Beijing · Month comparison

June vs September

September ranks #1 overall vs June at #10. Golden autumn with crystal-clear skies — Beijing at its most photogenic and comfortable

Summer Palace in Beijing with lotus flowers on the lake

June

#10 of 12 months

Worth considering

Summer heat arrives — pleasant for evening exploring, harder going in the afternoon sun

  • Long days allow early morning Great Wall visits before the heat builds
  • Lively rooftop bar scene and night markets in full swing
Great Wall of China bathed in golden autumn light with turning foliage

September

#1 of 12 months

Best match

Golden autumn with crystal-clear skies — Beijing at its most photogenic and comfortable

  • Perfect 20–26°C temperatures and brilliant blue skies after the summer haze lifts
  • Great Wall sections like Jinshanling and Mutianyu glow with early autumn colour
FactorJuneSeptember
Weather score
5
9
Value score
5
5
Crowd score
5
7
Events score
3
6
Atmosphere
5
9
Avg high temp31°C25°C
Monthly rain70mm56mm
Daily sunshine9hrs9hrs

June trade-offs

  • Heat and humidity building (28–34°C), afternoon outdoor sightseeing becomes draining
  • Hazy skies reduce visibility — Fragrant Hills views are disappointing

September trade-offs

  • Crowds build ahead of National Day Golden Week — book accommodation early
  • Prices rise across hotels and tours as demand peaks
Scores compare months within Beijing. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →