The best time to visit Mutianyu
Spring and autumn are the practical choice. The climate figures show hot, wet summers and cold, dry winters, so the months in between are milder. No season is guaranteed to be best, and weather changes from day to day.
Autumn is the season most visitors have in mind. Red and yellow leaves are associated with October, but the peak is not fixed from year to year, and colour is not certain to last until the end of November.
Month by month: the climate
Average daily highs and lows and rainfall for Beijing.
| Month | Average high (°C) | Average low (°C) | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.6 | -9.4 | 3 |
| February | 4.0 | -6.9 | 6 |
| March | 11.3 | -0.6 | 9 |
| April | 19.9 | 7.2 | 26 |
| May | 26.4 | 13.2 | 29 |
| June | 30.3 | 18.2 | 71 |
| July | 30.8 | 21.6 | 176 |
| August | 29.5 | 20.4 | 182 |
| September | 25.8 | 14.2 | 49 |
| October | 19.0 | 7.3 | 19 |
| November | 10.1 | -0.4 | 6 |
| December | 3.3 | -6.9 | 2 |
These are long-term averages for Beijing city, not a forecast and not measurements from the wall. Mutianyu lies in hills about 70 km away, so look at the forecast for the days you plan to go. Rainfall includes snow, counted as water.
Mutianyu tours for any season
Compare Great Wall tours from Beijing with live prices and availability for your travel dates.
Season by season
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring: March to May
Highs rise from 11.3 °C in March to 26.4 °C in May, and rain stays low at 9 to 29 mm. March nights are still near freezing. The main opening season starts on 16 March.
Summer: June to August
Highs reach 30 °C or more, and July and August bring 176 and 182 mm of rain. Start early to avoid the midday heat. In 2026 an evening programme with lit towers ran from 25 June to 31 August.
Autumn: September to November
Highs fall from 25.8 °C in September to 10.1 °C in November, and rain drops to 49, 19 and 6 mm. October is the month tied to red and yellow leaves. The main season ends on 15 November.
Winter: December to February
Highs stay between 1.6 and 4.0 °C and lows reach -9.4 °C. Winter hours apply from 16 November to 15 March. Snow and its effect on opening cannot be promised, and weather can close parts of the site or all of it.
Holidays and crowds
When more people are likely to visit.
Chinese public holidays are the likely peaks. In 2026 these were Labour Day from 1 to 5 May, the Mid-Autumn Festival from 25 to 27 September and the National Day week from 1 to 7 October. Expect more visitors on such days and on weekends, and book tickets early.
There is no way to promise empty towers or a fixed queue time on any date. Arriving when the gate opens at 07:30 and choosing a weekday are sensible choices, though they do not guarantee a quiet visit. The Beijing side of your trip has its own seasons, which are covered by the Beijing best-time guide.
Pick your month
A quick guide by goal.
Autumn colour
Aim for October. Plan for flexibility, since the colour peak shifts from year to year.
Mild walking weather
April, May, September and October have highs between 19.0 and 26.4 °C and far less rain than July and August.
Summer evenings
A lit-tower programme ran from 25 June to 31 August in 2026. Check whether it returns before you plan around it.
Summer trips
June to August are the warmest months, and July and August are the wettest. Bring rain protection, water and sun cover.
Best time to visit Mutianyu: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Mutianyu?
April, May, September and October are the usual choices. October is tied to red and yellow leaves, but the peak varies. July and August are the wettest months.
When do the leaves change colour?
October is the month associated with red and yellow leaves. The timing is not the same every year, and colour is not certain to last until the end of November.
Can I visit Mutianyu in winter?
Yes, within the winter hours, which run from 16 November to 15 March. Highs stay between 1.6 and 4.0 °C, and weather can close parts of the site or all of it. Snow cannot be promised.
Is Mutianyu busy on public holidays?
Public holidays and weekends are the likely peaks. In 2026 these included 1 to 5 May and 1 to 7 October. No waiting times can be promised, so arrive early and book ahead.
How hot is Mutianyu in summer?
Beijing averages highs of 30.3 °C in June, 30.8 °C in July and 29.5 °C in August. Start early, carry water and expect heavy rain in July and August.
Does the weather affect the cable car and toboggan?
Weather can lead to partial or full closures. The toboggan may close in rain or snow, and the chairlift may run instead, but that is not promised in every weather. Check on the day.