China Travel Climate and Weather in November

Northern China: Cold and Crisp

Beijing and Surrounding Areas

Temperature: Daytime highs range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), with nighttime temperatures dropping to or below freezing.

Weather: November marks the transition to winter in Beijing, with temperatures dropping significantly. Light snowfall is possible towards the end of the month, and the weather becomes colder and drier. The city sees fewer tourists, making it a quieter time to explore the historical sites.

Activities:

• Great Wall of China: A great time to visit the wall with fewer crowds and beautiful winter scenery, though be prepared for cold winds.
• Forbidden City: Explore the imperial palace in cool weather, less crowded than during the peak tourist seasons.
• Summer Palace: Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the gardens as they take on a crisp, wintery charm.

Packing: Warm layers for the daytime, a winter coat for the evenings, and a scarf, gloves, and hat to keep warm.

Harbin

Temperature: Daytime highs average around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), while nighttime temperatures drop below freezing.

Weather: November in Harbin is cold, and snowfall becomes common as winter sets in. The city is famous for its winter activities, which begin in full force at the end of the month.

Activities:

• Harbin Ice Festival: Although the ice sculptures are not yet fully on display, preparations begin in November.
• Zhaolin Park: Visit to see the first signs of snow and enjoy the winter landscape.
• Saint Sophia Cathedral: Admire this Russian-style cathedral under the first snowfalls.

Packing: Layered clothing for the cold, a thick winter coat, gloves, scarf, and thermal wear.

Eastern China: Cool and Damp

Shanghai

Temperature: Temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F).

Weather: November in Shanghai is cool and damp, with occasional rain showers. The city experiences much lower humidity compared to the summer months, making it a more comfortable time to explore. It's generally dry but still chilly.

Activities:

• The Bund: Take a walk along the waterfront with less humidity and fewer tourists.
• Yu Garden: Explore the traditional Chinese garden in mild weather.
• Shanghai Museum: Discover the rich history and culture of China in the city's top museum.

Packing: Light layers for daytime, a jacket for the evening, and an umbrella for possible rain.

Hangzhou and Suzhou

Temperature: Temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F).

Weather: Like Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou experience cool and damp weather. It's a quiet time to visit these cities, making it ideal for exploring the famous gardens and scenic areas without the crowds.

Activities:

• West Lake (Hangzhou): Take a boat ride or stroll around the lake, surrounded by the beauty of autumn and early winter.
• Humble Administrator’s Garden (Suzhou): Visit the classical gardens of Suzhou under cool, dry conditions.
• Lingering Garden (Suzhou): Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in Suzhou’s famous gardens.

Packing: Comfortable clothing for sightseeing, a light jacket or sweater, and an umbrella for occasional rain.

Southern China: Mild and Comfortable

Guangzhou and Shenzhen

Temperature: Temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).

Weather: November in Guangzhou and Shenzhen is mild and dry, making it a great time to visit these bustling cities. The humidity of the summer months is gone, and the weather is more comfortable for exploring.

Activities:

• Canton Tower (Guangzhou): Enjoy panoramic views of the city in mild weather.
• Window of the World (Shenzhen): Explore this large theme park with replicas of famous world landmarks.
• Shenzhen Museum: Learn about the history and culture of this rapidly developing city.

Packing: Light layers for daytime, and a light jacket or sweater for the evening.

Guilin

Temperature: Temperatures average around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).

Weather: November in Guilin offers pleasant weather, with cool, dry conditions perfect for sightseeing. The karst landscape is especially stunning in this season, with the cool temperatures providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

Activities:

• Li River Cruise: Take a scenic cruise along the river, surrounded by spectacular karst formations.
• Reed Flute Cave: Explore this famous limestone cave, famous for its stalactites and stalagmites.
• Yangshuo: Discover the countryside through hiking or cycling.

Packing: Comfortable clothing for walking, light layers for the daytime, and a jacket for cooler evenings.

Western China: Cool and Dry

Chengdu

Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F).

Weather: November in Chengdu is cool, with occasional cloud cover and dry conditions. It's a great time to explore the city and nearby attractions without the rainy season.

