Best Time to Visit Guilin in 2025 & 2026

When planning a trip to Guilin, one key question you can't avoid is, "When is the best time to visit?" Generally speaking, April to May and September to November are the ideal times, as these periods offer the most beautiful scenery. Because Guilin is a classic example of a karst landscape, with not only underground water systems but also abundant surface water. In late spring and autumn, the city is at its best with lush greenery and picturesque surroundings of emerald mountains and rivers.

However, the best travel time also depends on your vacation schedule and personal preferences. After reading this article, you'll have a clearer idea of the best time to visit Guilin that works best for you.

Li River in summer in Guilin

Spring (Mar. - May): Ideal for Misty Li River Views

Foggy Li River in the morning in Guilin

• Average Temperature: 10℃ - 23℃

Spring in Guilin is still relatively cool at the beginning of March but gradually warms up as the season progresses. Greenery begins to return, slowly covering the entire city. While spring doesn't bring a lot of rain, the air is quite humid, and mornings are often misty - especially around the Li River and other water-rich areas. Under this soft, foggy light, Guilin's natural landscape looks like a traditional Chinese ink painting, with perfect blends of light and shadow.

During this season, a Li River cruise is highly recommended. You'll see the most beautiful stretch of the river shrouded in mist, creating a uniquely Chinese scenic view. On clear days, you can also enjoy flower viewing. In the countryside of Yangshuo, some fields bloom with rapeseed flowers, making it a great time for hiking or cycling. If you plan to visit Reed Flute Cave, the surrounding farmland there also features rapeseed flowers - a lovely side trip if your schedule allows.

Summer (Jun. - Aug.): Kayaking and Other Water Activities

The bamboo rafting on Yulong River

• Average Temperature: 25 - 35℃

Summer is the peak travel season in Guilin and also when the lush green mountains and rivers are at their most vibrant and colorful. Since the weather can be very hot, water activities may be more popular in summer. The temperature of rivers and lakes usually stays around 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, making them a great way to cool off. There are three main types of popular drifting activities: kayaking and bamboo rafting.

Kayaking is typically done on the Longjing River and in the Shiertan area, where the water is more rapid, offering a more thrilling experience. Bamboo rafting is available on the Yulong River, where you sit on a bamboo raft paddled by a local. The ride is slower and more relaxing, perfect for enjoying the scenic views along the way. However, one downside is that each raft can only accommodate two people.

Keep in mind that June to August is also the rainy season, and continuous rainfall can cause water levels to rise. In such cases, water activities or cruises may be suspended. If that happens, you can adjust your itinerary and opt for indoor attractions instead, such as Reed Flute Cave, a classic karst cave, or learn to cook some Guilin dishes with a local chef.

Autumn (Sep. - Nov.): Best Travel Time for Everything

Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin

• Average Temperature: 12-25℃

Autumn in Guilin brings less rainfall and gradually cooler temperatures. Although the scenery may not be as vibrant as in summer, it's a great time to enjoy autumn landscapes and outdoor activities.

After taking a Li River cruise to Yangshuo, you can try cycling or hiking through the countryside. The mild weather makes these outdoor experiences more comfortable compared to other seasons.

Autumn is also the best time to visit the Longji Rice Terraces, as the rice is ready for harvest and the mountainsides are covered in golden fields. It's a perfect season to stroll through the terraces and soak in the beauty of nature.

Winter (Dec. - Feb.): Low Season With Lower Travel Costs

The snow secnery of Longji terrace fields

• Average Temperature: -3 - 8℃

Winter is the low season in Guilin. The weather gets colder, and the Li River enters its dry season. During the dry season in winter, the water level of the Li River drops, especially in the tributaries around downtown Guilin. At the lowest point, you can even see parts of the riverbed exposed. However, it doesn't affect the Li River cruise to Yangshuo, as the main river channel near Yangshuo is much deeper than the tributaries in the downtown area.

In winter, the Longji Rice Terraces are filled with water to protect the soil and store moisture in preparation for spring planting. On sunny days, the water reflects the sunlight like countless mirrors across the fields, creating a truly unique and beautiful scene.

Since it's the off-season, there are fewer tourists and lower travel costs, making it a good choice for budget travelers or those who prefer quieter surroundings.

It's worth noting that Guilin in December isn't too cold, while January and February are the coldest months. The winter in Guilin is not extremely low in temperature. The coldest it gets is only around minus 2 to 3℃. But it feels damp and chilly. Rainy days are common in winter. However, snowfall is rare.

Travel Tips for a Trip to Guilin

Our Guests taking a Li River Cruise

• Pack comfortable shoes. Since Guilin includes outdoor activities and has many rainy days, it's wise to wear shoes that are good for walking.
• Take proper sun protection measures. Starting from May, Guilin gets a lot of strong sunlight, and summer is the sunniest time of the year. Although there's plenty of shade from trees along the roads, it's still best to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and put on sun-protective clothing to avoid sunburn.
• Prepare a small amount of cash. In Guilin, many shopping malls and tourist attractions accept credit cards. However, in rural areas, some small vendors may not support international credit cards, so it's a good idea to carry around 500 RMB in cash just in case. Alipay and WeChat Pay are more widely used, and you can consider learning how to use them before coming to China.
• Book in advance if you're traveling during peak season. Guilin sees a large number of tourists during the peak season, including both domestic and international travelers. Popular attractions and well-rated hotels may get fully booked. So if you plan to visit during the summer holidays, Labor Day (May 1st), or the National Day holiday (early October), be sure to make your reservations well in advance.
• Ask for experienced consultants for help. If you're not sure how to plan your trip to Guilin, feel free to reach out to us for a customized itinerary. We can help you take care of everything, featuring carefully selected hotels, private transfers, and personal English-speaking guides. All you need to do is leave us a message online or email us at trip@odynovotours.com, and our travel experts will get back to you as soon as possible to help you plan a hassle-free trip.