Beijing Weather

Beijing Weather, April Taken at 6 Fengqiao Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 9:02am, April 7

Beijing has a temperate and continental monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons and big differences in temperature between day and night.

The Seasons: Summer in Beijing is hot and humid, while winter is cold and dry. Spring and autumn are short and cool. 75% of the annual precipitation is concentrated in summer from June to August, with frequent showers in July and August. The coldest month is January at an average of -4 °C (25 °F), and the hottest month is July at an average of 26 °C (79 °F).

Beijing is suitable for travel all year round. In terms of season, autumn (September to November) is the best season to visit Beijing. Throughout the year, there are many festivals which provide great opportunities for getting to know about local life and customs, check out best times to travel Beijing.

Have a look at our Beijing Tour Packages and choose your time of travel. Contact us to tailor-make a tour to include any of the activities recommended below.

Spring

Weather: Spring is from March to May, with frequent intervals of rising and lowering of temperatures. There is much wind and dust in spring, and sometimes sandstorms.

Spring Flowers in the Botanical GardenSpring Flowers in Beijing Botanical Garden

Things to do: Spring is the season when flowers bloom. See places to see flowers in Beijing. May is a good time for spring outings and many shows and performances are concentrated in this month.

Summer

Weather: Summer is from June to August, usually scorching with sizzling temperatures at noon. There are occasional downpours.

Clothing: Umbrella, sunglasses and sun screen are recommended. Wear any summer clothes, such as T-shirts, shorts and skirts.

Be aware: Summer is considered peak season, when hotels typically raise their rates and the Great Wall nearly collapses under the weight of marching tourists.

Things to do: Mountainous areas such as Jingdong Grand Canyon and Chuandixia Village near Beijing's suburbs offer much coolness to escape the summer heat. Leisurely boating on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace, or riding a rickshaw to visit Hutongs (traditional neighborhoods), is also very pleasant.

The Fall Foliage in Beijing Fragrant HillFall Foliage in Beijing Fragrant Hill

Autumn

Weather: Autumn (September to November) is the most beautiful and pleasant season in Beijing. Though there are intervals of weather changes, it is generally comfortable.

Things to do: Climbing the Great Wall or seeing the red leaves at Fragrant Hill is recommended for this season. There are many places that you can go to see fall foilage in this season.

Also read 6 best places in Beijing Suburbs to see golden ginkgoes .

Winter

Weather: Winter is from December to February. It is cold and dry with occasional snow. The temperature is usually well below zero.

Clothing: Prepare down jackets, thick jeans and long johns, sweaters, hats and gloves. You might also need a mask to protect your nose on windy days.

Also read 10 best places to see snow in Beijing .

Things to do: Eating steaming Mongolian hotpot can warm you up in winter (View Beijing's food and restaurants). Celebrating a traditional Chinese New Year in the Hutongs, attending bustling temple fairs, and learning to make dumplings will surely give you an authentic experience of local people's life.

In addition you can enjoy skiing at Nanshan Ski Resort (see our Nanshan Skiing Day Tour), Huaibei Ski Resort, and the Bird's Nest (the National Stadium, main venue for the 2008 Olympics Beijing). Also check out Top Ski Resorts in China and T op China W inter T ravel Destinations.

Popular Beijing Tours

Beijing Weather and Tourism Info by Month

How to Plan a Beijing Tour

Beijing Average Climate by Month

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High (oC) 2 4 12 20 27 30 31 30 26 19 10 3
Low (oC) -9 -7 -1 8 13 18 22 20 14 8 -0 -7
Rain (mm) 2.54 5.08 10.16 25.4 27.94 71.12 175.26 182.88 48.26 17.78 5.08 2.54
High (oF) 34 39 52 67 79 86 87 85 78 66 50 37
Low (oF) 15 19 30 45 55 64 70 68 57 45 31 19
Rain (in) 0.1 0.2 0.4 1 1.1 2.8 6.9 7.2 1.9 0.7 0.2 0.1

Beijing Average Monthly Temperatures

Beijing Average Monthly Temperatures

Beijing Average Monthly Precipitation (inches)

Beijing Average Monthly Precipitation

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Hi, I'm Candice Song
I updated this article on May 16, 2013
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Q: RAJA NAHAR RAJA YAACOB Asked on 2012-12-05 Reply
Hi,My son wants to see the snow for the first time. I am planning to take him to Beijing in February for that purpose. Will there be snow in Beijing at that time?

Hi RAJA,  yes, there are snows in Feb. in Beijing. The average temperature during this month is from -4°C  to 7°C. Early Feb. is more likely to see the snow. If you can come a litter earlier, then Jan. would be the best month.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-12-06
Q: Sally Asked on 2012-12-05 Reply
May i know whether it snow if i plan to go to Beijing on the 21st December to 29 December OR how will the weather will be like

Hi Sally, based on the former data, the temperature during 21-29 Dec. is from 2°C to -10 °C. Since the first snow fell on Nov.3 this year, so it is quite likely that it will snow during those days. You can also check the up to date weather information via this website: http://www.weather.com.cn/english/

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-12-05
Q: Wayne Asked on 2012-10-16 Reply
Hi, I am from Singapore and will be visiting Beijing from 11-17 November. May I know what kind of clothes I should bring there? Also, what is the weather there like and does the sun set very quickly there?
Dear Wayne, During the middle of November, the average temperature will be 1℃（33.8℉） to 11℃（51.8℉）, it will be cold. You'd better take a cotton padded clothes and some sweaters. The sunset is around at 17:00pm. You could check the new information about the weather on this website before leaving for Beijing. Click: http://www.weather.com.cn/en/weather/101010100.shtml If you have not arranged a tour, please feel free to let me know your travel plan, I am glad to design a tailor made tour for you. Here are some packages for reference. Please click: http://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/tours.htm Lussie Lu Replied on 2012-10-16
Q: PHLILIS LEE Asked on 2012-09-24 Reply
hi we are planning to visit beijing 30 setp-6 oct how about the weather condition and what kind of clothes to bring as we are from malaysia.Tq

Hi PHLILIS, Beijing 30 Setp-6Oct is getting cooler and cooler, with the average low and high temperatures respectively 7 °C (45 °F) and 19 °C (66 °F). You may need a thick coat at the coolest times, otherwise a sweater and jacket is enough.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-09-25
Q: stella Asked on 2012-09-21 Reply
how is the weather in bei jing 18-24 nov? will there be any snow?

Hi Stella,  18-24 Nov in Beijing is cold. And the first snow usually falls in this month. It is very dry. The average low and high temperatures are respectively  -1 °C (31 °F) and 10 °C (50 °F). Please prepare winter clothes such as sweaters and padded coats.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-09-23