The best times to visit Luoyang are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild and dry, the skies are usually clear, with less rain. These are good times for outdoor sightseeing and enjoying nature.
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Spring (March to May): Best Time for Peony
Spring in Luoyang can be a bit cold and slightly damp, with temperatures ranging from 9-25℃/48-77℉ and about 14 rainy days each month.
Spring peonies in Luoyang The city is famous for its peonies, and there’s an old Chinese saying: “Luoyang’s peonies are the best under heaven”. April is the peak blooming season for peonies, and the city would host a month-long Peony Cultural Festival. You can walk through fields of vibrant peonies and enjoy the sea of colors. Besides, you can also enjoy the sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom around Longmen Grottoes.
Autumn (September to November): Best Weather
Autumn in Luoyang is drier than spring, with around 6 rainy days each month, making it a great time for outdoor activities. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold, with temperatures ranging from 11-27℃/52-81℉.
The landscape of Longmen Grottoes
As the saying goes, "the Autumn sky is clear and the air is crisp and cool". Whether you’re exploring the Longmen Grottoes or visiting the White Horse Temple, the pleasant weather and golden autumn leaves will make your trip a delightful experience. Start your trip with us: 1-day Luoyang Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple Private Tour.
What is The Worst Time?
Summer (June to August) is the time we recommend avoiding when visiting Luoyang.
First, the weather is hot and humid. The average temperature ranges from 21-30℃ (70-86℉), and it often rises above 30℃/86℉. Rainfall is similar to spring, with around 14 rainy days each month, but the higher humidity makes the heat feel much worse.
Walking around in this kind of weather can be exhausting. Long hours in the sun may even put you at risk of heatstroke.
Second, summer is peak travel season because of the school holidays. Many families take trips during this time, which means popular sites are often packed. You probably won’t enjoy your visit much under the blazing sun and heavy crowds.
Travel Tips for Summer:
Most of Luoyang’s main attractions, like the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple, involve walking outdoors with very little shade. If you're visiting in summer, go early in the morning (8:00-11:00am) or later in the afternoon (after 4:00pm). This helps you avoid both the crowds and the worst of the heat.
If you still find the afternoon too hot, consider exploring Luoyang at night. The city offers plenty to do after dark. You can enjoy the night views in the Luoyi Ancient City, or visit the Longmen Grottoes.
Night visits of Longmen Grottoes aren’t available year-round, but they’re more common in summer and autumn. You can ask your guide in advance.
Guide by Month
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
Luoyang in January
- Average temperature: 4–11℃ (39–52℉)
- Rainfall: 47 mm (1.9 in)
- Rainy days: 6
- Sunny days: 25
January is winter in Luoyang, and it’s a good time for a quiet, affordable visit. The weather is cold, and you might see a few snowy days (about 4 on average). Tourist crowds are low this month, except around holidays.
You can put on a red hanfu outfit and take photos in the historic Luoyi Ancient City, or hike up Baiyun Mountain to watch the sunrise turn the snow golden.
Snowy scenery of Luoyi Ancient City
Make sure to pack warm clothes. You’ll need a thick coat, scarf, gloves, and maybe even a down jacket.
Festivals&Events:
- New Year’s Holiday (Jan 1–3): Public holiday, crowds and prices will go up during this time.
- Chinese New Year: Public holiday, Usually falls between late January and early February. You could enjoy the festive vibe and admire the beautiful decorations in the street. Some attractions might close during the holidays.
Luoyang in February
- Average temperature: 6–12℃ (43–54℉)
- Rainfall: 76.4 mm (3 in)
- Rainy days: 8
- Sunny days: 20
February is the last month of winter in Luoyang. Temperatures begin to rise and the cold starts to fade. It’s still the low season for tourism, so you’ll find fewer crowds. If your focus is on visiting historic sites like the Longmen Grottoes or White Horse Temple, this is a great time to go.
