Aim This study aimed to explore the level and influencing factors of fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods This cross‐sectional study was conducted in 243 patients with rheumatoid arthritis from April 2016 to March 2017. The Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multi‐Dimensional Questionnaire, Arthritis Self‐Efficacy Scale‐8, Visual Analogue Scale for pain, physical function subscale of Short Form 36‐Item Health Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a self‐designed demographic and disease‐related information questionnaire were used to collect the data. Stepwise linear multiple regression was used to clarify the impact of statistically significant variables (P < 0.05) in the independent sample t test, one‐way ANOVA and correlation analysis on the level of fatigue. Results Stepwise linear multiple regression analyses showed that disease activity, self‐efficacy, physical function, pain, depression, duration of morning stiffness and anxiety were major factors influencing fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, which explained 59.5% of the total variance. Conclusion Our study demonstrated a moderate level of fatigue in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In clinical practice, nurses should explore individualized intervention programmes based on related predictors of fatigue to help patients relieve fatigue. Summary statement What is already known about this topic? Fatigue is a common problem in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Little research has investigated what factors are associated with fatigue in patients with RA. Nurses need to understand the factors that potentially influence fatigue in patients with RA, in order to improve the quality of life. What this paper adds? Fatigue is moderate in Chinese patients with RA, which is lower than the results of western countries. Disease activity, self‐efficacy, physical function, pain, depression, duration of morning stiffness and anxiety are important factors affecting fatigue in patients with RA. The implications of this paper: Special attention should be paid to the RA patients with high level of fatigue. The findings of this study highlight the need to develop effective strategies to alleviate fatigue and eventually improve the quality of life in patients with RA.