Best Time to Visit Forbidden City - Weather & Seasons Guide 2024

Forbidden City and other downtown area of Beijing have four distinct seasons influenced by the temperate and continental monsoon climate. It is hot and rainy in summer, cold and dry in winter, and short in spring and autumn. The frost-free period of the whole year is about 180-200 days with the average rainfall about 483.9 mm. The seasonal precipitation is very uneven: 80% of the annual precipitation is concentrated in June, July, August, and heavy rain usually occurs in July and August. The average annual sunshine hours in Forbidden City range from 2000 to 2800 hours. The coldest month is January with the average temperature of -4 °C/24.8°F, and the hottest season is July (at an average temperature of 26 °C/79°F) with most rainfalls. So it is necessary to check out the weather forecast while planning your Forbidden City tour.

Best Time to Visit Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is open all year round, and the best time of year to visit the Forbidden City is during the shoulder seasons: late April to early June, or late September to early November. Spring (March ~ May) brings blooming flowers, while autumn (September ~ November) offers stunning fall foliage. Winter (December ~ February) in Forbidden City is very cold, normally below zero. However, there are fewer visitors in winter time, and the snowy Forbidden City is definitely a breathtaking view.

The Forbidden City is open from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays, except for public holidays in China. Visiting the Forbidden City at the Off-peak season (November 1st to March 31st) and Weekdays (Early Morning or Late Afternoon) will have fewer crowds. Avoid visiting the Forbidden City during Chinese Public Holidays, especially the three Golden Week, such as Spring Festival, National Day (October 1-7), Labor Day (May 1-5) and the summer (July ~ August) and winter (January ~ February) School Holidays are also peak travel periods that should be avoided as much as possible.

Keep Reading:

Best Time to Visit Beijing >>
Chinese Public Holidays Schedule and Travel Tips >>

Average Beijing Temperature by Month

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Beijing Seasons to Go

Forbidden City Spring (March - May)

❀ Average Temperature: 10℃ ~ 18℃

Spring is a windy and dry season when the temperatures rise quickly day by day and vary greatly between day and night. The average temperature in spring is around 15 centigrade. It's still cold and dry in the early morning or at night. In early spring, sandstorm may hit Beijing frequently. Learn More about Beijing Spring Travel >>

• Seasonal Activities: In spring, the genial sunshine, pleasant wind, and lovely flowers all show a special charm of the Forbidden City. Except for the genuine design, valuable exhibitions, and high-level construction crafts, the Imperial Garden (御花园), Jianfu Palace (建福宫), Palace of Compassion and Tranquility (慈宁宫), and other gardens scattered here with colorful pear blossoms, peach blossoms, lilac, crabapple, peony, etc. are really worth a visit in spring.

• What to Wear: In March and early April, overcoat and sweater is a must. In late April and May, you can change it to a light coat or jacket with a long-sleeved blouse or long dress. Besides, trousers, comfortable sneakers or boots are also advisable.

• What to Pack: Except for the essential items like your passport, visa, credit card, etc. in spring, you should also take a light hat, sunscreen cream, facial cream, lip protector, or a face mask.

• Statutory Holidays: Tomb-Sweeping Day (usually 3 days around early April), Labor Day (usually 5 days around 1st May).

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Forbidden City Weather in March

Temperature: 6°C / 43°F
High Temperature: 12°C / 54°F
Low Temperature: 0°C / 32°F
Average AQI: 130
Humidity: 46%
Rainfall: 8 mm
Rainy Days: 3 days
Sunrise: 06:00 ~ 06:48
Sunset: 18:06 ~ 18:37

Forbidden City Weather in
April

Temperature: 14°C / 57°F
High Temperature: 20°C /68°F
Low Temperature: 8°C / 46°F
Average AQI: 104
Humidity: 46%
Rainfall: 21 mm
Rainy Days: 4 days
Sunrise: 05:16 ~ 05:59
Sunset: 18:38 ~ 19:08

