Beijing Weather & Temperature Guide : Best Time to Visit & Pack

Beijing's weather offers two extremes: sweat through your shirt in the humid summer, or bundle up in the dry winter cold. We pinpoint the best times to visit and what to pack for every season.

Beijing Real-time Weather Forecast

What is the climate like in Beijing?

Beijing's climate is marked by four distinct seasons that take their turn on stage. This rhythm brings summers of heat interwoven with rain, winters of dry cold sharpened by biting winds, and brief, perfectly pleasant springs and autumns sandwiched in between.

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Beijing's weather and temperature in all four seasons

Beijing Weather in spring

• High/Low Temp:12°C - 20°C (54°F - 68°F) /1°C - 8°C (34°F - 46°F)
• Real Feel & Key Traits： March is windy and dry, while April and May feel warmer.The temperature difference between day and night is extreme.
• Sunshine & Rainy Days:Sunshine: Gradually increasing, 6-8 hours/day.Rainy days: Rare, approximately 4-6 days per month.
• What to Wear & Pack: Dress in adaptable layers to manage the shifting temperatures. You might start with all layers in the cool morning, shed to your base in the warm afternoon, and add a mid-layer back for the evening. A packable windbreaker is your daily essential—always have one ready.

Beijing Weather in summer

• High/Low Temp:30°C - 32°C (86°F - 90°F) / 20°C - 23°C (68°F - 73°F)
• Real Feel & Key Traits:Beijing's summers are defined by a heavy, humid heat that intensifies around rainstorms. The period from late July to early August marks the peak flood season, frequently punctuated by intense, sudden downpours in the afternoon.
• Sunshine & Rainy Days：There is ample sunshine, approximately 7-8 hours per day.Rainy days are concentrated in July and August, with about 10-12 rainy days per month.
• What to Wear & Pack:When dressing for Beijing's summer, think light and breathable. Your wardrobe should feature cottons and linens—T-shirts, shorts, and skirts are perfect. Always have an umbrella or raincoat on hand for those sudden downpours. And don't forget your sun defense: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are absolute lifesavers.

Beijing Weather in autumn

• High/Low Temp:15°C - 26°C (59°F - 79°F) /5°C - 15°C (41°F - 59°F)
• Real Feel & Key Traits:Beijing's autumn brings brilliant blue skies and wonderfully warm sunshine, but don't be let it fool you—the temperature swings dramatically from day to night. This is the time to pack your layers. After late October, you'll notice a real shift: temperatures take a nosedive, and a steady north wind sets in, bringing a crisp chill that signals winter's approach.
• Sunshine & Rainy Days：Sunshine approximately 7-8 hours per day, with few rainy days (about 4-6 days per month) and a dry climate.
• What to Wear & Pack:Your packing list should focus on versatile layers: think a light jacket, a trench coat, a cozy sweater, comfortable trousers, and a scarf. The goal is to have options. This way, you can take off a layer when the midday sun brings a surge of warmth and just as easily add one back when the morning or evening air turns crisp.

Beijing Weather in winter

• High/Low Temp:1°C - 2°C (34°F - 36°F) / -8°C - -6°C (16°F - 21°F)
• Real Feel & Key Traits: The sun is shining brightly, but the perceived temperature is often lower than the actual temperature, and the air is unusually dry. Snowfall was scarce, but there were occasional light snowfalls.
• Sunshine & Rainy Days：Sunshine lasts about 6-7 hours per day, with mostly sunny days. Snow is rare, with about 3-5 snowfall days throughout the winter.
• What to Wear & Pack:Beat the cold with smart layers, not just one bulky coat. Start with thermals, add a sweater, and finish with a long down jacket. Keep a hat, scarf, and gloves handy. Wear warm, waterproof boots with good grip, and always remember lip balm and moisturizer—they're must-haves.

Best Time to Visit Beijing for Perfect Weather

Best Time to Visit: May, September & October

For the Beijing experience everyone dreams of, aim for May, September, or October. This is when the city truly shines—think gentle sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and just the kind of weather that makes hiking the Great Wall or exploring ancient hutongs an absolute joy.

You’ll enjoy warm, inviting days and evenings that call for a light sweater—perfect for a leisurely walk under crisp skies. Rain is rare, and the air feels clean and clear, turning the whole city into one gorgeous photo op.

Fair warning: everyone else knows it too. Iconic spots get lively, and hotels fill up quickly—so book early. But trust me, it’s worth it. You’ll experience Beijing glowing in golden light, almost as if it saved its best just for you.

Smart Travel on a Budget: November–March

Come November through March, Beijing slows down and settles into a quieter rhythm. The crowds fade, hotel rates soften, and you can wander through the Forbidden City or along the Great Wall almost like you have it to yourself—something you’d never get in the busy season.

