Best Time to Visit Great Wall of China: Weather, Seasonal Guide & Travel Tips

The Great Wall of China, one of the world’s new seven wonders and the longest man-made structure, can be read like a history book. Whatever you’ve known about this incredible ancient Chinese architecture, a visit is sure to astonish, discover, and learn, especially in the “best time” and the off-season.

Millions of people travel to the Great Wall of China each year. The vast construction straddles 15 provinces and encompasses more than 21196.18 kilometers (13170.7 miles). Given its length and large visitor numbers, you’re suggested to plan your Great Wall of China tour well in advance.

So today, we dig into the best time to visit the Great Wall of China for sightseeing, hiking, camping, and photography, with packing tips. Besides, you will understand the time to avoid visiting the Wall.

Great Wall of China Weather & Temperature

The Great Wall that most tourists visit is the one located in Beijing, built mainly during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). They span six districts and counties of Beijing from east to west and are about 629 kilometers (390.84 miles) long.

Beijing has a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons, short spring and autumn, and long winter and summer. The average annual temperature is between 10℃ (50℉) and 12℃ (53.6℉), with July being the hottest month and January the coldest. The main body of the Great Wall of China is built on top of mountains, so the average annual temperature is more than 3℃ (37.4℉) lower than in Beijing.

The average annual precipitation is 644 mm, and the frost-free period is 180 days. Summer (June-August) accounts for more than 70 percent of the annual precipitation, and winter is dry with snowfall. Heavy rainfall may occur in July-August and affect your Beijing trip to the Great Wall.

Average Temperature by Month

Month Avg High (°C) Avg Low (°C) Precipitation (mm) What is the Weather Like January 2 -8 3 Cold and dry, occasional snow February 5 -5 6 Slightly warmer, still chilly March 12 0 10 Early spring, frequent dust winds April 20 7 25 Warm with blossoms, occasional sandstorms May 26 13 35 Pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities June 30 18 75 Early summer, increased rainfall, occasional thunderstorms July 31 22 185 Hot and rainy, peak of monsoon season August 30 21 160 Humid, frequent thunderstorms September 26 15 45 Mild and comfortable, best travel season October 19 8 25 Cool and pleasant, great for autumn scenery November 10 0 10 Early winter, temperatures drop sharply December 4 -6 4 Cold and dry, occasional smog

Best Time to Visit the Great Wall of China

You may see spring blossoms, autumn foliage, summer rains, and winter snows at the Great Wall, making it a year-round destination.

But for those who want to see the beautiful scenery in comfortable weather and not be disturbed by crowds, the best time of the year to visit the Great Wall is during the spring and autumn seasons. From April to May and from September to November, the weather is mild and the views are most stunning during these times.

In winter, the temperature is low and the wind is strong, so it is not suitable for long-time outdoor activities on the Great Wall. Summer is hotter, especially in July and August, and the heat makes climbing the Wall a bit uncomfortable.

Best Time to Hike the Great Wall of China

Spring and autumn are also considered the best times to hike the Great Wall in Beijing, when you can enjoy easier and more scenic hikes. Here are some of the most recommended sections of the Great Wall for hiking include the Jiankou Great Wall, the Jinshanling-Simatai section, the Gubeikou Great Wall, and the Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall.

It is not suggested that you hike the Great Wall in summer when it is hot and rainy, or in winter when it is icy and slippery.

Best Time for the Great Wall Photography

Jinshanling Great Wall is the best section for photography. The best time to visit is April and October, when the light and scenery are perfect for photography. The Great Wall with the surrounding flowers and mountains is a wonderful combination in the spring, while the maple leaves become red in the autumn.

Best Time of the Year for Families with Kids

The good times to travel to the Great Wall of China with kids are spring, summer, and autumn. Summer is also recommended since your kids will have the holiday. Take a sunset stroll along the wall and stay at a neighboring resort. The most recommended section of the Great Wall for families is the Mutianyu Great Wall.

