China in February: Weather, Where to Go & Highlights
China, with a vast territory and variable landform, climate and temperature different a lot from north to south, from east to west. According to seasonal distribution in the Northern hemisphere, February is always being considered as the last winter month. The temperature begins to warm up by the end of the month. Even though it still be chilly in the north and middle part of China, you may still feel a hint of spring in the south.
More details about the weather and climate, where to go, highlights in China in February, please continue to read the following passage.
China Weather & What to Wear in February
February is the last month of winter in most of China. Winter is still in full swing in North China with freezing weather. In Central and South China, it is slightly warmer than in January but still feels damp and chilly. Signs of spring appear in the south by the end of February.
The average temperature in February ranges from -2 ℃ to 8 ℃. There is still very little precipitation in February, with an average total volume of 29mm and about 3 average rainfall days. The daytime average temperature is about 8℃. It’s recommended to wear jackets, windbreakers, sweaters, suits and other warm clothes. At night, the average temperature is -2℃. It is recommended to wear heavy and warm clothes such as cotton-padded clothes, winter coats, leather jackets, tweed coats, felt hats, gloves, down jackets, and fur coats, etc.
Northern China - Harbin, Jilin, Urumqi...
Even in the last month of winter, cold air is still strong in the northern part of China. Take Harbin as an example. February is among the winter times of Harbin, and it sees cold, snowy and windy days most often. In February, Harbin’s mean temperature during the day is about -8℃, and it is about -20℃ at night.
What to Wear - Down jackets, sweaters, cold-proof shoes, cotton gloves, wool cap are necessary. If you are going to play with the snow, waterproof jacket, water-proof shoes, masks, wind-proof scarf and sunglasses are recommended.
Notice: Although it’s cold outside, the north part of China has a well-developed heating system. The indoors in most places are warm and comfortable, with an average temperature of about 18℃.
Weather and Climate in major cities in Northern China, please visit:
Harbin in February | Harbin Weather | Xinjiang Weather and Season |
Middle China - Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu...
In the middle parts of China, the temperature is still different from north to south. Beijing is located in the north part of middle China with an average temperature from -7℃ to 4℃ in February. Shanghai and Xian are in the middle part. Shanghai, located on China’s east coast, the average temperature is slightly higher than Xian, with 2~9℃ and -1~9℃ separately. Temperatures in the south part of the middle area are higher. The average temperature in Chengdu is about 4~12℃ and the temperature in Guilin is about 6~14℃.
What to Wear - Though not as freezing as January, it is still recommended to wear thick clothes such as down jackets, sweaters, gloves, etc. to keep warm.
Weather and Climate in major cities in middle China, please visit:
Southern China - Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Southern Yunnan, Xiamen, Sanya...
Winter is usually warm and dry in the southern part of China. Take Guangzhou as an example. The temperature in February varies from 12~19℃. Rainfall rises a little bit but most of the time it’s just drizzling.
What to Wear - It is recommended to wear sweaters and long trousers in winter, and take a coat with you to wear during the cooler hours of darkness.
Weather and Climate in major cities in middle China, please visit:
Guangzhou Weather & Season | Hong Kong Weather & Season | Kunming Weather & Season |
Yuanyang Weather & Season | Sanya Weather & Season | Xiamen Weather & Season |
Where to Go & Top Vacation Destinations in China February
Temperatures are warming up in the end of the month. February the right time to appreciate rape flowers and plum blossom in warm places in southern China. Meanwhile, Chinese traditional festivals like Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival are more likely to fall in February. No matter in which city in China, streets are all filled with happiness and huge celebrations. Here are the TOP 5 recommended places to visit in China in February, pack up your stuff and enjoy the winter vacation with us together!!!
No.1 : Xian - The Capital of 13 Dynasties Bring You Back to the Prosperous Tang Dynasty
Xian, as the capital of 13 ancient China Dynasties, is a unmissable place for your winter tour in China. Though it is cold in Xian during winter, every household has connected the indoor heating system, as long as you stay indoor, and you will not be bothered by the coldness and chilly wind. You can appreciate cultural relics at different museums, watch the wonderful Tang Dynasty Show, enjoy the Lantern shows and guess riddles during Chinese Spring Festival, and treat yourself with delicious cooked wheaten food and local special dishes to warm up you winter.
There are several places to visit in Xian in winter, such as Terracotta Warriors which is being praised as the one of the greatest archaeological find in the twentieth century and the eight wonder of the world. Shaanxi History Museums which depicts the rich culture of historical cultural relics and extensive profound civilization of Chinese Nation from multiple perspectives. Appreciate extraordinary night view of the ancient city on the ancient city wall and have fun with the word puzzles. Participate in the singing and dancing parade at the Tang Paradise and enjoy the lantern show and performances there. Hospitable people, characteristic buildings in Ming and Qing dynasties, traditional mosques, make Muslim Quarter a must-go place for tourists from home and abroad.
