★★★
Budget
Yitel (Beijing TiananmenWangfujing Subway Station)
From $85 / night
Check Prices on Trip.com →
Things to Do in Beijing in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
December Weather in Beijing
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
38°F (3°C)
High Temp
23°F (-5°C)
Low Temp
0.1 inches (3 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Near-freezing temperatures, pack warm layers
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + December strips Beijing of its summer swarm. The Forbidden City's Hall of Supreme Harmony courtyard turns into a hushed arena where your footsteps echo on ancient stone. You can finally see the dragon carvings on the throne without elbows in your ribs. Tour groups vanish. Silence rules.
- + Winter's dry air sharpens every detail. Gold leaf on the Temple of Heaven's Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests flashes against cobalt skies. Bare willow limbs at the Summer Palace sketch delicate calligraphy above Kunming Lake. Stark beauty. No leaves block the view.
- + Hotpot season hits its stride in December. Steam from Donglaishun's century-old copper pots clouds the windows. Lamb bone broth burbles with Sichuan peppercorns. Paper-thin mutton slices poach in seconds. Dip, eat, repeat. The heat spreads from belly to fingertips.
- + Hotel rates tumble after October's peak. Traditional courtyard lodgings near the Lama Temple suddenly have vacancies. Heated floors replace air conditioning hum. Temple bells drift through frosty courtyards. Book now. Pay less.
Considerations
- − The cold cuts deep on the Wall. Afternoon wind along Mutianyu's northern sections can drive the mercury to 14°F (-10°C). Fingers freeze around phone cameras within minutes. Numbness arrives fast. Bring gloves. Serious ones.
- − Daylight quits early. Sunset clocks in near 4:45 PM. Outdoor time shrinks. Hutongs around the Drum Tower sink into hushed darkness. Summer's night market buzz is gone. Long evenings. Plan indoors.
- − Heating pollution shows up some mornings. Gray haze swallows the Western Hills. An acrid tang hangs until wind scours it clean. Check the air quality index before ambitious hikes. Breathe smart.
Year-Round Climate
How December compares to the rest of the year
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2°C | -6°C | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Feb | 6°C | -4°C | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Mar | 13°C | 1°C | 0.3 inches (8 mm) |
| Apr | 21°C | 9°C | 0.9 inches (23 mm) |
| May | 27°C | 15°C | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Jun | 30°C | 20°C | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Jul | 31°C | 23°C | 6.7 inches (170 mm) |
| Aug | 30°C | 22°C | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Sep | 26°C | 16°C | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Oct | 19°C | 8°C | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
| Nov | 10°C | 0°C | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Dec | 3°C | -5°C | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Beijing in December is a city of sharp, crystalline light and quieting streets. The cold is dry and penetrating, with daytime highs just above freezing and nights that dip well below. You see your breath in the air, a steady plume as you walk past leafless gingko trees lining the hutongs. The usual hum of outdoor life retreats indoors. The sizzle of street food griddles is replaced by the hiss of steam from indoor noodle shops, and the scent of coal dust sometimes hangs in the still air. Locals bundle in thick coats, moving with purpose between warm interiors. This is not a month of festivals or outdoor revelry. But one of introspection and resilience, where Beijing's monumental scale feels even more imposing under a vast, pale winter sky. Visiting now means encountering the city's lasting structures without the veil of humidity or crowds, feeling the rough-hewn stone of the Forbidden City walls under your fingertips in the clear, cold silence. Visiting Beijing in this month requires embracing the chill. Pack for layers, with a focus on windproof outerwear, as the air can carry a bite, on the exposed sections of the Great Wall. While rainfall is minimal, the low humidity and variable conditions mean a bright sunny day can quickly give way to a gray, overcast afternoon. Plan your days around indoor and outdoor segments, using the warmth of a museum or a traditional restaurant as a respite. The lack of major December events shifts the focus to Beijing's timeless attractions and the deep comfort of its winter cuisine, from the rich aroma of slow-braised beef to the satisfying chew of hand-pulled noodles in a steaming broth.
Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour
private_tourA private tour to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall in winter has a profoundly solitary encounter. You will see the serpentine wall draped over barren, rust-colored mountains, with frost occasionally glazing the parapets, and hear nothing but the wind whistling through the watchtowers. The cable car ascent provides sweeping, unobstructed views of the desolate, beautiful landscape.
It transforms a world wonder into a personal, hushed pilgrimage, with the cold air sharpening every detail of the ancient stonework.
Insider tip: Bring thermos gloves for handling your camera, as the metal and stone become painfully cold to the touch.
