Guilin in September

April through May brings perfect weather and blooming osmanthus flowers. The air is crisp, mountains are clear, and you can hike without melting. September through November offers the same comfortable temperatures plus autumn colors reflecting in the Li River. Summer is hot and humid with frequent rain - not ideal for outdoor activities, though river cruises stay cool. Winter can be surprisingly chilly and gray, but you'll have attractions mostly to yourself. Chinese Golden Week holidays in early October mean crowds and inflated prices. Book accommodation well in advance if you're traveling then. The best light for photography happens just after sunrise and before sunset, when the karst peaks glow golden against the sky. Rainy season runs June through August, but afternoon showers often clear quickly.