Best Time to Visit Hohhot

The best times to visit Hohhot are in summer, from June to August, and autumn, from September to October. 
See More about: Hohhot Weather
 During this period, Hohhot enjoys a pleasantly cool climate compared with other popular destinations. In specific, the temperature in Hohhot in summer ranges between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit) for most of the day, not scorching hot and perfect for escaping summer heat. 

Moreover, lush and vibrant grasslands are one of the highlights of Hohhot’s travel in summer. During these months, thanks to abundant rainfall and sunshine, the grass grows prosperously and appear vividly green. Besides, Naadam Festival held in July or August also attracts countless visitors. It offers an excellent opportunity to experience unique Mongolian culture - visitors can watch horse racing and wrestling, try arrow shooting, appreciate traditional dance performances and taste local delicious mutton. 

Prosperous Grassland in Hohhot

Horse Racing in Hohhot

Hohhot’s autumn is a bit short, but it doesn’t weaken its charm. Grasslands offer a totally different autumn scene from the summer times: a mix of yellow and green in September, completely dark yellow in October. If you want to catch the peak view of autumn beauty, it’s advisable to visit Hadamen National Forest Park from mid-September to mid-October, or Jiulongwan Scenic Area in early October. 

In terms of weather, it is a bit cool, but a windbreaker is usually enough for most days during this period. The rainfall is limited, so you can explore outdoor sites as much as you want. 

Besides, autumn can be considered the shoulder season for tourists, so attractions are less crowded and travel costs drop a bit.
 These two months coincide with the Chinese summer holiday, dramatically fueling up domestic travel rush. Hohhot is no exception. You may experience long lines in popular attractions, such as Xiangshawan Dessert and Dazhao Temple. Moreover, hotel rates would increase, too. 

However, compared with top destinations in China, like Beijing and Xi’an, Hohhot sees significantly fewer visitors and lower travel costs. As long as you book your hotel early and plan your travel schedule wisely, you can still have a good time in Hohhot in summer. 

Popular Dessert in Hohhot

 During Chinese public holidays, especially the National Day Holiday, you may find it extremely difficult to book train tickets, which might be the greatest challenge before your visit. Tourists and travel costs increase greatly as well. Therefore, it’s best to avoid these periods. 
 Winter in Hohhot is extremely cold, with sharp winds that make staying outdoors for long periods quite challenging. Because of the harsh weather, many outdoor attractions close. For example, Hadamen Forest Park usually shuts down around mid-November, and major programs in Xiangshawan Desert Resort also stop operating during the winter months. In addition, many scenic sites reduce their opening hours. Last but not least, the temperature drops sharply after sunset, and the nights can feel painfully cold, making evening outdoor activities unsuitable.

That said, if you are well prepared for winter travel, you may still enjoy the quiet charm of the off-season. With far fewer tourists, you can experience peaceful, undisturbed snow-covered landscapes. 
 Spring is the peak season for sandstorms, which can be severe in April and May. Given Hohhot’s already dry climate, sandstorms make the air even drier and unbreathable. When a sandstorm arrives, the sky often turns dusty yellow, and sand fills the air. Staying outdoors too long may irritate your throat, nose, and eyes and even cause health problems. For these reasons, outdoor travel during the dusty days is not recommended.

Also, although temperatures slowly rise in spring, Hohhot still feels quite cold, and the natural scenery is not at its best. Grasslands remain bare and yellow, with very little greenery until late May.