Best Time to Visit Guizhou: Seasons & Travel Tips

If you want to see authentic life, villages, and gorgeous nature, we highly recommend Guizhou. This part of China is well-known for its ethnic culture, historic towns, and karst landscape.

While you can visit Guizhou any time of the year, we recommend going in autumn, when Guizhou's weather is most pleasant and you can see the changing leaves across the countryside. Read on to learn what to expect every time of year and make the most of your visit.

Zhenyuan Ancient Town in Guizhou

Autumn (September-November): Best Time to Visit

Fanjingshan in Guizhou

• Average Temperature: 29.3 Celsius, 84.7 Fahrenheit

September to November is our favorite time to visit Guizhou and the ideal time to go if you want to explore the outdoors. Hiking and photography are best during these months, and you'll spot bright, colorful leaves and enjoy clear weather and comfortable temperatures.

Fanjing Mountain is especially nice this time of year, and you can experience the contrast of its vibrant leaves and the sea of clouds. This natural phenomenon shrouds the mountain in mist and makes you feel like you've just stepped into another world.

Tips for Enjoying Autumn in Guizhou

Autumn in Guizhou tends to be drier and pleasantly warm, but early mornings and nights can get cold. Bringing layers is always a smart idea, especially if you're going to be out hiking in the mountains. Occasionally, the weather can be cooler when you're at a higher altitude. Additional tips for enjoying your Guizhou autumnal adventure are below.

• Wear comfortable shoes with tread, and bring hiking poles if you're planning on exploring Fanjing Mountain.
• Carry snacks and water with you on the trail.
• Make sure to charge your phone before you head out, as you won't want to miss the great photo opportunities.
• Avoid Golden Week, a seven-day holiday that runs from October 1 to 7, when Chinese people have time off from work and school.
  
  Recommended Tour Itinerary

  

  Guizhou Discovery: Natural Wonders and Minority Villages 7 DAYS Explore This Tour

Spring (March-May): Shoulder Season

Zhaoxing Dong Village in Guizhou

• Average Temperature: 15.6 Celsius, 59.5 Fahrenheit

Spring is shoulder season in Guizhou, and while early March can be chilly, late March to May is a very pleasant time to visit. The weather turns warm and comfortable, and you'll have more of the place to yourself because peak season doesn't start until summer.

Spring is an excellent time to see the mountain flowers, especially on the terraces of rural Guizhou. The comparably cooler temperatures mean that you'll be able to do more hiking, and since spring tends to be on the drier side, you won't have to worry about too much rainfall.

We highly recommend exploring some of Guizhou's outdoor spaces, like Fanjing Mountain, Guizhou's FAST, and ethnic villages. While visiting the villages, you may come across local celebrations, like the Sisters' Meal Festival or the Dong Song Festival. The Sisters' Meal Festival is an exceptional opportunity to enjoy traditional Miao food, dance, and dress, and the Dong Folk Song Festival is a wonderful celebration of local music.

Tips for Enjoying Spring in Guizhou

Guizhou's weather in spring tends to be milder and pleasant, with the scent of blooming flowers everywhere. It's a fantastic time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and experience some one-of-a-kind ethnic festivals. These tips will help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

• Bring warmer clothes and layers for chilly early mornings and nights.
• With beautiful flowers comes lots of pollen, so bring any medications you may need.
• Spring isn't as wet as summer, but there are still occasional rain showers, so bring an umbrella and a waterproof coat.

Summer (June-August): Cool Temperatures

Huangguoshu Waterfall, Guizhou

• Average Temperature: 22.3 Celsius, 74.1 Fahrenheit

Summer's nice temperatures bring crowds. Guizhou tends to be cooler than much of China, so it's an excellent place for people to relax for the summer, especially at Huangguoshu Waterfall and Guiyang. You'll definitely run into more crowds if you travel during this time of year, but you'll be able to enjoy the balmy weather right alongside them.

Summer is great for hiking around Huangguoshu Waterfall and Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, although it is the rainy season and they can flood. Always check the forecast before heading out on your journey. We also recommend visiting Zhenyuan Ancient Town, Tongren Grand Canyon, and local ethnic villages with cultural heritage experiences, like Shiqiao, where you can learn traditional papermaking.

This season is a splendid time to snap some truly memorable photographs, as the wetter weather means that the landscape is verdant and healthy - the perfect backdrop for your photos.

Tips for Enjoying Summer in Guizhou

These season-specific tips will help you make the most out of your trip. We're also happy to provide more personalized information and tips specific to what you're planning to do.

• Summer is the rainy season, so make sure to pack your umbrella.
• Go to popular attractions, like Xiaoqikong Scenic Area and Huangguoshu Waterfall, early in the day to avoid the crowds.
• Always check the forecast before you head out on a hike.
• Book your hotel in advance, as many accommodations fill up quickly.

Winter (Feb-December): Low Season, Budget-Friendly

Celebrate Lusheng Festival in Guizhou

• Average Temperature: 6 Celsius, 42.8 Fahrenheit

If you really want solitude and are looking for a budget-friendly vacation, winter is the time to visit Guizhou. The weather is cold and damp, so bring waterproof layers and good footwear.

The biggest draw is the rare opportunity to get Guizhou largely to yourself, and you can still visit local villages and experience daily life. You can also participate in the Lusheng Festival, one of the most interesting regional celebrations, if you time your visit right. The Lusheng Festival falls during the early part of winter and is an important Miao tradition celebrating Miao music, dance, and sports.

Tips for Enjoying Winter in Guizhou

Here's how to make the most out of your time during the chilliest part of the year.

• Dress in warm, waterproof layers to keep the damp cold away.
• Check the festival schedule and participate in Lusheng if you can.
• If you're hiking or doing any outdoor activities, make sure you have hiking boots and poles because the trails can get icy.

Explore the Wonders of Guizhou All Year

Whatever season you choose to visit Guizhou during, you're bound to have an amazing time. Let us help you make the most of it with a customized itinerary. Visit our contact page or email us at trip@odynovotours.com to get started on your adventure today.