Activities:

• Giant Panda Research Base: Visit the pandas during their active hours, which are often in the cooler mornings.
• Sichuan Cuisine: Enjoy the city's famous spicy food in the cool weather.
• Wuhou Shrine: Visit this historical site dedicated to the famous Three Kingdoms era.

Packing: Layered clothing for daytime activities, a jacket for the evening, and comfortable shoes.

Lhasa (Tibet)

Temperature: Daytime temperatures around 10°C (50°F), with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing.

Weather: Lhasa experiences cold and dry weather in November. It's an excellent time for cultural exploration, but the high-altitude climate can make outdoor activities challenging due to the cold temperatures at night.

Activities:

• Potala Palace: Explore this iconic Tibetan landmark.
• Jokhang Temple: Visit this important Buddhist site.
• Barkhor Street: Wander through Lhasa’s bustling market street.

Packing: Layered clothing for the daytime, a winter jacket, gloves, and hats for the cold nights.

Northeastern China: Cold and Snowy

Changchun and Shenyang

Temperature: Daytime highs average around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing.

Weather: November in northeastern China marks the beginning of winter, with frequent snowfall and cold temperatures. It's an excellent time to experience the winter landscape in this part of China.

Activities:

• Shenyang Imperial Palace: Visit this historic site before the full onset of winter.
• Changchun World Sculpture Park: Enjoy the outdoor sculptures surrounded by early snowfall.
• Liaoning Provincial Museum: Learn about the region’s history in the museum.

Packing: Warm clothing, including a heavy winter coat, gloves, and hats, are essential.

Best Time to Visit China in November

November offers a mix of chilly northern climates and milder conditions in southern and western regions. While the north begins to experience the early stages of winter, the south remains comfortable for sightseeing. Whether you’re exploring the cultural landmarks of Beijing and Harbin or enjoying the scenic beauty of Guilin and Chengdu, November provides a great balance of weather for outdoor activities. Travelers should pack for cooler temperatures, especially in northern areas, and bring layered clothing for the milder conditions in the south.

China Travel in November will introduce the China weather in November, what to pack for China travel in November, best places to visit in November, festivals in November and travel tips. November is still the autumn in most parts of China, but for north China and high altitude areas, it is the beginning of winter. It can be an ideal time to travel in China after the tourist peak season and before the cold winter comes.

China Weather in November

The weather in November in China is changeable. Because China is a big country, you can find the weather is very different in every region. In late November, real cold temperatures begin to appear in north China, but there is still enough temperature for pleasant outdoor activities at the beginning of the month. The central and southern regions of China still have mild and comfortable temperatures, which are suitable for sightseeing and outdoor exploration.

China Weather in November By Region & What to Pack

Due to China’s vast territory, different regions have different weather. The following is the weather situation in major regions of China in November.

North China in November

• Representative Cities: Beijing, Xian, Harbin, Changchun, Jinan, Shenyang, Tianjin
• Weather Feature: In November, north China begins to enter winter, with a cool and clear weather. The weather in Beijing is very cool, and the temperature at night is usually above zero. The average temperature in November in Beijing is 0-10°C, with very little precipitation. Beijing and the mountains in the north, where the Great Wall is located, will welcome their first snowfall. Xi'an is slightly warmer than Beijing, with an average temperature of 4-13°C. Xi'an is still pleasant and sunny on most days of the month, good for traveling and shopping.
• What to Pack: November is cold at night. Coat, long sleeve, trousers, gloves and hat are needed. You can also prepare a sweater for colder weather.

East China in November

• Representative Cities: Shanghai, Huangshan, Nanjing, Hangzhou
• Weather Feature: East China is usually cool/warm during the daytimes and cooler at nights, and the temperature is much higher than freezing point. Cool and dry weather is very suitable for hiking. The average temperature in November in Shanghai is 9-17℃. The weather in autumn in Shanghai is usually pleasant, and there may be fog in the morning. But a cold snap may bring cold winds and bitter weather.
• What to Pack: Jacket, light clothing and hat are fine to the weather. It is suggested to bring a warm coat for a drop in temperature.

Central China in November

• Representative Cities: Wuhan, Changsha, Nanchang, Zhangjiajie
• Weather Feature: In November, the temperature along the Yangtze River drops obviously, but it is still relatively comfortable. The average low temperature is still above zero. The mountains around Zhangjiajie is relatively low in temperature.
• What to Pack: It is cool and windy in central China, so it is recommended to wear a long sleeves, trousers and jacket, and prepare a warm coat.

