China

China spans five climate zones, from subarctic in the northeast to tropical in the south. Beijing has a continental climate: cold, dry winters averaging -4°C in January and hot, humid summers at 26°C in July with most rain falling in July and August. Shanghai experiences humid subtropical conditions with winter lows of 2°C, summer highs of 32°C, and a plum rain season (meiyu) in June and July. Hong Kong and southern China are tropical: hot and humid year-round (16-31°C) with a monsoon season from April to September. Tibet (Lhasa) has intense sun and thin air at 3,650m, with summer highs of 22°C and winter lows of -9°C. The best months for most of China are April, May, September, and October when temperatures are moderate and rainfall lower. Domestic travel during Chinese New Year (January/February) and Golden Week (first week of October) sees massive crowds and premium pricing.