When is the best time to visit Beijing, China?

Bite Escape-Lin
Oct 17
3 min read

Beijing - a city where 3,000 years of history pulse alongside modern ambition. Its imperial grandeur, lively Hutong alleys, and ever-evolving skyline captivate travelers from around the world. Beijing is also a top-pick city for Chinese travelers. So the experience you have in Beijing depends greatly on when you choose to visit - will it be a crowded, exhausting journey, or a calm, unforgettable adventure?

Throughout the year, Bite escape strongly recommend you choose April, May, October, and November. The 4 months also stand out as Beijing’s “golden seasons.”

This Beijing travel guide will tell why the 4 months is the best time to visit Beijing:

April: Spring Returns, Cool Breezes Remain

Average Temperature: 8°C -20°C
Overview:April marks Beijing’s true awakening from winter. The days are pleasantly warm, but mornings and evenings still carry a crisp chill. Expect a big temperature gap between day and night.
What to Wear in Beijing (April):
Key Tip: Layer up - it’s the secret to staying comfortable throughout the day.
- Top: Long-sleeve T-shirts or light sweaters paired with a windbreaker, denim jacket, or trench coat. If you get cold easily, bring a fleece or thin wool sweater for early mornings or nights.
- Bottom: Long pants - jeans, chinos, or joggers. It’s still too early for shorts.
- Shoes: Closed-toe sneakers, casual shoes, or short boots.
- Accessories: A scarf adds both warmth and style, perfect for breezy spring evenings.
⚠️ Holiday Note:
Early April includes Qingming Festival - a 3-day public holiday when local families travel or visit cemeteries. Tourist sites and train stations can get busy around this time, so try to plan your visit after Qingming for a smoother experience.

May: Warm and Pleasant — The Prelude to Summer

Average Temperature: 14°C – 26°C
Overview:May offers the perfect mix of sunshine and comfort. It’s one of the best months to visit Beijing, with blooming parks, mild weather, and long daylight hours.
What to Wear in Beijing (May):
Key Tip: Light and casual is the way to go, but keep a thin jacket handy.
- Top: T-shirts, light shirts, or thin tops for daytime; a light cardigan or sweatshirt for the evening.
- Bottom: Long pants or skirts with leggings. By late May, shorts are fine if you’re not sensitive to cooler air.
- Shoes: Comfortable sneakers or flats.
- Accessories: Sunglasses and a sunhat - UV protection starts to matter.

⚠️ Holiday Note:

The Labor Day Holiday (May 1–5) is one of China’s busiest travel periods. Expect packed attractions like the Forbidden City and Great Wall, and higher hotel rates. It’s best to avoid visiting during this week if possible.

October: Crisp Air, Golden Skies

Average Temperature: 8°C – 19°C
Overview:October is widely regarded as the best time to visit Beijing - cool, dry, and full of color. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures and capturing autumn foliage.
What to Wear in Beijing (October):
Key Tip: Dress for autumn with layered outfits and a warm mid-layer.
- Top: Long-sleeve shirts or sweaters under a trench coat, denim jacket, or windbreaker.
- Bottom: Long pants; add thermal leggings for mountain trips.
- Shoes: Sneakers or ankle boots.
- Accessories: A light scarf — practical and great for photos.

⚠️ Holiday Note:

National Day Golden Week (October 1-7) is the peak domestic travel season in China. Major landmarks and hotels will be packed. To enjoy the best of Beijing, plan your trip after October 8, when the crowds thin and the weather remains perfect. We highly recommend visiting in late October — that’s when the trees turn their most beautiful shades of red, orange, and gold.

November: Late Autumn Turns to Early Winter

Average Temperature: 0°C – 10°C
Overview: November is calm and quieter - ideal for travelers who prefer fewer crowds. The city begins to cool rapidly, especially at night, as winter approaches.
What to Wear in Beijing (November):
Key Tip: Focus on warmth — layers are essential.
- Top: Thermal base layers, fleece or thick sweaters, and a down or wool coat.
- Bottom: Thick pants with thermal leggings.
- Shoes: Warm boots with thick socks.
- Accessories: Scarf, gloves, and hat — especially for windy spots like the Great Wall.

