You might have seen people on Reddit saying that June in China is hot and wet—not exactly ideal travel weather. But is it really that bad? And more importantly, does June actually come with some advantages that travelers often overlook?
If your travel dates aren't flexible, don't worry. This guide will show you what June is really like, why it can still be a great time to visit, and which destinations are especially rewarding during this month.
How's the Weather in China in June: Is It Really Too Hot?
June marks the arrival of true summer across China. In most regions, daytime temperatures climb above 30°C (86°F) and can occasionally exceed 35°C (95°F). Only high-altitude destinations tend to stay comfortably cool.
Another challenge is the rain. June is the start of the rainy season, especially in southern China. From mid-June onward, heavy downpours can occur in places like Guilin, sometimes affecting travel for a day or two (e.g., flight delays or paused outdoor activities).
When this happens, flexible planning becomes key. With a professional agency by your side, these weather hiccups are usually managed smoothly.
If you want to minimize the impact of rainfall, consider heading north. Cities like Beijing, Xi'an, and Luoyang are generally much drier in June.
June's Benefit: Fewer Tourists
While June can be hot and wet, it also comes with a big upside: fewer tourists. Compared with the peak travel months of July and August, June offers a noticeably smoother experience — shorter lines, less crowded attractions, and generally more reasonable hotel prices.
When choosing where to go, you can focus on cooler destinations like the ones we recommend below. This way, you can avoid the worst of the heat and enjoy the added bonus of quieter, more relaxed sightseeing.
Top 5 Cool Places to Visit in China in June
1. Xinjiang
If you had to choose just one place that's at its most beautiful in June, Xinjiang — especially Northern Xinjiang — would be it. The temperatures are cool and pleasant, and the landscapes are nothing short of stunning.
Kalajun GrasslandJune is the peak season for Xinjiang's grasslands, valleys, and forests, all bursting with life and color. At Sayram Lake, wildflowers are in full bloom, set against crystal-blue water, open skies, and sweeping meadows — every photo looks like it belongs on a magazine cover.
June is also the best time to see the lavender fields in Ili, which reach their peak bloom in mid-June. You don't need to travel to Provence to see endless waves of purple — Xinjiang offers its own breathtaking version, with far fewer crowds.
Our 8-Day Xinjiang Tour with Ili River Valley will take you into the early summer of the Tianshan Mountains, where you can feel its refreshing air and vast, open beauty.
Lavender fields in Ili2. Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie sits in a mountainous region, so temperatures are generally cooler in June. The weather changes quickly — shifting between sun and mist — but this is exactly what creates the area's poetic "misty wonderland" look.
June often gives you a wider range of scenery than any other month. On clear days, you'll see lush, dramatic sandstone pillars; on rainy or foggy days, the landscape turns dreamlike and ethereal.
Here's how the view looks in mist (left) versus on a clear day (right).One of June's biggest advantages is shorter waiting times. During the peak months of July and August, queues inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park can stretch to 1–2 hours, which can be exhausting.
In June, crowds are much lighter, and if you use the VIP channels, your experience becomes even smoother and more enjoyable.
You can also extend your trip to Furong Ancient Town and soak in its illuminated night views. In June, the waterfall there reaches its high-water season, making it the best time of year to see it at its most impressive.
Furong Town3. Yunnan
June in Yunnan is wonderfully comfortable, with average temperatures around 25°C (77°F). You can expect some cloudy days and light showers, but overall the weather feels refreshing rather than disruptive.
Classic destinations like Kunming, Lijiang, and Dali are always popular — think wandering through old towns, cycling around Erhai Lake, or taking in the views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Erhai LakeBut our top recommendation for June is Shangri-La. The alpine meadows and forests in Napahai and Pudacuo National Park are at their greenest and most vibrant this month.
You'll often see herds of yaks and sheep grazing by the lakes, and it's also the peak blooming season for Shangri-La's high-mountain rhododendrons.
Our client in Pudacuo National ParkLugu Lake is also at one of its most beautiful moments in June, when the water caltrop flowers spread elegantly across the lake surface, creating a soft, dreamy scene.
Lugu LakeWith fewer tourists compared to the summer peak, June in Yunnan feels like a peaceful escape — a cool, quiet corner of China where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and simply enjoy nature at its best.
Follow our 8-Day Classic Yunnan Tour for a refreshing start to your summer — or simply contact us to create a custom itinerary tailored to your interests.
4. Tibet
Beyond its pleasantly cool temperatures, June is the ideal time for a Mount Kailash yatra (pilgrimage) and kora (circumambulation). The warmer weather and higher oxygen levels make trekking at high altitude more manageable.
For hiking enthusiasts, this is an unmissable experience. Trekking across a 5,000-meter plateau challenges both your stamina and mental strength, with each step testing your limits.
But reaching the mountain pass and gazing at the full majesty of Mount Kailash brings a sense of accomplishment and spiritual awe that words can't capture.
Mt. Kailash koraEven if hiking isn't your main focus, Tibet in June offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Explore the iconic Potala Palace, immerse yourself in the spirituality of Jokhang Temple, and take in the breathtaking vistas of Yamdrok Lake and the surrounding Tibetan Plateau — all made even more enjoyable by the favorable weather.
Our clients in Yamdrok Lake5. Guizhou
June in Guizhou is cool and comfortable, though you might encounter light rain. Most showers happen in the evenings, so they rarely disrupt daytime sightseeing.
This is the peak season for Huangguoshu Waterfall, when the falls are at their most spectacular and powerful. You can also explore Miao and Dong villages, wander among terraced fields, and try on traditional ethnic costumes for memorable photos.
Huangguoshuo WaterfallFor a truly local and fun experience, don't miss a village football match — a uniquely Guizhou activity. The players aren't celebrities, just local villagers, but their passion and energy will leave you amazed.
Rongjiang Guizhou Village Super LeagueGuizhou also offers a glimpse into China's engineering prowess. Known as the "Bridge Capital," it's home to roughly half of the world's tallest bridges. Visiting here gives you the chance to witness China's modern infrastructure up close — a striking contrast to the region's traditional landscapes.
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