Month-by-month flight prices, weather and crowds for China, scored for travellers flying from Melbourne.
The short answer
The best time to fly to China from Melbourne is September to October, when good weather, manageable crowds and competitive fares line up. The Window Score peaks at 78/100 in October. Flights are usually cheapest in March (around A$954 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$1,677 |
| February | 17Poor | 0°C | 5mm | Busy | A$991 |
| March | 47Fair | 6°C | 9mm | Low crowds | A$954 |
| April | 69Great | 14°C | 19mm | Moderate crowds | A$2,542 |
| May | 68Great | 21°C | 35mm | Busy | A$1,292 |
| June | 46Fair | 26°C | 76mm | Moderate crowds | A$1,692 |
| July | 33Poor | 27°C | 166mm | Busy | A$1,292 |
| August | 47Fair | 25°C | 125mm | Busy | A$1,086 |
| September | 77Great | 21°C | 56mm | Moderate crowds | A$1,182 |
| OctoberBest | 78Great | 13°C | 33mm | Busy | A$1,294 |
| November | 34Poor | 4°C | 15mm | Moderate crowds | A$1,183 |
| December | 13Poor | -2°C | 3mm | Low crowds | A$1,490 |
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.
September to October are the best months to fly from Melbourne to China, when weather, crowds and fares align. The Window Score peaks at 78/100 in October.
March, with return fares from Melbourne averaging around A$954, roughly 31% below the China yearly average.
Return fares range from about A$954 in March up to A$2,542 in peak months. Booking in a lower-priced month can save hundreds.
Yes. Direct flights are available on this route in at least some months. Connections may be cheaper in others.
See the full interactive breakdown on the China dashboard or browse all destinations. Peak month: October (78/100).
