China (Beijing)
China · Asia
The best time to visit China (Beijing) is May, June, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 32°C (90°F), with peaks around 38°C (100°F); in winter, nights average -8°C (18°F), dropping to around -14°C (7°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 10 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
China (Beijing) – What you should know
Beijing has a pronounced continental climate with four distinct seasons. The recommended months of May, June and September offer pleasant conditions: 27–31°C (81–88°F) by day, 14–20°C (57–68°F) at night and seven to nine hours of sunshine. For the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the Great Wall at Mutianyu, that is the best balance of warmth and little rain.
Summer is hot and humid: July brings 193 mm (7.6 in) in only eight days and August 125 mm (4.9 in), with humidity rising to 72–73%. Daytime highs are 31–32°C (88–90°F), and 37–38°C (99–100°F) on the hottest days in June and July. A thunderstorm can flood the streets. October, at 20°C (68°F), only 26 mm (1.0 in) of rain and seven hours of sunshine, is often the loveliest month, although China's National Day holidays (Golden Week) in early October crowd the sights.
Winter is cold and very dry: January daytime highs are 2°C (36°F), nights -9°C (16°F), around -13°C (9°F) on the coldest nights, with just 1 mm (< 0.1 in) of precipitation. That means clear, sunny days with 7 hours of sun, but also biting wind. In spring dust storms sometimes bring poor visibility. Air quality varies greatly, so use an air-quality app before and during a visit.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 3° (37°)-5– (23–)9 (48) | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)14 (57) | 14° (57°)4– (39–)24 (75) | 22° (72°)12– (54–)30 (86) | 28° (82°)19– (66–)35 (95) | 32° (90°)23– (73–)38 (100) | 32° (90°)24– (75–)38 (100) | 31° (88°)24– (75–)36 (97) | 27° (81°)20– (68–)33 (91) | 20° (68°)12– (54–)26 (79) | 11° (52°)2– (36–)20 (68) | 4° (39°)-3– (27–)10 (50) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -8° (18°)-14– (7–)-2 (28) | -6° (21°)-13– (9–)1 (34) | 1° (34°)-7– (19–)8 (46) | 9° (48°)1– (34–)15 (59) | 15° (59°)8– (46–)21 (70) | 20° (68°)14– (57–)24 (75) | 23° (73°)19– (66–)26 (79) | 22° (72°)16– (61–)26 (79) | 16° (61°)9– (48–)22 (72) | 8° (46°)0– (32–)15 (59) | 0° (32°)-7– (19–)7 (45) | -7° (19°)-13– (9–)-1 (30) |
☀️Sunshine | 8h UV 5 | 8h UV 6 | 9h UV 7 | 9h UV 8 | 10h UV 8 | 9h UV 8 | 7h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 8h UV 6 | 7h UV 6 | 6h UV 4 | 7h UV 4 |
🌧Rain Days | 0d1mm (0.1") | 1d8mm (0.3") | 2d9mm (0.4") | 2d22mm (0.8") | 3d35mm (1.4") | 6d69mm (2.7") | 8d193mm (7.6") | 7d125mm (4.9") | 5d66mm (2.6") | 2d26mm (1.0") | 1d15mm (0.6") | 0d2mm (0.1") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
In May, UV levels in China (Beijing) reach 8 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
April offers great weather in China (Beijing) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in China (Beijing)
December – February
Beijing in winter is cold, dry and often clear. The lakes in Beihai Park freeze over and skaters glide across the ice, while the temples are quiet. At Chinese New Year in January or February many locals leave the city and temple fairs fill up.
March – May
Spring comes quickly: cherry, magnolia and peach trees blossom in the parks and temperatures climb fast. Occasional sandstorms cloud the air, and in between the sky shines. The Wall and the palaces are not yet overrun.
June – August
Hot, muggy and thundery: summer in Beijing brings short downpours that flood the streets, and plenty of haze. In the evening the parks fill with walkers, dance groups and card players. Sights are best visited early; by afternoon people look for shade or air conditioning.
September – November
Autumn is considered the loveliest season: blue skies, dry air and red-gold foliage in the hills around the city. At the Mid-Autumn Festival mooncakes appear and views of the mountains are clear. From November it turns noticeably colder and the first heating comes on.
Events & Festivals
February
- Spring Festival temple fairs· variable (January/February, Chinese New Year)
Around Chinese New Year, parks such as Ditan and Longtan host temple fairs with folk performances, parades and hundreds of food and craft stalls.
October
- National Day and Golden Week· 1–7 October
On National Day, tens of thousands gather before sunrise for the flag-raising ceremony on Tian'anmen Square. All week, sights and trains are extremely crowded.
- Fragrant Hills Red Leaf Festival· mid-October to early November
In Xiangshan Park in the north-west of the city, the smoke trees and maples turn red; weekends are extremely busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit China (Beijing)?
- The best time to visit China (Beijing) is May, June, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in China (Beijing)?
- In summer, daytime highs in China (Beijing) average 32°C (90°F), with peaks around 38°C (100°F); in winter, nights average -8°C (18°F), dropping to around -14°C (7°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does China (Beijing) get?
- China (Beijing) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 3 rain days per month. The driest months are January, February, and December.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
AprMaySep
