Guilin Weather in April: Ink-Painting-Like Scenery
Early April in Guilin falls in late spring, while by late April the weather already feels like early summer. Temperatures rise noticeably during this period. Although the actual temperature does not often exceed 30°C (86°F), the high humidity can make it feel warmer. Rainfall also increases significantly, and visitors can expect many rainy days. In fact, tourists may need to carry an umbrella on around 20 days in April when exploring Guilin..
Guilin Weather Conditions in April
In April, Guilin typically experiences around 20 rainy days, along with about 4 cloudy days and only 6 sunny days. Most of the sunny weather usually occurs toward the end of the month.
| Time Range | Average Highest and Lowest Temperature | Rainfall | Major Weather Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 10 Days | 14℃ (57°F)/26℃ (79°F) | 50 mm | Rainy and Cloudy |
| Middle 10 Days | 18℃ (64°F)/28℃ (83°F) | 40 mm | Cloudy or Sunny |
| Last 10 Days | 20℃ (68°F)/28℃ (83°F) |
40 mm |
Sunny |
Is April a Good Time to Visit Guilin
April is one of the best months to visit Guilin. The misty Li River and its branch, the Yulong River, look especially beautiful in the gentle spring rain, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting. Temperatures average around 20°C (68°F), providing a very comfortable climate for sightseeing. In addition, April is still outside the peak tourist season, so hotel prices are generally relatively affordable.
However, it is almost impossible to expect completely sunny weather throughout your trip in April. Visitors are advised to bring a hair dryer to help dry clothes or hair during the humid and rainy days.
Related Reading: Guilin Weather
What to Wear in Guilin in April
Wear a short-sleeve T-shirt or a lightweight long-sleeve T-shirt as the base layer. Add a thin shirt, light sweater, or lightweight sweatshirt as the middle layer—this is the most important piece and is useful in the early morning, evening, after rain, or when it gets windy on a boat.
For the outer layer, bring a lightweight windproof and waterproof jacket. Jeans or casual long pants are the safest choice for bottoms. Waterproof sneakers or light hiking shoes are recommended, and it’s also a good idea to carry an umbrella.
What to Do in Guilin in April
Guilin's natural scenery reaches its peak in April, and most sightseeing activities are best enjoyed outdoors.
Li River Cruise and Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
The Li River is a must-visit attraction for first-time travelers to Guilin. Most visitors choose to take a cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, enjoying some of the region’s most spectacular river and karst mountain scenery along the way. International tourists often prefer the four-star cruise boats, which offer a larger sightseeing terrace and a better buffet lunch compared with the three-star boats.
The cruise ends in Yangshuo, home to the Yulong River, the most famous branch of the Li River. Compared with the Li River, the Yulong River is narrower and its water flows more gently, making it ideal for bamboo rafting. Drifting along the river on a bamboo raft allows visitors to admire the peaceful countryside and beautiful karst landscape at a slower pace.
City Walk: Shan Lake to Elephant Trunk Hill
Shan Lake is part of the famous Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area in Guilin. Many visitors choose to stay in hotels near the lake so they can spend more time enjoying the beautiful city scenery. A popular city walk starts from Shan Lake and ends at Elephant Trunk Hill, with a distance of only about 600 meters. The route is short and easy, so most travelers can complete it without difficulty.
Shan Lake itself is free to visit, but an entrance ticket is required if you want to enter the Sun and Moon Twin Towers, which stand in the middle of the lake. The two towers are connected by an underwater passage. Inside, they function as a small museum displaying elements of Buddhist and Confucian culture.
Elephant Trunk Hill, one of Guilin’s most famous landmarks, resembles a giant elephant drinking water from the Li River. Visitors can easily admire the hill from outside the scenic area, but an entrance ticket is required if you wish to explore the park and surrounding attractions more closely.
In the evening, visitors can also take a night cruise on Shan Lake and other parts of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area. With colorful lights illuminating the bridges, towers, and waterfront scenery, the cruise offers a charming view of Guilin at night.
Longji Terraced Rice Fields
In April, the terraces are filled with water for the upcoming rice planting season, making them look like hundreds of mirrors reflecting the sky and surrounding mountains. This creates one of the most photogenic periods of the year in the Longji Terraced Rice Fields.
It is highly recommended to stay overnight in a village on the terraces so you can admire the peaceful morning scenery, when mist often drifts over the mountains and traditional wooden houses of the local ethnic villages.
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