As a political and cultural hub in China, Beijing is a great destination with its four distinct but beautiful seasons. The weather shapes Beijing’s rhythm from spring gardens to snow-dusted Forbidden City.
Get to know Beijing’s weather in this article to help you plan the best time to visit Beijing. I’ll discuss the specific season-to-season weather, month-to-month temperatures, and more tips for featured tours in Beijing, such as family tours and cultural sightseeing.
Read on to find your authentic tips to visit Beijing, China!
Beijing Live Weather Forecast
Beijing Weather Throughout the Year
We describe Beijing in a continental monsoon climate. It experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters, with pleasant spring and autumn in between.
Here’s a quick overview:
Season | Months | Average Temp. | Feature | Best for |
Spring | Mar – May | 10°C – 25°C (50°F – 77°F) | Mild, breezy, sometimes dusty | Sightseeing, outdoor walks |
Summer | Jun – Aug | 25°C – 35°C (77°F – 95°F) | Hot, humid, frequent rain | Festivals, green landscapes |
Autumn | Sep – Nov | 10°C – 25°C (50°F – 77°F) | Clear skies, cool air | Photography, hiking, culture |
Winter | Dec - Feb | -5°C – 5°C (23°F – 41°F) | Cold, dry, often snowy | Great Wall snow views, skiing |
Beijing Weather: Spring in Beijing
In this awakening season in Beijing, you’ll expect to see the blooming flowers and clear skies. With mild temperatures, it’s one of the best times to visit Beijing!
Credit: from gabriel xu, Unsplash | Spring in Beijing
What’s the Weather Like?
- Temperature: 10°C – 25°C (50°F – 77°F)
- Conditions: Mostly dry with occasional sandstorms early in March, but April and May are beautiful.
- Clothing Tips: Light jacket, long sleeves, and comfortable walking shoes.
Highlights of Spring
- 🌺 Cherry blossoms and peonies in full bloom (especially in Yuanmingyuan Park and the Botanical Garden).
- 🏯 The Forbidden City and Summer Palace offer picture-perfect spring scenery.
- 🚶♀️ Outdoor activities are comfortable, and tourist crowds are moderate.
Tip: You’re suggested to avoid visiting in early March when sandstorms come from the northern deserts.
Beijing Weather: Summer in Beijing
Summer in Beijing is quite hot. It’s not the best season to visit Beijing, but it’s energetic and filled with festival fun.
Credit: from Bells Mayer, Unsplash | Beihai Park
What’s the Weather Like?
- Temperature: 25°C – 35°C (77°F – 95°F), occasionally higher.
- Rainfall: Frequent showers, especially in July.
- Clothing Tips: Breathable clothes, hats, sunglasses, and an umbrella.
Highlights of Summer
- 🎆 Dragon Boat Festival and Beijing Music Festivals bring cultural vibrancy.
- 🏖️ Parks like Beihai Park and Houhai Lake are perfect for boat rides and evening strolls.
Tip: It’s the best season for families traveling with children during summer holidays!
Family-Friendly Spots:
- 🐼 Beijing Zoo & Beijing Aquarium
- 🎢 Beijing Happy Valley
- 🏞️ Olympic Park & National Stadium-Bird’s Nest
- 🚴 Houhai Lakeside cycling paths
Beijing Weather: Autumn in Beijing
Autumn in Beijing is considered the best time to visit. It’s adorable with golden colors along the streets. The weather is cool and dry.
Locals often say, “If you haven’t seen Beijing in autumn, you haven’t seen its true beauty.”
Credit: from Hat Trick, Unsplash | Autumn in Beijing
What’s the Weather Like?
- Temperature: 10°C – 25°C (50°F – 77°F).
- Conditions: Crisp air, clear blue skies, minimal rain.
- Clothing Tips: Light sweaters or jackets, long pants.
Highlights of Autumn
- 🍂 The Great Wall surrounded by red and golden leaves.
- 🖼️ The Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace look stunning under the autumn sun.
- 📸 Ideal season for photography, hiking, and cultural exploration.
Recommended Travel Months in Autumn
- September: Warm days, cool nights with fewer crowds.
- October: Peak season with National Day celebrations.
- November: Quieter, cooler, still beautiful for late foliage.
Beijing Weather: Winter in Beijing
A serene snow landscape in Beijing is expected to be seen in the Winter season of Beijing. It’s rather cold but dry.
Credit: from Wang Xiaoqi, Unsplash | Winter in the Forbidden City
What’s the Weather Like?
- Temperature: -5°C to 5°C (23°F – 41°F).
- Conditions: Crisp air, sunny days, low humidity.
- Clothing Tips: Heavy coat, gloves, hat, scarf, and warm boots.
Highlights of Winter
- 🏯 The Forbidden City under snow — absolutely magical.
- 🧊 Ice skating at Shichahai Lake or visiting Nanshan Ski Resort.
- 🍲 Hotpot and Beijing roast duck are perfect for cold days.
