China, Asia

Beijing in December

Freezing but sunny, with nearly empty sights. Bundle up for the Great Wall; the views are clear.

Quiet valueCold and dry, highs near 38F (3C)

Great Wall Mutianyu, Beijing — BeijingPhoto: Velatrix, CC0

The straight answer

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Beijing. Freezing but sunny, with nearly empty sights. Bundle up for the Great Wall; the views are clear.

Weather: Cold and dry, highs near 38F (3C)
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What December is like in Beijing

December is cold and dry, with highs near 38F (3C). It is freezing but sunny, and sights are nearly empty. The Great Wall has clear views, though you need to bundle up against the wind. Late in the month, Harbin's ice city opens as a side trip.

It suits travelers who want low prices, calm sights, and don't mind the cold. It is a harder month with young kids, since long outdoor days in freezing wind wear everyone out. If you want mild weather, April and September are the best choices.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Beijing this month.

Empty sights

The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace are calm and easy to enjoy.

Clear Great Wall views

Cold, dry air gives sharp views. Mutianyu's cable car saves the climb.

Harbin side trip

Late in the month, Harbin's ice city begins to open. It is a high-speed train ride north.

What to pack for December

A heavy down coat
Thermal layers
Hat, gloves, and a face cover
Lip balm and moisturizer

Our timing tip

Check winter hours at the Great Wall before you go, as outdoor sites close earlier and some sections shut in high wind.

Book Beijing for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Beijing
Opens a hotel search for Beijing in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
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 December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Harbin Ice and Snow World (side trip)

Roughly late December through February, weather permitting

A high-speed train ride north of Beijing, Harbin builds entire illuminated cities from ice each winter.

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.

Beijing in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Beijing?

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Beijing. Freezing but sunny, with nearly empty sights. Bundle up for the Great Wall; the views are clear.

What is the weather like in Beijing in December?

Cold and dry, highs near 38F (3C).

Is Beijing crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in Beijing; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Beijing in December?

Harbin Ice and Snow World (side trip) (roughly late december through february, weather permitting).