Forbidden City Weather in
May

Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
High Temperature: 26°C /79°F
Low Temperature: 14°C / 57°F
Average AQI: 102
Humidity: 53%
Rainfall: 34 mm
Rainy Days: 6 days
Sunrise: 04:48 ~ 05:15
Sunset: 19:09 ~ 19:37

Forbidden City Summer (June - August)

☀ Average Temperature: 25°C ~ 32°C

Summer lasts about 120 days from May to September, which is quite hot and humid. The average temperatures of June, July and August are always above 30 centigrade, with the extremely high temperature often showing in June. July is usually the hottest month in Beijing. It is also rainy in Summer, covering about 70% yearly precipitation. Heavy rainstorms may occur on sunny afternoons. Learn More about Beijing Summer Travel >>

• Seasonal Activities: In summer, it is best to visit the Forbidden City in the early morning when it opens at 08:30. In this way, you can avoid both the summer heat and the crowds. The sunny weather in the summer provides excellent conditions for taking photos, the blue sky and white clouds are set off with the red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City, and summer is also the season of lotus flowers, you can enjoy different kinds of lotus flowers in the Forbidden City.

• What to Wear: Summer is the rainy season of Beijing; remember to check the weather forecast before your trip. It is recommended to wear cotton and linen shirts, thin skirts, thin T-shirts and other breathable clothes.

• What to Pack: When you visit Forbidden City in summer time, prepare for protect yourself from UV as well as the rain. Remember to take umbrella, hat, sunglasses, and put on sunscreen cream before you go.

• Statutory Holidays: Dragon Boat Festival (usually 3 days around early June).

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Forbidden City Weather in
June

Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
High Temperature: 30°C / 86°F
Low Temperature: 19°C / 66°F
Average AQI: 93
Humidity: 61%
Rainfall: 78 mm
Rainy Days: 10 days
Sunrise: 04:45 ~ 04:49
Sunset: 19:37 ~ 19:47

Forbidden City Weather in
July

Temperature: 26°C / 79°F
High Temperature: 31°C / 88°F
Low Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
Average AQI: 79
Humidity: 75%
Rainfall: 185 mm
Rainy Days: 14 days
Sunrise: 04:49 ~ 05:12
Sunset: 19:30 ~ 19:47

Forbidden City Weather in August

Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
High Temperature: 30°C / 86°F
Low Temperature: 21°C / 70°F
Average AQI: 70
Humidity: 77%
Rainfall: 160 mm
Rainy Days: 12 days
Sunrise: 05:12 ~ 05:41
Sunset: 18:49 ~ 19:29

Forbidden City Autumn (September - November)

☂ Average Temperature: 15°C ~ 25°C

The average temperature in autumn is around 20 centigrade. This beautiful and pleasant season is the best time to visit, especially from the mid-September to mid-November, when there is plenty of sunshine and cooler temperatures. Early frost often shows in Autumn and days become shorter and cooler as rainfall increases. Learn More about Beijing Autumn Travel >>

• Seasonal Activities: Autumn is the best time to see the red maples in Forbidden City. The temperature is so comfortable and the air is quite clean, and it is a period of time when you can most possibly encounter the blue sky each day in Forbidden City. You can not only enjoy the magnificent Forbidden City under the clear blue sky, but also appreciate the splendid and beautiful view of Forbidden City with the golden yellow foliage. Strolling under the golden gingko trees in the ancient royal palace, you will have a wonderful travelling experience in autumn time.

• What to Wear: Autumn in Forbidden City is plenty of sunshine and cooler temperatures. It is recommended to wear shirts, long skirts and thin sweaters, windbreakers, casual clothes, jackets, suits, etc.

• What to Pack: Travelling in autumn, you will witness the most colorful Forbidden City, so don't forget to bring your camera to catch great pictures here.

• Statutory Holidays: Mid-Autumn Festival (usually 3 days around late September), National Day (usually the first week of October).

