Beijing Weather & Seasons - Best Time to Visit Beijing

 

Beijing has four distinct seasons influenced by the temperate and continental monsoon climate. It is hot and rainy in summer, cold and dry in winter, and short in spring and autumn. The frost-free period of the whole year is about 180-200 days. The average rainfall was 483.9 mm in 2017. The seasonal precipitation is very uneven. 80% of the annual precipitation is concentrated in June, July and August. Heavy rain occurs in July and August. The average annual sunshine hours in Beijing range from 2000 to 2800 hours. The coldest month is January with the average temperature of -4 °C/24.8°F, and the hottest season is July (at an average of 26 °C/79°F) with most rainfalls. So it is necessary to check out the weather forecast while planning your Beijing tour.

Best Month to Visit Beijing

Beijing is suitable to visit all year round, but the best months are April to June and September to November, when the climate is mild - never too cold nor too hot. Try to avoid scheduling your Beijing exploration on weekends and during Chinese holidays, such as National Day (beginning of October) and Labor Day (beginning of May). Check detailed Best Time to Visit Beijing >>

Average Beijing Temperature by Month

Month Recommended Rate Max Temp. Min Temp.
Jan. °C °C
Feb. °C °C
Mar. °C °C
Apr. °C °C
May. °C °C
Jun. °C °C
Jul. °C °C
Aug. °C °C
Sep. °C °C
Oct. °C °C
Nov. °C °C
Dec. °C °C

Beijing Seasons to Go

Spring (March - May)

Spring is a windy and dry season when the temperatures rise quickly day by day and vary greatly between day and night. The average temperature in spring is from 3°C/37°F to 13°C/55°F. It's still cold and dry in the early morning or at night. In early spring, sandstorm may hit Beijing frequently.>>Learn More about Beijing Spring Travel

What to Wear

It is recommended to wear windbreakers, jackets, sweaters, and other clothes to keep warm. In spring, The AQI is occasionally over 100 because of the sandstorm and more pollen in the air. It is suggested to wear a mask when you have an outdoor activity.

Seasonal Activities

Kite flying in parks or Tian’anmen Square is the most popular local activities in springtime. Hike Badaling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall and Jinshanling Great Wall to see the spring flowers. Vibrant sceneries of Ming Tombs will please your mind. In Temple of Heaven, you can appreciate the blooming lilac during middle April. You can also go to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival of Yuyuantan Park. Besides, fresh fruits and vegetables picking-up in local farms are also choices for you Beijing tour in spring.

Beijing in Spring

Beijing in Spring (Summer Palace Photo by Our Customer, 2017)

Beijing Weather in March

  • Temperature: 6°C / 43°F
  • High Temperature: 12°C / 54°F
  • Low Temperature: 0°C / 32°F
  • Average AQI: 130
  • Humidity: 46%
  • Rainfall: 8 mm
  • Rainy Days: 3 days
  • Sunrise: 06:00 ~ 06:48
  • Sunset: 18:06 ~ 18:37

Beijing Weather in April

  • Temperature: 14°C / 57°F
  • High Temperature: 20°C /68°F
  • Low Temperature: 8°C / 46°F
  • Average AQI: 104
  • Humidity: 46%
  • Rainfall: 21 mm
  • Rainy Days: 4 days
  • Sunrise: 05:16 ~ 05:59
  • Sunset: 18:38 ~ 19:08

Beijing Weather in May

  • Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
  • High Temperature: 26°C /79°F
  • Low Temperature: 14°C / 57°F
  • Average AQI: 102
  • Humidity: 53%
  • Rainfall: 34 mm
  • Rainy Days: 6 days
  • Sunrise: 04:48 ~ 05:15
  • Sunset: 19:09 ~ 19:37

Summer (June - August)

Summer lasts about 120 days from May to September, which is quite hot and humid. The average temperatures of June, July and August are always above 30 centigrade, with the extremely high temperature often showing in June. July is usually the hottest month in Beijing. It is also rainy in Summer, covering about 70% yearly precipitation. Heavy rainstorms may occur on sunny afternoons. So when you visit Beijing in summer time, prepare for protect yourself from UV as well as the rain.>>Learn More about Beijing Summer Travel

What to Wear

It is recommended to wear cotton and linen shirts, thin skirts, thin T-shirts and other breathable clothes. It rains more often, and it is suggested to take an umbrella with you.

