Month guide · Beijing · China
Beijing in October
What October is really like in Beijing: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Charlie fong 冯成, Public domain
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Beijing. Expect average highs of 19°C (66°F), lows of 8°C (46°F), about 5 rainy days and roughly 11.1 hours of daylight. Crisp, sunny and colourful, but the first-week Golden Week brings enormous crowds to every major sight.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 19°C (66°F) / 8°C (46°F)
- Rainy days
- About 5
- Daylight
- About 11.1 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in October
October is the 7th-warmest month in Beijing: days average 19°C (66°F) against a yearly average high of 18°C (64°F), and nights fall to about 8°C (46°F). Rain falls on roughly 5 of its 31 days. Compared with September (26°C (79°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 10°C (50°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 06:24
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 17:35
- Daylight
- About 11.1 hours
Autumn (September–November). Beijing's best season: clear, crisp and colourful, especially in the Fragrant Hills, apart from the Golden Week crush.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 4 for crowds (the peak is April at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in April). Book accommodation early: October is one of the pricier months.
Events in October
- National Day Golden Week — Tiananmen Square decorated (1–7 October)
- Autumn leaves at the Fragrant Hills (usually late October to early November)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Waterfront · Shichahai and Houhai
Shichahai lakes and hutongs
The three linked lakes of Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai are lined with willows, hutongs and lakeside bars.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Photo spot
Historic site · Gulou and Nanluoguxiang
Drum and Bell Towers
Climb the Drum Tower for a performance, then look down on the square between the towers, where locals gather in the evening.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Kids
Historic site · Haidian
Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)
Once a vast imperial garden, Yuanmingyuan was destroyed by British and French troops in 1860.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
- Photo spot
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Zoo · Xicheng
Beijing Zoo
See the pandas in the morning when they are most active, before midday heat or crowds.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
What to pack
For highs near 19°C, lows near 8°C and 5 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Beijing?
One of the best months to visit Beijing, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are April–May and September. Compare every month.
Beijing in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Beijing?
It is one of the best months to visit Beijing. Crisp, sunny and colourful, but the first-week Golden Week brings enormous crowds to every major sight.
+How warm is Beijing in October?
Average highs are around 19°C (66°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Beijing in October?
Expect rain on about 5 days of the month.