Shanxi Weather & Best Time to Visit

Written by Veronica | Updated August 09,2024

With a continental monsoon climate, Shanxi has distinct four seasons. In summer, it is hot and moist, while in winter, it is cold and dry. The annual rainfall is generally low and ranges between 400 to 700mm (16 to 28 inches). In summer, it rains most.

Shanxi’s average temperature differs in different regions. Generally, in winter, the average temperature ranges between 6℃ to 15℃ (43℉ to 59℉); in summer, the average temperature ranges between 22℃ to 28℃ (72℉ to 82℉).

Shanxi weather may be influenced by East Asia monsoon in summer and in the early days of autumn, and then cause strong rainfall, and even typhoons sometimes.

Spring and autumn, being moderate and comfortable, are the best seasons to travel to Shanxi.

Best Time to Visit Shanxi

Spring and autumn in Shanxi features mild weather and little rainfall, therefore are considered as the best time to visit Shanxi, including the famous destinations: Taiyuan, Pingyao, Datong and Wuyishan.

In Spring, from March to May, you will be enchanted by blossoming flowers, grass and leaves, especially the famous apricot flower in Jinzhong. In Autumn, from September to November, it is cool, and leaves turn glorious colors, creating beautiful scenes, especially in Mount Wutai and Wukou Waterfall. Spring and Autumn are the comfortable and picturesque seasons.

However, when to visit Shanxi also depends on your interest and schedule. The summer, from June to August, is ideal for local festivals and outdoor activities (such as hiking and drifting). Winter, from December to February, it is time to explore the snow and ice world, and skiing parks in Taiyuan and Datong.

Shanxi Temperature by Month

Month	Temperature Range	Recommendation Rate
January	-12℃ – 1℃	✔✔
February	-11℃ – 5℃	✔✔
March	-2℃ – 12℃	✔✔✔
April	5℃ – 20℃	✔✔✔✔✔
May	16℃ – 24℃	✔✔✔✔✔
June	15℃ – 29℃	✔✔✔
July	18℃ – 30℃	✔✔✔
August	17℃ – 30℃	✔✔✔
September	12℃ – 26℃	✔✔✔✔✔
October	6℃ – 22℃	✔✔✔✔✔
November	-3℃ – 9℃	✔✔
December	-10℃ – 3℃	✔✔

Shanxi Weather in Different Seasons

Spring (March to May)

In Spring, it is very windy and still cold. Day and night temperatures fluctuate sharply. It is also dry and dusty, so visitors are suggested to wear sun glasses and a hat for protection.

Summer (June to August)

In Shanxi, summer is usually hot and moist, and it rains frequently. The average temperature is about 25℃, and sometimes up to 30℃or higher. Occasionally there are thunderstorms and typhoons.

Autumn (September to October)

Autumn is the most pleasant season in Shanxi, being mild, sunny and clear. The average temperature is about 15℃, and may drop to 10℃ or lower temperatures during the nights. By and large, its is a comfortable season and a good time for traveling to Shanxi.

Winter (November to February)

Like many other provinces in North China, Shanxi in winter is cold and dry. Travelers to Shanxi can expect strong winds, heavy snowfalls and low temperatures. The average temperature is about -5℃, and sometimes it may decrease to around -15℃.

 

Travel Guide for Shanxi in Different Seasons

In Spring

It is an ideal time to visit the Hukou Waterfall, the world’s largest yellow waterfall, and one of the most famous waterfalls in China. In spring the water volume of the waterfall is high, and if you are lucky, you may see the rainbows hanging the magnificent waterfalls on sunny days.

Never miss the chance to explore the thousand-old Pingyao Ancient City, one of the best-preserved of its kind in China. Visit the old city walls, the Ming and Qing Dynasty streets, the ancient Chinese bank… Also enjoy the beautiful spring flowers and lanterns.

Packing list for a Shanxi trip in spring:

• Sneakers for walking and hiking
• Jackets and sweaters for cool evening
• Sunscreen,sunglasses and a hat for sunny and windy days

In Summer

Looking for a summer retreat in China? Take a trip to Mount Wutai, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains and a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage. With cool and refreshing climate, lush greenery, and grand Buddhist festivals, Mount Wutai offers a enjoyable summer vacation.

Packing list for a Shanxi trip in summer:

• Shorts, both short-sleeve and long-sleeve T-shirt
• A light jacket for going to places like Mount Wutai
• Umbrella or raincoat is a necessarily
• Never forget your sunscreen, sunglassesand a sun hat
• Sneakers for walking and hiking

In Autumn

This is the best time to explore Yungang Grottoes. Yungang Grottoes, another UNESCO World Heritage in Shanxi province, is one of the four famous Buddhism cave art sites in China. On the background of colorful Autumn leaves, tourists will be amazed at the more than 50,000 Buddha statues and sculptures of Buddha and other portraits dated back to 5^th century and 6^th century.

Packing list for a Shanxi trip in autumn:

• Sneakers or comfortable shoes for walking and hiking
• Light jackets and sweaters
• Long-sleevedshirts and pants
• Gloves and wooden hat for coldweather in late autumn

In Winter

Tourists are encouraged to visit the timeless Hanging Temple nearby Datong. This unique temple is built surprisingly on the cliff ridge of Mount Hengshan, one of the China’s five Daoism sacred mountains. In winter, the temple is covered by ice and snow, which forms a beautiful contrast with red walls and roofs.

Packing list for a Shanxi trip in winter:

• Warm, layered clothing
• Winter jacket and wooden sweater
• Gloves, scarfand wooden hat
• Hiking boots or comfortable, warm shoes
• Lip balm and moisturizerfor dry weather

 

Recommend Shanxi Tours for culture and history adventure in China:

• 6 Days Datong Pingyao Tour with Wutai Mountain
• 5 Days Shanxi Essence Tour of Pingyao-Taiyuan-Datong
• 2 Days Shanxi Highlights Tour of Datong and Pingyao