Beijing · Month comparison
November vs September
September ranks #1 overall vs November at #7. Golden autumn with crystal-clear skies — Beijing at its most photogenic and comfortable
November
#7 of 12 months
Worth considering
Autumn fades to winter — quiet streets and good value before the cold sets in
- ↑Low tourist numbers and affordable hotels after Golden Week exodus
- ↑Late ginkgo and maple foliage at Fragrant Hills peaks in early November
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
| Factor | November | September |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 6 | 9 |
| Value score | 6 | 5 |
| Crowd score | 4 | 7 |
| Events score | 3 | 6 |
| Atmosphere | 6 | 9 |
| Avg high temp | 8°C | 25°C |
| Monthly rain | 8mm | 56mm |
| Daily sunshine | 6.5hrs | 9hrs |
November trade-offs
- ↓Temperatures drop fast (3–13°C) and first pollution events return by month end
- ↓Days shorten quickly — outdoor sightseeing windows narrow
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 →