June marks the beginning of China’s summer travel season, but early June still feels fresh, green, and pleasantly warm across most regions. It’s one of the best months for mountains, lakes, grasslands, and nature-focused trips, especially before school holidays begin in late June.
Important note:
The first half of June offers the best experience — lighter crowds, comfortable temperatures, and some of the year’s most beautiful early-summer scenery.
Late June brings hotter weather, more rainfall in South China, and the start of China’s summer vacation period, which means popular attractions may get busier.
You should also be aware of the Dragon Boat Festival, which usually falls in early to mid-June (date changes yearly). Travel activity increases around the 3-day holiday, so trains, flights, and scenic areas may be more crowded during that period.
For a full month-by-month overview, see: Best Time to Travel to China >>
Weather Overview in June in China
| Region | Temperature | Weather Style | Travel Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North China (Beijing, Xi’an) | 20–33°C | Hot, dry | Good for early June; mid-late June gets hot |
| East China (Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou) | 22–30°C | Humid, “plum rain” season | Short showers but still great for gardens & tea villages |
| South China (Guilin, Guangzhou, Hainan) | 25–33°C | Warm, humid, tropical | Best for rafting, beaches, and early summer landscapes |
| West China (Tibet, Yunnan, Sichuan Plateau) | Cool–warm | Clear mornings, summer showers | Excellent visibility, lush mountains |
| Xinjiang & Inner Mongolia | 18–32°C | Dry, bright skies | Best time for grasslands and road trips |
Overall:
June gives you bright greenery, early-summer vitality, long daylight, and spectacular scenery — especially in China’s west and southwest regions.
Best Places to Visit in China in June
June brings China into full early-summer mode, with lush mountains, bright green landscapes, and long daylight hours perfect for outdoor travel. Whether you prefer lakes, grasslands, cool highlands, or cultural cities, June offers some of the most vivid scenery of the year.
1. Yunnan (Kunming · Dali · Lijiang · Shangri-La)
Why June is perfect:
- Mild early-summer weather
- Bright green mountains and lakes
- Excellent visibility in highland areas
- Fewer crowds before school holidays
Highlights:
- Erhai Lake cycling
- Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking
- Shangri-La’s Tibetan culture & highland lakes
Suggested Trip: 5–7 days (or 8–10 days for a full Yunnan loop)
Best For: Nature lovers, families, culture travelers, photographers.
2. Inner Mongolia Grasslands (Hulunbuir · Xilingol)
Why June is ideal:
- Grasslands turn fully green
- Wildflowers and clear skies
- Cool temperatures compared to the rest of China
Highlights:
- Hulunbuir Grassland road trip
- Morigen River bends
- Horse-riding & local Mongolian culture
- Scenic yurts & sunrise photography
Suggested Trip: 3–5 days (or 6–8 days for full Hulunbuir loop)
Best For: Road trips, families, outdoor travelers.
3. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Why June works:
- Lush green peaks
- Early-summer clouds and mist create cinematic views
- Less crowded than July–August
Highlights:
- Tianzi Mountain
- Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountains)
- Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
- Tianmen Mountain cableway
Suggested Trip: 2–3 days (or 4–5 days with Furong Town / Fenghuang Ancient Town)
Best For: Families, adventure lovers, photographers.
4. Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong (Sichuan)
Why June is excellent:
- Lakes extremely clear
- Bright green forests
- Mild temperatures (12–25°C)
- Waterfalls flow strongly after spring melt
Highlights:
- Five Flower Lake
- Mirror Lake
- Nuorilang Waterfall
- Golden pools of Huanglong
Suggested Trip: 2–3 days (or 4–7 days with Chengdu)
Best For: Families, photographers, nature travelers.
5. Tibet (Lhasa · Namtso · Everest · Shigatse)
Why June is recommended:
- Clear skies before the monsoon arrives
- Great views of Himalayan peaks
- Comfortable daytime temperatures
Highlights:
- Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple
- Namtso Lake
- Everest Base Camp viewpoint
- Yamdrok Lake
Suggested Trip: 5–7 days (or 8–10 days for Everest or overland routes)
Best For: Adventure travelers, high-altitude explorers.
