China Weather in July

Written by Fabio Updated Nov. 20, 2024

China enters the height of summer in July. In many parts of southern China, temperatures rise to 30°C or higher, and rainfall increases significantly. When typhoons approach coastal areas, travel conditions can become unsafe. If you’re planning a trip to China in July, feel free to consult us — we'll be happy to help you plan a safe and comfortable journey.

Should You Go to China In July

Yes, China is vast, and while many southern regions are hot in July, there are also wonderfully cool destinations worth escaping to. Qinghai Lake is one of the best — temperatures hover around 20°C, offering refreshing summer weather. July is also when the rape flowers along the lakeshore reach their peak, turning the entire area into a golden sea contrasting beautifully with the deep-blue water.

Another excellent choice is Jiuzhaigou Valley. Thanks to its high altitude, the climate remains pleasantly cool even in midsummer. In July, the valley is at its most vibrant: lush vegetation, crystal-clear lakes, and powerful waterfalls come to life with the abundant rainfall, creating some of the most spectacular scenery of the year.

China Weather in July in the Northwest Regions

In July, northwest China enjoys mostly sunny, dry weather with noticeable day-night temperature differences. The climate in many regions, such as Qinghai, Gansu, and Shaanxi is pleasantly cool, making it an excellent month for travel. Only parts of the Gobi Desert in Xinjiang experience higher temperatures, and a few areas may see brief, scattered showers.

Qinghai Lake, one of China’s most popular summer destinations, offers cool and comfortable daytime temperatures, while nights can drop to around 10°C, so packing a light jacket is essential.

In Zhangye and Zagana in Gannan, Gansu Province, the weather is pleasantly warm at noon but turns cool in the early morning and evening, creating ideal conditions for exploring the region’s diverse landscapes — from the vibrant Danxia landforms in Zhangye to the tranquil Tibetan villages of Zagana.

Province or Autonomous Region City/Scenic Area Average Highest and Lowest Temperature
Rainfall
mm
Air Quality
Qinghai Qinghai Lake 18/8 80 Excellent
Gnasu Jiayuguan 30/15 38 Excellent
Gansu Zhangye 29/10 35 Excellent
Shaanxi Xi'an 33/22 39 Good
Xinjiang Kashgar 36/19 15 Good
Turpan 37/25 40 Good

What to Wear in the Northwest Part of China in July

For traveling in northwest China in July, lightweight and breathable short-sleeved shirts are ideal for daytime activities. Pair them with a light jacket or hardshell jacket to handle the cooler mornings and evenings.

Long pants and comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for exploring varied terrain. Also, be sure to practice proper sun protection — strong UV rays are common in high-altitude and desert areas.

China Weather in July in North Regions

The core climate of North China in July is defined by high temperatures, high humidity, and a concentrated rainy season, often accompanied by strong convective weather such as thunderstorms and sudden downpours. Visitors need to prepare for both heatstroke prevention and rain protection, while flexibly adjusting their itinerary to adapt to rapidly changing weather conditions.

Province or Municipality City/Scenic Area Average Highest and Lowest Temperature
Rainfall
mm
Air Quality
Beijing / 36/24 60 Excellent
Hebei Chengde 33/10 55 Excellent
Shanxi Yungang Grottoes 29/18 47 Excellent

What to Wear in North Part of China in July

Wear lightweight, breathable short-sleeve tops with shorts or thin long pants, paired with a sun-protective jacket. Comfortable, breathable sneakers or sandals will work well.

China Weather in July in the East Regions

In eastern China, July weather typically features occasional extreme heat at the beginning of the month, alternating periods of rain and high temperatures throughout the month, and generally high humidity.

The region may also be affected by the outer bands of typhoons. From a travel perspective, it’s important to focus on heat and rain protection and to stay flexible with your itinerary.

Province or Municipality City/Scenic Area Average Highest and Lowest Temperature
Rainfall
mm
Air Quality
Shanghai / 34/26 162 Excellent
Zhejiang Hangzhou 35/26 135 Excellent
Anhui Yellow Mountain 26/18 200 Excellent
Jiangsu Suzhou 33/25 128 Excellent

What to Wear in the Eastern Part of China in July

Wear lightweight, breathable summer clothing made from moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics, and pair them with sun-protection and rain-protection items to handle the heat, humidity, and changeable weather.

China Weather in July in the Southwest Regions

Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan — the three major provinces in Southwest China — experience notable weather differences in July. Yunnan often sees frequent rainfall and strong convective weather. Guizhou is generally warm with evenly distributed rainfall throughout the month. Sichuan features intense heat waves in the Sichuan Basin, while the western Sichuan Plateau may face flood risks due to heavy rain.

Province, Autonomous Region, or Municipality City/Scenic Area Average Highest and Lowest Temperature
Rainfall
mm
Air Quality
Chongqing / 33/24 159 Excellent
Guizhou Guiyang 28/20 165 Excellent
Yunnan Shangri-La 21/9 60 Excellent
Xishungbanna 30/23 222 Excellent
Sichuan Jiuzhaigou 28/16 124 Excellent
Chengdu 33/20 140

What to Wear in the Southwest Part of China

Layer your outfits according to the regional climate, following a basic combination of “short-sleeve + light jacket/shell jacket + long pants.” In high-altitude or rainy areas, add extra warmth and rain-protection layers as needed.

Where to go in China in July

China becomes quite hot in July, so cooler destinations are the best choices for travel. Popular options include the Silk Road, Jiuzhaigou Valley, and Shangri-La in Yunnan Province. All three offer refreshing climates and stunning scenery, making them ideal places to visit in midsummer.

Silk Road

The Silk Road is a perfect blend of history and natural beauty in July. The ancient relics of Xi’an and Jiayuguan never take a summer break — they stand ready to share their mysterious stories with every visitor. Meanwhile, Qinghai Lake is fully adorned with colorful flowers and lively wildlife, creating a scene so vivid and serene that travelers feel as if they have stepped into a painting. Find surprise in our Slik Road tour packages.

Qinghai Lake in July
Qinghai Lake in July

Jiuzhaigou Valley

July marks the high-water season in Jiuzhaigou, when the valley is at its most spectacular. The waterfalls surge with force, and the lakes (haizi) brim with brilliant colors. Nuorilang Waterfall thunders with a powerful, majestic flow. Under the sunlight, Five-Flower Lake shimmers with interwoven shades of blue and green; the submerged logs and water plants remain perfectly visible, and its dazzling hues look like a painter’s palette spilled by the gods. Check out the 3-day Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou tour package.

Nuorilang Waterfall
Nuorilang Waterfall in July

Shangri-La

In July, Shangri-La has an average temperature of only 19°C, making it an ideal summer getaway. This season offers not only stunning natural scenery — vast grasslands filled with blooming flowers against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains — but also vibrant folk events such as the Torch Festival, along with ecological art festivities and seasonal delicacies. Spend eight days discovering the authentic Yunnan and Shangri-la.

Shangri-La is cool in July
Shangri-La is cool in July

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