Month-by-month flight prices, weather and crowds for China, scored for travellers flying from Darwin.
The short answer
The best time to fly to China from Darwin is April and September, when good weather, manageable crowds and competitive fares line up. The Window Score peaks at 77/100 in September. Flights are usually cheapest in November (around A$1,226 return).
Window Score blends weather, crowds, flight price and AUD strength. Higher is better.
| Month | Window Score | Avg temp | Rainfall | Crowds | Avg return fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16Poor | -4°C | 3mm | Peak season | A$2,491 |
| February | 17Poor | 0°C | 5mm | Busy | A$2,608 |
| March | 47Fair | 6°C | 9mm | Low crowds | A$1,642 |
| April | 76Great | 14°C | 19mm | Moderate crowds | A$2,047 |
| May | 69Great | 21°C | 35mm | Busy | A$1,743 |
| June | 46Fair | 26°C | 76mm | Moderate crowds | A$2,044 |
| July | 33Poor | 27°C | 166mm | Busy | A$3,455 |
| August | 47Fair | 25°C | 125mm | Busy | A$2,223 |
| SeptemberBest | 77Great | 21°C | 56mm | Moderate crowds | A$1,586 |
| October | 70Great | 13°C | 33mm | Busy | A$3,912 |
| November | 34Poor | 4°C | 15mm | Moderate crowds | A$1,226 |
| December | 13Poor | -2°C | 3mm | Low crowds | A$1,982 |
China offers one of the most extreme contrasts in travel: ancient history and radical modernity coexisting at a scale that's hard to comprehend until you're in it. Beijing holds the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall; Shanghai is one of the world's great modern cities; Guilin's karst landscape looks like a painting; Xi'an has the Terracotta Warriors and a beautifully preserved ancient city wall.
Chinese food at its source bears little resemblance to what's served abroad. Sichuan's face-numbing heat, Cantonese dim sum, Peking duck carved tableside. The regional variety is enormous.
April and September are the best months to fly from Darwin to China, when weather, crowds and fares align. The Window Score peaks at 77/100 in September.
November, with return fares from Darwin averaging around A$1,226, roughly 45% below the China yearly average.
Return fares range from about A$1,226 in November up to A$3,912 in peak months. Booking in a lower-priced month can save hundreds.
This route generally involves at least one stop. Compare options for your travel month before booking.
See the full interactive breakdown on the China dashboard or browse all destinations. Peak month: September (77/100).
