Beijing Weather and Best Time to Visit Beijing

Located in a warm continental monsoon region, Beijing is characterized by a semi-arid and semi-humid climate, with four well-defined seasons, mild and fickle springs, stuffy and scorching summers, refreshing and cool autumns, cold and dry winters.

The annual average high & low temperature of Beijing usually fluctuates around 31ºC (87.8ºF) and -6ºC (21.2ºF) respectively. July is considered the hottest and wettest month of the year, with maximum precipitation of 185 mm. Beijing in January is coldest, getting the lowest temperature of -8ºC (17.6ºF).

As far as Beijing weather is concerned, the period between September and October serves as the best time to visit Beijing when tourists could enjoy an agreeable and comfortable climate. In addition, the months from March to May in spring are good choices to have an incredible exploration of Beijing.

Beijing Seasons – Temperature & Clothing Guide

Spring (March to May)

The weather in Beijing in spring is mild, windy, and changeable, with a large temperature difference between day and night. In early March, the weather in Beijing is relatively chilly, and the temperature fluctuates at 3-15ºC (37.4-59ºF); then it gradually climbs to around 30ºC (86ºF) by the end of May.

What to wear in Beijing in Spring

A thick windbreaker and a woolen sweater are necessary clothes to wear in Beijing in spring. It is very likely that the yellow sand sweeps over Beijing in early spring, which will cause severe air pollution. So, a filter mask is essential.

Recommended Spring Activities in Beijing

The appealing scenery and pleasant climate make spring a good time to travel to Beijing for some wonderful activities, like hiking to Mutianyu Great Wall, shooting cherry blossoms in Yuyuantan Park, appreciating peach flowers in Beijing Botanical Garden…

Summer (June to August)

Beijing weather in summer is scorching and muggy, with the temperature ranging from 30ºC to 40ºC (86-104ºF). July, the hottest month in Beijing, brings the highest rainfall of the year. The high temperature will continue in August; while by late September, the weather starts to gradually cool down.

What to wear in Beijing in Summer

Due to the hot and sunny weather, T-shirts, linen shorts, chiffon dresses are suitable clothes to wear in Beijing summer. Besides, sunglasses, a sun hat or a parasol, and sunscreen are indispensable items when you go out.

Recommended activities in Beijing in Summer

Normally, we do not recommend playing outdoors at midday due to the harsh weather. Try to visit some cool attractions, including Beijing Aquarium, Beijing Capital Museum, Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall.

Recommended Beijing Tours

• 4 Days Beijing Essence Tour
• 3 Days Beijing Package Tour: City Highlights & Great Wall
• 2 Days Beijing Highlight Tour

Autumn (September to November)

September marks the beginning of autumn in Beijing when the city is blessed with breezy and pleasantly cool weather. Temperatures are usually at the range of 14-26ºC (57.2-78.8ºF). However, as of mid-November, a cold snap hits and Beijing temperature plummets, sometimes dropping below 10ºC (50ºF).

What to Wear in Beijing in Autumn

Long-sleeved shirts and casual jackets are appropriate clothes to wear in Beijing between September and October. While you also need to pack some warm clothing such as thick sweaters to protect against the coldness.

Recommended Autumn Activities in Beijing

Autumn is the best time to visit Beijing, which allows tourists to appreciate unique natural paintings composed of layers of red maple leaves at Fragrant Hill Park and Badaling National Forest Park, as well as yellow ginkgo leaves at the avenue of Yonghe Temple.

* Tip: China’s National Day Holiday from October 1st to 7th is the peak tourist season that you should avoid as there will be a large influx of tourists into Beijing during this period.

Winter (December to February)

Beijing weather becomes frigid and dry in winter, with the coldest month falling in January. The mean temperature ranges from -8ºC (17.6ºF) to 6ºC (42.8ºF), occasionally dropping below -10ºC (14ºF) if it snows. There are cold winds blowing from the deserts of the north, causing small-scale dust storms that greatly reduce city visibility.

What to wear in Beijing in Winter

Anti-dust masks, scarfs, down coats, padded jackets, and thick sweaters are good items to pack when traveling to Beijing in winter. Remember to bring hand cream and lotions to keep your skin moist.

Recommended Winter activities in Beijing

Take pictures of the Forbidden City decorated with pure snow; enjoy the happiness of skating at Shichahai; warm up with hot spring bathing at Gubei Water Town; feel the speed and passion at Huaibei Ski Resort…

Beijing Weather by Month

• January Weather in Beijing: The coldest month in Beijing, with average temperatures hovering around -9 ℃ to 2 ℃.
• Beijing Weather in February: Still a cold month with average temperatures hovering around -6 ℃ to 5 ℃. Since February is usually near the Spring Festival, it sees the city being adorned by festival decorations.
• Beijing in March Weather: March marks the beginning of spring in Beijing, though the temperature is still fairly cold, with average temperature ranging from 0 ℃ to 12 ℃. The weather is generally comfortable, suitable for some outdoor adventures.
• Weather of Beijing in April: The signs of spring are more pronounced in Beijing in April. With average temperature ranging from 8 ℃ to 20 ℃, it is a great time for Great Wall hiking, visiting local parks and enjoy the beautiful spring scenery.
• Beijing Weather in May: In this warm month, it is highly recommended to seize the tail end of spring to enjoy outdoor activities and explore historical sites in comfort. Average temperature in this month rise to around 25 ℃.
• Beijing Weather in June: When Beijing enters summer in June, its average temperature rises to around 30 ℃. While June can be hot in the day, it is still a suitable time to visit Beijing.
• July Weather in Beijing: The hottest month in Beijing, with the average temperature soaring to around 32 ℃. Due the the summer vacation in China, July marks a peak travel time in Beijing.
• August Weather in Beijing: Still a hot month, with the average temperatures hovering around 30 ℃. Still in the Summer vacation, so the city is as busy as in July.
• Beijing Weather in September: Beijing is pleasantly mild in September, with average temperatures hovering around 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). As autumn approaches, the hutongs, streets, and parks are all filled with autumn colors.
• Beijing in October Weather: This is the ideal time to admire the splendid red leaves in Xiangshan Park. Scenery from the Great Wall is also breathtaking. Weather is comfortable with average temperature being around 19 ℃.
• Weather in Beijing in November: Beijing enters late autumn in November, when the weather is relatively cold, and tourists are fewer. The average temperature is around 10°C.
• Beijing Weather in December: December marks the start of winter in Beijing, bringing captivating allure to the city. The snow-covered Forbidden City and many snow activities will offer you endless enjoyment. The average temperature is around 3 ℃.

Averages for Weather of Beijing

The graphs below are averages of Beijing weather conditions over a 30-year period, aiming to offer an overview of the climate in Beijing.

Average Temperatures by Month

Monthly Average Precipitation

Monthly Average Rainy Days