When Is the Best Time to Visit Beijing?

The best time to visit Beijing is definitely the autumn season from September to October, during which the weather is clear and comfortable, neither hot nor cold, with relatively little precipitation, and the mean temperature usually fluctuating at the range of 20-26ºC (68-78.8ºF). Countless natural beauty, including red maple leaves and yellow ginkgo leaves, makes a great number of tourists have incredible explorations to Beijing during this period. Besides, the months from March to May in spring are good choices to take part in outdoor activities in Beijing thanks to the cherry and peach blossoms in full bloom in a warm climate.

Peak Season & Slack Season of Beijing

Peak Season – April to October

The peak tourist season in Beijing is from April to October, during which Beijing’s climate is labeled mild and comfortable, quite suitable for tourists to explore various outdoor activities, such as hiking on the Great Wall and shooting the blooming flowers.

However, you should be prepared to spend more during peak travel season, especially on transportation and hotels. If you would like to visit some of the city’s most popular scenic spots, be sure to arrive early to avoid long lines. Also, July and August are summertime in Beijing, with the temperature sometimes rising to 38ºC (100.4ºF). If you are going to Beijing during this period, remember to bring sun protection products like sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats.

Slack Season – December to February

The slack season in Beijing falls in winter months from December to February when the weather gets frigid and dry, with the lowest temperature occasionally dropping below -10ºC (14ºF) if it snows. For budget travelers, this is undoubtedly a good time to travel to Beijing at a lower price, as transportation, hotels and even tickets to attractions will be heavily discounted during this time. Moreover, people generally avoid traveling to Beijing in winter, so there is less foot traffic in the scenic areas, which gives you an opportunity to enjoy a peaceful exploration.

Chinese New Year, aka Spring Festival, is the grandest traditional festival in China usually falling in late January or February when most tour guides go home for the reunion, and many restaurants will be very busy to make the scheduled New Year’s Eve dinners. If you travel to Beijing in this period, you will most likely have to explore the city of Beijing on your own.

Best Time to Visit Beijing for Weather

The best times to visit Beijing weather-wise are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The pleasant weather and moderate temperatures in these periods make it perfect to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing.

In Beijing’s spring, as the temperature gradually warms up, the city is filled with vibrant blossoms and picturesque scenery. It is the ideal time to hike the Great Walls and enjoy cherry and peach flowers in the Summer Palace.

Autumn is when the city is dominated by cool and refreshing weather, with clear skies frequently to see. This season is a favorite time of year for travelers to enjoy hiking and charming views of vibrant red maples.

Mid-October to mid-November is especially great to enjoy Beijing’s autumn scenery. Stunning fall colors appear at various attractions in Beijing during this time. Badaling Great Wall, Xiangshan Park, and Mutianyu Great Wall at lower altitudes are ideal destinations for early autumn outings and foliage from mid-October to late October. From early November to mid-November, as autumn deepens, ancient temples, suburban parks, and city parks in urban areas become prime spots for enjoying stunning scenery.

Best Times to Visit Beijing Great Wall

Generally, April to May and September to October are the best months to visit the Great Wall. Nature awakens in April and May, creating a vibrant and lively landscape around the Great Wall.

September and October mark the most beautiful time of the Great Wall, as the magnificent historical structures are enhanced by clear skies, cool breezes, and red and golden leaves.

Recommended Beijing Great Wall Tours:

• 2 Days Wild Great Wall Trekking & Camping Tour
• Beijing Group Tour to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall-No Shopping
• Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour in Beijing

Best Times to Visit Beijing for Low Prices

The cheapest time to visit Beijing is its off-peak travel season, which typically falls from November to March. Due to the cold weather, Beijing sees fewer tourists during this time, contributing to the lower prices for accommodations, flights, and attractions. Though the Chinese New Year in January or February may cause a temporary increase in visitors and prices rise for some services, the prices remain affordable compared to the peak season.

Time Better to Avoid to Travel to Beijing – The Worst Times

The months of July and August are the summer holidays for Chinese students when there will be a lot of families flocking into Beijing, making the scenic areas crowded. Beijing weather during this period is super hot and humid, which may cause great difficulties for outdoor travel in Beijing.

In addition, China’s National Day holiday from October 1st to 7th is another time to avoid planning a trip to Beijing. Roads will be clogged with traffic and attractions are also crowded with tourists. Accommodation and other travel costs will be higher than usual during these days, and you’re advised to book air or train tickets one month in advance.

Our Recommendations:

If you travel to Beijing with your family or kids during the summer vacation, June could be a good month when the weather is still not too hot, and tourists are not overcrowded in the attractions. Hotels and flights in June are also not that unaffordable.

If possible, schedule your Beijing tour before or after the public holidays in China to avoid crowds and enjoy more affordable cost on accommodation and transportation.

For people with fixed schedule and plan to embark on a Beijing tour during its peak season, the less-crowded Great Wall sections are more recommended to escape the crowds instead of Badaling and Mutianyu Great Walls. Jinshanling, Simatai, and Gubeikou sections are all highly recommended, offering great hiking, breathtaking landscapes, and awesome historical structures. >>Top 10 Great Wall Sections around Beijing

Average Temperature of Beijing by Months

Learn more about Beijing weather by season and month.