China has a highly diverse climate, with major differences between regions. Annual temperatures range from lows of -54°C in the coldest regions to highs of 41°C in the warmest areas. Annual precipitation ranges from 103mm in drier regions to 393mm in wetter parts of the country. Some regions receive significant snowfall, with up to 374cm annually, while other areas see little to none. The warmest areas are hot year-round while the coldest regions remain very cold, making China a country of sharp climate contrasts.

Temperature patterns across China vary by region, with distinct differences between areas. The Southeast is the warmest part of the country, with peak temperatures reaching 41°C and an annual average of 31°C. Cooler conditions are found in the East, where winter lows drop to -54°C and an annual average of -44°C. This 75°C difference in annual averages between regions means travellers can experience vastly different conditions depending on which part of China they visit. Regional temperature differences remain relatively consistent across seasons, with around 76°C of variation in both summer and winter. For example, Shenzhen in the Guangdong Sheng averages 31°C annually, while Qingdao in the Shandong Sheng averages -44°C.

China sees notable variation in rainfall across its regions, ranging from 103mm to 393mm per year. The East receives the most rainfall, at approximately 393mm annually. The Southeast is the driest, with around 103mm per year. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly across the seasons, with no strong wet or dry period in most regions. The Central sees the most snowfall, with up to 374cm annually, while other parts of the country receive little to none. Visitors heading to wetter areas can expect more frequent rain than those staying in drier parts of the country.