“Rainy season” is exactly what it sounds like. It is a seasonal occurrence that takes place at different times during the spring and summer in different parts of China. While some areas of China may experience higher rainfall at certain times of the year, there is no official rainy season. Typically, the rainy season affects southern and southeastern China.

As suggested by its name, rainy season generally consists of several weeks characterized by wet weather.

When Is Rainy Season?

If you are planning to travel in China between the months of April and July, it is highly likely that you will encounter the rainy season in some region of the country.

The rainy season begins in the south and gradually moves northward as the months progress. South China usually sees increased rainfall from April to May. The plum rains, 梅雨 meiyu, or “may yoo” in Mandarin, named for the time when fruits ripen, typically hit eastern China from May to June, with the rains moving north from June to July.

What Is Rainy Season Like?

During rainy season, weather conditions can range from mild overcast skies with light sprinkles to heavy downpours. It can be quite unpredictable; your weather app may continually show cloudy skies and thunderstorm icons.

Experiencing standing water after three days of continuous rain while trying to hail a taxi can be frustrating. Therefore, it is essential to be well-prepared for such weather when traveling.

Travel Tips

• If you are traveling in China, opt for train travel instead of flying whenever possible. Air traffic tends to become severely congested during heavy rainfall. For instance, if you are in Beijing and trying to reach Shanghai, where storms are occurring, you could face flight delays due to grounded planes. Trains remain the most reliable mode of transportation in China during such times.
• When scheduling domestic flights, especially during peak traffic times like Friday evenings or Monday mornings, bear in mind that heavy rain combined with traffic can result in delays or even cancellations.
• Allow ample time when traveling by car during rainy season. Traffic congestion in major cities can be severe, and falling behind schedule could make catching your train problematic.
• If traveling for business, consider hiring a car for the duration of your trip to avoid the unpredictability of taxi availability during rainy weather.
• For leisure travelers, maintain flexibility in your sightseeing plans. Reserve indoor activities, such as museum visits or shopping, for rainy days.

Packing Tips

Rainy season in China need not dampen your trip, provided you are prepared. Here are several important packing considerations:

• Bring extra shoes: It’s wise to pack an extra pair of shoes that you can afford to discard by the end of your trip. Designate these as your rain shoes and wear them on wet days; be prepared to wade through puddles. If you are traveling with children, having an additional pair of shoes will be especially helpful, since they are likely to get wet.
• Consider rain boots: Investing in rain boots can be beneficial. It’s not uncommon to encounter large puddles; when rain falls heavily, streets can flood. Lightweight, rubber rain shoes can often be found in local markets.
• Rain jackets for the family: After numerous experiences in rainy weather while traveling in China, rain jackets have become essential items on my packing list, regardless of the weather forecast.
• Umbrellas: Fortunately, umbrellas are widely available. In the event of a sudden downpour after leaving a museum, you’ll often find local vendors selling umbrellas outside for a small fee.