As the second part of March approaches, Beijing's weather is becoming more pleasant and sunny, making it a great time to see flowers. When the spring breeze gently through the mountains, the ancient Great Wall sees the beautiful ‘sea of flowers’ blooming. The meandering masonry intertwines with the flowers, creating a unique aesthetic of spring.

At Badaling, Juyongguan, Huanghuacheng, and Shuiguan Great Wall, apricot, lilac, and peach blossoms are in full bloom, and the grass and trees are lush.

Despite the heat and rain, summer is still a good time to visit the Great Wall. The Mutianyu Great Wall is in a lush green color, while at the foot of the mountain, there are endless green fields. The majestic Jinshanling Great Wall stretches and undulates amidst clouds and mist. The water-side Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall in summer features blue waves rippling between the green hills and green water, and boats, speedboats, and kayaks everywhere.

During China's summer holidays, many families travel, so avoid crowded walls such as Badaling.

As autumn arrives, nature, like a skillful painter, colors the giant Great Wall with golden yellow as the main tone. The mountains and forests on both sides of the Great Wall at Mutianyu began to change into warm colors. The red maple leaves, the yellow ginkgoes, and the still green pines and cypresses make for a painting.

For photographers, the Great Wall in autumn is one of the best places in China to take pictures. Whether it's the majesty of the Great Wall or the delicacy and softness of the surrounding natural landscape, it can be the perfect material for the camera.

Beijing's Jinshanling, Simatai, and Jinkou Great Walls are paradises for hiking enthusiasts. In autumn, they are even more of a mecca for photographers.

The temperature of Beijing in winter is between approximately -10 and 10 degrees, and it will be even lower on the Great Wall. Cold but less crowded/touristy, it is ideal for travelers who are fond of snowy scenery. Covered in snow and mist, the Wall is like a huge silver dragon hidden in the mountains. It is so majestic and even more solemn in the snow, with every brick and every beacon tower telling a story of a thousand years.

You can also enjoy some local winter activities. Experience the tranquility and warmth of Beijing’s countryside by cooking tea around the fireplace in a farmhouse at the foot of the Great Wall.

Whether you are hiking or photographing the Great Wall in winter, please be aware of the weather conditions and safety measures. Wish you a pleasant and safe journey!

Best Day of the Week to Visit the Great Wall of China

Although the Great Wall of China is open seven days a week, Monday through Friday, especially Monday through Thursday, is the best time of the week to visit the Wall and avoid huge queues.

On Saturday and Sunday, the locals and domestic tourists may go visit the Wall, hence crowds.

Best Time of the Day to Go to the Great Wall of China

If you can get up early, consider arriving at 7:30 am - 9:00 am as most tours usually arrive after 9:30 am. You save 1-2 hours of queuing time, especially on holidays. It is not recommended to visit the Great Wall at noon in summer -- it is too hot.

If you want to capture the sunrise on the Great Wall, it is recommended to arrive 1 hour before sunrise. The sunrise time during spring and summer is 5:00-5:30, so you need to arrive at 4:00-4:30. The sunset time during Autumn and winter is 6:30-7:00, therefore arrive at 5:30-6:00.

To view the sunset on the Great Wall, it is recommended to arrive 1.5 hours before sunrise. The sunrise time during spring and summer is 18:30-19:30, so you need to arrive at 18:00-19:00. The sunrise time during Autumn and winter is 16:30-17:30, therefore arrive at 16:00-17:00.

The Worst Time to Visit the Great Wall of China

It is not recommended that you visit the Great Wall on China public holidays during the year, especially National Day and May Day holidays. Cable car/toilet queues can take at least an hour. The experience is extremely poor if you are with children or elderly people.

It is also recommended to avoid 11:00 am to 14:00 pm in summer, heavy rain/thunderstorms weather, foggy weather, and extreme cold weather days in winter.