Weather: In September, Beijing transitions from hot summer to cool autumn. Daytime temperatures typically range from 16-26°C (60.8-78.8°F), with many sunny days and bright, mild heat.
There is less rainfall, mostly short and light rain. Temperatures tend to drop after rain, so it's wise to have something warm to wear.
Is September Right for Me to Travel to Beijing？
Yes, September is an excellent time to visit Beijing.
September offers the most comfortable weather in Beijing, with temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold.
The moderate climate and good air quality make it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The clear blue skies enhance Beijing's scenery, making it perfect for photography.
Without the summer vacation crowds of July and August or the October National Day holiday rush, you could enjoy a more leisurely exploration of Beijing's rich culture and history, including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.
Additionally, airfare and hotel prices tend to drop in September, especially in the early and middle part of the month, offering great value for your trip.
What to Wear for a September Beijing Trip
beijing September weather- T-shirt, pants, light jacket, good walking shoes
- Umbrella
Recommended Things to Do in September
Take a City Walk
The pleasantly warm and sunny weather in September is perfect for a city walk, allowing you to stroll through like hutongs, parks, temples, food streets, coffee shops.
You could discover Beijing's authentic customs, modern charm, as well as its fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultural attractions.
We recommend the classic route from Lama Temple to the Drum Tower in the old city.
Lama TempleAs you strolling through traditional hutongs and courtyards, you could experience the tranquility and charm of old Beijing, and enjoy a cup of coffee in the literary Wudaoying Hutong.
Wudaoying HutongSee our Top 5 Beijing City Walks.
Wear Qing Dynasty Costumes and Take Photos
Beijing in September offers blue skies, white clouds and bright sunshine, enhancing the beauty and color saturation of scenic spots, providing a captivating background for your costume photos.
Qing Dynasty costumes experienceAdditionally, with fewer tourists in September, there are more spots available for taking photos.
The best time for photos is 9-11 am or 4-6 pm, when the light is soft.
Recommended photo locations:
- The Forbidden City (suitable for red walls and palaces)
Red Walls of the Forbidden City- The Summer Palace (suitable for gardens, lake views, long corridors and pavilions)
Long corridors of the Summer Palace- Prince Gong's Mansion (suitable for courtyards, ponds, hills and windows)
Courtyards of Prince Gong's MansionSee our 3-Day Classic Beijing Tour Itinerary.
Tips:
You are not allowed to enter Tiananmen Square when wearing Qing Dynasty costumes or Hanfu.
If you want to change clothes and take photos in the Forbidden City, we recommend that you visit Tiananmen Square in casual clothes first, change clothes inside the Forbidden City.
Or you could enter the Forbidden City entrance from 4 places other than Tiananmen Square.
Hike the Great Wall
September is the best time for hiking the Great Wall.
We recommend the Jinshanling section, where you could explore both the original and restored parts.
See our 1-Day Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour.
Jinshanling Great WallFor an unforgettable experience, consider camping at Jiankou section, where you could witness sunsets, starry skies, and sunrises.
Check our 2-Day Jiankou Wild Great Wall Camping Tour.
Our guests camped at Jiankou Great WallBike along the Central Axis of Beijing
For unique adventure, consider biking along Beijing's central axis, where many significant landmarks are concentrated.
Main attractions on the central axisThe route is about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) long. With a power-assisted bicycles, you could complete the journey in around 3 hours.
Power-assisted bicycles are equipped with helmets and are safeDuring this ride, you could see the essence of Beijing's architecture, including ancient, modern, royal, local, Chinese, and Western styles.
These impressions would not be obtained by other routes.
The most special thing is that you will pass by China's White House - Zhongnanhai - a place that does not appear on the map.
Compared to taking a car, biking offers flexibility in speed, helps avoid peak traffic, and allows you to reach destinations more conveniently.
You'll also have the chance to observe architectural details and changes in the streetscape more intuitively and closely.
Cycling in hutongsAdditionally, Nanchang Street, from Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City, restricts tourist buses with more than 9 seats and shared bicycles. Thus, power-assisted bicycles are the best option.
If you like this route, just contac us. For more cycling routes, check out our top Beijing cycling tours.