April is the best spring month — mild weather, flowers, and no major holidays. May is warmer but includes the May 1 Labor Day holiday (5 days) when all of China travels.
Quick Comparison: April vs May
| Factor | April | May |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 15-22°C (mild) | 20-28°C (warm) |
| Rain | Light (dry season) | Moderate (building) |
| Crowds | Low | Spike (May 1-5) |
| Prices | Low | Spike (May 1-5), then low |
| Flowers | Peak (cherry, peony) | Late spring blooms |
| Best for | All-round travel | Outdoor activities |
Weather Comparison
April is mild across China — 15-22°C in the north (Beijing, Xi'an), 18-25°C in the south (Shanghai, Guangzhou), and pleasant in Yunnan (15-25°C). Rain is light. May warms up to 20-28°C in the north and 25-30°C in the south, with humidity building toward summer monsoon. Yunnan starts its rainy season in May. For comfort, April is better; for warm-weather activities like hiking and biking, May is ideal.
| Factor | April | May |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 15-22°C, dry | 20-28°C, dry |
| Shanghai | 18-25°C | 22-28°C, humid |
| Yunnan | 15-25°C, dry | 18-28°C, rainy |
| Sanya | 25-30°C | 28-33°C |
The May 1 Holiday Problem
May 1-5 is China's Labor Day holiday — a 5-day break when domestic tourism explodes. Every major scenic spot is packed (Great Wall, West Lake, Terracotta Warriors), hotel prices double or triple, and train tickets sell out 15 days in advance. If you must travel during this period, go to remote areas (Tibet, Xinjiang, western Sichuan) or stay in cities where locals have left. Before May 1 and after May 5, conditions are excellent.
| Factor | April | May 1-5 | May 6-31 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crowds | Low | Extreme | Low |
| Prices | Low | Peak | Low |
| Train booking | Easy | 15-day advance | Easy |
| Recommended | Yes | Avoid | Yes |
Seasonal Highlights
April highlights: cherry blossoms in Beijing (Yuyuantan Park, mid-April), peony festival in Luoyang (mid-April), rapeseed flowers in Yunnan and Wuyuan. May highlights: Longjing tea harvest in Hangzhou (early May), perfect hiking weather on the Great Wall, and the start of the Jiuzhaigou high season. Both months are excellent for photography — clear skies and soft light.
| Factor | April | May |
|---|---|---|
| Best flowers | Cherry, peony, rapeseed | Azalea, lotus (late) |
| Tea harvest | Pre-Qingming (best) | Longjing second pick |
| Great Wall | Cool, clear | Warm, ideal for hiking |
| Photography | Spring green | Golden hour |
Our Verdict
Choose April for the best overall experience — comfortable weather, blooming flowers, and no holiday crowds. Choose May if you want warmer weather for outdoor activities, but avoid the May 1-5 Labor Day holiday period entirely. Late May is excellent and uncrowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can I visit during May 1-5 if I book ahead?
You can, but the experience will be degraded by massive crowds. If you must, book remote destinations (Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia) where crowds are thinner. Avoid the Great Wall, West Lake, and Terracotta Warriors entirely.
2.Is the pre-Qingming Longjing tea really better?
Yes — tea picked before the Qingming Festival (early April) is the most prized and expensive. You can visit tea villages in Hangzhou and taste the year's first harvest. It is a unique April experience.
3.Which month is better for Tibet?
May. April can still be cold in Tibet (especially at night). May brings warmer temperatures and clearer skies, making it the start of Tibet's best season (May-October).