China in July: Weather, Hiking and More
July is the middle of summer in China and can be unpleasantly hot and humid. But it’s part of the high tourist season, and the streets of major cities are brimming with activities. You can beat the heat in China in July by traveling to cooler mountainous areas like Zhangjiajie and exploring the sprawling grasslands of Inner Mongolia. This is also a good time to stroll around the old towns of Dali and Shangri-La in Yunnan Province, which is tolerably hot in July. Read on to find out more about a trip to China this month.
- Marcal
China Weather in July
July is the hottest month in China and it also rains a lot in some parts. The humidity is particularly high in the east and south, where the monsoon season is in full swing. The heat and humidity can make the weather in China in July oppressive in Beijing. Hong Kong and Macau may be on alert for typhoons. The temperatures in Beijing in July range from an average high of 31°C (88°F) to an average low of 22°C (72°F). In July, the average high and low temperatures in Lhasa are 23°C (73°F) and 10°C (50°F), respectively. The average high temperature in Xi’an is 32°C (90°F), while the average low temperature is 22°C (72°F).
Weather in China in July - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Avg Daily (°C/°F) | Avg Nightly (°C/°F) | Avg Rainfall (mm) | |
| West China (Ürümqi) | 30/86 | 18/65 | 30 |
| North China (Beijing) | 31/88 | 22/72 | 185 |
| East China (Shanghai) | 32/90 | 26/79 | 146 |
| South China (Shenzhen) | 32/90 | 26/79 | 320 |
Why Visit China in July
Tourists flock to China this month despite the heat. Here’s why touring China in July makes so much sense.
- Tibetan festivals: Experience the Thangka festival at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet, a Buddhist celebration that involves unveiling and displaying pictures of different forms of Buddha.
- Outdoor beckons: Whether it’s going on an epic cruise on the Yangtze River or enjoying a paddleboat ride in Beijing’s Chaoyang Park, this is the best time to explore the great outdoors.
- Cool indoors: China’s economic miracle has given rise to hundreds of new impressive buildings, shopping malls, entertainment avenues and cultural centers. What better way to cool off than retail therapy or a fun-filled afternoon in venues like Shanghai IFC and Beijing’s Central Business District.
- Hiking season: Hiking and trekking are popular activities in July. Top places to visit in China in July for hiking include the Longji Rice Terraces and Shunan Zhuhai National Park.
Where to go and what to do
Tour Tibet, which has moderate weather in July. See the 7th-century Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of Tibet’s most important religious sites, Jokhang houses over 3,000 images of Buddha and other religious figures. Walk along the delightfully buzzy Barkhor Street, which overflows with souvenir shops selling everything from stone jewelry and wooden masks to Tibetan knives and yak wool blankets. To better understand Tibetan Buddhism, head to the Sera Monastery, not far from Lhasa. Here, monks are trained in the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism, and you can catch older monks teaching young recruits.
Guizhou province in southwest China is an excellent summer destination not just for its scenic mountains and rivers but also for experiencing the culture of ethnic minority groups. See the famous craft of Gejia batik in the village of Matang Gejia and admire the traditional bridges and drum towers in Zhaoxing Dong village. Visit the Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of Asia's largest waterfalls. Climb the Shiping Mountain to the top, where you can explore the Miaojiang Great Wall and the Four Officials Temple, which offers lovely views of the forest.
July is a good month to explore the relatively unknown and less-visited grasslands of Inner Mongolia. These vast spaces are ideal for trekking and horse riding. While in Inner Mongolia, you can also witness traditional Mongolian folk performances, stay in a yurt (a traditional circular tent) with a local family of herders, and take a spectacular camel ride through the vast Gobi Desert.
Need Help Planning a Trip to China in July?
Visiting China in July is full of delights, such as meeting cute pandas, exploring vast, untamed spaces, going on river cruises and mountain hikes, and experiencing the fascinating culture and traditions of Chinese minority groups. July is a busy tourist month, so plan well in advance to get the best hotel deals. Our local travel experts will help you plan a tailored trip to China in July, keeping your interests in mind.