South China in November

• Representative Cities: Guilin, Guangzhou, Sanya, Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen
• Weather Feature: The temperature in south China is about 20℃ during the daytime. There will be some rain in November, so it won't be too dry. The average temperature of Guilin in November is about 11-19°C. Hong Kong enjoys a mild weather, with little rainfall and plenty of sunshine. It is an ideal place for outdoor activities, sightseeing and shopping on the streets.
• What to Pack: The weather in this area is changeable. The weather is usually warm, but sometimes it gets cold unexpectedly. You need to wear light clothing and prepare long sleeves, trousers and jacket.

West China in November

• Representative Cities: Chengdu, Kunming, Lhasa, Chongqing
• Weather Feature: In high altitude areas of west China, the temperature drops significantly, the weather becomes cold, and the ground begins to be covered with snow. There is usually no rainy day in November, and the mountain is cold and snowing. Rainfall also varies greatly. The average temperature in Lhasa is in the range of -3-15°C, and it is usually completely sunny in November. The average temperature in Urumqi is-8-0°C and Chengdu is 9-17°C. In Yunnan Province, Dali and Kunming are cool with occasional rainfall. However, the night in Lijiang is very cold and the temperature is just over zero.
• What to Pack: Take winter clothes, such as sweaters and thermal underwear, and take a coat wherever you go. If you go to Tibet, put on more layers of clothes and wear sunglasses, pay attention to keeping warm.

China Weather and Climate in November by Cities

• Beijing
• Shanghai
• Guangzhou
• Hangzhou
• Suzhou
• Shenzhen
• Changsha
• Tianjin
• Xian
• Wuhan
• Sanya
• Kunming
• Haikou
• Guiyang
• Lhasa
• Macau
• Hong Kong
• Zhengzhou
• Zhangjiajie
• Jiuzhaigou
• Xining
• Guilin
• Dunhuang
• Chongqing
• Chengdu
• Huangshan
• Hohhot
• Yangshuo
• Xiamen
• Wuyishan
• Qingdao
• Daocheng
• Leshan
• Emeishan
• Mount Tai
• Dalian
• Urumqi
• Lanzhou
• Nanjing
• Harbin

Best Places to Visit in November

November in autumn is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful months in China. Tourists can enjoy the red leaves on the Great Wall and stroll through the ancient towns in Yunnan. In addition, Guilin's natural scenery, Hangzhou's West Lake, Suzhou's classical gardens and Fujian Tulou should not be missed.

Beijing

November is a good time to visit the Great Wall and see the colorful autumn leaves on the mountain. In November after the peak tourist season, fewer crowd will visit the Forbidden City and other attractions in Beijing. The ancient red wall buildings and the golden leaves in parks and the suburbs of Beijing make the whole city more charming and elegant.

• 2 Days Beijing Highlights Tour with Beijing Roast Duck and Kong Fu Show
• 3 Days Beijing Highlights Tour
• 4 Days Best Beijing City Tour
• 5 Beijing City Tour

Badaling Great Wall

As one of the best tourist attractions in Beijing in November, Badaling Great Wall attracts many tourists, not only because of its magnificent structure, but also because of its sea of red leaves. When entering late autumn, most of the trees near Badaling Great Wall become crimson and golden, which is very spectacular.

• 4 Days Great Walls Hiking and Camping Tour: Huanghuacheng, Xishuiyu, Jiankou, Mutianyu, Gubeikou, and Jinshanling Great Wall
• 5 Days Great Walls Hiking and Camping Tour: Huanghuacheng, Xishuiyu, Jiankou, Mutianyu, Gubeikou, Jinshanling, and Simatai Great Wall
• 7 Days Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour
• 8 Days Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour

Read More: Great Wall Hiking Tours 

Huangshan

Autumn in Huangshan is colorful. The magnificent mountain is covered with red maple trees and dotted with golden fruits under white clouds and blue sky. November is the ideal season for climbing Yellow Mountain, because the weather is cool during the daytime, but the temperature is low at night. Remember to bring a warm coat. If you like outdoor activities, you can take a tent and stay overnight on the mountain, then wake up at about 4:30 in the morning to enjoy the wonderful sunrise. Besides the natural scenery of Huangshan, you can also be deeply impressed by the culture and ancient buildings of the folk villages near Huangshan, such as the famous Hongcun Ancient Village and Tunxi Ancient Street.

