When to visit the Great Wall at Badaling
The best time to visit the Great Wall at Badaling is a trade-off between weather and crowds, not a single date. Spring and autumn bring mild days, summer brings heat and the heaviest rain, and winter is cold and dry. The wall is open all year, so the question is which season suits you.
For most visitors, a weekday morning in April, May or October outside the national holiday weeks is a good mix. Arrive at opening time, when the wall is quietest. The Badaling Great Wall tickets page explains booking, and the opening hours page lists the seasonal times.
Badaling season by season
What each part of the year offers.
Spring, March to May
March is still cold, with averages around 11 °C by day and just below freezing at night. April and May warm up to 20 and 26 °C by day. In April 2026 apricot trees bloomed on the south section, with the blossom expected to last into the middle of the month. The Labour Day holiday ran from 1 to 5 May in 2026, so avoid those days if you can.
Summer, June to August
Days reach around 30 °C, and July and August bring most of the year's rain. Heavy rain closed Badaling from 12 August 2026, and booked tickets could be refunded through the original channel. In 2026 the main evening programme ran from 30 April to 6 October on the core area from tower N4 to S4, so check each year whether it runs.
Autumn, September to November
September and October are the favourite months for many visitors. Red leaves usually show from the middle or end of October into early November, and weekday mornings are calmer. Autumn also brings traffic and parking pressure on busy days, so allow time for the approach.
Winter, December to February
January is the coldest month, with an average high of 1.6 °C and a low of -9.4 °C in Beijing city. It is dry, with 2 to 6 mm of rain a month. From 1 November the wall opens 07:30 to 16:00, so the day is short.
Our pick: wall and gorge
Our take: in the green months, Longqing Gorge makes a good add-on option.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Great Wall tours for every season
Day trips from Beijing to the Badaling Great Wall, with live prices and availability.
Monthly climate
Long-term averages for Beijing city, 1961 to 1990.
| 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 monthly averages of daily highs and lows, not records, and rain is the average monthly total. The table is for Beijing city, so the wall in the mountains will feel different. Treat it as a guide to the season and check the forecast a few days ahead.
For most visitors, April, May and October give a good balance of mild weather and manageable crowds. Pick September if you prefer warmer days and a little more rain.
Crowds, holidays and rules
What changes the day more than the weather.
Public holidays in 2026
The Labour Day break ran from 1 to 5 May, Mid-Autumn from 25 to 27 September and the National Day Golden Week from 1 to 7 October. Dates move each year, so do not carry 2026 dates over to another year. Autumn brings heavy demand for Badaling, with access roads and parking under pressure.
Fire rules in autumn
In autumn Badaling is a first-level fire protection area. Do not smoke outdoors, do not enter the woods, do not carve into the stone, do not climb into closed sections and do not break branches.
Cable cars
Maintenance on the north cable car runs until 25 December 2026, while the south line keeps running. See Badaling cable car for both systems and the sliding car.
Plan the base
If you want an early start, your choice of base matters. See where to stay near Badaling.
If you are also looking at the other major section, the best time to visit Mutianyu is worth a look. For Beijing city itself, the best time for Beijing covers the capital.
Plan the day once you have the season
The next pages to read.
Best time to visit the Great Wall: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit the Great Wall at Badaling?
For most visitors, April, May and October are the usual choice, with mild weather and fewer people than the holiday weeks. Late October can add red leaves. There is no guarantee for a specific day.
When is Badaling most crowded?
Public holidays bring the heaviest demand, in particular the National Day Golden Week from 1 to 7 October and the Labour Day break from 1 to 5 May in 2026. Arrive at opening time and pick a weekday outside the holiday weeks.
Is the Great Wall open in winter?
Yes. From 1 November to 31 March the wall opens 07:30 to 16:00. Winter is cold, with an average January high of 1.6 °C in Beijing city, so dress warmly.
Is summer a bad time to go?
It is hot and wet rather than bad. July and August bring most of the rain, and heavy rain can close the wall, as it did from 12 August 2026. Go early and keep a flexible plan.
Is this the official Badaling website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the Badaling scenic area, the Beijing government or any tourism authority, and it is not connected to a tour operator or hotel.