Beijing Weather
The weather in Beijing is of the continental type, with a temperate spring, rainy summer, clear autumn, and a cold, snowy winter. The average temperature throughout the year is 12℃. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of -5℃, and the hottest month is July with an average temperature of 26℃.
Spring and autumn are the best times to be in Beijing, particularly in April, May, September, and October.
Beijing Seasons
Beijing's climate is defined as a continental monsoon. The four seasons are clear in Beijing, with a temperate spring, rainy summer, clear autumn, and a cold, snowy winter.
Summer and winter are the two longest seasons. Spring is usually dry, but very windy, while summer is rainy and hot, with temperatures at times soaring above 38℃. Autumn is usually clear with cool temperatures, which makes autumn the most pleasant time to visit. Winter is dry and, at times, bitterly cold, with temperatures dropping below -15℃.
Spring
Spring, which falls between March and May, has a moderate temperature and is beautiful, with trees sprouting and flowers in bloom everywhere. People go outside to relax by flocking to parks, gardens, and temples for the beautiful spring flower festivals.
Related Reading: Spring in Beijing
Summer
Summer runs from June to August, and it can get very hot. Rain that falls in summer may ease the situation somewhat, but it also leaves behind a fair bit of humidity. Many people turn on their air conditioners and stay indoors to get away from the heat. Summer resorts, such as Chengde Summer Resort, which is 1.5 hours' drive from Beijing, are a great way to escape from the summer heat.
Autumn
Autumn is considered to be the best time to visit Beijing as the skies are clear and the weather is very pleasant. Autumn is the season of harvest, when leaves turn yellow and fruits and vegetables grow ripe. Climbing hills, hiking along the Great Wall, or picking fresh fruits and vegetables in local orchards are great ways to be plunged into the autumn scenery.
The Fragrant Hill features the most beautiful red maples in Beijing. When autumn arrives, the hill is covered by flaming maple leaves.
Related Reading: Autumn in Beijing
Winter
Winter can be cold, which should not keep you from traveling to Beijing, as indoor heating is widely available. People indulge in a range of activities in the winter. Skiing, ice-skating, spas, and ice lantern festivals make winter more fun. Beijing in winter is less crowded, and off-season discounts are available.
Related Reading: Winter in Beijing
Beijing Weather By Month
Beijing has a temperate climate but with big differences in temperature between day and night. Please check the table below for the average highest and lowest temperatures of each month, or see our brief introduction to Beijing's monthly weather.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High ℃ |
1.11 | 3.89 | 11.11 | 19.44 | 26.11 | 30 | 30.56 | 29.44 | 25.56 | 18.89 | 10 | 2.78 |
| Low ℃ |
-9.44 | -7.22 | -1.11 | 7.22 | 12.78 | 17.87 | 21.11 | 20 | 13.89 | 7.22 | -0.56 | -7.22 |
| Precip mm |
0.1 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 1 | 1.1 | 2.8 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.1 |
| High | 34 | 39 | 52 | 67 | 79 | 86 | 87 | 85 | 78 | 66 | 50 | 37 |
| Low | 15 | 19 | 30 | 45 | 55 | 64 | 70 | 68 | 57 | 45 | 31 | 19 |
March: Starting to Warm Up
Just woken up from the winter hibernation, Beijing in March finally starts to warm up, increasingly from the cold. It will be like Washington DC at the same period - sometimes quite chilly (especially the first half of March), often windy, occasionally dusty. Sometimes pretty warm too.
The average daytime temperature is 11℃, and the average number of rainy days is 4. Possible sandstorms often hit the city some days in the latter half month of March.
You'll still need your layers in March. Daytime can be mild, but the average is still below freezing at night. Be prepared for warmer clothing at night if outside. Bring a heavy base layer, fleece, a wool hat, light gloves, and a windproof or down jacket.
March is the shoulder season of Beijing travel. Crowds in the latter half of March are higher than in the first half of March as the weather is warmer. It is time for a spring outing to wake your body up from a long winter.
April: Spring in Full Swing
April is one of the best months to visit Beijing. Temperatures are starting to warm up gradually, with the average low at 7℃ and the highest at 20℃. Warm during the day but chilly at night. You may be able to wear shorts & t-shirts during the day, but you'll need a warmer base layer at night.
Spring is in full swing in April. Trees are budding and flowers are blooming. April is a perfect time to view the kinds of flowers blooming in Beijing parks, streets, universities, and the rural countryside. The flowers start to bloom from late March and early April and last for only 15 to 20 days. Timing is important for viewing spring flowers. Here is a guide to viewing Spring Flowers in Beijing.
April can be a really lovely time for outdoor sightseeing. The heavy-hitting humidity hasn't set in, and the temperatures are, on the whole, pretty mild. Rambling in hutong alleys or the countryside, riding bicycles with family members or friends, and hiking on the Great Wall sections are good picks for spring outing activities.
May: Best Time to Travel
May is a great time to visit Beijing for really comfortable weather. It is warm and balmy, but the heat and humidity of the summer have not yet set in. The average highest temperature is 25 ℃, and the lowest at 15 ℃. The layers can be lightened a bit. You will feel very comfortable during the day with basically a T-shirt, but you still might need a longer layer or a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Beijing is beautiful in May as the city has greened up and the flowers are in full bloom. You often get some clear blue skies. So May is a perfect time to go hiking on the Great Wall. Besides Great Wall hiking, you may have excursions in the outskirts of Beijing to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding.
May is a peak season for visiting Beijing and other parts of China as well. We suggest that you make your tour arrangements well in advance. Labor Day (or May Day) is a 3-day holiday in China. You may find larger crowds at tourist sites and worse traffic.
What to Wear in Beijing
- In Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), jeans and a sweater are usually enough.
- In Summer (June to August), T-shirts and light pants or shorts are the best bet.
- In Winter (November to February), it is wise to dress in layers: long underwear and jeans, a shirt, a sweater, and a down jacket.
- Rain gear is necessary, especially during the summer months.