Weather: Beijing gets cooler in October, and it is dry, with average low and high temperatures of 7 °C (45 °F) and 19 °C (66 °F).
Clothing: You may need a thick coat for the coolest weather; otherwise, a sweater and a jacket are adequate.
Avoid Visiting During October 1-8 If Possible
October 1-8 marks the National Day holiday in China, making it the most crowded time for Beijing's major attractions, with long lines being inevitable.
If you have flexibility, we recommend visiting after the 10th when crowds are smaller. October 20-31 is the best time because Beijing's autumn colors are at their most vibrant.
As October is one of the best times to visit Beijing, even if you are not visiting during the National Day holiday, we recommend booking your flight, hotel and itinerary well in advance. Aim to reserve 1-2 months ahead to ensure accommodations in your preferred location.
Where to See the Autumn Leaves in Beijing in October
The nice weather in October in Beijing is perfect for any sightseeing and outdoors. If you come in October, you could also notice the biggest difference compared to other months: the stunning autumn leaves.
Autumn in Beijing is brief, and the period for viewing autumn leaves lasts only 2-3 weeks, making it a precious time. Usually, autumn leaves are at their best after the first frost (Shuangjiang).
Here are some recommended destinations for enjoying the autumn leaves.
The Forbidden City: Golden Ginkgo
If you visit Beijing in October, don’t miss the golden ginkgo trees in the Forbidden City. This is when the Forbidden City is at its most beautiful, making it the best place to enjoy autumn in Beijing.
Ginkgo in the Forbidden City- Best viewing period: October 20-31
- Best shooting time: On sunny days, from 10-12 am and 3-5pm
Best viewing spots:
- Shiba Huai (Near Wuying Hall): Located to the left of the Meridian Gate. You could see the largest ginkgo forest in the Forbidden City and stroll along the ginkgo avenue. When the wind blows, you might witness the beautiful "ginkgo rain".
- Wenhua Hall: Located opposite Wuying Hall. The combination of ginkgo trees with red walls and yellow tiles creates a classic autumn scene in the Forbidden City, with fewer tourists around.
Ginkgo, red walls and yellow tiles- Yanxi Palace: Here you could see two of the most beautiful and lush ginkgo trees in the forbidden city. The view of ginkgo leaves rising above the red walls is a popular photo spot, attracting more tourists.
- Cining Palace: Features two 300-year-old ginkgo trees. The backdrop of the garden's rock formations offers a unique scenery unlike anywhere else.
If you want to see the autumn colors in the Forbidden City, check on our 6-Day Beijing Autumn Tour.
Mutianyu Great Wall: Red Leaf
- Best viewing period: October 23-31
- Best viewing spots: Towers 6, 8, 12, 14 and 20
With a 96% vegetation coverage, Mutianyu offers the most captivating autumn colors among all sections of the Great Wall.
Red leaves in MutianyuAt the end of October, the entire mountain forest is covered with colorful autumn leaves. The red leaves, dotted with yellow and green, create a breathtaking tapestry of color.
This is a unique beauty of the Great Wall that you won't experience in other months.
See our 1-Day Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Tour.
Our guests visited Mutianyu in OctoberFragrant Hill Park: Red Leaf
- Best viewing period: October 25-31
- Best viewing spots: Qinzheng Hall, Xianglu Peak, Qingweiliao(青未了), Senyuhu(森玉笏), Geyun Bell(隔云钟), Liuxi Pavilion
As a former royal garden, Fragrant Hill Park is one of the most colorful spots in Beijing during autumn, renowned for its vibrant red leaves.
Red leaves in Fragrant HillThe season for red leaves here is from mid-October to mid-November.
Red becomes the dominant color of Fragrant Hill Park. The roadsides, valleys, and peaks are all adorned with vibrant red leaves, beautifully complementing the ancient trees, famous springs, and scenic landscapes, creating a captivating scene.
You could overlook the entire mountain's rea leaves from Xianglu Peak, enjoy a close-up view at Qingweiliao, and walk through the red leaf forest at Senyuhu.
Red leaves in Fragrant HillRegarding route options:
The cable car is under maintenance and is expected to resume operations at the end of 2025. Currently, only walking tours are available.
If you are in normal physical condition, we recommend the middle route, which has many attractions and a moderate length.
If you are traveling with children or the elderly, we recommend starting on the gentlest south route and switching to the middle route at Senyuhu (as there are steep steps beyond Senyuhu on the south route).
For wheelchair users, we recommend the accessible path from the East Gate to the North Gate. Although it only reaches halfway up the mountain, you could still enjoy the red leaves.
If you visit Beijing during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you could participate in various activities.
In addition to eating mooncakes, you could admire the 100-meter giant dragon lantern at Shichahai at night, experience a Hanfu outing at Qianmen Street, or enjoy drumming and bell ringing with a market at the Bell and Drum Towers.
If you have interest, just contac us.
Beijing Climate Information by Month
- Beijing Weather in January
- Beijing Weather in February
- Beijing Weather in March
- Beijing Weather in April
- Beijing Weather in May
- Beijing Weather in June
- Beijing Weather in July
- Beijing Weather in August
- Beijing Weather in September
- Beijing Weather in October
- Beijing Weather in November
- Beijing Weather in December