Festivals&Events:
- Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao Festival) is not a public holiday, usually falls in mid to late February. On these days, lanterns hang from rooftops across streets and pavilions. The soft glow against the old-style Chinese buildings creates a beautiful, festive scene.
Lantern Festival
Luoyang in March
- Average temperature: 9–15℃ (48–59℉)
- Rainfall: 133 mm (5.2 in)
- Rainy days: 12
- Sunny days: 19
March marks the start of spring, but it can still feel a bit chilly. Peonies haven’t bloomed yet, but the weather is great for outdoor activities. It’s also a good time to wear traditional Hanfu and take photos at scenic spots across the city.
In March, willow trees revive along the east bank of the Yi River, right across from the Longmen Grottoes.
You can enjoy a view of thousand-year-old stone Buddhas set against a backdrop of soft green leaves across the water. The blend of spring colors and ancient carvings creates a scene you won't forget.
Luoyang in April
- Average temperature: 14–20℃ (57–68℉)
- Rainfall: 206.2 mm (8.1 in)
- Rainy days: 14
- Sunny days: 16
April is one of the best months to visit Luoyang. The weather is usually cool and pleasant, with a gentle breeze. This is when Luoyang’s peonies reach their peak. The city’s imperial past and floral beauty come together in a way that feels both grand and vibrant.
Beautiful peony in Luoyang
The peak bloom usually happens between April 15 and 25, but this is also when large crowds of domestic tourists arrive. For a quieter flower-viewing experience, we recommend visiting between April 5 and 15.
Festivals&Events:
- Qingming Festival (around April 4): A three-day public holiday. Light rain is common during this period. Consider planning your trip after this holiday.
- Luoyang Peony Cultural Festival (early April to early May): A month-long celebration of the city’s iconic flower. You’ll see thousands of peony varieties, flower art installations, and even try peony-shaped pastries at local markets. Walk in the sea of peony flowers, and enjoy the spring sunshine.
Luoyang in May
- Average temperature: 18–25℃ (64–77℉)
- Rainfall: 265.8 mm (10.5 in)
- Rainy days: 16
- Sunny days: 15
May brings warmer weather to Luoyang, but also more rain. It’s one of the rainiest months of the year. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out. On rainy days, indoor attractions like the Luoyang Museum are a great alternative.
The collections of Luoyang Museum
Peonies are mostly gone by May, though you might still find street vendors selling cut peony flowers.
Festivals&Events:
- Labor Day Holiday (May 1–5): A five-day public holiday in China. Tourist sites can get extremely crowded. We suggest planning your visit after the holiday to avoid the crowds.
Luoyang in June
- Average temperature: 21–28℃ (70–82℉)
- Rainfall: 238.1 mm (9.4 in)
- Rainy days: 15
- Sunny days: 15
Rising temperatures and frequent rain mean the summer is coming to Luoyang.
June is often a busy travel month due to the Dragon Boat Festival and the beginning of school holidays. Luoyang is a popular destination among domestic travelers, so expect large crowds at major attractions. For these reasons, June is not a good time to visit Luoyang.
If you're traveling in summer, consider visiting Luoyang Museum to stay cool indoors. After that, head to the Luoyang Old Town District in the evening to find Luoyang’s old architecture and enjoy the night views.
Festivals&Events:
- Dragon Boat Festival: A three-day public holiday that usually falls in June.
Luoyang in July
- Average temperature: 22–30℃ (72–86℉)
- Rainfall: 148.5 mm (5.8 in)
- Rainy days: 13
- Sunny days: 18
July is one of the hottest and most crowded months in Luoyang. Make sure to protect yourself from the sun. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
If you're visiting the Longmen Grottoes in summer, we suggest going after 4 pm.
This helps you avoid the peak heat and the largest crowds. You can see the Buddha statues in daylight, then watch as the caves light up in the evening. The change in atmosphere makes the visit feel even more special.
At night, the Longmen Grottoes are illuminated by lights.
