When is The Best Time to Go to Guilin? (2026 Guilin Weather Guide)

Guilin Weather & Climate at Glance: What Is Guilin Weather Like?

Captivating Li River dotted with beautiful villages

Guilin is located at approximately 25.27N latitude and 110.29E longitude in southern China. It has a subtropical monsoon climate, with warm, humid weather and abundant rainfall throughout the year.

The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of about 8°C. The hottest month is July, reaching around 33°C. Guilin has four distinct seasons, including a mild winter, a rainy spring, a hot summer, and a pleasant autumn.

• Spring is mild, fresh, and increasingly rainy.
• Summer is hot, humid, and the wettest season.
• Autumn is cool, pleasant, and one of the best times to travel.
• Winter is cool and relatively dry, with fewer tourists.

When is The Best Months to Visit Guilin: Apr, May, Sept & Oct

Fishermen with their cormorant birds and lanterns

The best time to visit Guilin is April, May, September, and October. These months are especially good for visiting Yangshuo, taking a Li River cruise, and exploring the Longji Rice Terraces.

Temperatures range from 15 to 28 °C, the air is comfortable, and the scenery peaks twice - once in spring and once in autumn.

• April and May bring pleasant temperatures, lush green landscapes, and the famous misty scenery along the Li River.
• September and October usually have cooler weather, lower humidity, less rain, and excellent visibility for sightseeing and photography.

If you prefer fewer tourists and lower travel costs, March, November, and winter from December to February can also be good alternatives.

April, May - Classic Guilin Landscapes Look Their Best

Longji Rice Terrace - Like Mirrors

April and May bring Guilin's famous spring drizzles. The rain raises the Li River to ideal cruising levels and wraps the karst peaks in soft mist, creating the legendary "Li River in Rain" scenery that has inspired Chinese painters for centuries.

By late April and into May, the Longji Rice Terraces begin to fill with water. The flooded paddies act like thousands of mirrors stacked up the mountainside, reflecting sky and clouds - one of the most iconic images of Guilin.

September, October - Ideal Guilin Sightseeing

Longji Rice Terrace - Rice Harvest

September and October offer a completely different reward. The rainy season has ended, skies turn clear and blue, and humidity drops noticeably.

The Li River runs transparent and calm - perfect conditions for cruising downstream to the 20 Yuan banknote viewpoint near Xingping Town. Meanwhile, the Longji Terraces transform into cascading waves of gold as the rice ripens.

Cycling through the harvest-season countryside of Yangshuo, with golden paddies stretching to the karst horizon, is an experience many travelers describe as the highlight of their entire China trip.

June to August - The Best Time for Summer Adventures in Guilin

Longhuxia Canyon

Summer is Guilin's hottest and wettest season, with daytime highs regularly exceeding 30 °C and sudden downpours almost every afternoon. It is also, paradoxically, one of the most fun times to visit - if you embrace the water.

The Li River and Yulong River reach their highest levels, making bamboo rafting thrilling and river cruises dramatically scenic. Newer activities like stream-tracing and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) in Longhuxia Gorge have become hugely popular summer draws.

When you need a break from the heat, Guilin's caves - Reed Flute Cave, Crown Cave, and Silver Cave - maintain a cool, constant temperature underground and add a sense of adventure to any itinerary.

March & November - Shoulder Season with Fewer Crowds

Cycling through Yangshuo Countryside

In March, temperatures in Guilin start to warm up, and the rainy season has begun. Cruising along the Li River offers an experience of the "Li River in Rain" landscape, with misty rain and blossoming flowers along the banks, as farmers begin their spring plowing.

From late October to late November is the season for maple leaves and ginkgo trees. The maple trees along Seven Star Road and Gudong Waterfall turn fiery red, intoxicating the world.

The golden ginkgo leaves in the city center and Haiyang Town are also magnificent, attracting countless visitors and photography enthusiasts.

3 Days Guilin Yangshuo Tour with Li River Cruise & Yulong River

Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin

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Guilin Four Seasons: Spring & Autumn are Best Seasons to Go to Guilin

Compared to tropical Southeast Asian destinations, Guilin has a distinct four-season cycle, which means the scenery changes dramatically throughout the year and gives travelers a reason to visit in any season.

Spring in Guilin: One of the Best Seasons for Misty Li River Views

Idyllic Landscape in Yangshuo

Spring, from March to May, is one of the best seasons to visit Guilin. Temperatures are generally comfortable, the mountains turn green, and the famous misty scenery begins to appear along the river and countryside.

This season is especially attractive for travelers who want Guilin's most poetic landscapes. The soft rain and light fog can make the Li River look especially atmospheric, while the countryside around Yangshuo feels fresh and lively.

Spring is also a strong season for:

• Li River cruises
• Yangshuo countryside trips
• hiking and cycling
• early visits to Longji Rice Terraces

Summer in Guilin: Hot, Wet, and Still Worth It for the Right Traveler?

Cave Exploration in Yangshuo

Summer in Guilin runs from June to August. It is the hottest and wettest season of the year, with temperatures often above 30°C, plus high humidity and frequent rain.

This is not the best season for every traveler, but it can still be worthwhile if you enjoy lush landscapes, water activities, and family travel. The scenery is deeply green, and some travelers appreciate the lively summer atmosphere.