• 2 Days Mount Huangshan Tour
• 2 Days Huangshan Tour (Overnight in the Summit of Yellow Mountain)
• 3 Days Yellow Mountain Hiking Tour
• 4 Days Huangshan Photography Tour (One Night On The Top of Yellow Mountain)
• 4 Days Best Huangshan Tour

Zhangjiajie

In November, Zhangjiajie becomes a romantic and poetic world shrouded in fog. The steep cliffs and the plants on the mountain are more beautiful. The mountains in Zhangjiajie are different from other mountains in China in that the mountains in Zhangjiajie are divided into small cliffs. In addition, you can also visit the Fenghuang Ancient Town nearby. Fenghuang Ancient Town is a beautiful town near the mountain and by the water. It is famous for its natural beauty, unique wooden structure and colorful ethnic customs, especially Miao and Tujia.

• 3 Days Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour
• 3 Days Zhangjiajie Avatar Tour
• 4 Days Zhangjiajie Classic Tour with White Water Rafting Adventure
• 5 Days Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour
• 6 Day Classic Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang Tour
• 7 Days Hunan Highlights Tour to Changsha, Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang, Changde

Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou's different colors in the four seasons are really beautiful. Jiuzhaigou in autumn is magnificent and colorful. Under the bright blue sky, colorful plants are reflected on the crystal-clear lake. You can walk along the path through Jiuzhaigou's dense forests. At the end of November, winter begins in Jiuzhaigou.

• 3 Days Jiuzhaigou Valley & Huanglong National Park Local Tour
• 4 Days Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong National Park Bus Tour
• 5 Days Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong and Songpan Tour
• 7 Days Jiuzhaigou and Giant Pandas Tour with Mount Emei

Sichuan

It is exciting to go hiking in the west of Sichuan province in autumn. It is one of the most popular hiking routes in China. Starting from Chengdu, it passes through Xinduqiao, Yading and Daocheng to reach Luding Bridge. This route can really explore the nature in southwest China. During the trip, you can see amazing autumn scenery and snow-covered mountains under the blue sky. Apart from Tibet, Tibetan culture is also a highlight in western Sichuan. You can also visit some ancient monasteries and Tibetan houses there.

• 2 Days Daocheng Yading Hiking Tour
• 4 Days Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve Tour by Flight
• 8 Days Chengdu Daocheng Yading Adventure Tour
• 13 Days Yunnan and Sichuan Trekking Tour from Lugu Lake to Daocheng and Yading Nature Reserve

Yunnan

November is a good time to visit Lijiang and Dali. You can not only enjoy the ancient buildings, but also enjoy some local snacks and explore the life of the local people. Bird watching in Kunming's Dianchi Lake is also a good choice for bird lovers. In addition, you can also enjoy colorful leaves all over Yunnan, such as ginkgo leaves in Tengchong.

• 4 Days Best Kunming City Tour with The Stone Forest
• 4 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Group Tour
• 6 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang Tour
• 7 Days Kunming, Lijiang and Shangri-la Highlights Tour by Bullet Train
• 8 Days Yunnan Classic Tour by High Speed Bullet Train
• 8 Days Best Yunnan Small Group Tour-Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La

Read More: Yunnan Travel in November

Guilin

Guilin is famous for its natural scenery and picturesque Li River. In November, apart from visiting such classic scenic spots as elephant trunk mountain, Yangshuo and Reed Flute Cave, Lijiang river cruise shouldn't be missed. In addition, Haiyang Town has a large area of yellow ginkgo leaves, which can undoubtedly attract your attention.

