Best Time to Visit Hohhot (Tips, Photos & Map)

As the capital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in the northern China, Hohhot is a springboard for your Inner Mongolia Tour, an ideal place to relax away from modern day pressure thanks to the magnificent natural beauty as well as fantastic cultural sites.

Hohhot located about 480km northwest of Beijing (Train, Road & Flight) Google Map

When planning your Hohhot tour, one of the frequently asked questions likely to tantalize you is “When is the best time to visit Hohhot?”

For the major attractions to visit in Hohhot, check out my another article “Top 10 Attractions i n Hohhot” .

Best time to visit Hohhot

The climate of Hohhot is continental with four distinct seasons and significant temperature spreads between day and night.

The best season to visit Hohhot is from April to October. The best time to visit the grassland is from mid-July to early September, when the grassland is beautiful and the annual Mongolian “Nadam” fair is held.

Use this quick travel guide to help you make a smart decision about when to visit Hohhot in each season.

Hohhot in Spring (March – May)

Falling within a temperate zone, Hohhot belongs to a semi-arid climate that is characterized by little and uneven precipitation.

Generally speaking, spring is not a very good time to visit Hohhot. Hohhot has a short spring. What’s more, it is often hit by droughts and sandstorms in spring. The weather is still chilly in spring, especially at night.

Hohhot City Tour （Xilitu Zhao Temple 席力图召）

Not the time for visiting the grasslands, but you still have many intriguing city attractions both indoor and outdoor to see since Hohhot is a historic city as well as the capital city of Inner Mongolia.

Hohhot in Summer (June – August)

Summer here is fairly warm. July is the hottest month in Hohhot, with highest temperatures of around 39℃. Summer is regarded as the best season to visit Hohhot and enjoy the beautiful scenery of grasslands.

Check out My trip to Gegentala Grassland for travel information on the grassland.

Several important festivals will be held in summer season.

Nadam Fair

The famous Nadam Fair is also held during July or August. This traditional festival occupies an important place in the life of Mongolian people.

Remember to bring a coat or jacket even in summer since the temperature drops dramatically in the evening. Going Hohhot in summer is a good choice for you.

Zhaojun Cultural Festival

Time: July-August every year; Host city: Hohhot

Zhaojun Cultural Festival originated from the Zhaojun Temple Fair. After several years of development, Zhaojun Cultural Festival has become a comprehensive festival activity integrating culture, economy and trade, sports and tourism.

Hohhot named the festival after Zhaojun, aiming to “promote Zhaojun culture, strengthen ethnic unity and promote economic development”.

Summer Dazhao Culture Temple Fair

Time: July-August every year; Venue: Dazhao Square, Hohhot city

Many activities will be held with regard to Dazhao Culture, wonderful cultural and folk custom, commerce, and Buddhism during the Summer Dazhao Culture Temple Fair.

There are not only traditional crafts and folk performances such as dough figurines, clay figurines, sugar paintings and sugar figures, but also abundant mass activities.

So summer is a tourist peak season in Hohhot with significant increase in domestic travel. Be ready to be well prepared to book your hotels, flights or train tickets in advance.

Hohhot in Autumn (September – October）

Early autumn is also a good time for visiting Hohhot, since the grassland is still full of yellow grass and horses there.

Autumn there usually sees early frost and plummeting temperature. Just remember the difference in temperature between days and nights is very big, so you should wear several layers of clothes.

You are kindly advised to skip over China National Holiday in October (1-7) when you plan your Hohhot Tours, since there are so many domestic tourists during that time.

Hohhot in Winter ( November – February next year)

Winter is an off season for traveling in Hohhot. If you are more of a person who loves winter and would like to go skiing down some of the most breath taking sites in Hohhot, Hohhot still welcomes you during the winter months.

Hohhot Taiwei Ski Resort is located in the Guluban Village, Baheshao Town under the administration of Xincheng District, 14km northeast of Hohhot city center, only 25-minute drive from the downtown, 8 minute from Hohhot Baita International Airport. Check out Taiwei Ski Resort for more information.

It is quite cold in winter in Hohhot since it is influenced by monsoon climate. Winter of Hohhot is long and cold with a lowest temperature of -25 to -45 degrees Celsius.

Hohhot Winter City Tour (Islam Style Street)

The most advantage to visit Hohhot in winter is that you can save money and see fewer visitors, thus avoiding tourist crowds. Make sure to take enough thick coats with you!

Tip: Hassle-free Hohhot & Inner Mongolia Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for guided tours to Inner Mongolia:

Inner Mongolia Tour
Mid-Inner Mongolia Tour (Hohhot, Baotou, Ordos)
East Inner Mongolia Tour (Xanadu,Wulan Butong, Xilinhot, Chifeng)
Northeast Inner Mongolia Tour (Hulunbuir)
West Inner Mongolia Tour (Alashan “Alxa” League)
Hohhot Tour
Hohhot Highlights & Grassland 3 Day Tour
Hohhot Highlights & Grassland 2 Day Tour

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Best time to visit Hohhot

Hohhot in Spring (March – May)