More useful travel guides of Xian, please visit Xian Travel Guide | Xian Tours >>
Top-Recommended Xian Tour in February:
>> 2 Days Xian City Break
>> 5 Days Beijing Xian Highlights Tour by High Speed Train
No.2: Guangzhou - Appreciate Dragon-Lion Dances and Learn more about Cantonese Culture
Guangzhou is located in the south of China, at the northern margin of the Pearl River Delta. It is one of the most developed cities in China. It is the hometown of Cantonese food, a shopping paradise, and the place where Chinese and foreign cultures mingle. It is also a "City of the South" with the sense of history and modernity coexist. Due to its location of facing the South China Sea, winter is usually warm and dry in Guangzhou. With an average temperature of 15℃ and 70mm of average rainfall, Guangzhou in winter is full of flower blossoms in different color. Explore the parks, streets and historical relics of Guangzhou is a good idea.
You can take a leisure stroll in the profound Yuexiu Park to appreciate blossoming flowers, visit Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall to learn the legendary stories of this master. Standing on the top of Canton Tower and challenge yourself with many “Greatest of the world”. Tourists might as well get up early in the morning and visit a time-honored breakfast shops in Guangzhou to enjoy Cantonese morning tea. Moreover, visiting Guangzhou in February, you may extend your tour to Foshan. Admire life introduction of famous Yip Man and Wong Fei Hung and live lion dance performance to feel the charm of martial arts in Foshan that influences world people’s understanding of Kung Fu in China.
More useful travel guides of Guangzhou, please visit Guangzhou Travel Guide | Guangzhou Tours | Greater Bay Area Travel Guide | Greater Bay Area Tour >>
Top-Recommended Guangzhou Tour in February:
>> 3 Days Guangzhou Short Stay with All Highlights
>> 3 Days Guangzhou Food Tour
>> 4 Days Foshan Culture Seeking with Guangzhou Must-sees
No.3: Yunnan Luoping - Let the Blossoming Rape Flowers Refreshing Your Soul
Luoping is located in the eastern part of Yunnan Province, which is the combination of Yunnan, Guangxi and Guizhou provinces. It’s being considered as “the East Door of the Yunnan”. Luoping had once set the Guinness World Record for "the World's Largest Natural Garden". More than 800 thousand acre-feet of rape flowers start to blossom in late January. With a average temperature around 15℃, February is in Luoping is comfortable and pleasant. The golden sea of flowers under the deep blue sky plus the occasional melodious flute will indulge you in a Golden Dream.
The famous Luoping International Canola Flower Culture Festival is usually at the middle February to the early Spring. You can enjoy the panorama scene of Canola Flowers from Different places and directions. Jinji Peak, Niujie Luosi Field, Hundreds and Thousands of Mountains and Duoyi River are top 4 places to shoot gorgeous pictures. More over, you may appreciate the magnificent Jiulong Waterfalls nearby, or continue to explore wonders in Yunnan such as Stone Forest in Kunming, Rice Terraces in Yuanyang, Ancient City in Dali, and holy Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang.
More useful travel guides of Yunnan, please visit Luoping Travel Guide | Kunming Travel Guide | Yuanyang Travel Guide | Dali Travel Guide | Lijiang Travel Guide | Yunnan Travel Guide | Yunnan Tour >>
Top-Recommended Yunnan Tour in February:
>> 4 Days Kunming & Luoping Canola Flowers Appreciation Tour
>> 5 Days Kunming, Jianshui & Yuanyang Rice Terraces Tour
>> 6 Days Yunnan Essence Tour (Kunming, Dali & Lijiang)
No.4: Sichuan Zigong - Wandering through Crowd and Feast Your Eyes with Dazzling Lanterns
Zigong situated in Southeastern Sichuan Province is a quite different from other destinations in China! Dinosaurs, Colored Lanterns, Salt City and delicious food are all proud labels of Zigong City for your great savory of this cultural city. Visit Zigong in February during the Spring Festival, you may join in the yearly Zigong Lantern Festival to indulge into the sparkling world with numerous colorful lanterns in various shapes at night. You can visit Zigong Dinosaur Museum - “one of the three best dinosaur museum in China” and Zigong Salt Making Industry History Museum in daytime, then after treating yourself with delicious local dishes, you can go to the Colored Lantern Park or to enjoy the prismatic and delicate Zigong Lantern Festival.
Before or after your tour in Zigong, you can pay a visit to “the hometown of Giant Panda” - Chengdu city to see cute pandas in Chengdu Panda Base, try local spicy food and hot pot to worm up you winter. if you prefer a snowy scenery, you can continue your trip to Hailuogou Glacier Park. Or if you would like to try some winter sports, head to Xiling Snow Mountain. It’s a winter paradise for skiers.
