South-central China, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to South-central China, China? If you're planning to go to South-central China, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to South-central China
- Important essentials for South-central China
- Activities for South-central China
- South-central China in January: weather and what to pack
- South-central China in February: weather and what to pack
- South-central China in March: weather and what to pack
- South-central China in April: weather and what to pack
- South-central China in May: weather and what to pack
- South-central China in June: weather and what to pack
- South-central China in July: weather and what to pack
- South-central China in August: weather and what to pack
- South-central China in September: weather and what to pack
- South-central China in October: weather and what to pack
- South-central China in November: weather and what to pack
- South-central China in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to South-central China, China
Based on the climate and weather in South-central China, the best time to go is April. See below for details.
Important essentials for South-central China, China
Here are some general tips on what to wear in South-central China, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in South-central China. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. This one should work in most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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Airplane or car necessities
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For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for South-central China, China by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
February
February in South-central China can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
March
In March, South-central China is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for South-central China, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
April
If you visit South-central China during April, you might notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
May
In May, South-central China is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for South-central China, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
June
If you visit South-central China during June, you may notice that it can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
July
July in this region is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
August
August for South-central China can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
September
Traveling to South-central China in September, you will notice that it is hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
October
If you vacation in South-central China during October, you will probably find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
November
If you visit South-central China during November, you will probably find that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
December
December in South-central China can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
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