September is warm, uncrowded, and affordable. October has perfect autumn weather and fall foliage, but the Oct 1-7 National Day holiday is China's busiest week.
Quick Comparison: September vs October
| Factor | September | October |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 20-28°C (warm) | 12-22°C (perfect) |
| Crowds | Low | Spike (Oct 1-7), then low |
| Prices | Low | Spike (Oct 1-7), then low |
| Rain | Moderate (end of monsoon) | Low (dry season) |
| Foliage | Green | Peak (golden ginkgo) |
| Air quality | Good | Best of year |
Weather and Comfort
September is still warm (20-28°C in the north, 25-30°C in the south) with occasional rain as the monsoon tapers off. October is China's most comfortable month — 12-22°C in the north, 18-25°C in the south, low humidity, clear blue skies, and the best air quality of the year. The light in October is exceptional for photography — golden and soft.
| Factor | September | October |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 20-28°C | 12-22°C |
| Shanghai | 25-30°C | 18-25°C |
| Rain | Moderate | Low |
| Air quality | Good | Best of year |
The National Day Holiday
October 1-7 is National Day — celebrating China's founding. Along with CNY, it is the busiest travel week of the year. The Great Wall can have 80,000 visitors per day; West Lake is wall-to-wall people. Hotel prices triple. If you must travel during this week, go to remote areas or international destinations (many Chinese leave the country). Before October 1 and after October 7, conditions are perfect.
| Factor | September | Oct 1-7 | Oct 8-31 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crowds | Low | Extreme | Low |
| Prices | Low | Triple | Low |
| Train tickets | Easy | 15-day advance | Easy |
| Recommended | Yes | Avoid | Yes |
Autumn Highlights
October is the month for fall foliage in China: golden ginkgo trees lining Beijing's temples (Ditan Park, Temple of Heaven), red leaves on the Great Wall at Mutianyu, and yellow poplars in Xinjiang's Kanas Lake. September is better for late-summer activities — beach time in Qingdao, hiking in Yunnan before it gets cold, and the Mid-Autumn Festival (mooncakes and lanterns, usually September).
| Factor | September | October |
|---|---|---|
| Fall foliage | No | Peak (mid-late Oct) |
| Festival | Mid-Autumn (mooncakes) | National Day |
| Beach weather | Good (last chance) | Too cool |
| Best photography | Good | Exceptional |
Our Verdict
Choose September for the best balance — warm weather, low crowds, and good value. Choose October for perfect autumn weather and fall foliage, but avoid October 1-7 entirely. Late October is one of the best times to visit China.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Is the October 1 holiday worse than May 1?
Similar — both are major travel weeks. October 1-7 is slightly worse because the weather is perfect and everyone wants to be outdoors. Avoid both if possible.
2.When is the best time for Great Wall fall foliage?
Mid to late October. The Mutianyu section has the best red leaves. Go early morning to avoid crowds and get the best light.
3.Is September too hot?
In the south (Guangzhou, Sanya), September can still be 30°C+ with humidity. In the north (Beijing, Xi'an), it is pleasant. September is the start of the comfortable season for most of China.