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

• 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).

Recommended Beijing Tours including Forbidden City in Spring

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Our Customers Visiting Forbidden City in March

• 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).

Recommended Beijing Tours including Forbidden City in Summer

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Our Customer Visiting Forbidden City in Summer

• 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).

Recommended Beijing Tours including Forbidden City in Autumn

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Our Customers Visiting Forbidden City in September

• 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).

Recommended Beijing Tours including Forbidden City in Winter

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