⚠️ Holiday Note:

There are no major public holidays in November, making it one of the best times to visit Beijing for a relaxed, local vibe and great value on hotels and flights.

Throughout the year, Bite escape strongly recommend you choose April, May, October, and November. The 4 months also stand out as Beijing’s “golden seasons.”

This Beijing travel guide will tell why the 4 months is the best time to visit Beijing:

April: Spring Returns, Cool Breezes Remain

Average Temperature: 8°C -20°C

Overview:April marks Beijing’s true awakening from winter. The days are pleasantly warm, but mornings and evenings still carry a crisp chill. Expect a big temperature gap between day and night.

What to Wear in Beijing (April):

Key Tip: Layer up - it’s the secret to staying comfortable throughout the day.

Top: Long-sleeve T-shirts or light sweaters paired with a windbreaker, denim jacket, or trench coat. If you get cold easily, bring a fleece or thin wool sweater for early mornings or nights.

Bottom: Long pants - jeans, chinos, or joggers. It’s still too early for shorts.

Shoes: Closed-toe sneakers, casual shoes, or short boots.

Accessories: A scarf adds both warmth and style, perfect for breezy spring evenings.

⚠️ Holiday Note:

Early April includes Qingming Festival - a 3-day public holiday when local families travel or visit cemeteries. Tourist sites and train stations can get busy around this time, so try to plan your visit after Qingming for a smoother experience.

May: Warm and Pleasant — The Prelude to Summer

Average Temperature: 14°C – 26°C

Overview:May offers the perfect mix of sunshine and comfort. It’s one of the best months to visit Beijing, with blooming parks, mild weather, and long daylight hours.

What to Wear in Beijing (May):

Key Tip: Light and casual is the way to go, but keep a thin jacket handy.

Top: T-shirts, light shirts, or thin tops for daytime; a light cardigan or sweatshirt for the evening.

Bottom: Long pants or skirts with leggings. By late May, shorts are fine if you’re not sensitive to cooler air.

Shoes: Comfortable sneakers or flats.

Accessories: Sunglasses and a sunhat - UV protection starts to matter.

⚠️ Holiday Note:

The Labor Day Holiday (May 1–5) is one of China’s busiest travel periods. Expect packed attractions like the Forbidden City and Great Wall, and higher hotel rates. It’s best to avoid visiting during this week if possible.

October: Crisp Air, Golden Skies

Average Temperature: 8°C – 19°C

Overview:October is widely regarded as the best time to visit Beijing - cool, dry, and full of color. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures and capturing autumn foliage.

What to Wear in Beijing (October):

Key Tip: Dress for autumn with layered outfits and a warm mid-layer.

Top: Long-sleeve shirts or sweaters under a trench coat, denim jacket, or windbreaker.

Bottom: Long pants; add thermal leggings for mountain trips.

Shoes: Sneakers or ankle boots.

Accessories: A light scarf — practical and great for photos.

⚠️ Holiday Note:

November: Late Autumn Turns to Early Winter

Average Temperature: 0°C – 10°C

Overview: November is calm and quieter - ideal for travelers who prefer fewer crowds. The city begins to cool rapidly, especially at night, as winter approaches.

What to Wear in Beijing (November):

Key Tip: Focus on warmth — layers are essential.

Top: Thermal base layers, fleece or thick sweaters, and a down or wool coat.

Bottom: Thick pants with thermal leggings.

Shoes: Warm boots with thick socks.

Accessories: Scarf, gloves, and hat — especially for windy spots like the Great Wall.

⚠️ Holiday Note:

There are no major public holidays in November, making it one of the best times to visit Beijing for a relaxed, local vibe and great value on hotels and flights.

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