Tip: Winter is budget-friendly, with discounted hotel rates and fewer crowds!
Best Time to Visit Beijing — By Travel Type
Travel Type | Best Time to Visit | Why |
Sightseeing | April–May & September–October | Comfortable weather, fewer crowds |
Family tour | June–August | School vacations, kid-friendly attractions |
Photography | Late October–Early November | Best autumn colors |
Budget travel | December–February | Cheaper flights and hotels |
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Best Time to Visit the Great Wall of China
Credit: from Tristan, Unsplash | The Great Wall of China
You’ll see a different landscape at the Great Wall of China in different seasons. Here’s what to expect:
Season | Pros | Cons |
Spring | Green scenery, mild temperature | Dusty days in March |
Summer | Lush mountains, dramatic clouds | Hot and crowded |
Autumn | Golden foliage, clear skies | Very popular — book early |
Winter | Snowy landscape, serene atmosphere | Cold, some sections closed |
👉 Best time: Late September to early November.
Month-by-Month Beijing Weather Breakdown
January in Beijing
| Temperature | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| -9 to 2°C | Low |
In January, Beijing is often with temperatures below freezing and occasional smog.
February in Beijing
| Temperature | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| -6 to 5°C | Low |
Bitterly cold, less crowded, slightly longer daylight. Winter still dominates, but occasional sun provides a mild relief from harsh cold.
March in Beijing
| Temperature | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| 0 to 12°C | Low |
Chilly mornings and evenings, early spring signs, gradually warming days. Flowers begin to bloom, hinting at approaching springtime.
April in Beijing
| Temperature | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| 8 to 20°C | Moderate |
Mild and pleasant, flowers bloom across parks. Occasional light rain showers, skies mostly clear, making sightseeing enjoyable outdoors.
May in Beijing
| Temperature | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| 14 to 26°C | Increasing |
Warm, sunny, and inviting. Trees fully green, temperatures comfortable for sightseeing, with longer daylight for outdoor activities.
June in Beijing
| Temperature | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| 19 to 30°C | High |
Hot, humid, with occasional rain showers. Summer arrives fully; thunderstorms can occur in afternoons. Air feels heavy.
July in Beijing
| Temperature | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| 22 to 31°C | High |
Very hot, humid, frequent thunderstorms. Peak summer temperatures, long sunny days, heavy moisture in the air.
August in Beijing
| Temperature | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| 21 to 30°C | Moderate |
Hot, humid, scattered rain showers. Summer continues; occasional thunderstorms provide relief.
September in Beijing
| Temperature | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| 15 to 26°C | Moderate |
Mild and comfortable, clear skies. Early autumn brings cooler mornings and evenings, vibrant foliage appears, perfect for sightseeing.
October in Beijing
| Temperature | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| 8 to 19°C | Low |
Crisp, cool autumn air, colorful foliage, clear skies. Very pleasant for walking tours and exploring historical sites.
November in Beijing
| Temperature | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| 0 to 10°C | Low |
Cool, dry, sunny. Temperatures gradually drop; mornings and evenings are chilly. Air clarity improves as humidity falls.
December in Beijing
| Temperature | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| -7 to 4°C | Very low |
Cold, dry, occasional snow flurries. Winter arrives, temperatures often below freezing, crisp air dominates outdoors.
When Is the Worst Time to Visit Beijing?
- Early Spring (March): Occasional sandstorms and dry air.
- Mid-Summer (July): High humidity, heavy rain, and crowds.
- National Holidays (Oct 1–7): Tourist sites are extremely crowded.
If you must travel during these times, remember to plan early, book tickets online in advance, and plan morning routines to avoid crowds!
Travel Tips for Any Season in Beijing
- Download Baidu Maps or Amap to get a better guide when taking public transportation in Beijing.
- Avoid rush hours: 7-9 am, 5-7 pm.
- Alipay and WeChat Pay are common payment methods in China. But carrying some cash (RMB) is helpful.
- Book combo tours online on Trip.com for popular tourist attractions in Beijing without hurry.
- Do not miss Peking Duck and Zha Jiang Mian (Fried Sause Noodles) as the most famous Beijing flavors.
- Beijing is quite safe even at night. But always watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
- Walk around the Hutongs for old Beijing charm.
FAQs about Beijing Weather
What is the weather like in Beijing?
Beijing has a continental monsoon climate — hot, humid summers; cold, dry winters; and mild, pleasant spring and autumn seasons.What is the best month to visit Beijing?
September and October are the best months — cool, sunny, and great for sightseeing and outdoor activities.Does it snow in Beijing?
Yes. Snowfall occurs from December to February, though it’s usually light and adds charm to the city’s landmarks.How hot does Beijing get in summer?
Temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F) or higher in July and August, with high humidity and occasional rainstorms.What should I pack for Beijing?
Spring/Autumn: Light jacket and layers. Summer: Breathable clothes, sunscreen, umbrella. Winter: Warm coat, gloves, and moisturizer for dry air.