The Temple of Heaven through the year
The Temple of Heaven is an outdoor site. You walk long, open paths between the halls, so weather matters more here than in a museum. Climate figures point to mild spring and autumn days, a hot and wet summer and cold winter mornings. The seasons also change the ticket prices and the hours, so the month you pick shapes the day.
Two things apply all year. First, the main halls close on Mondays (except public holidays), so choose another weekday. Second, tickets are named: book ahead and have your passport ready. The Temple of Heaven tickets page has the prices and the booking steps.
Beijing climate by month
Average daily highs and lows and total monthly precipitation for Beijing, reference period 1961 to 1990. Snow counts as precipitation. Use the table for the pattern of the year, not as a forecast.
| Month | High °C | 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 |
For most visitors, April, May, September and October are the best months: the highs sit between 19 and 26 degrees and the rain is light. Summer is warm, and July and August bring the heaviest rain of the year. In winter the park is quiet but the mornings are cold, so bring layers.
Our pick: a full day for spring or autumn
In the mild months the bus tour lets you add the Summer Palace on the same day.
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.
Temple of Heaven tours by season
Guided visits and Beijing city tours that include the Temple of Heaven, with live prices and availability.
Season by season
What changes at the Temple of Heaven from month to month.
Spring (March to May)
Temperatures climb quickly from March to May. Dust from the north is a recurring risk in northern China, especially from March to May. It does not follow a fixed closing season, but look at the forecast the evening before.
Summer (June to August)
Hot and wet, with most of the rain in July and August. The park is open from 06:00 and until 22:00, so you can shift your walk to the cooler ends of the day. Carry an umbrella.
Autumn (September to October)
Mild days and little rain. October still counts in the high ticket season, which runs until 31 October.
Winter (November to March)
Cold and dry, with lows below freezing from November to March. Tickets cost less: park entry is CNY 10 instead of CNY 15, and the combo ticket CNY 28 instead of CNY 34 (2026). The halls also close earlier: at 17:00, with last entry at 16:30.
Public holidays
Chinese holidays are the busiest travel periods of the year, so book tickets early and expect more people than usual. In 2026 the dates were:
- Spring Festival: 15 to 23 February
- Labour Day: 1 to 5 May
- Mid-Autumn Festival: 25 to 27 September
- National Day (Golden Week): 1 to 7 October
These dates change every year. The first day of the Lunar New Year 2027 is 6 February. Check the holiday calendar for the length of the break before you book. The halls stay open on public holidays that fall on a Monday.
The best hour of the day
The park and the main halls keep different hours. Last entry is earlier than closing time.
| Area | Season | Opens | Last entry | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park | 1 April to 31 October | 06:00 | 21:00 | 22:00 |
| Park | 1 November to 31 March | 06:30 | 21:00 | 22:00 |
| Main halls | 1 April to 31 October | 08:00 | 17:30 | 18:00 |
| Main halls | 1 November to 31 March | 08:00 | 16:30 | 17:00 |
The evening opening of the park does not include the main buildings. For most visitors, the best plan is to arrive early: walk the park while locals do tai chi, then reach the halls when they open at 08:00 and before the day gets busy. See Tiantan Park in the morning and the full opening hours.
Planning the rest of your Beijing trip? See where to stay near the Temple of Heaven. The wider city is covered in the best time to visit Beijing.
Best time to visit: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit the Temple of Heaven?
April, May, September and October. Highs are between 19 and 26 degrees and rain is light, so the long walks between the halls are comfortable.
Is the Temple of Heaven worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you dress warmly. Tickets are cheaper from 1 November to 31 March, but the halls close at 17:00 with last entry at 16:30.
When does it rain most?
July and August, with about 176 and 182 mm in the Beijing climate average for 1961 to 1990. Take an umbrella or choose the early morning.
What is the best time of day?
Early morning. The park opens at 06:00 from April to October and 06:30 from November to March. The halls open at 08:00.
Which day of the week should I avoid?
Monday, when the Hall of Prayer, the Echo Wall and the Circular Mound Altar are closed, except on public holidays.