Season guide · Beijing · China
Beijing in autumn
September–November: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: xiquinhosilva, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Beijing's best season: clear, crisp and colourful, especially in the Fragrant Hills, apart from the Golden Week crush. Expect highs up to 26°C (79°F) and lows around 0°C (32°F), with about 15 rainy days across September–November. September–October are among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- September–November
- Temperatures
- 0°C (32°F) to 26°C (79°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 15
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in autumn
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 26°C (79°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 7 | 12.4 h | 3/5 |
| October | 19°C (66°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 5 | 11.1 h | 4/5 |
| November | 10°C (50°F) | 0°C (32°F) | 3 | 9.9 h | 2/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 18°C (64°F) against a yearly 18°C (64°F), and 15 of the year's roughly 71 rainy days fall in these 3 months. Crowds rate 3/5 and hotel prices 3/5 on average.
What's on in autumn
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- September: Mid-Autumn Festival — mooncakes and moon viewing (September or early October)
- October: National Day Golden Week — Tiananmen Square decorated (1–7 October)
- October: Autumn leaves at the Fragrant Hills (usually late October to early November)
- November: Beijing Marathon (usually late October or early November)
Make the most of the weather
Park · Shichahai and Houhai
Beihai Park
A former imperial garden west of Jingshan, centred on a lake with Jade Flower Island and its White Dagoba, a Tibetan-style stupa from 1651.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Kids
- History
Waterfront · Shichahai and Houhai
Shichahai lakes and hutongs
Agree the price and route of any rickshaw tour in writing before you set off, or simply walk the lanes yourself.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Photo spot
Historic site · Gulou and Nanluoguxiang
Drum and Bell Towers
At the northern end of the old city's central axis, the red Drum Tower and grey Bell Tower once marked time for the capital.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Kids
Historic site · Haidian
Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)
Visit in July when the lotus ponds bloom, and combine it with the Summer Palace about 3 km away.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
- Photo spot
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Zoo · Xicheng
Beijing Zoo
Founded in the late Qing dynasty, Beijing Zoo is best known for its giant panda house.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
Day trips in autumn
- Simatai and Gubei Water Town (About 2 hours by car or bus) — Gubei Water Town is a rebuilt northern-style canal town at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall, one of the few sections open for evening visits with lit-up watchtowers.
- Ming Tombs (About 1–1.5 hours by subway and bus or car) — Thirteen Ming emperors are buried in a valley north of Beijing.
What to pack
- Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening
- Shoes with good grip for icy pavements
- A packable rain jacket for showers
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is autumn a good time to visit Beijing?
Yes: September–October are among the best months. Beijing's best season: clear, crisp and colourful, especially in the Fragrant Hills, apart from the Golden Week crush.
+What is the weather like in Beijing in autumn?
Highs of up to 26°C (79°F) and lows around 0°C (32°F), with about 15 rainy days over the season.