Luoyang in August
- Average temperature: 22–30℃ (72–86℉)
- Rainfall: 136.5 mm (5.4 in)
- Rainy days: 13
- Sunny days: 18
August is the last month of summer in Luoyang, but both the heat and the crowds are still intense. Be sure to protect yourself from sunburn. Although there isn’t much rain, the humidity is high. The muggy weather can make you feel sweating, tiring and frustrating.
It’s best to stay indoors during the day. Places like the Luoyang Museum, the Luoyang Ancient Tomb Museum (closed on Mondays), and the Erlitou Site Museum are great for families. We’ll arrange a professional guide to walk you through China’s rich history and culture.
Erlitou Site Museum
Luoyang in September
- Average temperature: 20–27℃ (68–81℉)
- Rainfall: 81 mm (3.2 in)
- Rainy days: 8
- Sunny days: 22
September marks the start of autumn in Luoyang. Temperatures drop slightly, but days can still feel a bit muggy. There are usually no public holidays in China this month, and summer vacation has ended. This means fewer tourists and a better experience for your photos and visits.
On the clear and sunny days, you can hike up Longmen Mountain next to the Longmen Grottoes. Visit Xiangshan Temple and enjoy peaceful walks in the quiet mountains. You can connect with nature’s beauty leisurely.
Festivals&Events:
- The Mid-Autumn Festival: a 3-day public holiday, usually falls between mid-September and mid-October. Families gather to admire the full moon and eat mooncakes. You can enjoy the beautiful sight of the full moon hanging over the roof of Yingtian Gate.
Luoyang in October
- Average temperature: 16–23℃ (61–73℉)
- Rainfall: 48.1 mm (1.9 in)
- Rainy days: 5
- Sunny days: 26
October is one of the best months to visit Luoyang. The weather is mild and dry, not too hot or cold, and perfect for outdoor activities.
You can take your kids for a half-day trip to Shaolin Temple. With guidance from the monks, you can learn the amazing Chinese Kungfu moves and feel the calming power of Chan Buddhism.
Afterward, hike down the mountain and enjoy the stunning autumn colors and golden-red leaves of Mount Song.
Festivals&Events:
- National Day (October 1 to 7): a 7-day public holiday. Tourist crowds will be very large during this time. We suggest avoiding this time and planning other days for visiting Luoyang.
Luoyang in November
- Average temperature: 11–18℃ (52–64℉)
- Rainfall: 52.7 mm (2.1 in)
- Rainy days: 5
- Sunny days: 25
November is the end of autumn in Luoyang. The weather gets cooler, so remember to bring long-sleeved jackets.
Autumn is a great time to dress in hanfu and take photos with Chinese style makeup. You won’t feel hot in these outfits, and the beautiful scenery adds to the charm.
You can also visit White Horse Temple. The peaceful temple grounds feel even calmer in the fall, with locals quietly praying and incense smoke drifting in the air.
While walking around the the Foreign Buddhist Halls, you could take photos with the golden roof of the Indian Hall and the white stupa of the Burmese Hall. They create a striking contrast in both color and style.
Luoyang in December
- Average temperature: 6–13℃ (43–55℉)
- Rainfall: 38.8 mm (1.5 in)
- Rainy days: 4
- Sunny days: 27
December is the first month of winter, and the weather starts to get quite cold. It is also the low season for tourism.
During this period, the Longmen Grottoes are not lit up at night, so visiting during the day is enough.
On chilly days, try a bowl of Luoyang’s local specialty soups, such as beef, mutton, or donkey meat soup. Each bowl usually costs around 10 yuan (1.4 USD/1.8 SGD). These soups are tasty, affordable, and bring warmth to your whole body on a cold winter day.
On New Year's Eve, you can watch fireworks at Yingtian Gate and enjoy a 3D projection show at the North Square. Join the crowd for the countdown and share happy New Year wishes with the locals.
Yingtian Gate
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