Great Wall of China Weather

Great Wall of China Weather

What is the Great Wall weather like?

Most of the most famous sections of the Great Wall are located in the suburbs around Beijing, with four distinct seasons. The spring is mild, dry, a little windy and short; the summer is hot and sunny with more rains; the autumn is pleasant, sunny and less rainy; and the winter is long and chilly.
 

Temperature

The annual average temperature at the Great Wall ranges from 8 to 18 degrees Celsius (46 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit). There is a significant annual temperature variation, with the average minimum temperature spanning from -12℃ to 20℃ (10℉ to 68℉) and the average maximum temperature ranging from -1℃ to 31℃ (30℉ to 88℉). Moreover, as the Great Wall winds along high-altitude mountain ridges, the diurnal temperature difference is notable, often reaching around 10℃ (18℉), and temperatures are 3℃ - 5℃ (5 - 9℉) lower compared to urban districts.
 

The hottest month at the Great Wall of China

July is the hottest month at the Great Wall, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 29 degrees Celsius (68 - 84 degrees Fahrenheit). But usually more than half of the days, the highest temperature exceeds 30℃ (86℉). Historical data indicates that the highest temperature recorded can reach 40℃ (104℉) or above, making it less than ideal for visiting the Great Wall.
Great Wall Night Tour in July
Great Wall Night Tour in July
 

The coldest month at the Great Wall of China

January is the coldest month at the Great Wall, with an average temperature of -12°C - 1°C (10℉ - 34℉). Usually, the temperature at noon is around 0°C (32℉), and the temperature in the morning and evening is around -10°C (14℉). Historical records show that the lowest temperature ever documented at the Great Wall in January was -20°C (-4℉).
 

Precipitation

The average annual rainfall at the Great Wall is 600 to 700 mm. Precipitation is primarily concentrated from May to August, with July and August experiencing the most rainy days, averaging 10 days per month.
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Averages for Great Wall Weather

 
Great Wall Temperature

Great Wall Weather by Month

 
The best time to visit Great Wall is from spring to autumn, or March to October. Winter is too cold; also, as all leaves are gone, the scenery is not good, either. But if the Great Wall is covered by snow in winter, the scenery can also be very attracting.
 

3-Day Weather Forecast of Great Wall of China

 
 Read more: Badaling Great Wall Weather, Mutianyu Great Wall Weather
 

Great Wall Weather - Seasons, Travel Advice, and Clothing Tips

 

Spring (March – May)

The spring of the Great Wall of China is not long and the climate is a little dry and windy. The temperature rises quickly day by day, and the temperature difference between day and night is also very big. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, averaging between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F), making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.

- Great Wall of China Weather in March: -2 - 13℃ (28 - 55°F), a little cold and windy, mostly cloudy
- Great Wall of China Weather in April: 5 - 18℃ (41 - 64°F), gentle breeze, more sunny days
- Great Wall of China Weather in May: 11 - 26℃ (52 - 79°F), warm, sunny, a little bit hot in late May at noon
 
Great Wall of China in Spring
Great Wall of China in Spring

●What to wear: From March to early April, sweaters, windbreakers, and long pants are appropriate. From late April to May, long-sleeved jackets, T-shirts, and long pants work well. Furthermore, a pair of comfortable hiking shoes and a windproof hat are essential.

●Recommendations: Spring brings budding greenery and blooming mountain flowers, making a visit to any section of the Great Wall a delightful experience. The Mutianyu, Juyongguan, Badaling, and Jinshanling sections are especially charming, adorned with vibrant pink and white peach blossoms.

●Holidays to avoid: May Day (May 1 - 5)
 

Summer (June – August)

The Great Wall weather in summer is hot and sultry. The highest temperature can even reach 40℃ (104°F) sometimes and it also rains a lot.

- Great Wall of China Weather in June: 18 - 31℃ (64 - 88°F), cloudy and hot
- Great Wall of China Weather in July: 20 - 29℃ (68 - 84°F), thunder showers every now and then, mostly sunny and hot
- Great Wall of China Weather in August: 20 - 28℃ (68 - 82°F), sunny, hot, more rain
 
Great Wall of China in Summer
Great Wall of China in Summer

●What to wear: Short-sleeved shirts, shorts, sun-protective clothing, comfortable sports shoes, sunglasses, and sun hats are recommended, along with a raincoat.

●Recommendations: It is advisable to visit the Great Wall in the early morning or late evening during summer to avoid the peak heat. The Simatai and Mutianyu sections, which offer night tours, are excellent options. Additionally, the Huanghuacheng Great Wall, adjacent to a lake, and the Laolongtou Great Wall, bordering the sea, are unique summer getaways.

●Holidays to avoid: Summer vacation (July to August)
 

Autumn (September – November)

Autumn is surely the best time to visit the Great Wall. It is cool rather than cold and there are more sunny days compared with summer.

- Great Wall of China Weather in September: 11 - 23℃ (52 - 73°F), pleasant, sunny
- Great Wall of China Weather in October: 2 - 15℃ (36 - 59°F), cool, large temperature difference between day and night
- Great Wall of China Weather in November: -4 - 8℃ (25 - 46°F), a little cold, windy
 
Great Wall in Autumn
Great Wall in Autumn

●What to wear: Long-sleeved T-shirts, long pants, and comfortable sports shoes are suitable, along with a windbreaker to fend off the cool morning and evening breezes.

●Recommendations: The Mutianyu Great Wall is highly recommended in autumn, as the mountains are ablaze with stunning red maple leaves. For hiking enthusiasts, Jinshanling is the top choice.

●Holidays to avoid: Chinese National Day holiday (October 1 - 7)
 

Winter (December – February)

Winter is not a good season to hike the Great Wall of China since the weather is chilly and windy. However, the snow scenes there are very spectacular.

- Great Wall of China Weather in December: -12 to -1℃ (10 - 30°F), very cold, sunny and windy
- Great Wall of China Weather in January: -12 - 1℃ (10 - 34°F), dry, sometimes snowy, cold
- Great Wall of China Weather in February: -10 - 2℃ (10 - 34°F), more snowy days, chilly
 
Great Wall Covered by Snow
Great Wall Covered by Snow

●What to wear: Down jackets, woolen sweaters, thermal pants, thick scarves, gloves, hats, and masks are necessary.

●Recommendations: Badaling and Mutianyu are recommended sections to enjoy snow scenery as they are well equipped with cable cars and other facilities. If time permits, you can enjoy skiing at the ski resorts near the Badaling Great Wall.

●Holidays to avoid: Chinese Spring Festival from late January or early February, lasting for a week

 Read more: 10 Guidelines for Travel to Great Wall of China in Winter
- Last updated on Aug. 15, 2025 by Sherry Xia -