China Weather in March

Season: Spring

March is the first month of spring in China. The China weather in March starts to become warm and rainfall begins to increase. The average temperature in most cities of China has risen to above zero. However, abrupt change from warmth to cold is a distinguishing feature of China climate in March and there is generally a big climate difference between North China and South China. In the Southern area like Kunming, some flowers have started to blossom while in some northern cities like Beijing, trees are just about to sprout. 
 The coldest cities in China in March: 
Harbin: -10°C (14°F), Changchun: -8°C (17°F), Yinchuan: -2°C (28°F), Hohhot: -6 °C (21°F)
 
 The hottest cities in China in March:
Sanya: 29°C (84°F), Beihai: 22°C (71°F), Guangzhou: 22°C (71°F), Fuzhou: 19°C (66°F)

 See more: Spring in China – Weather & Tour Tips
 
Averages for China Weather in March
High Temp
13°C (37°F)
Low Temp
3°C (55°F)
Rainfall
46 mm (2 in)
Sunrise
06:00 ~ 06:48
Sunset
18:06 ~ 18:37

The times for sunrise and sunset are based on Beijing.

What to Wear

Despite the rising temperature, the temperature difference in early spring is large and people should wear more in the morning and evening than during the day. In the daytime, you can wear warm trousers, sweater, and coat; at night, wearing long underwear, sweater, and thick overcoat are more suitable. Don’t wear thin dress prematurely; otherwise it will cause arthritis and many other diseases. Spring clothes in March should be transited gradually, especially for young women. What to wear in China in March depends largely on the region you visit; for instance, people in some southern regions like Guangzhou have started to wear shirt. 
China Clothes in March March Wear in China
 
 

March Travel Guide - Where to Go & Tips 

Tourism Rate:  
 
Rape Flowers in March
Blooming Rape Flowers in March
The north is still cold and windy in March every year, so it is a pretty time to visit south of the Yangtze River where it has been in enjoying the blooming spring days. It is the best time to appreciate the beautiful all over the mountains in Wuyuan or the great sight of the Li River in Guilin. The climate of March is changeable, so it is very important for tourists to know the weather of the travel destinations in advance. Wear clothes appropriately to keep healthy. Before you travel, be sure to keep a variety of medicines on hand to avoid emergencies during your trip.
 
Read more about China's Top 6 Places to Visit in March 

 

China Regional Weather in March

 

Beijing & Northeast China

Major Destinations: Beijing, Tianjin, Harbin, Dalian, Shenyang, Inner Mongolia…
Temperatures: -2 – 10°C (28 – 50°F)
 
It is still cold in some parts of Northeast China in March. The temperature often plummets caused by the frequent activity of cold air from the Arctic Ocean. Some cities to the north of Beijing may suffer snow falls. It is also windy with blowing dust in Beijing so it is necessary to wear a gauze mask. Some indoor attractions are recommended to you: National Art Museum, the Water Cube and Forbidden City.
 
Clothing: wool overcoat, thick trousers, pants and socks, warm shoes
 

Shanghai & East China 

Major Destinations: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), Nanchang, Fujian, Shandong…
Temperatures: 3 – 14°C (37 – 57°F)
 
Classical Gardens in Suzhou
Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou
It is becoming warming and more humid because of the increase of rainfalls. But this region may be influenced by cold air and it is a little cold on some days. So pay attention to the weather forecast and wear the right clothes. March is the best time to visit Suzhou, where you can see Chinese classical gardens with thriving spring scenery. 
 
Clothing: thick trousers, thin sweater, long sleeves, a windbreaker, umbrella
 

Xi'an & Central China

Major Destinations: Xi'an, Chengdu, Luoyang, Zhangjiajie, Wuhan, Yangtze River…
Temperatures: 2 – 12°C (36 – 54°F)
 
Generally, it is getting warmer and warmer day by day in March in Central China. But the cold air may return every now and then. It is a good time to see the pandas or taste delicious local street snacks in Chengdu, or see the cherry blossoming in Wuhan. 
 
