Month Guide
China Weather in November 2026: Temp, Rain & Best Regions
Planning a China trip in November? Get 3–12°C weather, 4 rainy days, best regions to visit & insider tips to avoid crowds.
The Short Answer
In November, China’s temperatures average 3°C to 12°C, with about 4 rainy days and a crowd level of 2/5. It’s best for wandering ancient cities, autumn foliage and trekking with minimal crowds.
Temperature
3°C - 12°C
Rain Days
4
Crowd Level
2/5
Best for
wandering ancient cities, autumn foliage and trekking with minimal crowds
Where to Go in November
- Beijing
- Xi'an
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Yunnan
- Guilin
Beijing & North China
Best: April-May & September-October
Xi'an & Central China
Best: March-May & September-October
Shanghai & East China
Best: March-May & September-November
Hong Kong & Macau
Best: October-December
Yunnan (Kunming, Dali, Lijiang)
Best: March-May & October-November
Guilin & South China
Best: April-May & September-November
November Weather by Region
| Region | Avg Temperature | Rainy Days | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern China (Beijing, Xi'an) | 0 to 10°C | 2–3 days | Crisp, cool and clear — peak ginkgo season and the Great Wall in autumn colors; first cold snaps late month. |
| Eastern China (Shanghai, Hangzhou) | 8 to 17°C | 4–5 days | Cooling and a little damp; golden plane-tree avenues and comfortable city walks. |
| Southern China (Guangzhou, Guilin) | 14 to 24°C | 4–5 days | Mild and pleasant — one of the best months; little rain and plenty of sun. |
| Southwestern China (Yunnan, Sichuan) | 8 to 20°C | 4–6 days | Yunnan is sunny and mild (Kunming 10–20°C) — the top winter escape; Sichuan cools quickly. |
| Northwestern China (Xinjiang, Dunhuang) | -5 to 9°C | 1–2 days | Cold, dry and sunny; very few tourists as winter sets in. |
| Northeastern China (Harbin, Changchun) | -10 to 3°C | 2–3 days | Early winter; first snowfall around mid-November and Yabuli ski resort opens ~Nov 20–25. Harbin is calm before the Ice Festival. |
| Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (Lhasa, Everest) | 0 to 12°C (day) | 1–2 days | Sunny, dry and clear with cold nights; off-season airfare discounts. |
| Inner Mongolia (Hulunbuir) | -12 to 0°C | 1–2 days | Freezing; early-winter grasslands and the start of snow-nomad culture. |
| Southern Coast (Sanya, Xiamen) | 22 to 29°C | 3–4 days | Still warm and tropical — beach weather and the antidote to the cold north. |
Plan Your Trip: Compare & Decide
Interactive tools to compare November against other months, scan regional weather at a glance, and check flight & hotel costs before you book.
Interactive China Map
Hover or tap a region to see the best time to visit.
Round-Trip Flights: US to Beijing (avg. USD)
Source: Aggregated Google Flights data, US departure cities.
4-Star Hotels: Price Index by Season (% of peak)
Off-Peak: Hotels run 40-50% off rack rates. Highly negotiable. *Excludes Chinese New Year.
Shoulder: Good availability, standard rates. Book 2-4 weeks ahead.
Peak: Full price, high demand. Book 1-2 months ahead for popular cities.
Compare Side by Side
Pick two to compare and we’ll help you decide.
November
October
Quick Take
November: Cold but dry. The Great Wall with zero crowds. Flights under $800. If you can handle a coat, this is the hidden gem.
October: The best weather of the year, ruined by Golden Week (Oct 1-7). Come after the 8th for the single best travel window in China.
Top Places to Visit in November
Beijing
0 to 10°C
Far fewer tourists, golden ginkgo avenues (Zhongshan Park, the Forbidden City) and the Great Wall woven through autumn colors.
Yunnan (Lijiang, Dali, Kunming)
8 to 20°C
Mild, sunny and crowd-free — the best all-round weather in China; perfect for old towns and highland lakes.
Guilin
14 to 23°C
Mild with a clear Li River and karst peaks in soft autumn haze; comfortable boat trips and bike rides.
Shanghai
8 to 17°C
Quiet streets, golden plane trees in the French Concession and pleasant Bund walks before winter.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)
4 to 14°C
November is one of the best months for the sea of clouds; crisp air and far fewer hikers on the granite peaks.
Hong Kong
16 to 23°C
Mild, sunny hiking weather and autumn city festivals without the summer humidity.
Tengchong (Yunnan)
8 to 20°C
Ginkgo Village peaks ~Nov 20–Dec 5 — tens of thousands of golden trees, plus Heshun ancient town and hot springs.
Xi'an
0 to 10°C
Cool and calm for cycling the city wall and seeing the Terracotta Army in good light, with almost no queues.
Sanya (Hainan)
22 to 29°C
Warmest city in China — beaches and resorts for those escaping the northern cold.
Zhangjiajie
8 to 17°C
Misty sandstone pillars and autumn colors with thin crowds; the Avatar mountains look dramatic in the haze.
How to Beat the Crowds & Heat in November
- •November is low season — the quietest month after National Day (crowd level 2/5). Expect cheaper flights and hotels and near-empty landmarks; book 2–4 weeks out for the best rates.
