Cheapest & Most Expensive Months To Book Flights To China

Planning a trip to China and wondering when flights are cheapest — and most expensive — to book? If you're on a budget, and not sure when to book, you’ve come to the right place!

Cheapest & Most Expensive Months To Book Flights To China

Most Expensive Time to Fly to China

Flights to China see major price surges during national holidays and global travel peaks. These periods are when demand skyrockets:

  • Late January – February (Chinese New Year): Largest holiday in China; airfare spikes nationwide.
  • October 1–7 (Golden Week): One of China’s busiest travel periods.
  • May 1–5 (Labor Day Holiday): Domestic and international demand drive fares higher.
  • June – August: Peak summer travel; international and domestic tourism booms.
  • Mid-December – early January: Christmas and New Year travel also lift fares.

Cheapest Months For Flights to China

The best deals are found outside of major holidays and summer vacation. Flexible travelers will see the lowest fares during these periods:

  • March – April (post–Chinese New Year): Affordable window before May holidays.
  • September (pre–Golden Week): One of the best times for cheaper flights.
  • November: Off-peak month with consistently lower prices.
  • Early December (first two weeks): Cheaper window before the holidays.

Price Summary Table for China Flights

Time Period Price Level Why It Matters
Jan – Feb (Chinese New Year) 💲💲💲 Highest Biggest national holiday
Oct 1–7 (Golden Week) 💲💲💲 Highest National holiday surge
May 1–5 (Labor Day) 💲💲 High Holiday travel
June – Aug 💲💲 High Summer vacation demand
Mid-Dec – Early Jan 💲💲 High Christmas & New Year travel
March – April 💲 Lowest Post–New Year lull
Sept (pre–Golden Week) 💲 Low Shoulder fares
Nov 💲 Low Off-season lull
Early Dec (1st 2 weeks) 💲 Low Pre-Christmas dip

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