Best Time to Cruise Yangtze River

There is no question that the four months are the best time to have a cruise for the nicest experience along the Three Gorges. The climate in these months is the most pleasant, with less rainfall and more sunny days. Yangtze River has a lot to offer during these times: lush vegetation on both sides of the river, green mountains, clear waters, and the cutting-edge Three Gorges Dam ... 
These two periods offer visitors the ultimate summer and autumn scenery at lower prices. Early June sees the impending summer season. Before the most scorching heat, early June helps visitors avoid crowds in July and August during the summer holiday. The mountains along the Three Gorges are at their greenest. In early to mid-November, while a bit chilly, it is the perfect time to enjoy the vibrant colors of autumn. The Three Gorges summit and Wu Gorge have already been dyed red by the autumn leaves. Visitors cannot stop snapping in these iconic spots.

Yangtze River in Early June

 Spring has arrived, and the Three Gorges have taken off the harsh winter chill. Although the vegetation hasn’t turned green extensively, flowers are blooming, especially the plum blossoms which have spread across the Wu Mountains in this month. The Yangtze River is in its dry season with little rainfall, and the turquoise water flows slowly through the valleys, creating a lovely scene. Since cruises have just resumed their services suspended in winter and it’s the shoulder season, prices are much favorable. 

The Three Gorges Dam in Spring

 It’s the hot and humid midsummer. Even with the air conditioning on, you may still feel sticky in the cabins, and the sun scorches the deck so you may be attacked by sunburn while spending extended time there. Furthermore, July and August are the flood season in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River, bringing constant rainfall and frequent fog, cloaking the views. Although scorching, the summer holiday makes the two months a minor peak season for family visits, and cruise ships fill up easily. Scenic spots along the way, such as Baidi City and the Three Gorges Dam, are also quite crowded, worsening the travel experience.

Yangtze River in Summer Rainy Season

Scorching Yangtze Cruise Ship Deck in Summer

 Winter can be the worst time to cruise the Yangtze River. The weather is freezing especially on deck with a sharp river breeze. While winter has little precipitation, foggy and overcast days are common. Given mountains and peaks often obscured by clouds and mist, the views along the river have nothing to brag about. Snow is scant and concentrated on the mountaintops, thus the snow views is much less spectacular than in northern cities. During the off-season, many cruise ships suspend operations for maintenance, leaving fewer options.

Three Gorges Dam on a Cloudy Day in Winter

 Compared to the times with pleasant weather and best sceneries, China’s public holidays are truly peak tourist season. Cruise tickets, like high-speed rail tickets, sell out quickly several days before the holiday. Nearly every tourist attraction, regardless of its popularity, is packed with people and you need to queue up for everything. Prices for various services skyrocket, and with so many guests, service quality can be compromised. Avoiding public holidays is the priority for international tourists planning their travel to China.

Crowded Yangtze River Cruise Ship on Chinese Public Holidays

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