Beijing to Xi'an See Terracotta Warriors with Bullet Train Round Trip Transfer
otherThis journey pairs the imperial grandeur of Beijing with the subterranean army of Xi'an, connected by the smooth, silent speed of China's bullet train. You will feel the train's quiet hum as it races across the frozen North China Plain, seeing brown fields and occasional industrial towns flash by the window, before stepping into the cavernous pit that holds thousands of silent terracotta soldiers.
It efficiently delivers two of China's most well-known historical sites in one easy, comfortable trip.
Insider tip: Book a seat on the right side of the train when traveling south from Beijing for the best chance of distant mountain views.
All-inclusive Private Day Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall
guided_experienceAn all-inclusive private tour to Mutianyu removes all winter logistical hassles, delivering you from your hotel's warmth directly to the base of the wall. You will feel the immediate change from the heated vehicle to the crisp, thin air, see the cable cars moving like bright beads against the stark hills, and savor a scheduled hot lunch in a nearby village restaurant.
It has a curated, effortless Great Wall experience where the only thing you need to focus on is the impressive scenery.
Insider tip: Confirm with your operator that the tour includes the toboggan ride down, as it remains operational in December and is a thrilling way to descend.
Beijing:Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Private Tour
culturalThis tour contrasts the epic, open-air fortification of Mutianyu with the refined, frozen landscapes of the Summer Palace. You will tread the Wall's steep steps under a wide winter sky, then later wander beside Kunming Lake, seeing it locked under a sheet of ice and hearing the creak of bare willow branches along the shore.
It captures the dual nature of Beijing's history: outward-facing military might and inward-focused imperial leisure.
Insider tip: At the Summer Palace, walk across the Seventeen-Arch Bridge to the South Lake Island for a view back toward the frozen lake and the wood-and-copper Longevity Hill buildings.
Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef
foodThis online class brings the warmth and craft of Beijing's kitchen into your own home, guided by a well-known local chef. You will hear the rhythmic chop of ingredients, feel the sticky texture of dough under your fingers as you pleat dumplings, and later taste the savory, steaming result of your work.
It provides an authentic, hands-on culinary skill and a direct cultural connection without leaving your residence.
Insider tip: Have all your ingredients measured and bowls set up before the class begins, as the demonstration moves quickly.
Mutianyu Great Wall 5-Kilometer Guided Hike with Uphill Cable Car
adventureThis guided hike along a five-kilometer stretch of the Mutianyu Wall is a bracing winter physical challenge. You will feel the burn in your legs on the ascents, hear the crunch of gravel underfoot on restored sections, and be rewarded with panoramic views of watchtowers receding into the hazy, cold distance.
It combines the grandeur of the Wall with the satisfying exertion of a structured hike, far from the summer crowds.
Insider tip: Wear hiking boots with solid grip, as some of the older, unrestored sections can have smooth, sloping stones made slick by frost.
Where to Stay in Beijing in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
★★★★
Mid-Range
Beijing LanWan International Hotel (Capital Airport Xinguozhan Branch)
From $36 / night
Check Prices on Trip.com →
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
December 21st or 22nd
Winter Solstice Celebrations
Dongzhi lands December 21 or 22. Beijing families meet to eat syrupy tangyuan or savory dumplings, depending on northern habit. Head for dumpling houses near the Lama Temple. Steam clouds the windows. Laughter bounces off tiled walls. Some temples stage small rites. But the real show is at the table.
Packing Checklist
Bookmark this page — your progress is saved between visits
Need the full list with shopping links?
Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Beijing Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Locals hit the Summer Palace for the 728 m covered walkway, not the frozen lake. Its 14 000 paintings spin history and myth. Winter keeps the corridor quiet and wind-free.
Skip the famous chains. The best hotpot hides in basement spots near universities. Beijing Normal University blocks host cauldrons that have bubbled for days. Recipes stay unchanged for decades.
Arrive at Temple of Heaven Park before 9 AM. Elders perform tai chi on frosty prayer platforms. Opera singers warm up among cypresses. Entry is cheap and crowds are absent.
Download the Beijing Air Quality app. December swings from crisp to hazy depending on northern winds. Hit the Great Wall on green days. Shift to museums or hutongs when the index turns yellow or orange.
Avoid These Mistakes
Don't misjudge the early dusk. A 3 PM start at the Summer Palace leaves you rushing out at 4:30 PM when gates close. Book outdoor sites for morning slots.
Never wear smooth soles on the Great Wall. Frost turns uneven stones into a slide. Proper hiking shoes with grip are mandatory.
Don't assume every indoor site is warm. Older museum wings and temple halls heat unevenly. Dress in layers you can peel but not lose.
Explore More Activities in Beijing
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Beijing.
See All Beijing Tours on Viator