fun: It’s one of the last months to catch snowy scenery and try winter sports. You can visit the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival or go skiing in places like Changbai Mountain or Chongli.
February is the low season (except during the Chinese New Year holiday), which means you can have some attractions to yourself and find better prices for hotels and flights.
Celebrate the Chinese New Year: If your trip overlaps with the festival, you’ll experience China’s most festive time of year.
It’s an especially meaningful trip if you or your family have Chinese roots — a chance to reconnect with traditions and feel the warmth of the celebrations together.
Read on for more about China's weather in February and our travel suggestions.
What's the Weather Like in February in China
In many northern cities, it’s still snowing in February. Snow usually stops and starts melting toward the end of the month. If you want to enjoy snowy scenery, it’s best to visit between early and mid-February.
Although February isn’t the rainy season, southern China tends to feel more humid than the north. You’ll see more cloudy or overcast days in places like Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, or Guangzhou, while northern regions such as Beijing or Xi’an usually have more sunny days.
Overcast weather might not be ideal for photography, but it won’t affect your travel experience — sightseeing is still just as enjoyable.
You could find more weather information for major cities in February:
Where to Go in China in February
If You Want to See Snow
For the ultimate snowy experience, head to northeastern China, including Harbin, Snow Town, Changbai Mountain, and Mohe.
You can enjoy unique ice and snow activities that you won’t find anywhere else in the northeast, like:
- Play with water that instantly freezes in the cold
- Ride horse-drawn sleighs and go ice fishing
- Enjoy a hot spring river raft in a "rime" world
- Sleep on a heated kang bed
Winter rime rafting in Changbai MountainYou could follow up on our 7-Day Harbin, Snow Town, Mt.Changbai, and Changchun Tour to enjoy such fun in this winter.
Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival is still open in February, making it one of the last chances to enjoy its icy charm before it closes. Tourist crowds are also smaller compared to the festival’s peak.
Temperatures in the northeast often reach -10 to -20°C, so if it feels too cold but you still want snow, consider alternatives like the Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival near Beijing or the Mount Yun Ice Caves in Xi’an.
On our 7-Day Xi'an Winter Tour with Hukou Waterfall and Hot Springs, you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a sparkling crystal palace, with ancient ice formations stretching all around.
Ice Cave in Xi'anIf You Want a Warm Escape
Yunnan is the top choice if you are looking for sunny and mild weather in February. Beyond the pleasant climate, you can explore unique scenery across the province.
In Yuanyang, you can see the rice terraces filled with water, reflecting the sky, sunlight, and surrounding mountains. This is the best time to enjoy the famous “mirror” terraces and spot the rare blue rice terraces.
Blue rice terracesIn Luoping, you can witness the rapeseed flowers in full bloom. Over 100 square kilometers of golden fields will make you feel like you have stepped into an early-spring paradise.
Canola Flowers in LuopingLuopingAt the same time, you can still see snow-capped mountains in Yunnan, including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Meili Snow Mountain.
If you want a summer-like holiday, you can head to Xishuangbanna or Hainan Island. Xishuangbanna is full of tropical minority culture. You can hike and picnic in the rainforest, try different Dai snacks, and discover exotic tropical plants.
Our clients are having a picnic in the forest. Hainan Island offers a more relaxing beach holiday. Just lounge on the sand, soak up the sun, enjoy water activities, and taste local Hainan specialties.
If You Want to Celebrate the Chinese New Year
If you really want to feel the Chinese New Year, go to Guangzhou, and maybe add a few nearby places like Chaoshan, Shunde, or Foshan to your trip.
This is where the nianwei, that special New Year vibe, feels the strongest. The whole city turns red and gold, with lanterns hanging over busy streets and festive songs playing everywhere.
Start with Guangzhou’s famous Flower Fair, a century-old tradition where locals buy lucky blooms, couplets, and decorations. The air smells like spring, and the whole place buzzes with laughter and good wishes.
In the old neighborhoods like Liwan or Shangxiajiu, you’ll bump into lion dances, temple fairs, and snack stalls that make you want to linger.
Lion dance performanceEach nearby town adds something different. Chaoshan has its energetic Yingge Dance, Foshan is known for its thrilling dragon performances, and Shunde is all about incredible New Year feasts, because food is such a big part of how people celebrate here.
Yusheng or sashimi (left) and roasted goose (right)If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a local’s home, you can help paste red couplets on doors, make dumplings, and stay up to welcome the new year. It’s a warm, family-style experience that truly brings the festival to life.
Tour China with Us
If you are interested in touring China in February, contact us for help. Our travel advisors are happy to give you suggestions and guidance when planning your trip.
- 8-Day China Family Winter Tour
- 8-Day Guangzhou and Chaoshan Highlights Tour
- 21-Day A Grand Tour of China's Landmarks
(10,000+ reviews)