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Summer Palace

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Top 10 things to do in Summer Palace

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Best time to visit Summer Palace

Data source：Meteostat
Last updated：2025-09

Weather in Summer Palace throughout the year

  • Spring (March–May): 9.1–21.8°C 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): 27.1–28.1°C 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): 14.1–22.4°C 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): -2.2–0.4°C 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.

Weather in Summer Palace

Annual average temperature: approx. 14°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 705 mm / Summer humidity: 65%–75% / Rainiest month: July

Summer Palace weather by month

Month
Temperature (°C)
Rainfall (mm)
January
-2.2°C
1.5
February
0.4°C
5.3
March
9.1°C
6.2
April
16.1°C
20.3
May
21.8°C
23.3
June
27.1°C
50.3
July
28.1°C
314.3
August
26.7°C
196.3
September
22.4°C
58.7
October
14.1°C
4.7
November
6.4°C
20
December
-2.1°C
4.7

7-day weather forecast for Summer Palace

11/7
Saturday
Smoky haze
9.5°C/2.4°C
11/8
Sunday
Sunny
8.8°C/0.7°C
11/9
Monday
Smoky haze
11.3°C/-0.2°C
11/10
Tuesday
Smoky haze
14.5°C/0.3°C
11/11
Wednesday
Smoky haze
13.6°C/2°C
11/12
Thursday
Sunny
11.8°C/3°C
11/13
Friday
Partly Cloudy
11.8°C/4.6°C

Summer Palace travel FAQs and useful info

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.