It is hot throughout China in August except for some high-altitude areas. It is still the rainy season. Rainfall usually occurs around 4–5 pm or in the evenings.
August is a popular choice for family trips. The warm weather allows you to travel light and is also perfect for active kids to do various outdoor activities.
Climate Overview
- Average daily temperature range: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
- Average rainfall: 140 mm (6 in)
- Average rainy days: 8
- Average sunny days: 23
Clothing & Accessories
- Cities (30–35°C): Short sleeves, shorts, summer dresses
- Cooler areas (15–25°C): Light long-sleeve shirt or jacket
- Accessories: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
- Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes; hiking shoes for mountains or highlands
- Optional: Light raincoat or umbrella
Should You Choose August for a China Trip
If your schedule is flexible, I'd actually suggest coming in late August or early September instead. By that time, the big summer crowds start to fade, and hotel prices drop to a more reasonable level.
That said, August is peak travel season in China. Schools are on summer break, and lots of locals take time off.
So, popular places like Beijing, Chengdu, or Shanghai can get really busy. Hotels and flights are often at their highest prices of the year.
So, is there any way to avoid the crowds?
Honestly, not completely. But there are a few tricks that can make a big difference:
- Get an early start. If you can head out around 5 or 6 a.m., you'll enjoy a much quieter experience before most people arrive (the rush usually hits between 9 a.m. and noon).
- Go off the beaten path. Some lesser-visited spots are harder to reach by public transport but offer equally rewarding experiences—think Panda Valley in Chengdu, Jinshanling Great Wall, or wild cave explorations in Guilin.
- Avoid public transport if possible. Trains, subways, and buses can be packed. Even taxis or Didi rides may require some waiting, so patience is key.
Final Thoughts
Traveling in August is totally doable. It just takes a little more planning. If you want to enjoy your trip without stressing over tickets, timing, or crowds, consider booking a private tour.
A professional advisor can handle logistics, reservations, and timing for you, so you can simply enjoy your trip without worrying about the crowds.
Recommended China Tours
Feel free to contact us to create an itinerary based on your requirements.
Top 5 Places to Visit in China in August
It is suitable to enjoy anywhere in China in summer due to the warm and sunny weather.
Among the many destinations, the following are especially recommended as being suitable for children and to avoid the summer heat.
1. Yunnan
If you're looking for a place to escape the summer heat, Yunnan is one of the best choices in August. With its year-round spring-like climate, the weather here stays pleasantly cool and refreshing even in midsummer.
It's not just about cooler weather, though—August is when Yunnan's nature really comes alive, with the forests, meadows, and lakes showing off their richest colors.
Spruce MeadowAround Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you would enjoy the Spruce Meadow (Yunshanping) at its greenest, with lush forests and wide open pastures.
At Lugu Lake, it's the flower season, and the surface of the lake is covered with delicate white water caltrops (locally called shuǐxìng yánghuā 水性杨花).
Lugu LakeIn Napahai and Pudacuo National Park, the grasslands and forests are at their peak, creating picture-perfect views wherever you go.
Napa LakeThe most popular cities to visit include Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. See our 8-Day Classic Yunnan Tour.
2. Guilin
While Guilin isn't exactly cool in August, it's still a great place to beat the heat with plenty of fun water activities. We'll take you to hidden spots that most tourists never find, so you can enjoy a much quieter and more refreshing experience.
One of Guilin's natural highlights is its karst caves, which stay at a comfortable 20°C (68°F) all year round.
After exploring many of them ourselves, we recommend the Swallow Cave (Yanzi Cave). It is one of the few undeveloped caves where you can truly feel its natural beauty.
Our client is exploring Swallow Cave There, you can try rappelling, go treasure hunting inside the cave, and learn some fun facts about local geology. It is a great mix of adventure and discovery.
If you prefer water activities, you can visit Yangshuo for paddleboarding or enjoy a relaxing swim in the clear rivers.
Paddleboarding in the Yulong RiverThese experiences are perfect for families with children. They offer a chance to put away phones and tablets, spend real quality time together, and connect with nature.
Check out our 5-Day Guilin Family Tour.
3. Inner Mongolia
August is one of the best months to visit Inner Mongolia. The weather is pleasantly cool, with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F).
More importantly, the grasslands are at their greenest and most vibrant during this time. By September, the grass will start turning yellow.
We recommend the Xilamuren. Because it is more natural and less commercialized. You would enjoy a more authentic steppe experience. You can also stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt for a night to experience local culture.
Xilamuren GrasslandIf you want to see the famous Nadam Festival, it usually takes place between July and August, though the exact dates vary by region. The final schedule is usually confirmed around June each year.
Based on past years, you are most likely to catch the festival in Gegentala Grassland in August, while Xilingol often holds it in July.
See our 5-Day Xilamuren Grassland and Kubuqi Desert Tour
4. Tibet
Compared with other popular cities, Tibet is a quiet and pleasantly cool destination in August. The summer air also has slightly more oxygen than other seasons, which makes it easier to explore high-altitude areas.
In Lhasa, you can relax in a teahouse on Barkhor Street while observing local daily life, visit the iconic Potala Palace, watch the unique debates at Sera Monastery, or take photos with yaks by Yamdrok Lake.
Our clients with local peopleIf you are lucky, you may also catch some local festivals. The Shoton Festival, Nagqu Horse Racing Festival, and Ganden Thangka Festival are all held in August.
Our popular China tours with Tibet: 3-Week Must-See Places China Tour Including Holy Tibet
5. Northern Sichuan
Northern Sichuan is a great place to escape the crowds and summer heat. This area sees very few tour groups or independent travelers, so you can enjoy the original landscapes and some peaceful, quiet time.
Here, you can visit the source of the Yellow River, explore the ancient battlefield of King Gesar from Tibetan legend, and see less touristy monasteries.
Lianbaoyeze, the ancient battlefield of King Gesar You can also extend your trip to Jiuzhaigou, where the cool mountain weather and green lakes make it a perfect destination for a summer vacation.
If you are interested in it, see our 5-Day Northern Sichuan Tour
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