China Weather in February and Places to Go

Towards February, it is not as cold as January, but it is still quite chilly with an average temperatures of -2–8°C (28–46°F) at cities throughout China. However, depending on different regions you visit in the country, the weather varies greatly in the month. The North China is still in full swing of winter with freezing temperature, while in Central China, it is slightly warmer along with an increase of air humidity. Coastal cities in South China are often warm enough to enjoy the beaches. By the way, the Spring Festival usually falls in February with a crazy travel rush, thus making bookings is indeed advisable.

North China: Beijing, Tianjin, Harbin, Inner Mongolia…
The weather in Northeast China stays quite chilling. The temperature mostly lingers around 0°C although it may climb a little higher in the day time. Snow falls occasionally, but the total amount is very little because North China is dry. In places like Beijing, it will be cold during the day and below freezing at night. A visit to the Great Wall might be more enjoyable if the snow settles. But do wear warm layers because the wind is bone-piercing.
Clothing Guide: sweater, wind-proof jacket, thermal underwear, caps, thick coat, wool overcoat, padded jacket, ankle boots and scarf.

Central China: Chengdu, Wuhan, Luoyang, Zhangjiajie, Yangtze River (Chongqing - Yichang)
The Central China experiences slightly warmer temperature but one would feel even colder because places near Yangtze River and cities like Chengdu and Wuhan would become humid and bleak with the returning of the air humidity. It sometimes even snows in central areas. In Chengdu, the average daily temperature range is 4–12°C (39–54°F) and there are typically week-long light rain or snowfall in February.
Clothing Guide: sweater, wind-proof jacket, thick overcoat, down coat, gloves, hiking boots.

South China: Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Guilin…
Generally, South China is blessed with favorable weather in February. It turns warmer and warmer, but it might be a bit chilly at night. The rainfall is also increasing in this month. Hong Kong gets pleasant average temperature of 13–17°C (55–63°F), which is quite suitable for outdoor explorations. In Guilin, it would be still a little damp and chilly in February, but the landscape along the Li River is already covered with refreshing verdure.
Clothing Guide: long-sleeved shirts, long pants, wind-proof jacket, sweater, light overcoat and sneakers.

East China: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Yellow Mountain…
Although the weather in East China begins to turn warm in February, travelers might feel cold still particularly with an increase of raining days. Take Shanghai as an example, the average temperature ranges from 2°C to 9°C (36–48°F) and there might be 8 rainy days in February according to the historical weather records. However, Suzhou and Hangzhou embrace an early spring since one could see some pink plum blossom already.
Clothing Guide: woolen coat, winter coat, sweater, wind-proof jacket, thick overcoat, water-resistant boots.

West China: Tibet, Yunnan, Qinghai, Silk Road Destinations…
In February, the weather in most cities of West China is still dry and cold, with low temperature averaging -9 - 8℃(16 – 46°F). It would be below freezing in most high-altitude regions and there will be a considerable difference between day and night temperatures. The destinations along the Silk Road are inhospitable for travel weather-wise because it is simply too cold, while Tibet is usually closed to foreigners around Tibetan New Year in February. The most recommended place to go in West China is southern Yunnan, with a comfortable temperature above freezing and fewer tourist groups in low season.
Clothing Guide: down jacket, hiking boots, thick pants, woolen sweaters, gloves, and hat.

Fortunately, no matter where you go in China in February, you're sure to find something more to do and see beyond Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. And february is the low season for tourism, which means most attractions will be quieter without huge tourists crowds.

