December · China
Best time to visit Forbidden City in December Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Forbidden City in December
Average temperature -5°C, 5 mm of rain, about 1 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 54% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
December score
5.0/10
Ranked #11 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- -5°C
- Rainfall
- 5 mm
- Humidity
- 54%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 1
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
December in Forbidden City scores 5.0/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #11 of 12. Expect around -5°C, 5 mm of rain, and roughly 1 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Vermilion courtyards run north from Meridian Gate along Beijing's central axis at the Forbidden City.
December in Forbidden City — middling scores, decent value
At -5°C (24°F) this is proper winter weather in December: layer up and split the day between outdoor highlights and indoor stops.
Only 5 mm of water-equivalent precipitation is expected (snow at altitude), leaving about 1 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 9.2 hours of daylight.
That is 5/10 on the same scale — 11th of 12 months, versus 10/10 for the best month here.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip.
Expect mid-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
If your dates are flexible, May is materially better in Forbidden City — 5 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Forbidden City in December?
- In December, Forbidden City averages -5°C, 5 mm of rain, and about 1 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 5.0/10.
- Is December a good time to visit Forbidden City?
- December earns a 5.0/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Forbidden City in December?
- Expect about 5 mm of rain in December. Average humidity is 54% and there are about 1 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Forbidden City
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Forbidden City
Forbidden City, China. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.