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Forbidden City Weather in September

Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
High Temperature: 26°C / 79°F
Low Temperature: 15°C / 59°F
Average AQI: 50
Humidity: 68%
Rainfall: 46 mm
Rainy Days: 8 days
Sunrise: 05:42 ~ 06:09
Sunset: 18:00 ~ 18:47

Forbidden City Weather in October

Temperature: 13°C / 55°F
High Temperature: 19°C / 66°F
Low Temperature: 8°C / 46°F
Average AQI: 67
Humidity: 61%
Rainfall: 22 mm
Rainy Days: 5 days
Sunrise: 06:10 ~ 06:41
Sunset: 17:15 ~ 17:58

Forbidden City Weather in November

Temperature: 5°C / 41°F
High Temperature: 10°C / 50°F
Low Temperature: 0°C / 32°F
Average AQI: 105
Humidity: 57%
Rainfall: 7 mm
Rainy Days: 5 days
Sunrise: 06:42 ~ 07:15
Sunset: 16:50 ~ 17:13

Forbidden City Winter (December - February)

☃ Average Temperature: -5°C ~ 5°C

Winter in Beijing is long and cold, with the highest and lowest average temperatures being 5 °C/41°F and -5°C/23°F from December to February. Beijing is dry nearly all year round and the rainfall is intense in summer but very rare in other seasons, especially in winter. Learn More about Beijing Winter Travel >>

• Seasonal Activities: During winter, you could see the breathtaking snowscape view of the Forbidden City, which is decorated with the pure snow. White snow and golden glazed tiles in the backdrop of the red walls make you feel like you are walking in the oil paintings with bright colors and royal atmosphere. To enjoy the snowy Forbidden City, you may check the weather forecast in advance. Besides, winter is also a good time to avoid the crowds (except for the Spring Festival).

• What to Wear: Winter in Beijing is very cold, normally below zero and snow-covered. It is recommended to wear overcoats, sweaters, winter coat, woolen jacket, gloves, down jacket and scarfs to keep warm.

• What to Pack: Winter in Beijing is dry with very rare rainfall, so bring enough water for your body moisturizing.

• Statutory Holidays: New Year’s Day (usually 3 days around 1st January), Spring Festival (lasts a week, usually in late January or early February).

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Forbidden City Weather in December

Temperature: -2°C / 28°F
High Temperature: 4°C / 39°F
Low Temperature: -6°C / 21°F
Average AQI: 72
Humidity: 49%
Rainfall: 3 mm
Rainy Days: 2 days
Sunrise: 07:16 ~ 07:36
Sunset: 16:50 ~ 16:59

Forbidden City Weather in January

Temperature: -4°C /25°F
High Temperature: 2°C / 36°F
Low Temperature: -9°C / 16°F
Average AQI: 77
Humidity: 44%
Rainfall: 3 mm
Rainy Days: 2 days
Sunrise: 07:25 ~ 07:36
Sunset: 16:59 ~ 17:32

Forbidden City Weather in February

Temperature: -1°C /30°F
High Temperature: 5°C / 41°F
Low Temperature: -6°C / 21°F
Average AQI: 79
Humidity: 44%
Rainfall: 5 mm
Rainy Days: 2 days
Sunrise: 06:49 ~ 07:22
Sunset: 17:33 ~ 18:05

How to plan your Forbidden City trip

To explore the Forbidden City and the best highlights of Beijing, including Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square and Hutongs, you need at least 3 or 4 full days, which is available up to 144 Hours Visa-free for Transit in Beijing. If you have more days, you can go for an in-depth Great Wall hiking or photography, and explore more hidden attractions in Beijing. We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable wonderful trips to Beijing for the past few years. You can find your favorite tour package from our valuable Beijing private tours collections.

As the most popular transportation hub in China, you can easily travel from Beijing to any other hot travel destinations in China by flight or train, such as Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu and other popular destinations in China. China Discovery has designed many great China tour packages from Beijing for you. Please make your choice from our collections or let us customize one for you.

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