Beijing Travel Guide: Best Season, Weather, Plugs & Itineraries
The Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the hutongs — the best introduction to Chinese history.
🗓 Best time to goSep–Oct is the best; spring can be dusty, winters dry and cold, summers hot and wet.
💱 CurrencyChinese yuan (CNY)
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Try the currency converter →
🔌 Plugs & voltage220V | Mixed A/C/I sockets. Bring a universal adapter
🌦 ClimateDry cold winters, hot rainy summers, occasional spring dust; autumn (Sep–Oct) is the nicest.
Monthly average temperatures in Beijing
| City / month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing High / low | 2° -9° | 5° -6° | 12° 0° | 21° 8° | 27° 14° | 31° 19° | 31° 22° | 30° 21° | 26° 15° | 19° 8° | 10° 0° | 3° -6° |
°C — top is the average high, bottom the average low. Typical values only; check the forecast before you go. See charts in the climate tool.
Beijing travel tips
- The Forbidden City and Tiananmen need real-name reservations.
- Check visa or visa-free rules for your nationality.
- The Great Wall is steep — good shoes, water and sunscreen.
- Security checks are common — keep your ID on you.
Beijing itineraries
Beijing Classics in 5 Days
Mainland ChinaCulture & historyCity breakFood
Tiananmen, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and the hutongs.
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General travel information — entry rules, e-authorisations, weather and opening details change often, so check official sources.