• Hainan: Known as the Hawaii of China, Hainan Province is an ideal destination to escape the winter blues for its tropical climate. Located at southernmost part of the country, the core city Sanya enjoys warm temperature all year round. Brimming with stunning shorelines, Hainan Island boasts plenty of resorts and beaches for a winter vacation. Lazy travelers could spend days indulging in the sunbathing and swimming, while nature lovers could find vigorous hiking trails to explore the tropical paradise of Yalong Bay.
• Hong Kong: February might be bleak in most parts of the globe, but Hong Kong still experiences its pleasant summertime. Even for a walking trip delving into Hong Kong's markets and shopping streets, you will find yourself at ease of fine weather. Or you could head to Hong Kong in February simply for the Chinese New Year celebrations. It is one of the best cities for a festival experience to see the lion dance, dragon dance, fireworks show and round-the-clock flower markets. Besides, during the Spring Festival, many goods are on sale in Hong Kong, which gives you a chance for a shopping frenzy.
• Guilin: The weather is a bit cold and damp in Guilin in February, but the natural scenery could be more enchanting if there are drizzles and mists. It is comfortable to embark on a Li River cruise from Guilin to the market town of Yangshuo, an unrivaled base to explore some exceptionally picturesque villages either by a hiking or biking journey. Meanwhile, February is also a wonderful time to photograph the Longji Rice Terraces when the fields are flooded with water, shining like silver pieces.
• Hangzhou: February is definitely a fantastic month to admire Hangzhou, one of the country's finest destinations. The city is famous for the picturesque expanse of West Lake, an immortalized oasis inlaid in the city center over centuries. It is a great winter pleasure to hire a bike or take a pace around the lake and into the nearby rolling hills. You can also visit the local tea plantations at Meijiawu Village, the home of China's finest green teas that are usually presented as gifts to heads of state like Queen Elizabeth.
• Suzhou: Only an hour by train from Shanghai, Suzhou is a delightful destination well-known for China's finest gardens and water towns crisscrossed by canals. Particularly, there are picturesque water towns such as Tongli, Zhouzhuang and Luzhi, where ancient stone bridges cross winding canals and old merchants' houses line narrow cobbled streets. This dreamy setting would offer a fascinating insight into the idyllic rural China, without hassles of big tourist crowds.
• Yunnan: The nice weather in January opens a marvelous window to the diverse Yunnan in southwest China. You can take the chance to dive into the charming old towns in Dali and Lijiang, make a pilgrimage to Shangri-La to discover stunning scenery and Tibetan culture, or have a glimpse of the spectacular Yuanyang rice terraces, a UNESCO Heritage Site and meet the diverse ethnic minorities of Hani, Bai, Naxi and Zhuang.
• Macau: Just an hour by turbojet from Hong Kong, Macau is a neighbor really ideal for a day trip. With a fabulous blend of Portuguese architecture and Cantonese culture, Macau is blessed with a totally different city ambience from Kong Kong. With outdoor cafes offering al fresco dining and swaying palm trees, Macau is a super relaxing vacation paradise that would make you feel like walking in the streets of Europe. Moreover, the cosmopolitan boasts a lot of historical museums, churches, casinos as well as exotic restaurants that could keep you entertained for weeks.

1. Chinese Spring Festival (Lunar New Year): The date for Chinese New Year changes from year to year since it is defined by Chinese lunar calendar, while it mostly falls in January. There will be two-week long celebrations across the country with fireworks, lanterns, decorative red scrolls, gifts and feasting with the family. The festival is a great means for you to gain an in-depth understanding about Chinese traditions and customs.
2. Lantern Festival: Marking the end of the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival falls on the fifteenth day of Lunar New Year. The celebrations feature brightly lit-up lanterns and the meals of glutinous rice balls. Especially in historical City Xian, you could marvel at the world's most splendid lantern show on the ancient City Wall and in the Tang Paradise.
3. Valentine's Day: Occurring on February 14, Valentine's Day is widely celebrated with chocolates, roses and romantic dinners among young generations like elsewhere in the world. If you will spend the day with your beloved one in China, make bookings for dinner in advance.
4. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: Though the grand fair starts in January, it will last till the first week of February. You still get chances to see the astounding ice sculptures created by artists from around the world. Besides, February is still a great month to gambol in ski resorts.

If the Spring Festival falls in February, the whole month would experience a huge travel rush when the largest human migration on earth happening annually. Nearly all the migrant workers and students are on their pilgrimage home. Particularly, the railway system of the country will confront with extremely high traffic load, so the tickets are really hard to obtain. You'd better avoid travelling in this month, but if you go to China for a New Year experience, you shall book everything like hotels, flights and trains as early as possible.