More useful travel guides of Sichuan, please visit Zigong Tours | Chengdu Travel Guide | Xiling Snow Mountain Travel Guide | Chengdu Tours | Sichuan Tour >>
No.5: Shanxi Pingyao - Experience the Traditional Chinese New Year and Appreciate folk Art Performance Shehuo
Pingyao, located in central Shanxi province, is home to various cultural relics and has more than 100 historical sites. Considered as the best-preserved ancient walled city in China and Pingyao city was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. February is cold and dry here, with an average temperature ranges from -8℃ to 5℃. But as Chinese New Year always happens in February, visitors can absolutely get an authentic taste of Chinese New Year here, because Shehuo Traditional Festivity Show would be performed by locals during this time.
Wandering around Pingyao Ancient City, you will be impressed by the classic architectural styles and imperial treasure of painted sculptures in Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple, visit some imposing and well-preserved grand courtyards, like Qiao’s Family Compound or Wang’s Family Compound, etc. You could experience the traditions of Chinese New Year, enjoying lion and dragon dance, decorating windows with red paper-cuts, pasting red couplets. If lucky, you may also have a chance to see the snow view of the ancient town, appreciate the unique folk art performance in north China - Pingyao Shehuo Parade, etc. In order to discover all the essence of Shanxi’s history, you can pay a visit to Datong, admire the brilliant Buddhist culture and art in Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple.
More useful travel guides of Sichuan, please visit Pingyao Travel Guide | Datong Travel Guide | Shanxi Travel Guide | Pingyao Tours | Datong Tours | Shanxi Tour >>
Top-Recommended Pingyao Tour in February:
>> 2 Days Classic Pingyao Ancient City Tour
>> 4 Days Essence of Datong & Pingyao Tour
How to Plan a China February Tour
Before choosing the best places to go in February in China, you are required to ask yourself one question. What are you dreaming for the most in this month, the best snow scenery and festival atmosphere, the best natural beauty in warm or the best budget vacations to explore the classics? Choose your bests and then find the answers here!
If you are prefer the best snow scenery and festival atmosphere, Harbin, of course, is your best choice. And about 3~6 days are recommended then. Looking for great snow landscapes in China? Huangshan, Jiuzhaigou, Mount Emei, Hailuogou, Zhangjiajie and Jilin are also good. 10 Best Cold Weather Winter Destinations in China >>
>> 3 Days Harbin Ice Festival Tour
>> 6 Days Beijing & Harbin Stunning Winter Tour
For the visitors looking for somewhere warm to have a taste of summer and spring in winter, you are suggested to visit Yunnan (Kunming, Lijiang, Yuanyang, Dali, etc.), Fujian (Xiamen, etc.), Great Bay Area (Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc.), Sanya or Guangxi (Guilin, Yangshuo, etc.). And then you will relax and bathing in the sun of the south. Check more about Top 5 Warm Places to Visit in China >>
>> 5 Days Kunming, Jianshui & Yuanyang Rice Terraces Tour
>> 5 Days Xiamen, Nanjing Tulou & Mount Wuyi Discovery Tour (Xiamen / Nanjing Tulou / Wuyi Mountain)
>> 6 Days Hong Kong Guangzhou Macau Cultural Highlights Tour (Hong Kong / Guangzhou / Macau)
Interested in a budget tour to visit the classic destinations in China? Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin Chengdu are all fantastic choices! 4~14 days are needed to explore some of or all of them.
Check more about How to Plan a Winter Trip to China >>
Fujian Tulou
Kunming Stone Forest
Travel China in February with China Discovery
Feel trouble about your China February Tour planning? Why not travel with us China Discovery and let our professional Travel Consultants help you? And then you will get a worry-free trip and focus all your energy to sock in the highlights during the tour! Our experienced travel expert will help arrange your accommodation and plan your trip sincerely. And our English-speaking tour guide will accompany you all the way, show you the best travelling route, share interesting stories and introduce all highlights to you. Our local experienced drivers will escort you to the attractions with comfortable car directly with speed and safety.
The tour can be tailor-made according to your group size, time, physical condition, plan, interest, budget and every special need. Please feel free to contact us if you need any help!
More Travel Articles for Winter Travel
- How to Plan a Winter Vacation to China
- Customize Your Own Winter Tours
- 10 Best Places to Visit in Winter in China
- 15 Best Things to Do in China in Winter
- Top 5 Warm Places to Visit in China
- 10 Best Cold Weather Winter Destinations in China
- Top 10 Ski Resorts in China
- Travel Tips and Weather for Visiting China in Winter
- China Weather in December & Best Places to Go
- China Weather in February & Best Places to Go
Recommended Tours
Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.
4 Days Foshan Culture Seeking with Guangzhou Must-sees
Guangzhou / Foshan
4 Days Kunming & Luoping Canola Flowers Appreciation Tour
Kunming / Stone Forest / Luoping / Kunming
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