When traveling to Guangzhou, when to go will depend on what you want to do. There are specific times of the year that you should avoid at all costs, such as the national holidays, because prices will be very high and everything is crowded. Take the time to research the best time to visit based on what you want to see and do.

Plan around the Weather

Guangzhou has a subtropical climate, so the summer months are sweltering. It is very dry and the heat can be crippling. Most of the locals stay indoors over these sweltering summer months. Some of the best weather is found from the end of October to the beginning of April, as the weather is quite comfortable. Guangzhou does not have 4 seasons, so the winter is the preferred travel season.

It is also good to plan your travel around the typhoon or rainy season. Normally the rainy season is from July to September, and many typhoons will destroy the coast. Other times of the year are not nearly as wet.

The International Trade Fair

The International Trade Fair occurs in Guangzhou the last two weeks of April and October. The city is crowded for this fair, and this in turn increases the accommodation prices. Unless you are going specifically for the Trade Fair, it is best to avoid the city at these times.

Another time to avoid is during the Chinese New Year, as most of the country is traveling. Unless you book everything far in advance you will find it very difficult to book travel and accommodation.

Travel during the Week

The best time to travel during the week is midweek. The government actually has some travel restrictions that are increased during many festivals, such as Saka Dawa festival, Monlam festival and around the Dalai Lama's birthday. During the main holidays it can take much longer than necessary to travel. Also check that the tourist spots are open on these holidays, because many close down.

Be Prepared No Matter When You Go

You can travel to China at any time as long as you are completely prepared to deal with the weather conditions. The country is very large, so the weather varies and if Guangzhou is only one of your stops you should plan accordingly. Summer is normally the high season for tourists, and to get better prices you should try to avoid this peak season.

If you want to travel during the busy seasons, as this may be your only option, you should book everything well in advance and realize that popular tourist sites may be very crowded and you will have to wait a lot.