- •Pack for two climates: the north is already winter-cold (Beijing 0–10°C, Harbin below freezing) while the south stays mild (Sanya 22–29°C). Bring a warm coat for the north, light layers for the south.
- •Chase the foliage: Beijing's ginkgo (early–mid Nov), Wuyuan/Huangling's sun-dried harvest and red maples, and Tengchong's ginkgo village (peak ~Nov 20–Dec 5) are at their best — time trips to catch them.
- •Late November is winter's edge: some mountain cableways and northern lakes begin closing, and Harbin's Yabuli ski resort opens ~Nov 20–25 — but the Ice and Snow World hasn't started yet (opens ~Dec 20).
- •No major holidays fall in November, so it's the most peaceful month for sightseeing. Pair it with early December if you also want Harbin's Ice Festival.
Is November Worth Visiting?
November is one of the smartest months to visit China. The October crowds are gone (crowd level just 2/5), prices drop, and the weather splits beautifully: crisp, clear, golden-autumn days in the north (perfect for the Great Wall and Beijing's ginkgo) and warm, sunny, near-rainless days in the south (Yunnan, Guilin, Hong Kong, Sanya). The only catch is the cold creeping into the north and northeast — pack real winter layers if you head that way. If you want value, solitude and still-great scenery over peak-season buzz, November beats October for a lot of travelers.
Highlights
- Lowest crowds after Golden Week
- Crisp, clear days in Beijing
- Best value flights & hotels
Watch Out For
- Cold at night, especially in the north & northeast
- Some mountain cableways and northern lakes start closing late month
What to Pack
A warm coat, sweater, scarf and gloves for the cold north (Beijing 0–10°C, Harbin already below freezing), but only light layers and a light jacket for the mild south (Yunnan, Guilin, Sanya). Pack in layers — day-to-night swings of 10–15°C are common.
North & Northeast China (Beijing, Xi'an, Harbin)
- ✓Warm coat (down or heavy wool)
- ✓Sweater + thermal base layer for cold mornings and evenings
- ✓Scarf, gloves and a beanie
- ✓Insulated or water-resistant boots
- ✓Long pants — leave the shorts at home
Eastern China (Shanghai, Hangzhou)
- ✓Warm coat or trench
- ✓Sweater + long-sleeve layers
- ✓Light scarf
- ✓Closed, comfortable shoes
South China (Yunnan, Guangzhou, Guilin)
- ✓Light layers and t-shirts for warm afternoons
- ✓A light jacket or hoodie for cool mornings and evenings
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes
- ✓Sunscreen — the southern sun is still strong
Hainan (Sanya)
- ✓Summer clothes — shorts and t-shirts
- ✓Swimwear for the beach
- ✓A light layer for breezy evenings
- ✓Sandals / flip-flops
Plateau (Tibet / Lhasa)
- ✓Warm jacket for cold, sunny days
- ✓Sunglasses + high-SPF sunscreen (intense UV)
- ✓Lip balm and moisturiser
- ✓A hat for both sun and chill
November Budget Guide
Budget Travel
$45/day
Mid-Range
$140/day
- Low season: cheapest flights and hotels of year
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for best deals
- Southern destinations excellent value
- Flights from US $650-850 round-trip
Getting There & Around
Flights
Book 2-4 weeks ahead; excellent deals everywhere
Trains
High-speed rail available year-round; book 1-2 weeks ahead
Local Transport
Beijing subway; Yunnan buses; Guilin river boats
Where to Stay
Price Range:
$25 – $150/night
Best Areas to Stay
- Low season: prices 40-50% off peak
- Negotiate rates at smaller hotels
- Southern cities: warm and affordable
What to Eat in November
Beijing hotpot for warmth
Yunnan wild mushroom dishes
Guilin rice noodles
Xi'an lamb skewers
Festivals & Events in November
Photography Tips for November
- 📷Beijing: golden ginkgo at Forbidden City
- 📷Great Wall: clear autumn skies
- 📷Yunnan: sunny days for old town photos
Is November Good For You?
Family Travel
- • Southern China comfortable for families
- • North cold for young children
- • Low crowds easy for family travel
Solo Travel
- • Perfect for solo travel
- • Lowest crowds of year
- • Excellent value everywhere
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time to visit China?
Yes. It is low season — few crowds, lower prices and good weather: clear and cool in the north, warm and sunny in the south. Pack for cold in the north and you get a calmer, cheaper trip than October.
How cold is China in November?
It varies a lot by latitude: Harbin -10 to 3°C, Beijing 0–10°C, Shanghai 8–17°C, Guangzhou 14–24°C and Sanya 22–29°C. Always check your specific destinations.
What should I pack for China in November?
A warm coat, sweater, scarf and gloves for the north; light layers and a light jacket for the south. Day-to-night swings of 10–15°C are common, so dress in layers.
Is November crowded in China?
No — it is the quietest month (2/5) after National Day, with no major holidays in November. Landmarks are calm and queues are short.
Where is the best place to visit in China in November?
The south and highlands shine: Yunnan, Guilin, Hong Kong and Sanya for warmth; Beijing, Xi'an and Huangshan for crisp, clear autumn sightseeing with few crowds.