Great Wall Weather

The Great Wall spanning in northern China is basically on the division line of warm temperate climate zone and middle temperate climate zone, hence the Great Wall weather features with four clear seasons: mild spring, hot summer, pleasant autumn like spring and cold winter. The rainfall is not abundant as a whole, mostly gathering in summer.

Great Wall Climate – Seasons & Travel Advice

Spring (Mar - May)

As the weather in spring is mild, it is suggested to visit the wall in this season to see it lying through green trees and surrounded by various flowers. Choose a day not rainy to climb the wall. Otherwise, the path will be slippery making it inconvenient for hiking. May 1st to 3rd is not a good choice to go because it is the public holiday of Labor Day, when it might be crowded. The best sections to visit include Badaling and Mutianyu. (See also: Badaling Great Wall; Mutianyu & Simatai Great Wall)

What to Wear: long sleeves shirt, blouse, jacket, sneakers

Summer (Jun - Aug)

Summer is not a very good season to visit the Great Wall. Climbing the wall in summer especially in July to August will probably make you get sunstroke because of getting exposed to the sun and with no shades providing coolness. Also, July to August are summer holiday in China, when the most popular sections like Badaling and Mutianyu receive flows of tourists. The waterside sections like Simatai and Huanghuacheng are better choices with relatively lower temperature and less tourists. Besides, you can climb Simatai at night, when it is much cooler than the daytime.

What to Wear: T-shirt, shorts, sunglasses, sun hat

Autumn (Sep - Nov)

The brisk temperature makes autumn delightful for traveling. In this season, leaves near the wall turn red or yellow earlier than that in suburbs. The wall will be decorated with red, golden, brown and green colors, forming an amazing picture. Badaling, Mutianyu and Jiankou are good destinations to appreciate the amazing scenery. The temperature varies a lot in a day, so wear a coat to keep warm in the morning and evening. October 1st to 7th is the time you’d better avoid. It is the Chinese National Day Holiday when you will meet a thick crowd.

What to Wear: hoodie, windbreaker, sweatpants, hiking shoes

Winter (Dec - Feb)

The weather of Great Wall in winter is dry and cold, so it is not recommended to visit in winter. However, the scene of the wall covered by snow is grand and wonderful and the travel cost is less than other seasons. When it snows, the path will be slippery and you need to be more than careful. Choose to appreciate the snowy covered Great Wall at Badaling or Mutianyu, which are equipped with cable cars to release you from the slippery stairs.

What to Wear: downcoat, sweater, windproof winter pants, hat, scarf, gloves

Best Time to Visit the Great Wall of China

Generally, the best traveling time is April to May in the spring, and September to October in the autumn as well. During these months, the weather is cool and it does not rain too much, providing convenience for hiking and climbing. During these time periods, the natural scenery surrounding the Great Wall is also beautiful. Summer is too hot while winter is too cold. But after snowfall in winter, the white Great Wall is very well worth seeing.