Seasonal Activities

To visit Chengde Mountain Resort if your time permits. It was used to be the royal summer resort in Qing Dynasty. You can also go to the Water Cube to swim in the Olympic sized pool. There is also a huge indoor water park section for your kids. Besides, you can get up early to admire the flag rising ceremony at Tiananmen Square where many people gather to express their deep patriotism.

Beijing in Summer

Our Customers Visiting Mutianyu Great Wall in Summer

Beijing Weather in June

  • Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
  • High Temperature: 30°C / 86°F
  • Low Temperature: 19°C / 66°F
  • Average AQI: 93
  • Humidity: 61%
  • Rainfall: 78 mm
  • Rainy Days: 10 days
  • Sunrise: 04:45 ~ 04:49
  • Sunset: 19:37 ~ 19:47

Beijing Weather in July

  • Temperature: 26°C / 79°F
  • High Temperature: 31°C / 88°F
  • Low Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
  • Average AQI: 79
  • Humidity: 75%
  • Rainfall: 185 mm
  • Rainy Days: 14 days
  • Sunrise: 04:49 ~ 05:12
  • Sunset: 19:30 ~ 19:47

Beijing Weather in August

  • Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
  • High Temperature: 30°C / 86°F
  • Low Temperature: 21°C / 70°F
  • Average AQI: 70
  • Humidity: 77%
  • Rainfall: 160 mm
  • Rainy Days: 12 days
  • Sunrise: 05:12 ~ 05:41
  • Sunset: 18:49 ~ 19:29

Autumn (September - November)

The average temperature in autumn is from 15°C/59°F to 25°C/77°F. It is the best time to visit Beijing for it is the most beautiful and pleasant season, especially from the mid-September to mid-November, when there is plenty of sunshine and cooler temperatures. Days become shorter and cooler as rainfall increases. Early frost often shows in Autumn.>>Learn More about Beijing Autumn Travel

What to Wear

It is recommended to wear shirts, long skirts and thin sweaters, windbreakers, casual clothes, jackets, suits, etc.

Seasonal Activities

Autumn is the best time to see the red maples in Beijing. You can not only go to enjoy the magnificent Forbipen City light by the sunshine, marvel at the shining red leaves in great walls likeBadaling, Mutianyu and Jinshanling, etc. but also visit the sacred and grand Temple of Heaven under the clear blue sky in Beijing city center, take a rickshaw to visit various kinds of Hutongs in Beijing. Moreover, Ming Tombs are splendid with the golden yellow foliage and beautiful views, and you can catch great pictures there.

Beijing in Autumn

Jingshanling Great Wall in Autumn (Photo by Our Guest in November, 2018)

Beijing Weather in September

  • Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
  • High Temperature: 26°C / 79°F
  • Low Temperature: 15°C / 59°F
  • Average AQI: 50
  • Humidity: 68%
  • Rainfall: 46 mm
  • Rainy Days: 8 days
  • Sunrise: 05:42 ~ 06:09
  • Sunset: 18:00 ~ 18:47

Beijing Weather in October

  • Temperature: 13°C / 55°F
  • High Temperature: 19°C / 66°F
  • Low Temperature: 8°C / 46°F
  • Average AQI: 67
  • Humidity: 61%
  • Rainfall: 22 mm
  • Rainy Days: 5 days
  • Sunrise: 06:10 ~ 06:41
  • Sunset: 17:15 ~ 17:58

Beijing Weather in November

  • Temperature: 5°C / 41°F
  • High Temperature: 10°C / 50°F
  • Low Temperature: 0°C / 32°F
  • Average AQI: 105
  • Humidity: 57%
  • Rainfall: 7 mm
  • Rainy Days: 5 days
  • Sunrise: 06:42 ~ 07:15
  • Sunset: 16:50 ~ 17:13

Winter (December - February)

Winter in Beijing is long and cold, with the highest and lowest average temperatures being 5 °C/41°F and -5°C/23°F from December to February. It is very cold and dry, and you might need drink more water and avoid doing outdoor activities for too long.>>Learn More about Beijing Winter Travel

What to Wear

It is recommended to wear overcoats, sweaters, winter coat, woolen jacket, gloves, down jacket and scarfs to keep warm.

Seasonal Activities

During Winter, you could go to see the breathtaking view of the Forbipen City that is decorated with the pure snow. Besides, skiing and hot springs are the most popular activities in winter Beijing. Also, you can wander along different Beijing Hutongs to enjoy the interest of the alleys and experience life in this ancient city. And in February, you can join in the locals to celebrate the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year, which is the most important festival for all Chinese.

Forbidden City in Winter

Our Customers Visiting Forbidden City in Winter

Beijing Weather in December

  • Temperature: -2°C / 28°F
  • High Temperature: 4°C / 39°F
  • Low Temperature: -6°C / 21°F
  • Average AQI: 72
  • Humidity: 49%
  • Rainfall: 3 mm
  • Rainy Days: 2 days
  • Sunrise: 07:16 ~ 07:36
  • Sunset: 16:50 ~ 16:59

Beijing Weather in January

  • Temperature: -4°C /25°F
  • High Temperature: 2°C / 36°F
  • Low Temperature: -9°C / 16°F
  • Average AQI: 77
  • Humidity: 44%
  • Rainfall: 3 mm
  • Rainy Days: 2 days
  • Sunrise: 07:25 ~ 07:36
  • Sunset: 16:59 ~ 17:32

Beijing Weather in February

  • Temperature: -1°C /30°F
  • High Temperature: 5°C / 41°F
  • Low Temperature: -6°C / 21°F
  • Average AQI: 79
  • Humidity: 44%
  • Rainfall: 5 mm
  • Rainy Days: 2 days
  • Sunrise: 06:49 ~ 07:22
  • Sunset: 17:33 ~ 18:05

How to Plan Your Travel in Beijing

To explore Beijin's highlights, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall (with Mutianyu as the top recommendation), the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the Beijing Hutongs - plan for about 4 days, including arrival and departure.

☛ 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package

☛ 3 Days Beijing Essential Highlights Tour

If you have extra days, consider hiking the scenic Jinshanling Great Wall, enjoying the stunning night views of Simatai Great Wall, or visiting other sections like Huanghuacheng, Gubeikou, and Juyongguan.

☛ 4 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Simatai Great Wall Night Sightseeing

☛ 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking

Families with children should not miss Universal Beijing Resort, while museum enthusiasts should visit the National Museum of China, home to the nation's most valuable treasures.

☛ 5 Days Beijing Family-friendly Tour with Universal Studios Fun

☛ 5 Days In-depth Beijing Tour with History and Culture Discovery

As a major transportation hub, Beijing offers easy access to other top destinations in China by flight or train, such as Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, and Tibet. China Discovery provides a variety of tour packages from Beijing, or we can customize an itinerary to suit your preferences.

Recommended Beijing Tours with Other Top Cities in China:

☛ 6 Days Classic Beijing Xian High-speed Train Tour

☛ 8 Days Best of China Tour (Beijing - Xian - Shanghai)

☛ 10 Days Classic China Tour from Beijing (Beijing - Xian - Guilin - Shanghai)

We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable wonderful trips to Beijing for the past few years. Among them, a special team of over 50 VIPKID teachers from North America traveled with us to see their dear studends in China with amazing experience in Beijing and shared us their special travel story! Travel with China Discovery to create your great China trip memories!

Beijing Travel Photos Top China Recommended Destinations

Average AQI of Beijing

Average AQI of Beijing

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
AQI 77 79 130 104 102 93 79 70 50 67 105 72
  • Excellent: 0-50
  • Good: 51-100
  • Lightly Polluted: 101-150

Average Rainfall of Beijing

Average Rainfall of Beijing

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
mm 3 5 8 21 34 78 185 160 46 22 7 3
Days 2 2 3 4 6 10 14 12 8 5 5 2

Average Humidity of Beijing

Average Humidity of Beijing

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
% 44 44 46 46 53 61 75 77 68 61 57 49

Recommended Beijing Tours

Top 3 Beijing tours chosen by most customers to explore Beijing in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary,or tailor your own trip now with us.

CD-BXS-08 8 Days Best of China Tour

8 Days Best of China Tour (Flight/Bullet Train Covered)

Beijing / Xian / Shanghai

Alexia visited Mutianyu Great Wall with China Discovery

4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package (Leisure Paced)

Beijing

Sara's family from Australia viewed Foribdden City from Jingshan Park in December 2023

6 Days Classic Beijing Xian High-speed Train Tour (Most Valuable)

Beijing / Xian

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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