The Great Wall of China near Beijing experiences four distinct seasons weather-wise. Here is a quick look to each seasons characteristics.

Spring View of the Great Wall

As spring approaches, the plants on the mountains start to turn green, and flowers start to bloom. Walking on the Great Wall, everything is fresh and beautiful.

The weather in spring is overall delightful. March is still quite chilly, with occasional wind and dust, and a big temperature drop between day and night. A warmer spring usually starts in early April and ends in early May, and this is one of the best times to visit the Great Wall when the daytime temperature is on average 11°C - 24°C (52°F - 75°F).

Spring season is much less crowded compared to summer and autumn. But do avoid the first week of May (especially May 1 - 3, the Labor Day holiday), which is one of the Chinese "golden" travel weeks when traffic jams and overcrowding, as well as high prices of hotels, could affect your experience.

As we mentioned before, the temperature can vary, so it's highly recommended to pack layers to adjust it. A base layer like a moisture-wicking T-shirt, a mid-layer like a fleece or light sweater, and a windbreaker or light jacket are ideal.

Summer View of the Great Wall

Summer provides beautiful scenery with lush plants. Everything is so bright, which makes it a good time for photography.

The summer months between June and August are a little hot and humid, with an average high temperature of 33°C (86°F). If you are visiting the Great Wall during this period, it is better to go earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the summer heat. Some sections, like Mutianyu, offer a night tour, which is also a good choice.

July and August are also the months with most of the year's rainfalls, so remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect you from the strong sunlight, as well as an umbrella to protect you from the potential rainfalls.

Summer is the peak tourist season due to the large number of domestic tourists during school vacations. Since many hotels raise their rates during this season, it is a good idea to book tours and hotels in advance or visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, which is also well repaired but with much fewer visitors than Badaling.

During the hot and humid summer at the Great Wall, staying cool and comfortable is crucial. Wear lightweight, breathable hiking shorts and T-shirts that dry quickly. And it's better in light colors help reflect sunlight. Additionally, a wide-brimmed hat is also essential to protect your face and neck from the intense sun.

Autum Colors of the Great Wall

Fall foliage provides some of the most beautiful scenery on the Great Wall. During this season, you can see the wall snaking along the colorful ranges.

Autumn is the season with the best weather, which is generally cool and comfortable with a blue and clear sky. With an average temperature range from 13°C - 23°C (55°F - 73°F), it's ideal for hiking.

Autumn is also very crowded due to the good weather and beautiful scenery, many tourists choose this time to visit the Great Wall. Also try to avoid the first week of October (China’s National Day Holiday), which is another "golden" travel week for domestic travelers.

Autumn at the Great Wall can get chilly in the morning and evenings. You'd better wear a windproof jacket or light sweater for added warmth, especially in mornings and evenings. Besides hiking pants, you can take a legging in your bag to add under your pants on cooler days.

Winter Scenery of the Great Wall

A winter visit to the Great Wall is a trade-off. While you'll experience the wonder of the Wall in a unique setting and avoid the crowds, you'll need to be prepared for the harsher weather conditions.

Winter is mostly cold and windy, with occasional snow. Temperatures can drop below freezing from -9.0°C - 1.0°C (15.8ºF - 33.8ºF). Check the weather report first if you are planning to hike, because if there is heavy snow blocking the roads leading to the sections, it is just impossible to do that.

Winter is the least crowded season due to cold weather. But do avoid the Chinese New Year (January 29th - February 12th, 2025), during which many businesses close and public transportation is very crowded.

Since the temperature is usually well below freezing, you are advised to dress very warmly, including sweather, down jacket, etc., with winter accessories such as hats with ear flaps, gloves, scarves, and so on.

After reading this, you may find that, though we recommend the spring and autumn as the best time to visit the Great Wall of China, it is actually a year-round destination with unique charm in each season.

If you are planning a trip to China and want to explore the best the Great Wall has to offer, welcome to contact our seasoned travel expert for more information and advice.