Clothing: thick coat, warm trousers, thin sweater, wind coat, pullover
 

South China 

Major Destinations: Guilin, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hainan…
Temperatures: 12 – 16℃(54 – 61°F)
 
Li River Cruise
Cruise along Li River in Guilin
In South China, the long-lasting rainy days cover nearly half the month, with less sunny days. Although the continuous rain brings a lot of inconvenience to travel, the green grass and colorful flowers are vibrant and attractive and it is also a good time to visit the scene of mountain and water hazy with mist in Guilin, or stroll around the Dali Ancient Town, Yunnan.
 
Clothing: thin coat, antiskid shoe, pullover, rain gear
 

West China 

Major Destinations: Tibet, Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai…
Temperatures: -3 - 10℃(27 – 50°F)
 
West China in March has the foggy days, rainy days, and even sometimes snow falls due to the high altitude in some areas. Dusty windy weather also may appear in this region influenced by its natural environment. But this shouldn't stop you attending the Peach Flower Festival in Nyingchi, Tibet. Large differences in temperature exist between day and night, so pay more attention to keeping warm against the cold.
 
Clothing: thick coat, wind breaker, thin sweater, jacket, sunglasses, hat

 

March Weather of Major Chinese Cities

March
Temperature
Sunrise / Sunset Humidity
(%)
High Low
12°C / 54°F 0°C / 32°F 06:00 / 18:37 46
Changsha   15°C / 59°F 6°C / 43°F 06:19 / 18:45 84
16°C / 61°F 8°C / 46°F
06:55 / 19:22
81
Chongqing 17°C / 63°F 11°C / 52°F 06:44 / 19:12 76
Guangzhou 21°C / 70°F 15°C / 59°F 06:20 / 18:42 82
16°C / 61°F 10°C / 50°F
06:31 / 18:55
79
Guiyang   15°C / 59°F 7°C / 45°F 06:45 / 19:09 76
Hangzhou 14°C / 57°F 6°C / 43°F 05:53 / 17:46 78
2°C / 36°F -10°C / 14°F
05:16 / 18:00
56
Hohhot   7°C / 45°F -6°C / 21°F 06:18 / 18:56 46
Hong Kong 21°C / 70°F 17°C / 63°F 06:17 / 18:38 81
Huangshan
6°C / 43°F -1°C / 30°F 05:57 / 18:24 77
Kunming 21°C / 70°F 6°C / 43°F 07:02 / 19:26 58
13°C / 55°F -2°C / 28°F 07:47 / 20:13 27
Lijiang 17°C / 63°F 5°C / 41°F 07:11 / 19:36 49
Luoyang 14°C / 57°F 3°C / 37°F 06:18 / 18:50 /
Nanjing
13°C / 55°F 5°C / 41°F 05:54 / 18:23 74
Pingyao 12°C / 54°F - 1°C / 30°F 06:18 / 18:52 50
Qingdao
9°C / 48°F 2°C / 36°F 05:46 / 18:19 68
Sanya
29°C / 84°F 22°C / 72°F 06:37 / 18:55 /
Shanghai 13°C / 55°F 5°C / 41°F 05:45 / 18:13 78
23°C / 73°F 16°C / 61°F 06:17 / 18:39 78
Suzhou 13°C / 55°F 5°C / 41°F 05:48 / 18:16 72
Tianjin 12°C / 54°F 1°C / 34°F 05:57 / 18:33 53
Urumqi 3°C / 37°F -5°C / 23°F 07:52 / 20:34 71
14°C / 57°F 7°C / 45°F 06:13 / 18:40 78
Xiamen 19°C / 66°F 12°C / 54°F 06:00 / 18:23 83
Xi'an 14°C / 57°F 4°C / 39°F 06:33 / 19:04 66
Zhangjiajie 15°C / 59°F 7°C / 45°F 06:29 / 18:55 75
Zhengzhou   14°C / 57°F 3°C / 37°F 06:13 / 18:45 62
- Last updated on Jul. 23, 2024 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on China Weather in March
Asked by Eleen from SINGAPORE | Nov. 18, 2024 04:27Reply
Shanghai
Planning to got Shanghai, Suzhou on 13th March to 26th March 2025 or 11th October to 22nd October 2025.

Can advise which period is better. Will it rain more often in March or October and
Which is colder?

Thks
Answers (1)
Answered by Emma | Nov. 18, 2024 19:20
00Reply


I personally prefer October, the golden season with few rain and pleasant climate. Middle of March to the beginning of April is the flower season and the weather is also comfortable.
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