China Weather in May
May is ranked as the most comfortable season for most areas of China, with pleasant weather conditions and pleasing natural scenery. Thus, it’s the peak tourist season for visitors to enjoy the beautiful warm sunshine and please the eyes. May is not that cold as March nor that hot as July and August. Various flowers with bright colors are in full bloom this month and fruitful trees are blooming. During this month, a large number of people will choose to go on spring outing with their families, being close to the fresh and pure nature. The International Labor Day, May Day, lasting from May 1st to May 3rd, is the 3-day-statutory holiday for domestic tourism in China, during which, the scenic spots are crowded and the transportation is very inconvenient. Thus, tourists who want to travel to China in May had better avoid the May Day Holiday (May 1st to 3rd).
In North China, the temperature rebounds thoroughly, which is not that cold as that of April. For instance, the temperature of Beijing ranges from 13ºC(55ºF)to 26ºC (79ºF). In Central and South China, though the weather is very warm, it’s wet and humid with some rainfall. The Plum Rain Season comes to the south of the Yangtze River, lasting for a whole month, which is very humid. The temperature ranges from 16ºC (61ºF) to 28 ºC (82ºF) in Guilin and from 16ºC (60ºF) to 23ºC (74ºF) in Shanghai.
May Packing Suggestion
North: Short-sleeved shirts are enough for the warm daytime. Meanwhile, if you are afraid of cold, long-sleeved light coats are necessary for the evenings which are a little bit cool.
Central: It’s very warm during the daytime, but maybe a little bit cool in the evenings. Thus, tourists need to bring short-sleeved shirts for the daytime and long-sleeved light coats for the evenings.
South: In most areas of South China, it’s very hot with the temperature ranging from 16ºC (61 ºF) to 32 ºC (68 ºF). Thus, wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts is enough. Besides, due to the strong sunshine, tourists need to bring some suncream, umbrellas, and sunglasses.
Why visit China in May
1. The weather becomes warm and pleasant in most areas of China, with warm sunshine, which is neither cold nor hot.
2. The beautiful natural scenery and scenic spots in most areas of China are at their best, such as the beautiful beaches in Hainan, which pleases the eyes and gladden the hearts.
3. The peak summer holiday periods haven’t come yet.
Beware of Some Conditions during a May Visit
1. Though the weather is warm and comfortable in May in China, Central and South China usually suffer rainy seasons. The constant rain brings inconvenience to travelers.
2. The International Labor Day, May Day, lasting from May 1st to May 3rd, is the 3-day-statutory holiday for domestic tourism in China, during which, the scenic spots are crowded and the transportation is very inconvenient. Thus, tourists had better avoid the May Day Holiday (May 1st to 3rd).
Top May Destinations
Dalian
Dalian, the only city in China that is awarded one of the "World's 500 Cities with Best Environment ", is well known for its superior environment and beautiful beaches. In May, the weather is comfortable and the scenic spots are at their best in Dalian. There are a number of scenic spots that worth visiting, such as Charm of the Sea Square, Shengya Ocean World, Bingyugou Tourist Resort, Dalian National Coast Geopark, Golden Pebble Beach, Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park, Discovery Land, Xinghai Square, and Nine Islands of the Dragon King Islands. Strolling along the seaside and enjoying the pleasant sea breeze is a good experience in May.
Wuyuan
Wuyuan, located in the northeast of Jiangxi Province, is the famous cultural and ecological county in China, which has been celebrated as “the Most Beautiful Village in China”. Wuyuan features deep and graceful valleys, rippling streams, exotic peaks, pavilions, and beautiful rape flowers. Wuyuan is suitable for sightseeing all year round, with its four distinct seasons. However, the best time for visiting it is in April, when there is a sea of red azaleas, green tea, and golden rape flowers, which creates picturesque scenery. Besides, the traffic is convenient in Wuyuan, taking 1 hour to arrive at the airports.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Mt. Lu, Mt. Huang, Mt. Jiuhua, My. Wuyi, Poyang Lake, Qiandao Lake
Suggested Visiting Time: about 2 or 3 days
Mt. Wutai
Mt Wutai, located in the Xinzhou City of Shanxi Province, is one of the four Buddhist Mountains of China, boasting uniquely beautiful mountain landscapes, historical relics, ancient folk art, folk customs, and Buddhist culture. Besides, there is a unique cave called Fomu Cave there; it was said by the Buddhists that people who went in and out of the Fomu Cave can get reincarnation because Fomu Cave can wash away people’s iniquities, cleanse them from their sins, and bless people from all evils. Thus, a number of tourists will pass through the cave while visiting Mt. Wutai. In May, in the cool breeze, visiting Mt. Wutai is a good choice, enjoying the natural scenery and worshiping the Buddha.
Sanya
Sanya is celebrated as "the oriental Hawaii” and "the natural oxygen bar", becoming a famous tourist resort for its beautiful beaches, warm sunshine, and convenient weather condition. In May, numerous tourists travel to Sanya to enjoy the beautiful beach as well as the unique attractions, such as Monkey Island, Yalong Bay Tourism Zone, Western Island, and Tianyahaijiao Tourism Zone.