China Weather in May and Places to Go

If visiting China in May, you are likely to meet sunny and warm days with low heat and humidity in most parts of the country. With milder temperature and clearer blue skies, May is an enjoyable period to travel all cross China without crazy tourist crowds.

North and Northeast China: Beijing, Tianjin, Harbin, Inner Mongolia
The weather is especially gratifying in northern cities like Beijing and Tianjin. You can expect plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures around 14 - 26°C (57 - 79°F) that are perfect for explorations in the open air.
Clothing Guide: pullover, t-shirts, light pants and leisure shoes.

East China: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Yellow Mountains
In May, east China welcomes more rainy days than before, but it will not be cold as the temperature rises up to 16–23°C (61–73°F). In sunny days, you are even able to wear T-shirts and shorts. It is wonderful time to rubber-neck places around Shanghai.
Clothing Guide: T-shirts, dress, light trousers, jacket and rainwear.

Central China: Chengdu, Wuhan, Luoyang, Zhangjiajie, Yangtze River (Chongqing - Yichang)
The temperature is generally above 18°C (64°F), and it is already moderately hot in central China in May though the rainfall is no more or no less. May offers a great reprieve of coolness and becomes an excellent time to visit central China.
Clothing Guide: T-shirts, shorts, thin jacket and light trousers and raincoats.

South China: Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, Guilin
South China actually would experience its early summer in May. The average temperatures are high at daytime, even up to 30°C (86 °F), and local people might already wear T-shirts and shorts. It often drizzles in the morning, but the rain will not last long, which barely affects one's sightseeing much.
Clothing Guide: T-shirts, shorts, west, light pants, dress and rainwear.

West China: Tibet, Qinghai, Silk Road Destinations
May is utterly an appropriate time to visit the dry western parts of China. It is just warm enough to make trekking adventures through the deserts and highland. However, big temperature difference does exist between day and night, so you need to take layers to keep warm for cooling hours.
Clothing Guide: coat, long-sleeved shirts, windbreaker, sweater, pullover and casual pants.

May is an agreeable month to tour around China, especially for China's most popular travel cities including Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. There are more sunny and clear days for you to have outdoor adventures, such as hiking the Great Wall, cycling the Ming City Wall and strolling at the Bund area.

• Guilin: The cool breeze in May makes a Li River trekking or cruise a real treat. Apart from the animate countryside of Yangshuo, a bamboo raft at Yulong River would let you take an early bite of summer.
• Yellow Mountain: May is suitable for you to capture the iconic Yellow Mountain with new green in mists, and the quaint villages like Hongcun and Xidi are big pluses allowing you to enter a dreamy escape.

• Zhangye: It rains little in Zhangye in May. Plenty of sunshine would promise you awe-inspiring scenery of Rainbow Mountain. You will gain a cooler and much more comfortable trip than that in summer time.
• Dunhuang: Dry and warm, May is one of the golden periods to discover the miracle oasis Crescent Lake and the sand dunes in Dunhuang. The cool air and mild sunshine makes a camel riding a big pleasure.

• Chengdu: May is already the high season for tourism in Chengdu. Catch the time to meet the giant pandas who love cool temperature most.
• Hangzhou: Late spring is also a good time to ramble along the greenery and flowery dikes of West Lake and trek the tea plantations of Meijiawu Village.
• Zhangjiajie: Zhangjiajie would still welcome some spring drizzles in May, adding misty and foggy charms to the roaring peaks. The Golden Whip Stream is particularly breathtaking with new greens, which is superb for a short trekking.

1. Unless you're traveling to high altitudes, leave your thick winter wear at home. However, it is still necessary to prepare a few light layers for cooler evenings. For trips to central China, make sure to pack your rain gears.
2. China's high travel season usually kicks from summer, so crowds should be sparse in May. But take note that Chinese Labor Day falls on May First when a three-day weekend would bring an influx of domestic tourists.