Month guide · Beijing · China
Beijing in September
What September is really like in Beijing: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 陈文 from 上海, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
September is one of the best months to visit Beijing. Expect average highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 15°C (59°F), about 7 rainy days and roughly 12.4 hours of daylight. Clear skies return and temperatures are comfortable; one of the best months for the Great Wall.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 26°C (79°F) / 15°C (59°F)
- Rainy days
- About 7
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in September
September is the 5th-warmest month in Beijing: days average 26°C (79°F) against a yearly average high of 18°C (64°F), and nights fall to about 15°C (59°F). Rain falls on roughly 7 of its 30 days. Compared with August (30°C (86°F)), September is cooler; by October highs drop to around 19°C (66°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 05:55
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 18:24
- Daylight
- About 12.4 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, September rates 3 for crowds (the peak is April at 4) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in April). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in September
- Mid-Autumn Festival — mooncakes and moon viewing (September or early October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in September
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Historic site · Huairou District
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Leave early to arrive at opening and walk west towards the steeper towers, where crowds thin out quickly.
- Time needed
- Full day including travel
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Views
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Active
- History
Religious site · Qianmen and Dashilar
Temple of Heaven
Emperors came here to pray for good harvests at the triple-roofed, round Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, built without nails.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Palace · Haidian
Summer Palace
Enter by the north gate, climb Longevity Hill first, then walk down to the lake and take a boat back towards the east gate.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Views
Viewpoint · Wangfujing and Dongcheng
Jingshan Park
The artificial hill directly north of the Forbidden City is topped by the Wanchun Pavilion, which gives the classic view south over the palace's golden roofs.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Photo spot
- Couples
- Outdoors
What to pack
For highs near 26°C, lows near 15°C and 7 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit Beijing?
One of the best months to visit Beijing, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April–May and October. Compare every month.
Beijing in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit Beijing?
It is one of the best months to visit Beijing. Clear skies return and temperatures are comfortable; one of the best months for the Great Wall.
+How warm is Beijing in September?
Average highs are around 26°C (79°F) and lows around 15°C (59°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Beijing in September?
Expect rain on about 7 days of the month.