China in February: Urban Adventures and Cold Weather
February is the last month of winter in China. Though temperatures remain freezing in large parts of the country, the bitter cold starts losing its edge in the southwest. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the splendid ice festival in Harbin, catch some sun in Macau, hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan province, and go skiing in Heilongjiang province. Continue reading to find more about the weather, things to do, places to visit during your trip in China in February.
- Marcal
China Weather in February
February is a cold, dry month in China, with the possibility of snowfall in Beijing. For warmer weather in China in February, you’ll have to go to the far south. Central China may see some rainfall, too. As the month progresses, the skies get clearer in the north. Hong Kong and Macau have pleasant weather in February, while Hainan Island is known for its year-round sun. The average high temperature in Beijing in February is 5°C (41°F), while the average low temperature is -6°C (21°F). The average temperatures in February in Harbin range from a high of -7°C (19°F) to a low of -20°C (-4°F). The average high and low temperatures in Chengdu are 13°C (55°F) and 5°C (41°F), respectively.
Weather in China in February - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Avg Daily (°C) | Avg Nightly (°C) | Avg Daily (°F) | Avg Nightly (°F) | Avg Rainfall (mm) | |
| West China (Ürümqi) | -5 | -14 | 23 | 7 | 10 |
| North China (Beijing) | 5 | -6 | 41 | 21 | 5 |
| East China (Shanghai) | 10 | 4 | 50 | 39 | 59 |
| South China (Shenzhen) | 20 | 14 | 68 | 57 | 48 |
Why Visit China in February
Despite the cold weather, there are some excellent reasons to take a trip to China in February. Here are the top ones on our list.
- Festive occasions: The biggest winter festival in China is the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), which lasts two weeks and falls in January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. Another major festival in February is the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, which features an ice sculpture competition, along with sledding and skating. The Lantern Festival, which falls on the last night of the lunar year, includes parades and fireworks.
- Low crowds: February is part of the low tourist season, so you won’t have much competition while queuing up to see museums and monuments. Hotel rooms are also cheaper in February than they are during peak season in Beijing.
- Skiing season: Take advantage of the snow and go skiing in top resorts in Heilongjiang, Chengdu, and Beidahu Ski area in Jilin Province.
- Beach party: It’s not quite the Caribbean, but China’s islands are making a splash on the international tourism circuit. The February weather in the far south is perfect for exploring Sanya’s Houhai Beach and Yalong Bay Beach on Hainan Island.
Where to go and what to do
It may be cold in China in February, but you can still do a quick tour of Beijing and its most famous sights like the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City. February is also a good time for museum hopping in the Chinese capital. Top picks include the National Museum of China, which has an impressive collection of artifacts from the ancient era to modern times; the China Science and Technology Museum, with its five themed exhibition rooms, including ‘Exploration and Discovery’; and the National Art Museum of China which has everything from Chinese paintings and sculptures to porcelain and calligraphy.
You can also add Shenzhen to your February bucket list. For stunning views of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong border, go to Meridian View Centre on the 69th floor of Diwang Mansion, one of Shenzhen’s tallest skyscrapers. Explore OCT Loft, a creative hub full of art galleries, cute coffee shops, and live music. For a break from the sights and sounds of the big city, take a detour to the Nanshan mountains, which offer lovely views of the ocean and charming trekking routes. Thrill-seekers and beginners alike revel in its powdery snow and scenic beauty.
During your tour to Shanghai, you can visit the famous Yu Garden in February and stroll along its pavilions, corridors, bridges and waterways without too many tourists. Also, check out the Jade Buddha Temple, where tourists can burn incense and seek blessings from the Buddha. You can’t miss the eclectic collection at Shanghai Museum that includes old Chinese porcelains, bronzeware, Buddha statues and imperial seals.
Need Help Planning a Trip to China in February?
Visiting China in February is easy on the wallet and allows you to discover this gigantic country at your own pace. Chinese holidays in February will delight you in unexpected ways — from stunning ice art and fun ski resorts to lazy beach days and fantastic museums. Contact our local travel experts to plan a customized trip to China based on your requirements.
