Silk Way Explore
Travel tips: seasons and packing
A short guide to weather and what to bring. Temperatures are rough and vary by city and year.
Pack light
We recommend a small suitcase or a large backpack. You will buy souvenirs and gifts, and your bag will get heavier. Leave about a third of your bag empty, plan to wash clothes on the way, and wear your heaviest shoes on the plane.
Seasons and what to pack
Japan (Tokyo, Kansai)
Plugs and voltage: Type A/B plugs, 100 V. Bring an adapter; most phone and laptop chargers work.
Spring
About 8–22 °C. Cherry blossom from late March to mid April.
Pack:
- Layers: T-shirts, a light sweater, a jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Compact umbrella for spring showers
Summer
About 24–34 °C, humid. Rainy season in June and July; typhoons possible later.
Pack:
- Light, quick-drying clothes
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Small towel and a compact umbrella
Autumn
About 12–26 °C. Autumn colours in November.
Pack:
- Layers and a light jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A scarf for cooler evenings
Winter
About 2–12 °C, dry and sunny in Tokyo and Kansai; very cold in Hokkaido.
Pack:
- Warm coat, hat and gloves
- Thermal layers
- Warm socks (you often take shoes off indoors)
China (Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing)
Plugs and voltage: Types A, C and I plugs, 220 V. Bring an adapter and check your chargers.
Spring
About 8–24 °C, changeable and sometimes damp.
Pack:
- Layers and a light jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Compact umbrella
Summer
About 24–36 °C, hot and humid. Rainy period in June.
Pack:
- Light, breathable clothes
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent and a compact umbrella
Autumn
About 12–28 °C, the most comfortable season.
Pack:
- Layers and a light jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
Winter
About 0–10 °C, cold and damp, with little heating in some buildings.
Pack:
- Warm coat, hat and gloves
- Thermal layers
- Warm socks
Hong Kong
Plugs and voltage: Type G plugs (UK style), 220 V. Bring an adapter.
Spring
About 17–26 °C, humid and often misty.
Pack:
- Light layers
- A compact umbrella
- Comfortable shoes for hills and stairs
Summer
About 27–33 °C, hot and humid. Typhoon season.
Pack:
- Light, quick-drying clothes
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A compact umbrella and a light rain jacket
Autumn
About 22–29 °C, dry and clear. Often the best time.
Pack:
- Light clothes and a thin layer for air-conditioning
- Comfortable walking shoes
Winter
About 14–20 °C, cooler and dry; cold snaps possible.
Pack:
- Medium jacket and layers
- Comfortable shoes
Always bring
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months) and visa if needed
- Printed copies of bookings, insurance and addresses
- Any personal medicine in original packaging, with a doctor's note
- A phone with an eSIM or local SIM, and a power bank (carry it in hand luggage)
- A small day bag and a foldable bag for souvenirs
- Slip-on shoes, for places where you remove shoes
- A hand towel and tissues; some public toilets have none
Before you pack: rules about what you can bring
Each country has strict rules on food, meat, plants, medicines and other goods. For example, Japan does not allow most meat products into the country. See the official customs links on our privacy page before you travel.