Visiting China in May

Visiting China in May is a perfect time to feel the magic of spring in every part of China. The weather is great for exploring, hiking, and visiting major tourist destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Chengdu. May also coincides with several cultural festivals, providing unique opportunities to experience traditional Chinese customs and celebrations. From the Great Wall to the vibrant cities and tranquil countryside, May allows visitors to enjoy China’s attractions without the peak-season crowds, making it a perfect time for an unforgettable journey.

If you wonder when is the best time to visit China, then you can read here.

Weather in China in May

Northern regions tend to be cooler at the start of the month, gradually warming up with occasional rain showers. Eastern and southern parts of China are typically warm and humid, with frequent rain and thunderstorms as the month progresses. Central areas experience warm to hot temperatures with high humidity and frequent rain showers.

Generally, the weather is mild to warm across the country, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

This month is a transition month in China, moving from spring to summer, which means increasing temperatures and more rainfall, especially in southern and eastern regions, and a reason why to Visit China in May.

Weather in Beijing in May

In May, Beijing typically experiences mild to warm weather. Here are the general weather conditions:

Average Temperatures: The average daily temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Sunny Days: May is generally sunny, with around 20-22 sunny days.

Rainy Days: There are usually about 5-7 rainy days during the month.

Humidity: The average humidity is around 50-60%, making it relatively comfortable.

Wind Speed: The average wind speed in May is about 14 km/h (8.7 mph).

Overall Weather Conditions: The weather is mostly pleasant, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Rainfall is relatively low, but occasional showers can occur.

Weather in Shanghai in May

Shanghai in May is warm and humid weather. Here are the general weather conditions:

Average Temperatures: The average daily temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Sunny Days: May has around 10-12 sunny days.

Rainy Days: There are typically about 10-12 rainy days during the month.

Humidity: The average humidity is quite high, around 70-80%, making it feel warm and muggy.

Wind Speed: The average wind speed in May is about 17 km/h (10.5 mph).

Overall Weather Conditions: May in Shanghai is characterized by warm and humid conditions with frequent rain showers and occasional thunderstorms. The weather is generally mild to warm, but the high humidity can make it feel hotter. Despite the rain, it’s a vibrant time in the city with lush greenery and blooming flowers.

Weather in Chengdu in May

In May, the weather in Chengdu is mild to warm weather. Here are the general weather conditions:

Average Temperatures: The average daily temperature ranges from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).

Sunny Days: May has around 10-12 sunny days.

Rainy Days: There are typically about 12-15 rainy days during the month.

Humidity: The average humidity is high, around 75-80%.

Wind Speed: The average wind speed in May is about 10 km/h (6.2 mph).

Overall Weather Conditions: May in Chengdu is characterized by mild to warm temperatures with a significant amount of rainfall. The high humidity levels contribute to a muggy feeling. Despite the frequent rain showers, there are still many sunny days, making it a good time to visit the city’s parks and enjoy the blooming flowers. The weather is generally comfortable for outdoor activities, though it’s advisable to carry an umbrella due to the unpredictable rain showers.

Weather in Xi’an in May

Visiting China in May can include also visiting Xi’an and its attractions. The weather in Xi’an in May is mild to warm weather. Here are the general weather conditions:

Average Temperatures: The average daily temperature ranges from 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F).

Sunny Days: May has around 15-18 sunny days.

Rainy Days: There are typically about 8-10 rainy days during the month.

Humidity: The average humidity is around 55-65%, making it relatively comfortable.

Wind Speed: The average wind speed in May is about 15 km/h (9.3 mph).

Overall Weather Conditions: May in Xi’an offers pleasant temperatures and relatively low humidity. The weather is mostly sunny with occasional rain showers, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The comfortable temperatures and moderate wind speeds contribute to a pleasant overall weather experience.

Weather in Gansu in May

Gansu province experiences a range of weather conditions due to its diverse geography. However, the general weather can be summarized as follows:

Average Temperatures: The average daily temperature ranges from 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F). Higher elevations and desert regions can be cooler.

