February Overview:
Thank goodness the shortest month is a winter month! There's not much change in February from January so the same estimation applies: brrrr. And in the midst of this chilly time, the Chinese have their annual Spring Festival. Spring, you say? That's the local term for new year! You can't doubt the optimism the name implies.
As we saw in Jan, it's darn cold and dry in the north and only slightly warmer (we're talking 1-2 degrees) in central China, but also rainer. You're still going to be pretty comfortable in the south with warmer temps, but more rain as well. Bring your parka and your rainboots and you'll be all set.
February Weather:
- Beijing: the ave daytime temp is 39F (4C) and ave number of rainy days is 3.1.
- Shanghai: the ave daytime temp is 48F (9C) and ave number of rainy days is 10.
- Guangzhou: the ave daytime temp is 65F (18C) and ave number of rainy days is 11.
- Guilin: the ave daytime temp is 55F (13 C) and ave number of rainy days is 14.
February Packing Suggestions:
The winter months require you to bring layers.
- North: it will be cold during the day and below freezing at night. You'll probably be thankful if you bring along a long underwear, a fleece and a wind-proof or down jacket.
- Central: it will be quite chilly during the day and cooler at night, but rarely freezing. A heavy base layer (e.g. jeans, boots and sweaters) along with a rain/wind-proof jacket will be enough. If you're easily cold, a down jacket might be better. You'll definitely see some rain so be prepared.
- South: it will be cool and rainy. Long sleeves and pants, as well as a rain/wind-proof jacket are good.
Visiting China in February - Pros:
- If you come to China in February, you can still catch the last few days of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. It officially ends on February 5, but you can still see the sculptures for a few weeks after the close. Nothing's melting yet!
- Dry weather in Beijing and the rest of northern China makes for cold, but almost-guaranteed dry sight-seeing.
- Mild weather in central and south China is comfortable for sight-seeing and touring.
Visiting China in February - Cons:
This year (2010), Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, celebrations fall in mid-February. New Year's Day is February 14 but the country celebrates for a few weeks around it. This is the biggest holiday of the year and this means double-triple-quadruple airfares (as well as train fares, etc.) and super crowded tourist destinations.
What's Happening in February:
- The Year of the Tigerbegins on February 14 or Chinese New Year. Click here for a guide about Chinese New Year.
- Valentine's Day is February 14th and you can certainly have your fill of chocolate in China. Find out what's happening in this Valentine's Day Guide.
- The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is still officially on until February 5, but you can still see the sculptures for a few weeks after the official close.
The Weather Month by Month:
January in China
February in China
March in China
April in China
May in China
June in China
July in China
August in China
September in China
October in China
November in China
December in China
