China, Asia

Beijing in July

Sticky heat, thunderstorms, and hazy skies, plus school-holiday crowds at every major site. The least rewarding month to visit.

Think twiceHot and humid, highs near 88F (31C), the rainiest month

Great Wall Mutianyu, Beijing — BeijingPhoto: Velatrix, CC0

The straight answer

July is a month to think twice about visiting Beijing. Sticky heat, thunderstorms, and hazy skies, plus school-holiday crowds at every major site. The least rewarding month to visit.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 88F (31C), the rainiest month
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What July is like in Beijing

July is hot and humid, with highs near 88F (31C), and it is the rainiest month. Thunderstorms and hazy skies are common, and school-holiday crowds fill every major site. Prices are high and hotels fill. Air quality can suffer on still, humid days. It is the least rewarding month to visit Beijing.

Honestly, this is the month to avoid. If summer break is your only window, plan early morning sightseeing, indoor afternoons, and advance bookings. If you can move your dates, September is far better, with clear skies and thinner crowds.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about Beijing this month.

Early morning at the Temple of Heaven

The park is coolest at dawn, and locals are out doing tai chi. It is the best hour of a July day.

Indoor museum time

The Palace Museum's halls give a break from the sun. Book tickets ahead, as summer caps sell out.

Evening hutong strolls

After sunset, the lanes around Houhai are lively and cooler.

What to pack for July

The lightest clothes you own
A compact umbrella for storms
Sunscreen and a hat
A refillable water bottle

Our timing tip

Book every major site online well ahead, since daily visitor caps sell out fast in summer.

Book Beijing for July.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Beijing
Opens a hotel search for Beijing in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for July
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 July. 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.

Beijing in July, quick answers

Is July a good time to visit Beijing?

July is a month to think twice about visiting Beijing. Sticky heat, thunderstorms, and hazy skies, plus school-holiday crowds at every major site. The least rewarding month to visit.

What is the weather like in Beijing in July?

Hot and humid, highs near 88F (31C), the rainiest month.

Is Beijing crowded in July?

Beijing is busy in July, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.