China, Asia

Beijing in August

Still hot, wet, and busy with domestic family travel, though conditions ease late in the month.

TradeoffsHot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), frequent rain

Great Wall Mutianyu, Beijing — BeijingPhoto: Velatrix, CC0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Beijing. Still hot, wet, and busy with domestic family travel, though conditions ease late in the month.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), frequent rain
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What August is like in Beijing

August is still hot and humid, with highs near 86F (30C) and frequent rain. Domestic family travel keeps the major sights busy. Conditions ease late in the month, as the rains taper and the heat starts to break. Prices remain fairly high.

It suits families bound to summer holidays who plan carefully. Go early each day, book every site ahead, and keep afternoons for indoor museums or rest. If you can wait a few weeks, September gives you dry, clear weather and one of the best months of the year.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Beijing this month.

Late-month relief

The last week of August often brings cooler, clearer days. It is a preview of September.

Great Wall at Jinshanling

Farther from the city and wilder than Mutianyu, it sees fewer summer crowds.

Summer Palace in the morning

Arrive at opening to enjoy the lake and gardens before the heat and crowds.

What to pack for August

Light, breathable clothes
A compact umbrella
Sunscreen and a hat
A refillable water bottle

Our timing tip

Aim for the last week of August for cooler weather, and start every sightseeing day at opening time.

Book Beijing for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Beijing
Opens a hotel search for Beijing in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Beijing
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Beijing
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Beijing for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Beijing

Full guide

The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

Tickets are sold online in advance with real-name registration and a daily cap; it is closed most Mondays. Book early for holiday weeks.

Tickets and tours →

Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling

Mutianyu has a cable car and toboggan; Jinshanling is farther but wilder. Leave early to beat tour buses.

Tickets and tours →

Temple of Heaven

Go in the early morning to see locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing cards in the park.

Tickets and tours →

Summer Palace

A vast imperial garden around Kunming Lake. Spring blossoms and fall color are best; winter brings skating on the lake.

Tickets and tours →

Jingshan Park

The short climb gives the classic view straight down over the Forbidden City's golden roofs.

Tickets and tours →

Lama Temple (Yonghegong)

An active Tibetan Buddhist temple with a giant sandalwood Buddha. Busy during Chinese New Year.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Never plan big sights for October 1 to 7, the first days of May, or the week around Chinese New Year. Shift the whole trip a week either way.
Book Palace Museum tickets the moment they open, and enter at the first time slot through the Meridian Gate. Walk straight to the back courtyards and work forward.
Skip Badaling, the closest Great Wall section and the most crowded. Mutianyu or Jinshanling on a weekday morning is a very different experience.
Midweek is noticeably quieter than weekends at every major site because domestic tourism dominates.

Know before you go

The Palace Museum and many other museums close on Mondays, except during national holidays. Check before you plan the day.
During the first days of Chinese New Year, many small restaurants and family businesses close; big sights, hotels, and malls stay open.
Many sites now require advance online booking with passport details, and daily visitor caps can sell out on weekends and holidays.
Outdoor sites like the Great Wall run shorter hours in winter. Some remote sections close in heavy snow or high wind.