When to go: the short answer
Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) are the milder months in Beijing. They are less cold than winter and far drier than July and August. That is a rough guide from long-term averages, not a promise of good weather on your day.
Two other factors matter as much as the weather. The first is the Chinese holiday calendar, which brings the largest crowds of the year. The second is the museum's season: the Forbidden City uses different ticket prices and hours in a high season and a low season. Both are covered below.
Beijing weather by month
Monthly averages of daily highs and lows and total rainfall from the Chinese Meteorological Administration, reference period 1961 to 1990.
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.6 | -9.4 | 3 |
| February | 4.0 | -6.9 | 6 |
| March | 11.3 | -0.6 | 9 |
| April | 19.9 | 7.2 | 26 |
| May | 26.4 | 13.2 | 29 |
| June | 30.3 | 18.2 | 71 |
| July | 30.8 | 21.6 | 176 |
| August | 29.5 | 20.4 | 182 |
| September | 25.8 | 14.2 | 49 |
| October | 19.0 | 7.3 | 19 |
| November | 10.1 | -0.4 | 6 |
| December | 3.3 | -6.9 | 2 |
These are averages, not records, and they come from a past climate period. Use them to compare seasons, not to predict a given week. Check a forecast shortly before you travel.
Forbidden City tours for every season
Guided visits and tickets for Beijing, with live prices and availability.
Season by season
What each part of the year means for a day in the palace.
Spring: April and May
Highs rise from about 20 °C in April to 26 °C in May, and rain stays low at 26 and 29 mm. The high-season ticket price of CNY 60 starts on 1 April. The Labor Day holiday runs 1 to 5 May 2026, so the first week of May is crowded.
Summer: June to August
June to August is hot and wet. July and August bring 176 and 182 mm of rain on average, and highs near 30 °C. Plan for sun, showers and a long walk across open courtyards. Bring water and a hat or umbrella.
Autumn: September and October
Highs fall from 26 °C to 19 °C, and rain drops to 49 and 19 mm. The Mid-Autumn holiday (25 to 27 September 2026) and the National Day week (1 to 7 October 2026) are busy. Go before or after those dates if you can.
Winter: November to March
Highs are only 1.6 °C in January and 4.0 °C in February, and the average low in January is -9.4 °C. The palace is open on the low-season ticket price of CNY 40, and the last entry is 15:30. Dress in layers. Winter is dry, with 2 to 9 mm of rain a month.
Winter changes the look of the roofs and courtyards. Plan a shorter day, because the palace closes at 16:30 from 1 November to 31 March and the last entry is 15:30, half an hour earlier than in the high season.
Holiday weeks in 2026
Public holiday blocks from the State Council calendar published on 4 November 2025.
| Holiday | Days off in 2026 | Length |
|---|---|---|
| New Year | 1 to 3 January | 3 days |
| Spring Festival | 15 to 23 February | 9 days |
| Qingming | 4 to 6 April | 3 days |
| Labor Day | 1 to 5 May | 5 days |
| Dragon Boat Festival | 19 to 21 June | 3 days |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | 25 to 27 September | 3 days |
| National Day (Golden Week) | 1 to 7 October | 7 days |
Some weekends are working days to make up for the holidays: 4 January, 14 February, 28 February, 9 May, 20 September and 10 October 2026. A Saturday or Sunday is therefore not always a day off. A holiday does not mean the museum opens as usual either, so check the opening hours for your date.
Booking is the real limit in busy weeks. The museum cites 40,000 visitors a day, which does not mean tickets are freely available, and tickets are tied to your name, date and time window. Book on the day the window opens, 7 days ahead at 20:00 Beijing time. For holiday calendars after 2026, check the official announcement when it appears.
Plan the rest of your visit
Pick your dates, then lock in the details.
Best time to visit Beijing: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit the Forbidden City?
April, May, September and October are milder and drier than the other months on average. Avoid the holiday weeks, especially 1 to 7 October, when crowds are largest.
Is the Forbidden City open in winter?
Yes. From 1 November to 31 March it opens at 08:30, the last entry is 15:30 and it closes at 16:30. The adult ticket is CNY 40 in that season.
Is July or August a bad time to go?
It is hot and the wettest period, with about 176 and 182 mm of rain on average. It is possible to visit, but plan around the heat and showers.
Is the museum open on Mondays in summer?
No, Monday is the regular closing day all year, except public holidays. The museum announced a one-off free Monday opening on 27 July 2026. Treat such openings as exceptions.
How far ahead do I need to book in a holiday week?
Reservations open 7 days ahead at 20:00 Beijing time. In holiday weeks, be ready when the window opens, and have your passport details at hand.