Beijing Weather

Beijing is located in a temperate monsoon climate zone with four distinct seasons and concentrated precipitation. There are warm but windy and sandy springs, hot and rainy summers, cool and comfortable autumns, and freezing cold and dry winters.
 

Overall, there is a huge difference throughout the year: the average high temperature varies from 2 -31 degrees Celsius (36 - 88 degrees Fahrenheit), while the average low temperature varies from -9 – 22℃ (16 – 72℉). Traveling to Beijing in different seasons, you will need clothes with completely varying thicknesses.

What is the hottest month in Beijing?
The hottest month in Beijing is July. Though the average maximum temperature is 31℃ (88℉), about two-thirds of the days this month are hotter than that, with the high reaching above 35℃ (95℉). In 2024, the highest temperature in July reaches 37℃ (99℉). You may feel uncomfortable if you are exposed to the sunshine for a long period in the midday.

What is the coldest month in Beijing?
The coldest month in Beijing is January, with an average temperature of -9 - 2℃ (16 – 36℉). According to historical data, some severe cold days even see a maximum of below 0℃ (32℉), and a minimum of around -15℃ (5℉).

Tiananmen Square

 

The rainfall around the year is not so high, and is mainly concentrated in July and August. Specifically, with an average of no less than 10 rainy days per month, July and August see a total rainfall that occupies over 50% of the annual value. The influence of rain on travel in other months can be ignored.
 

The best time to visit the city is autumn from September to October, since there might be frequent sandstorms in spring and the extreme temperatures in summer and winter. During this period, the temperature is mild and pleasant at about 13 – 20℃ (55 - 68℉) on average and you will feel cool but not cold most of the time. Besides, the rainfall is low, with no more than 5 rainy days on average per month, and you can enjoy clear sky and fresh air in this season.

A brief introduction to the Best Time to Visit Beijing shows you more details about that and practical tips on traveling during different times of the year. 
 

Weather: In spring, temperature in Beijing rises quickly, averaging roughly 8 - 20℃ (46 - 68℉) in April, and 14 - 26℃ (57 - 79℉) in May. There is a large temperature difference in a day, and you may feel warm in the daytime and cool in the nighttime. Nights in early April may even be a little cold. Rainfall is low, with 4 and 6 days of rain in the two months separately on average. However, what is not very favorable for traveling is that spring is windy and sandy, even with occasional dust storms.

Clothes: To have a comfortable traveling experience in the city in spring with a large temperature gap, you are recommended to wear layers. In detail, you need to pack shirts, hoodies, knitwear, and thin jackets or wind coats as the upper, and jeans and sweatpants as the bottom. Wear relatively thick sneakers to keep your feet comfortable and warm. In addition, since there is dust and pollen, remember to wear masks. 

Travel Recommendations: In this season, in addition to the attractions themselves, you will also see some seasonal views. For example, a variety of beautiful flowers in full bloom in the Summer Palace and the spring scenery around the Great Wall, the grand ancient defensive project.

 See also Where to Go in Beijing in Spring - Top 10 Destinations

Great Wall in Spring

 

Weather: Summer from June to August is very hot with abundant rainfall. Actually, these are the months when Beijing receives the most rain and sees more than 10 rainy days per month. Short and heavy rainstorms may come suddenly in the afternoon on sunny days. Even weather experts can get caught unawares by showers. As for the temperature, on most days, the maximum temperature is quite high and ranges from 30 - 40℃ (86 - 104℉); while on some rainy days, the maximum may be less than 30℃ (86℉). Moreover, the UV rays are strong in these months.

Clothes: Considering the hot and humid weather of Beijing, you’d better bring some thin and breathable clothes to keep cool. For example, females can pack dresses and males can pack T-shirts plus shorts. As for shoes, non-slip thin sneakers and sandals will be your suitable choices. Remember to pack a raincoat or umbrella just in case. Besides, on sunny days, sun protection items are necessary.

Travel Recommendations: To decrease the influence of heat in summer, you can begin your journey early in the day, and visit the outdoor attractions like the Forbidden City in the cooler early morning. In the hottest period from 12:00 to 14:00, relaxing and enjoying coolness in restaurants or drink stores may be better. When the temperature drops a little in the evening, you can visit the Hutongs and Dashilar Street, or go to enjoy a Peking Opera or acrobatics.

 See also 12 Popular Beijing Activities to Beat the Summer Heat

Tourists Traveling by Rickshaw

 

Weather: The short but beautiful autumn from September to October is all time travel favorite. It features mild temperature and plenty of sunshine. In specific, the average high for September and October is 26℃ (79℉) and 19℃ (66℉), so the daytime is cozy for traveling around. In the nighttime, the temperature drops to about 10℃ (50℉) below the average high, making it cool or a little cold. You may encounter some rainy days, but not many.

Clothes: Long-sleeved shirts and windbreakers plus jeans are adequate for early autumn. From late October onwards, the temperature comes down sharply, so thicker clothing like coats is a must for night. 

Travel Recommendations: All attractions are suitable to visit thanks to the perfect climate of Beijing in autumn. What needs to be mentioned is that the flaming maple scene on the Fragrant Hills and the Badaling Great Wall can be a delight to behold. 

 See also  8 Most Beautiful Places in Beijing in Autumn

Beihai Park in Autumn

 

Weather: A cold and long winter lasts from early November to the next March. The average temperature in Beijing in December, January, and February may fall below 0℃ (32℉). Visitors from tropical countries may find winter in Beijing extremely inhospitable. With low precipitation, you may also feel dry.

Clothes: Be sure to wear wool sweaters and thick down coats plus winter pants for the cold winter tour in Beijing in 2025. Snow boots and thick socks can effectively protect your feet from the coldness.

Travel Recommendations: Winter sport enthusiasts could enjoy the snow scene on the Western Hills, skate in Shichahai, or have fun in some ski resorts in Beijing. Chinese New Year is celebrated in either January or February. The traditional community activities will be quite an interesting experience for you.

 See also Top 10 Things to Do in Beijing in Winter; 15 Wonderful Places to See Snow in Beijing

 See more: 
Beijing Winter - Weather, Clothing & Tour Tips;
15 Wonderful Places to See Snow in Beijing
Great Wall of China Weather