
Best time to visit Guilin 2025: Monthly weather guide
March 18, 2025
Choosing the ideal time to visit Guilin in Guangxi is essential for enjoying this renowned Chinese destination at its finest. Famed for its breathtaking karst landscapes, meandering rivers, and picturesque countryside, Guilin captivates visitors year-round. So, when is the best time to go? Generally, the prime months for a visit are April, May, September, and October.
That said, Guilin's diverse attractions—from serene Li River cruises and the mesmerizing Longji Rice Terraces to the stunning Reed Flute Cave and scenic hiking trails, not to mention its lively festivals—make it a great destination no matter the season.
To make the most of your trip, a detailed Guilin weather guide will help you navigate the best travel periods, covering seasonal changes, monthly weather patterns, festivals, and must-do activities.
When is the best time to visit Guilin?
If you prefer less rainfall and warm to mild, mostly sunny days, autumn—spanning from September to November—is the ideal time to visit.
This pleasant weather creates a perfect setting for couples looking to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, or other special moments in a romantic atmosphere.
The best time to explore Guilin is during April, May, September, and October. With average temperatures ranging from 25 to 28°C, these months offer comfortable weather and moderate rainfall, ensuring ideal conditions for sightseeing.
Spring (March to May) brings light drizzles that swell the Li River, enhancing its mystical charm. The misty rain and fog create an ethereal atmosphere, making a Li River cruise feel like gliding through a dreamlike landscape. By April, the Longji Terraced Fields glisten with water, reflecting the surrounding mountains in a mesmerizing display of natural beauty.
Autumn (September and October) ushers in cooler, drier days, perfect for appreciating Guilin’s scenic wonders. The Li River appears even more pristine, providing stunning views as you float toward the iconic 20 Yuan banknote spot near Xingping Town. It’s also harvest season, where the golden rice fields of Yangshuo paint a picturesque countryside scene, ideal for cycling. Meanwhile, the Longji Terraces burst into a breathtaking cascade of gold, offering a spectacular sight and a joyous celebration of the harvest.

What to photograph in four seasons?
Spring (March to May)
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Misty Li River
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Karst mountains
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Cormorant fishermen
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Flooded rice terraces
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Rapeflower fields in Yangshuo and many other villages
Summer (June to September) - Second Best
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Li River
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Karst mountains at sunrise and sunset
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Cormorant fishermen
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Flooded rice terraces and yellow rice fields
Autumn (October to November) - BEST
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Golden rice terraces in Longji (the end of Sept to middle Oct)
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Autumn foliage in countryside (middle Nov)
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Li River
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Karst mountains at sunrise and sunset
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Cormorant fishermen
Winter (December to Feburary)
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Li River and mountain reflections
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Karst mountains
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Cormorant fishermen
Best Times for Natural Beauty
Guilin is a city of breathtaking scenery, offering stunning landscapes of mountains, rivers, and countryside year-round. However, to witness its most spectacular seasonal beauty, spring and autumn are the best times to visit.
In spring, the light drizzle and mist envelop the peaks, rivers, and villages along the Li River, softening their outlines and casting them in delicate pastel hues. This ethereal scene mirrors the charm of a traditional Chinese painting, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
Autumn, on the other hand, transforms the Longji Terraced Fields into a golden masterpiece. The ripened rice sways in the sunlight, cascading in shimmering layers across the mountains like a vast golden scroll, offering a truly magnificent sight.
Monthly Weather, Climate and Packing Tips
Guilin experiences a subtropical humid monsoon climate, marked by warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The average temperature hovers around 19°C, with consistent rainfall spread throughout the year.
Renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and distinctive geological formations, Guilin offers breathtaking scenery no matter the season. Whether you visit in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, you’ll always find beauty in its iconic mountains and winding rivers.
Month | Avg Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain days | Wearing Tips |
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Dec | 6-15°C | 48 | 9 | Warm coats, gloves |
Oct | 16-27°C | 88 | 10 | Light layers, umbrella |
Nov | 11-20°C | 66 | 9 | Light jacket, layers |
Sept | 21-30°C | 83 | 8 | Light jacket for evenings |
Jul | 24-33°C | 218 | 16 | Light clothes, rain gear |
Aug | 25-33°C | 179 | 15 | Raincoat, sun protection |
Jun | 22-30°C | 332 | 18 | Breathable clothes, hat |
May | 20-28°C | 347 | 19 | Umbrella, rain poncho |
Apr | 15-23°C | 135 | 20 | Raincoat, light layers |
Mar | 10-17°C | 140 | 19 | Light jacket, umbrella |
Feb | 6-13°C | 84 | 16 | Warm jacket recommended |
Jan | 5-12°C | 55 | 16 | Bring warm layers |

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