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Summer Palace

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Summer Palace Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

Summer Palace year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): 48–71°F on average, the climate gradually transitions from cold to warm, with less rainfall and increasingly sunny days. Common activities: Touring the Summer Palace, admiring the Kunming Lake scenery, visiting the Buddha Fragrance Pagoda. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirt, comfortable walking shoes.
  • Summer (June–August): 80–82°F on average, hot and rainy, high humidity, occasional thunderstorms. July has the most rainfall. Common activities: Boating on Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace, resting in the shade, enjoying local snacks. Recommended clothing: Light and breathable clothing, sun hat, rain gear.
  • Autumn (September–November): 57–72°F on average, pleasant climate, less rainfall, sunny days, ideal for viewing autumn scenery. Common activities: Touring the Summer Palace, admiring the autumn foliage, strolling along the long corridor. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirt, comfortable shoes.
  • Winter (December–February): -35–32°F on average, cold and dry, little precipitation. Common activities: Indoor visits to the Summer Palace's palace buildings, experiencing traditional cultural activities. Recommended clothing: Heavy down jacket or cotton-padded jacket, warm hat, gloves, and scarf.

Summer Palace climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 57.2°F / Annual rainfall: approx. 705 mm / Summer humidity: 65%–75% / Rainiest month: July

Summer Palace monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°F)
Precipitation (mm)
January
28°F
1.5
February
32.7°F
5.3
March
48.4°F
6.2
April
61°F
20.3
May
71.2°F
23.3
June
80.8°F
50.3
July
82.6°F
314.3
August
80.1°F
196.3
September
72.3°F
58.7
October
57.4°F
4.7
November
43.5°F
20
December
28.2°F
4.7

Summer Palace weather for the next seven days

12/17
Wednesday
Sunny
36.8°F/28.1°F
12/18
Thursday
Partly Cloudy
35.4°F/29.4°F
12/19
Friday
Sunny
43.9°F/31.1°F
12/20
Saturday
Sunny
39.8°F/31.8°F
12/21
Sunday
Sunny
33.6°F/27.5°F
12/22
Monday
Sunny
30.6°F/24.2°F
12/23
Tuesday
Moderate snow
30.2°F/25.3°F

Summer Palace Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

What makes the Summer Palace so special?

The Summer Palace is special because it masterfully combines a natural landscape of hills and open water with meticulously crafted artificial features like pavilions, halls, palaces, temples, and bridges, creating a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value.

How much time should I allocate for a visit to the Summer Palace?

To fully explore and enjoy the Summer Palace, it typically takes about 2 to 3 hours of walking around the grounds.

Is the Summer Palace in Beijing worth visiting?

Absolutely, the Summer Palace is considered a marvel of Chinese garden design and is one of Beijing's must-see attractions. Its beautifully restored structures seem to rise enchantingly from the waters of Kunming Lake.

What is the historical significance of the Summer Palace?

Originally constructed in 1750 during the Qing Dynasty by Emperor Qianlong, the Summer Palace served as a retreat from the summer heat, showcasing imperial grandeur and landscape artistry.

How far is the Summer Palace from Beijing's city center?

The Summer Palace is located in the Haidian District of Beijing, approximately 20 kilometers or about 12 miles away from the city center, making it a convenient excursion from areas like the Forbidden City.