Sunny Days: May has around 18-20 sunny days.

Rainy Days: There are typically about 5- 7 rainy days during the month.

Humidity: The average humidity is relatively low, around 40-50%.

Wind Speed: The average wind speed in May is about 10-15 km/h (6-9 mph).

Overall Weather Conditions: Weather in Gansu in May is mild to warm temperatures with dry conditions. The weather is generally sunny with occasional rain showers, particularly in the mountainous areas. The low humidity and moderate wind speeds make it a comfortable time for outdoor activities and travel.

What to Visit in China in May

Visiting China in May is the perfect time to go to Gansu Province. This province has so much tradition, history, and ancient attractions. The capital city is Lanzhou, known for its historical role as a Silk Road crossroads. 

The most popular attractions in Gansu Province are Crescent Lake, Mogao Grottoes, and Rainbow Mountains. Other also popular attractions in Gansu Province are Jiayuguan Pass, Labrang Monastery, and Maiji Mountain Grottoes.

Dunhuang

Dunhuang is a historical oasis town on the ancient Silk Road, renowned for its significant cultural heritage sites. The city is most famous for the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a vast collection of Buddhist art and manuscripts. 

Near Dunhuang, you can enjoy the marvelous beauty of Crescent Lake and the magnificent Mogao Grottoes.

Crescent Lake in Dunhuang is a stunning natural oasis set amid the desert dunes. Shaped like a crescent moon, this pristine spring has been a vital water source for over 2,000 years, offering a breathtaking contrast to the surrounding arid landscape and attracting numerous visitors for its beauty and tranquility.

Mogao Grottoes are a house a treasure trove of Buddhist art spanning over a millennium. With intricate murals and statues, these 492 caves offer a glimpse into ancient Chinese culture, religion, and history, making them a vital cultural and historical landmark.

Of the 492 caves, 20 are regularly rotated for public access. Entrance is strictly controlled, and independent visits are not allowed. Photography is forbidden inside the caves.

Tickets to Mogao Grottoes

Keep in mind that getting a ticket to Mogao Caves needs to be done before going there. Get your tickets You can get them in advance online here.

There are 3 types of tickets:

Ticket “A”- ¥258 for English Speaking Tour/This type of ticket is limited to 6000 tickets per day.

Ticket “B”-  ¥100 for the Chinese Speaking Tour /limited to 12,000 tickets per day

Ticket “C”-¥50

An ‘A’ ticket provides a two-hour tour of eight caves, including the famous Hidden Library Cave (Cave 17), the 35.5-meter Buddha in Cave 96, and the 26-meter reclining Buddha in Cave 148, along with rare manuscript fragments in classical Uyghur and Manichean. 

The cheaper ‘B’ ticket allows access to half the number of caves and is useful if time is limited, but the tour is only in Chinese.

Zhangye 

Zhangye is known for its stunning Danxia landforms, characterized by vibrant, multicolored rock formations. The city holds historical significance as a key stop on the ancient Silk Road, boasting rich cultural heritage sites such as the Giant Buddha Temple. Visitors to Zhangye can explore its unique natural landscapes and delve into its fascinating history and culture.

Danxia Zhangye Danxia National Geopark is also known as Rainbow Mountains, because of the colors of the rocks. From yellow to orange and brown these hills have amazing views.

There are five viewpoints accessible via a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus from the west or north entrances, allowing you to spend as much time as you like at each one. Stop No. 4 offers the most stunning views, with iridescent hills stretching into the distance. For the best experience, visit on a clear day to avoid disappointment. The park opens early and closes late because the optimal times to visit and photograph the landscape are at sunrise or sunset.

Final Words

Visiting China in May offers a perfect blend of comfortable weather, vibrant scenery, and rich cultural experiences. With fewer crowds than peak season, you can explore iconic landmarks and participate in local festivals at a leisurely pace. Whether you’re drawn to the historical treasures, bustling cities, or picturesque landscapes, May provides an ideal backdrop for discovering the wonders of China. Plan your visit in this delightful month to make the most of your adventure in this fascinating country.