Yes, it’s cold—sometimes really cold. Pack a warm coat, layer up, and don’t skimp on the boots. When you need to thaw out, duck into a hidden museum or a bustling food alley and grab a hot bowl of hand-pulled noodles. It’s all part of the adventure.

Lean into the crisp air and quiet moments, and you’ll see a different Beijing—more local, more serene, wrapped in winter light and waiting just for you.

The Quiet Season: Beijing in Winter (Late Jan–Feb, Dec)

Bundle up, and winter will show you a Beijing most visitors miss. Picture the Great Wall almost all to yourself, and the Forbidden City’s vast courtyards wrapped in a kind of quiet you can almost touch—it’s as if the city itself is taking a long, deep breath.

Don’t cut corners on your packing—a solid down jacket, thermal layers, and boots with good grip are must-haves. Spend your days alternating between crisp walks in frost-kissed parks and cozy refuge in a tucked-away museum or a lively hot pot den, steaming bowl in hand.

Embrace the cold, and you’ll find something special: a slower, more intimate Beijing, moving to a gentle rhythm—all yours to explore without the rush.

Beijing's Summer Reality (July–August)

Let’s be real—summer in Beijing can test your limits. Come June through August, the city turns into a steam room: temperatures push deep into the 90s°F (30s°C), and the air gets so thick and heavy it’s like walking through soup. Expect sudden storms and hazy skies as part of the package.

But life doesn’t stop. The parks explode with green, the streets stay lively after dark, and the city’s museums become not just cultural stops—but air-conditioned refuges. Even the Great Wall shifts from historic icon to full-on endurance test under the summer sun.

Pack light, quick-dry clothes, a reliable rain shell, and a good dose of patience. Embrace the sweat, and you’ll still find Beijing’s summer buzzing with its own kind of magic.

What to wear when traveling to Beijing？

Spring essentials:

Pack layers you can easily add or remove, a jacket that actually blocks the wind, and a mask for when the dust sweeps in.

Spring in Beijing keeps you on your toes—it’s not unusual to have a sunny morning turn into a gritty, dusty afternoon, then a damp and drizzly evening, all before you’ve even finished your day. When it comes to packing, keep it simple. Staying light and flexible is your best bet for staying comfortable.

• • Lightweight layering: Adjust clothing flexibly according to temperature changes, making it easy to add or remove layers.
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket: Your most frequently worn item, protecting you from sandstorms and sudden downpours.
  • Scarves and reusable face masks: provide extra protection during seasonal dust storms.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: suitable for exploring in a variety of environments.
  • Lightweight vest: Easy to carry and can be easily put into a bag.

Tips：Be flexible with your outfit and always carry a windproof jacket so you can cope with any weather changes that may come with spring in Beijing.

Summer essentials: lightweight clothing, umbrella, strong sunscreen, quick-drying clothes.

Summers in Beijing are unlike any other – scorching and humid, making them almost unbearable, so it’s essential to be well-prepared for your trip.

• • Choose light-colored, lightweight fabrics (linen, cotton) and moisture-wicking fabrics.
  • A lightweight parasol and a bottle of high-SPF sunscreen are essential.
  • Choose quick-drying clothing—you'll thank us after a sudden downpour or a long, sweaty sightseeing trip.

Tips:You'll need a portable mini fan, multiple pairs of moisture-wicking socks, and a zippered bag to protect your electronics from moisture.

Autumn essentials: lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a warm jacket suitable for late autumn.

To enjoy a comfortable autumn trip in Beijing, the art of layering is essential.

• • Inner layer: A comfortable T-shirt or long-sleeved top.
  • Mid-layer: A versatile sweater, cardigan, or fleece that can be worn all day.
  • Outer layer: A light jacket or stylish trench coat is suitable for most seasons. If you are traveling in late October or November, switch to a down jacket or a warm wool coat, as temperatures may drop sharply.

Tips:Don't Forget comfortable Walking Shoes.You'll be clocking up the miles exploring the Great Wall and palace courtyards. Make sure your shoes are well broken-in.A light scarf is perfect for both style and warmth, especially on windy days. A cross-body bag or backpack keeps your hands free.

Winter essentials：warm base layers,thick sweater and a windproof jacket.

Spending winter in Beijing isn't just about wearing lots of clothes—it's about cleverly layering to protect against the dry, cold weather outside while staying warm indoors.

• • you need to prepare warm base layers: thermal underwear, wool socks, and pants with fleece lining.
  • Wear a thick sweater and a windproof jacket to strengthen your core.
  • Ultimately, you'll need a high-quality knee-length down jacket, paired with warm boots, warm gloves, a warm hat, and a thick scarf.

Tips:Wear multiple layers so you can easily remove them when moving freely between the cold outdoors and warm indoors. Your down jacket must be the warmest—this is absolutely non-negotiable.

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