Beijing has a temperate and continental monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons and big differences in temperature between day and night.
The Best Time to Visit Beijing
Beijing is suitable for travel all year round. In terms of season, September to November is the best season to visit Beijing.
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).
Throughout the year, there are many festivals which provide great opportunities for getting to know about local life and customs.
Beijing Weather by Season
Weather of Spring: 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 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.
Weather of Summer: Summer is from June to August, usually scorching with sizzling temperatures at noon. There are occasional downpours. Umbrella, sunglasses and sun screen are recommended. Wear any summer clothes, such as T-shirts, shorts and skirts.
Summer is considered peak season especially in July and August when Chinese pupils and students are in summer holiady, hotels typically raise their rates and the Great Wall nearly collapses under the weight of marching tourists.
Weather of Autumn: Autumn (September to November) is the most beautiful and pleasant season in Beijing. Though there are intervals of weather changes, it is generally comfortable. 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.
Weather of Winter: Winter is from December to February. It is cold and dry with occasional snow. The temperature is usually well below zero.
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.
The activities in winter of Beijing are recommended as Eating steaming Mongolian hotpot can warm you up in winter. 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.
