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The best time to visit Yangshuo is late September through early November, when the monsoon has cleared, temperatures sit near 27°C (81°F), and the karst peaks are at their sharpest against blue sky. October averages just 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, roughly a fifth of what June gets. The shoulder months of April and May also work, but they come with rising rain. Here is the breakdown by what matters most.
Best Time to Visit Yangshuo for Good Weather
October and November are the driest and most comfortable months. October highs average 27°C (81°F) with about 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, and November is cooler at 21°C (70°F) with 57 mm (2.2 in). December through February is mild but misty and overcast, which dulls the classic Li River views even though rain is low. Full monthly numbers are on our Yangshuo weather by month page.
Best Time to Visit Yangshuo for Lower Prices
The cheapest months are December, January and February, when riverside guesthouses that charge CNY 300 to 500 a night in October drop to CNY 150 to 250. Weekday rates are also noticeably lower than weekends year-round, and the low season means you can often negotiate a discount of 20% to 30% by booking directly with a smaller guesthouse. Hostel dorms run CNY 40 to 60 a night in winter.
Best Time to Visit Yangshuo for Fewer Crowds
West Street is packed during the Chinese public holidays: the week around Chinese New Year (January or February), the first week of May (Labour Day), and the first week of October (National Day Golden Week). During Golden Week, hotel prices can double or triple and the Li River boats run full. If you want the karst scenery with fewer people, go in the first two weeks of November, after the Golden Week crowds leave and before the weather turns cold.
Best Time to Visit Yangshuo for Events and Festivals
October brings the annual Yangshuo International Rock Climbing Festival, which draws climbers to the hundreds of bolted limestone routes around the town. The Impression Liu Sanjie night show runs most nights from March through November and pauses in deep winter. Dragon Boat Festival (the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, usually June) puts races on the Li River. The full calendar is in our Yangshuo events and festivals guide.
Months to Avoid in Yangshuo
June is the month to avoid if you want clear views: it averages 320 mm (12.6 in) of rain and skies stay grey for days. July and August are the hottest at 33°C (91°F) with high humidity, and afternoon storms are frequent. Neither month is a dealbreaker, but pair any summer visit with the indoor things to do in Yangshuo options like Silver Cave, and reserve outdoor viewpoints for the morning.
To sort out which part of town to base yourself in, read our Yangshuo neighborhoods guide, and use our where to stay in Yangshuo page to lock in a room for the right season.
For getting there and money details, see our Yangshuo travel tips page, and the Yangshuo guide ties the full Yangshuo cluster together.
