Asia · December
Best time to visit China in December 🇨🇳
December in China is great time to visit. a great time — solid weather and most experiences open, often with fewer crowds than the absolute peak.
China year at a glance
The absolute peak months for China are March, April, September, October. December is a solid shoulder choice if you want fewer crowds.
What China is like in December
China spans tropics to subarctic. Spring & autumn (Apr–May, Sep–Oct) are best for most of the country. Avoid Golden Week (1st week of Oct) and Lunar New Year crowds.
Insider tip
Train tickets release ~15 days ahead — set a calendar reminder.
December by region in China
Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
off-seasonBest Apr–May & Sep–Oct.
Yunnan (Lijiang, Shangri-La)
bestYear-round mild; clearest Oct–Apr.
Tibet (Lhasa, Everest north)
off-seasonApr–Oct best; roads & permits open.
Hainan & tropical south
bestBeach Nov–Apr; typhoons summer.
Other countries also at their peak in December
Thailand in December
A tale of two coasts and three seasons.
Philippines in December
7,000 islands, one dry season.
Cambodia in December
Cool & dry for Angkor.
Laos in December
Mekong country, cool dry winters.
UAE in December
Desert winters are magical; summers brutal.
Switzerland in December
Two seasons, both spectacular.