Is Guilin too hot in July and August? For some travelers, yes. July and August are the least comfortable months for long outdoor sightseeing, especially in the afternoon.

However, if you pace yourself well and include caves, rafting, indoor breaks, and shaded areas, summer travel can still work.

5 Days Guilin Yangshuo Summer Tour: Water Fun, Karst Scenery, Outdoor Adventure

Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin

Summer Vacation 5 Days 3 Places View Detail

Autumn in Guilin: The Most Comfortable Time to Visit?

Enchanting Yulong River

Autumn in Guilin spans September through November. Temperatures cool down to a comfortable range of 15 to 27 °C. Skies are bright and sunny, with low humidity and infrequent rainfall. The countryside of Guilin glows in warm hues during fall.

The Longji rice terraces blanket the mountains in red and yellow, presenting a visual feast. The clear waters of the Li River also take on a mirror-like tranquility.

Crisp mornings and mild days make autumn ideal for outdoor activities. Hiking amidst the golden foliage and cycling by the rivers are popular options.

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Chengdu - Mount Siguniang - Chengdu

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Winter in Guilin: Fewer Crowds, Lower Prices, and Peaceful Scenery

Cycling through Yangshuo Countryside

Winter in Guilin is the coldest and driest season, with average temperatures between 5 and 15 °C. December and January are the coolest months;

February begins a slow warming trend. Rainfall is low (48-84 mm per month), though overcast skies are common and occasional light rain or rare snow can occur.

Despite the cooler weather, winter days in Guilin are often sunny and refreshing, and the lack of haze or mist gives the karst mountains a stark, dramatic profile.

The hot springs in Longsheng are a popular winter activity, and indoor attractions like Reed Flute Cave are comfortable year-round. Dress in warm layers: an insulated jacket, scarf, gloves, and a hat will keep you comfortable on most days.

Best Times for Guilin Activities: Where to Go When

Bamboo raft on Yulong River

Bamboo Rafting: The best time for bamboo rafting is May to August, as the higher water levels allow for an exciting ride over the rapids. For a more leisurely drifting experience, the water levels in autumn from September to November are also suitable. Winter's low water levels make rafting not feasible.

Hiking: The best time for hiking in Guilin is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)strong>. During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures around 20°C.

There is minimal rainfall, making it ideal for various trekking routes. During these times, you can fully enjoy popular hiking routes such as Li River trek, Yulong River trek, and Longji Terraced Fields hike.

Along the way, you can admire the beautiful landscapes of Guilin and the charming countryside, immersing yourself in the relaxation and rejuvenation that hiking brings.

Biking: The best time for biking in Guilin is also spring and autumn. Whether leisurely cycling through the countryside of Yangshuo or riding along the bike paths along the Li River, spring and autumn provide ideal weather conditions for biking experiences in Guilin.

Best Time to Visit Guilin for Festivals and Local Culture

Traditional fisherman using cormorant birds to catch fish

Apart from the traditional festivals, Guilin has a plethora of festivals that await your exploration, offering a profound insight into the local ethnic customs and cultural heritage.

If you are a passionate lover of culture, make sure not to miss the chance to indulge in the vibrant festivities of Guilin during your visit.

• Longsheng Rice Planting Festival (April) - The local Yi people celebrate the rice planting season with rituals for a good harvest.
• Longji Terraced Fields Festival (April) - Held by the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups, this festival features traditional singing and dancing.
• Dragon Boat Festival (May/June) - Watch exhilarating dragon boat races on the Li River in early summer.
• Guilin Fishing Lights Festival (June) - Fishermen light up their boats on the Li River around the summer solstice.
• Yao Ethnic Minority Torch Festival (June) - The Yao people parade at night with torches through rice paddy fields.
• Rongjiang Drying Clothes Festival (June) - A traditional festival where Yao women hang their handmade clothing near the river to dry.
• Chinese New Year (January/February) - Enjoy colorful decorations and dragon dances throughout Guilin during this major Chinese festival.

In general, the best time to visit Guilin is April, May, September and October. However, as a captivating and popular tourist destination in China, Guilin has something to offer throughout the year.

Whether you desire to experience the misty charm of the Jiangnan region, the vibrant summer, the bountiful autumn harvest, the enchanting winter scenery, or the diverse cultural celebrations, Guilin has it all!

Peak Season vs Off Season in Guilin: When to Save Money and Avoid Crowds

Visit Elephant Trunk Hill in Group

Guilin's broader peak season usually falls between April and October, especially during:

• May Day holiday
• summer school holidays
• National Day holiday in early October

The off season is usually December to February, excluding major holiday spikes such as Chinese New Year. This is the best period for lower prices and quieter sightseeing.

For budget travel, choose December to February, and in some cases March or November. These periods often bring lower room rates and less pressure on transport and attraction bookings.

Guilin Weather by Month - Monthly Temperature, Rainfall & Packing Tips

The table below summarizes Guilin's weather data for every month of the year, based on historical climate averages. Use it as a quick reference, then read the detailed month-by-month sections that follow for specific travel advice.

2 Days Longji Rice Terraces Hiking with Zhuang & Yao Minority Culture Tour

Guilin - Longji Rice Terrace - Ping’an Village - Dazhai Village - Guilin

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