6. Xinjiang (Kashgar · Ili · Nalati Grassland)
Why June is ideal:
- Perfect early-summer weather
- Grasslands lush and green
- Lavender season begins in Ili
Highlights:
- Ili Lavender Fields
- Nalati Grassland
- Kashgar Old Town
- Turpan’s ancient ruins & desert roads
Suggested Trip: 4–6 days (or 8–10 days for the full southern Xinjiang loop)
Best For: Road trips, photographers, culture lovers.
7. Qinghai Lake · Chaka Salt Lake
Why June works:
- Plateau turns green
- Clear reflections at Chaka Salt Lake
- Cool, refreshing weather (10–22°C)
Highlights:
- Qinghai Lake cycling routes
- Salt Lake mirror views
- Tibetan-style villages
- Plateau roads towards Gansu & Tibet
Suggested Trip: 2–3 days (or 4–6 days with surrounding plateau deserts & lakes)
Best For: Self-drivers, photographers.
8. Guilin & Yangshuo
Why go in June:
- Iconic karst mountains vibrant green
- Good conditions for rafting & cycling
- Afternoon rains cool down the day
Highlights:
- Li River cruise
- Yangshuo biking
- Yulong River
- Longji Rice Terraces (green season begins)
Suggested Trip: 2–3 days (or 4–5 days with Longji Rice Terraces)
Best For: Families, nature lovers, couples.
9. Hangzhou & Suzhou
Why June is special:
- Lush West Lake scenery
- Suzhou gardens full of early-summer color
- Tea villages vivid after spring harvest
Highlights:
- West Lake cruises
- Longjing Tea Village
- Suzhou classical gardens
- Nearby water towns (Wuzhen, Tongli)
Suggested Trip: 2–3 days (or 4–5 days with nearby water towns)
Best For: Families, couples, first-time travelers.
10. Beijing (Great Wall & Imperial Sites)
Why June is recommended:
- Clear mornings & long daylight
- Great Wall fully green
- Early June avoids the peak summer heat
Highlights:
- Great Wall (Mutianyu / Jinshanling)
- Forbidden City
- Summer Palace
- Temple of Heaven & hutongs
Suggested Trip: 2–3 days (or 4–5 days for nearby towns & Great Wall sunrise spots)
Best For: First-time travelers, families, culture lovers.
What to Pack for China in June
- Light summer clothing — June is warm across most of China.
- Breathable shirts, shorts, and quick-dry layers — great for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Comfortable walking shoes — essential for long sightseeing days and nature trails.
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat — UV levels rise quickly in early summer.
- Light raincoat or umbrella — useful for afternoon showers in southern and eastern China.
- Light jacket for Tibet, Qinghai, Yunnan highlands — mornings and evenings can still be cool.
- Mosquito repellent — helpful in southern and humid regions.
- Portable fan or cooling towel — optional, but useful in hotter cities.
Travel Tips for China in June
- Travel in early June for the best comfort: fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and greener scenery.
- South China enters its rainy season — expect brief, refreshing afternoon showers rather than full-day rain.
- Book flights and trains early if traveling in late June, as summer vacation crowds start to pick up.
- Highland regions (Tibet, Yunnan, Sichuan) offer ideal temperatures and beautiful early-summer landscapes.
- Grasslands & lakes peak in Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Qinghai — perfect for photography and road trips.
- Be aware of the Dragon Boat Festival (date varies each year) — crowds increase around this 3-day holiday.
- Family travelers: June is excellent for kid-friendly nature trips, light hiking, lakes, and countryside cycling.
FAQ
Is June a good time to visit China?
Yes — especially in the first half of the month. It’s warm, green, and full of vibrant early-summer scenery across mountains, lakes, and grasslands.
Is June too hot for travel?
Some lowland cities in North and South China get hot later in the month, but western China and high-altitude regions (Yunnan, Sichuan, Tibet, Qinghai) stay pleasantly cool.
Where is best to visit in June?
Yunnan, Zhangjiajie, Tibet, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Guilin & Yangshuo, and Inner Mongolia are among the top choices for June.
Does it rain a lot in June?
Southern and eastern China have short afternoon showers due to the “plum rain” season. Northern and western regions remain mostly dry.
Is June good for families?
Yes — early June is excellent for families. Weather is comfortable, nature looks beautiful, and it’s easier to travel before school holidays begin.
Are June crowds heavy?
Light to moderate in early June. Late June becomes busier because of the Dragon Boat Festival and the start of summer break.