• 3 Days Guilin and Yangshuo Highlights Tour
• 4 Days Guilin and Yangshuo Tour
• 5 Day Guilin and Yangshuo Tour with Huangyao Ancient Town
• 6 Days Guilin, Longsheng, Sanjiang, Yangshuo Ethnic Minority Tour

Suzhou and Hangzhou

When it comes to the best tourist destinations in China in November, Suzhou and Hangzhou are definitely on the list. West Lake is the essence of Hangzhou. It is very pleasant to go boating on the lake and immerse yourself in the autumn scenery. Classical gardens, including the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Lingering Garden, are a must for Suzhou. Exquisite layout, exquisite design, unique rockery and winding corridor form all kinds of classical gardens, making people feel like they are in Chinese painting. In addition, ancient water towns such as Wuzhen, Zhouzhuang and Tongli are also good places to appreciate traditional buildings in the south of the Yangtze River.

Suzhou City Highlight Tours

• 1 Day Suzhou Gardens Highlight Tour
• 1 Day Suzhou Tour with Rickshaw Riding
• 2 Days Suzhou Gardens Highlights Tour
• 4 Days Suzhou Gardens and Zhouzhuang Water Town Tour

Hangzhou City Highlight Tours

• 1 Day Hangzhou Tour to Xixi National Wetland Park, West Lake Cruise and Dragon Well Tea Plantation
• 1 Day Hangzhou City Tour to Lingyin Temple, Flying Peak, Dragon Well Tea Plantation, West Lake and Tiger Spring
• 1 Day Hangzhou Classic Tour with Su Causeway, West Lake, Dragon Well Tea Plantation, Six Harmony Pagoda and Hefang Street
• 2 Days Hangzhou City Highlights Tour

Keep Reading

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• 6 Days Nanjing Suzhou Hangzhou Shanghai Tour
• 8 Days Shanghai-Suzhou-Wuzhen-Hangzhou-Wuyuan-Huangshan Tour by Bullet Train

Fujian

Xiamen, as the largest city in Fujian Province, is a beautiful coastal city and one of the most suitable places for tourism in November in China. Gulangyu Island is a pearl in Xiamen. It features various styles of buildings, such as the former consulates of western countries and traditional buildings with Minnan characteristics. Another highlight that should not be missed is Fujian earth buildings. Fujian now has more than 23,000 earth buildings of more than 30 kinds, including round buildings, square buildings, pentagonal buildings, octagonal buildings and stilted buildings. In addition, Mount Wuyi is a bit cold in November, but it is worth enjoying the picturesque scenery on foot.

Xiamen City Tours

• 1 Day Xiamen City & Gulang Yu Island Tour
• Xiamen Gulangyu Island Half-day tour
• 4 Days Xiamen City and Fujian Tulou Tour

Fujian Tulou Tours

• 1 Day Fujian Tulou Tour to Nanjing and Yongding
• 2 Days Fujian Tulou Tour to Nanjing and Yongding (Stay in Hukeng Town)
• 3 Days Fujian Tulou In-depth Tour
• 4 Days Fujian Tulou Cycling Tour from Xiamen

Mount Wuyi Tours

• 1 Day Wuyishan Tour to Xiamei Ancient Village and Nine Bend Stream
• 3 Days Wuyishan Tour
• 4 Days Wuyishan Tour

Keep Reading

• 5 Days Fujian Province Adoption Heritage Tour
• 5 Days Fujian Highlights Tour with Fujian Tulou and Wuyishan Mountain
• 8 Days Fujian Discovery Tour

China Festivals and Events by Month

In November, the main festivals and events in China include Lhabab Duchen Festival, Palden Lhamo Festival, China International Import Expo, etc. American holidays like Halloween and Thanksgivin are not recognized as local Chinese traditions.

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

Travel Tips For China Travel in November

• The comfortable weather and sunshine in the south are very suitable for outdoor activities, sightseeing, traveling and shopping. November is the off-season for tourism in China, so tourists can benefit from the drop in prices.
• You can also enjoy the amazing autumn scenery in many places. You can see the colors of autumn around the Great Wall, Huangshan Mountain and Yangtze River. Red, gold, yellow and brown create amazing scenery in November. In this dry season, the sky is usually clear. You'd better visit China before snow falls.
• The biggest disadvantage of November is that if you plan to travel to north China, even Beijing, the later you enter north China in November, you will definitely experience some rather cold and winter-like weather. It may even be too cold to stay on top of the windy Great Wall for too long.
• The best places to appreciate autumn leaves include Huangshan, Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou and western Sichuan.