Cemetery Visiting Hours and Access Rules

Most cemeteries are open to visitors every day, but each has its own hours and rules. Knowing them ahead of time avoids a locked gate — or a parking ticket — on an important day.

Typical hours

Many cemeteries open around dawn or 7–8 a.m. and close at dusk, with shorter hours in winter. Some urban cemeteries close earlier for security; some rural ones have no gates at all. Hours are usually posted at the entrance and on the cemetery's website.

Office vs grounds

The grounds and the office keep different hours. The office is usually open on weekdays only, so if you need to find a grave, order a permit or ask about rules, plan a weekday visit or call ahead. See how to find a grave location.

Common access rules

• Cars must stay on roads, often with a low speed limit.
• Pets may be banned or required on a leash.
• Bikes, jogging and picnics are allowed in some park-like cemeteries and banned in others.
• Mausoleums and chapels often have shorter hours than the grounds.
• Funerals have priority — give processions room and keep noise down.

Holidays and busy days

Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, Remembrance Day, Easter, All Souls' Day, Qingming and Christmas bring crowds. Some cemeteries extend hours or add parking staff. Arrive early, and check for special rules on decorations — see cemetery decoration rules.

Visiting after hours

If you work long hours or need to visit at a special time, such as a sunrise anniversary, ask the office. Some cemeteries will arrange access; others never allow it for safety reasons. Don't climb fences or stay after the gates lock. See cemetery etiquette.

Key Takeaways

• Many cemeteries are open dawn to dusk.
• Office hours are shorter than grounds hours.
• Rules on pets, bikes and cars vary.
• Ask before visiting after hours.

Next Step

See cemetery etiquette and what to bring when visiting a grave.