Shelkar in February

Outside the best window (check). Across China: Spring Festival in most years: closures and sold-out transport for a week or more.

February is rated avoid. These months rate higher:

• AprilGoodOutside the best window (check). Across China: Spring across the east; Qingming break early in the month.
• SeptemberGoodOutside the best window (check). Across China: Heat eases; one of the best months before National Day.
• OctoberGoodOutside the best window (check). Across China: Clear skies and colour, but avoid 1–7 October; the rest of the month is ideal.
• NovemberGoodOutside the best window (check). Across China: Cool and clear in the north, mild in the south; quiet sights.

• ShelkarHighs around 4 °C (39 °F), lows around -9 °C (16 °F), rain on about 1 dayHighs around 39 °F (4 °C), lows around 16 °F (-9 °C), rain on about 1 day

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) big impact

  Spring Festival: about 5–11 Feb 2027 (New Year's Day 6 Feb; official dates set late in the year — check) · China

  Chunyun travel rush for about 40 days around it; shops and small restaurants close for up to a week, trains and flights sell out, hotel prices jump. Big sights stay open with crowds.

Crowds · China overall

High

Prices · China overall

High

China overall: Spring Festival in most years: closures and sold-out transport for a week or more.

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Shelkar, side by side.

• A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings

Build the full packing list for your trip →