China weather is largely dominated by wet monsoons and dry seasons and is characterized by a vast variety of conditions found across this huge land. With the Yangtze River serving as the country’s dividing line between north and south, China weather is so varied that at no given time of the year, conditions are favorable across it, a fact also attributed to its varied landscape.
As a general rule though, China weather during winter is at its most pleasant and warm in the South and Southwest regions of the county, while in summer the far northeast enjoys the most favorable conditions. Winter weather in China is largely modified by northerly winds coming from high latitude areas bringing along cold and dry conditions.
North China weather
Winter in the northern part of China falls between December and March with conditions that remain predominantly extremely cold throughout the season. For example, in Beijing, the capital city of China, days are typically dry and with a conspicuous absence of sunlight, while night time temperatures can drop as low as a freezing -20C. China weather becomes even harsher the further north one ventures, with temperatures of -40C not an uncommon occurrence, the area’s snow covered sand dunes being particularly surprising to those not accustomed to the peculiarities of weather in China.
In sharp contrast, North China weather becomes sizzling hot with the arrival of summer. During this period temperatures can soar up to 38C, abundant amounts of rainfall being the other major characteristic of the season.
If you are planning on visiting North China, it’s strongly suggested you keep spring and autumn high in your list of choices. Both seasons are renewed for featuring the best North China weather has to offer; daytime temperatures usually hover between 20C and 30C, dropping considerably when night falls. Precipitation is 6370cm (25-28 inches) per year.
Central China weather
Hot and humid summers with temperatures reaching their peak between April and October are the main characteristics of Central China weather. Despite the pleasance of summer weather in Central China, winters in the area are infamous for their bitterly cold conditions that prevail throughout the season, and which are very similar in patterns to those associated with Beijing. Another major feature of Central China weather is the abundant amounts of rainfall it receives from most part of the year, summer being the only exception to the rule. Precipitation averages around 76 cm (30 inches) per year.
South China weather
South China weather is largely modified by the typhoon season that falls between July and September and which pushes temperatures to as high as 38C. Although winters (January to March) in the area steer clear from conditions that dominate the north part of China, warm clothes are still a necessity if you are visiting during this time of the year.
Like North China, South China weather is at its finest during the spring and autumn seasons, with daytime temperatures hovering between 20C and 25C. It does however tend to occasionally become cold and rather wet, with precipitation averaging 76 cm (30 inches) per year.
Northwest China weather
Weather in northwest China is characterized by its hot, sunny and rather dry summers as well as its bitterly cold winters. Sitting at a depression of 150m below sea level, Turphan experiences temperatures that soar to a sizzling 47C, and is quite rightly often described as the hottest place in China. During winter, China weather in its northwest part follows patterns similar to those usually found in northern China, although it has to be noted they are significantly more bearable. Because of the little rain the area receives -precipitation averages less than 10 cm (4 inches) per year – the air is very dry.
Tibet weather
Cool in summer, and bitterly cold in winter, Tibet weather is considered to be amongst the least favorable to humans. To give an example, although Lhasa undeniably experiences the mildest weather in the region, mercury in winter can drop as low as a freezing -16C!
Another unfortunate aspect of weather in Tibet is the strong sun radiation and the thin either that does not shield the area from the heat or retain heat, which in effect causes temperatures to reach extreme levels both during the day and the night. As a general rule, weather in Tibet is at its best between April to October, in sharp contrast to the months between December and February when it’s at its absolute coldest.
Winter descents upon North Tibet with the arrival of October bringing along subzero temperatures as well as heavy snow. July and August weather becomes significantly milder, with an abundant supply of sunshine and warm temperatures. Weather in South Tibet is at its finest between May and October. The rainy since in Tibet commences in June and finishes around September.
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