Weather: In May, Beijing is full of spring charm with comfortable temperatures. The average daytime temperature ranges from 16–27°C (61–81°F), while mornings and evenings are slightly cooler, possibly dropping to 12–15°C (54–59°F) at night. The air is fresh, and the sun is bright, although there may be occasional light rain.
What to wear: A T-shirt and a light jacket are enough to cope with the weather.
Better to Avoid the May Day Holiday
May is one of the best months to visit Beijing, ideal for sightseeing, cultural experiences, or leisurely strolls.
However, during the May Day holiday (May 1–5), tourists from all over the country flock to Beijing, causing major attractions like the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall to become extremely crowded.
Airfare and hotel prices also rise significantly. Even with advance booking, long queues are unavoidable, which can hinder the overall experience.
If your schedule is flexible, we suggest avoiding travel around the May Day holiday for a more relaxed exploration of Beijing.
If you can only visit during the holiday, consider going to the Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town, or Longqing Gorge, as these spots are much less crowded than the main attractions in the city, offering a more enjoyable experience.
Recommended Places to Visit in Beijing in May
Here are some recommended places to go in Beijing in May.
Temple of Heaven - Blossoms and Ancient Beauty
In May, Beijing enjoys mild temperatures and moderate humidity, providing excellent conditions for leisurely visits to outdoor sites like the Temple of Heaven, with its expansive gardens.
Throughout May, the "Monet Garden" between the East Gate and North Gate is in full bloom with hydrangeas, lavender, daisies, and a variety of other flowers. The rich and layered colors resemble a vibrant painting, adding vitality and softness to the ancient altar as spring transitions into summer.
You might also encounter locals sketching among the flowers, bringing a slice of life to the scene.
"Monet's Garden" at the Temple of HeavenLater in the month, the annual Chinese rose season is hosted. Dozens of rose varieties bloom around the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and in the northwest rose garden. The interplay of floral displays and ancient architecture creates a picturesque atmosphere, ideal for photography.
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and Chinese rosesBeyond admiring the grand sacrificial buildings and beautiful flowers, you could experience the vibrant daily life. The area near the East Gate is bustling in the early morning, with locals practicing Tai Chi, playing badminton, or singing Peking Opera, fostering a lively and relaxed atmosphere.
If you visit in the late morning or afternoon, you'll see people strolling, playing instruments, or playing chess under the trees.
If you're interested in Chinese morning exercises, you could join a private Tai Chi session. This gentle exercise is suitable for all ages, requiring no fast or strenuous movements, allowing you to relax your body and mind in slow motion while experiencing a unique slice of Beijing life amidst its historical ambiance.
See our 4-Day Emperor's Tour of Beijing Tour.
Our guests learned Tai ChiSummer Palace - Stroll and Boat on Kunming Lake
May is one of the most enchanting times of the year at the Summer Palace, with the gardens and trees becoming especially lush.
In early May, the wisteria along the Long Corridor is in full bloom, its hanging clusters of flowers intertwining with the painted corridor to create a unique and photogenic scene.
WisteriaWithin the garden, you could climb Longevity Hill for a panoramic view of Kunming Lake and the distant Western Hills, showcasing the grandeur of the imperial garden.
Along the way, visit the Grand Theatre to imagine Empress Dowager Cixi enjoying performances, and explore Suzhou Street to experience the ancient-style shops lining the waterway.
On Longevity HillIf you want a relaxing and enjoyable way to take the view, we recommend boating on Kunming Lake. The water is clear and the breeze is pleasant this season. From the boat, you could see the Long Corridor, stone bridges, and distant mountains unfold in layers, offering a more nuanced perspective than from the shore.
Our guests took a boat trip on Kunming LakeBeijing City Walk - Explore Local Life and Hidden Corners
May in Beijing is perfect for a city walk. The lush greenery of street trees and lakesides, along with the fresh air, enhances the enjoyment of the route.
Compared to fast-paced tours or drive-by sightseeing, a city walk offers a more leisurely pace. You could pause at places of interest, focus on the details of life and the street atmosphere, and truly interact with the city rather than just checking off landmarks.
If you enjoy imperial sites, start from Shichahai, walking across Yinding Bridge to Houhai, enter Beihai Park, and finally ascend Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
This route allows you to see lakes, gardens, and Ming and Qing dynasty palaces within half a day, providing both a sense of natural openness and immersion in Beijing's rich historical atmosphere.
Panoramic view of the Forbidden City from JingshanIf local life interests you, begin at Yonghe Temple, walk through Wudaoying, Jianchang, and Fangjia Hutong, passing through Nanluoguxiang and Beiluoguxiang, all the way to the Bell and Drum Towers.
This half-day walk takes you through quiet alleys and bustling street corners, showcasing the contrast between courtyard homes, small stalls, and the daily life of hutong residents, giving you a deeper sense of Beijing's diversity.
HutongAlong the way, you could stop for coffee in a hutong. For example, near Nanluoguxiang, Voyage Coffee offers a quiet courtyard setting where you could relax, recharge, and add a touch of leisure to your city walk.
See our Top 5 Beijing City Walks and Beijing's Top 10 Hutongs.
Enjoy a Hassle-free Beijing Trip with China Highlights.
Beijing in May is full of energy, but planning the details on your own can be time-consuming and require effort. By booking our itinerary, you'll have a 1-to-1 advisor who will ensure your trip is smooth and tailored to your interests and needs.
Beijing Climate Information by Month
- Beijing Weather in January
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