Weather

One can draw a line horizontally through China to make a north/south split. The Northern half experiences hot, dry summers (over 40C) and fiercely cold winters (minus 20C in parts) whereas the Southern half has suffocating, humid summers (Chongqing, Wuhan, Changsha, Nanning are humid) but rather more pleasant winters compared to the Northern climate.

However, the South also lacks indoor heating and pricy air conditioners need to be used. Autumn is often considered the nicest season of all, followed by spring (although spring does bring some coastal typhoon and inland flooding on occasion). There is more in our living in China section about heating.

Pollution is an issue in big cities but in all fairness, this has reduced in recent years. This is a remarkable turnaround and we give a huge hats off to China. However, smog days do still persist and facemasks may be worn if you need.

Refer to the internet or a bulkier guidebook for area specific weather patterns as this short, general guide cannot possibly cover the massive area of China’s variable and sometimes extreme weather systems. 

Also, be sure to bring sun-cream and insect spray in summer, and you may consider thermals (warm undergarments) for winter, if travelling around.