Baoting's highland elevation makes it noticeably cooler and damper than the coastal resort towns, which is most welcome from May through October when the coast bakes. The rainforest and waterfalls are most dramatic during the wet season (May–October), with lush vegetation and full streams. The dry season (November–April) offers clearer days and easier hiking conditions. The hot springs are comfortable year-round and are if anything more appealing during the cooler months of December through February.
Baoting is easily reached from Sanya in under an hour by expressway. It works well as a day trip from Sanya or as an overnight stop for those wanting cooler temperatures and a break from the resort coast.