Ultimate Guide to Beijing's Weather & When to Visit

No trip to China is complete without a visit to Beijing, one of the most exciting cities in the country and arguably the world. Visitors flock to this incredible metropolis all year round, and the peak season runs between May and September. If you want to avoid some of the crowds, visiting during the off-season between October and April is advisable. Mid-September to late October is ideal in terms of temperature and hours of daylight.

This comprehensive overview will give you a month-by-month look at the weather and what to do in Beijing. Once you've started your preliminary plans, we are happy to create an exciting and personalized itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Beijing.

Beijing Weather in January

Temple of Heaven

January is Beijing's chilliest month, with low temperatures hitting a frosty -8.4 Celsius. Therefore, packing a heavy coat, gloves, and good winter shoes is an absolute must. It also tends to be pretty dry, so stocking up on lip balm is also smart.

Since January is in the off-season, you'll find fewer crowds, making it a great time to visit the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, both of which have ample inside spaces to explore and take a break from the elements. The exception to this is late January or early February, during Chinese New Year. While you'll certainly encounter more crowds during the New Year, it's also a great time to get a glimpse into Chinese culture and celebrate something truly unique.

Skiing is another popular activity during January, and regardless of your experience level, there are plenty of slopes to choose from in places like Beijing Nanshan Ski Village and Yunfoshan Ski Resort. You can also visit Harbin for the International Ice and Snow Festival. Just a two-hour flight from Beijing, it's an easily doable and memorable addition to your vacation.

Beijing Weather in February

The Forbidden City

Chinese New Year falls at the end of January or the beginning of February, so if you're looking for more time to yourself at some of Beijing's top attractions, it's a good idea to shoot for the middle or latter part of the month. February is slightly warmer but still has excellent conditions for winter sports like skiing, and the days are slightly longer, so you can enjoy the slopes with a bit more daylight.

There also tend to be plenty of temple fairs around the New Year, and visitors can soak up traditional Chinese culture with different foods, art, and seasonal celebrations.

February in Beijing is still quite cold, so visitors will want to pack accordingly, including warm winter clothing and layers, especially if you're going to be outside.

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Beijing Weather in March

Jinshanling Great Wall

March is an excellent time to visit Beijing if you don't mind a bit of bite in the air, as it's when the weather starts to turn a bit warmer. While you might be blessed with some comfortable days, nights can still be chilly, so you should still bring your warm clothing and dress in layers. It's also peak time for cases of flu and colds, so wearing a mask and keeping hand sanitizer on you is an excellent idea.

During this month, expect to see the first few signs of spring, so it's an excellent time to lace up your hiking boots and head to Baihua Mountain National Reserve or visit the Great Wall, where you can see some local foliage blooming.

Beijing Weather in April

The Marble Boat in the Summer Palace

While the weather in April is definitely fully on the road to warm, balmy temperatures, it still can get cooler, especially in the beginning part of the month. Bringing a variety of clothes, including warm, insulated layers, is a good way to transition between the cooler weather and the first hints of spring.

April offers more daylight, and it can be quite sunny, so a wide-brimmed hat and sun protection are an intelligent idea. If you love nature and don't mind a workout, visit some of Beijing's trails for a peek at the budding foliage. Jiankou Great Wall and Xianglu Peak are two excellent options.

You can also visit the Summer Palace to see the magnolia trees or the Beijing Botanical Garden for the Beijing Peach Blossom Festival.

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Beijing Weather in May

The Forbidden City

May is the beginning of Beijing's peak season; once you visit, you'll fully understand why. The weather is glorious this time of month, and you'll enjoy sunny, lengthy days perfect for taking a bike around the city or visiting some of the famous hutongs.

Beijing's popular attractions, like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, are lovely this time of year, but you could encounter bigger crowds as there tends to be an uptick in tourists in May. If you decide to visit any of these spots, go early in the day and avoid visiting between May 1 and May 3, which is a public holiday.

May calls for breezier, lighter clothes in your suitcase, but you should still bring a jacket for those slightly cooler evenings.

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Beijing Weather in June

The Sacred Way in Ming Tombs

June is when early summer is in full swing in Beijing, and it's also a great time to visit because it's before the summer school break. Visitors will want to bring lightweight summer clothing, sun protection, and good sunglasses and hats, especially when doing outdoor activities.

Visit the Ming Dynasty Tombs and walk the Sacred Way, take a day trip to the Mutianyu Great Wall, or take a stroll through the hutongs. You can also see the lotuses blooming at the Summer Palace.

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Beijing Weather in July

You can find Tanghulu in Beijing Hutongs

Beijing is buzzing in July with school holidays, so visitors will likely have plenty of company, especially at some of the city's more popular attractions and destinations. It's also exceptionally hot, so lightweight, flowing clothes and breathable shoes are essential.

If you want to avoid the crowds, you'll need to have a strategy in mind to see top places like the Temple of Heaven or Forbidden City. Visit early in the morning and then spend your afternoons on a rickshaw ride through the hutongs or taking a night tour of the Simatai Great Wall. You can even stay at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall for a unique experience and deeper understanding of this important Chinese symbol.

July is also the rainy season, with humidity at 75%, so planning a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities and taking an umbrella will keep you from being caught off-guard.

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Beijing Weather in August

A rickshaw driver is holding a sign with our logo

August is rainy and warm, with long days and somewhat unpredictable weather that calls for you to bring your umbrella and sun hat. As with July, it's a smart idea to mix indoor and outdoor activities into your itinerary in the case of a mid-day shower. Beijing is full of fantastic museums, like the National Art Museum of China, that will certainly delight you during the indoor time.

Bring airy, breathable clothing, an umbrella, and a waterproof jacket; don't forget your sunscreen. Since the summer holidays are still happening in August, you'll want to do more of your tourist activities earlier in the day. The Summer Palace and Jingshan Park are excellent places to explore on sunnier days.

Beijing Weather in September

Mutianyu Great Wall

Mid-September is a golden time to visit Beijing as the weather is starting to get cooler and the school holidays and peak season are over. Plus, the humidity is down, and you'll run into fewer surprise showers.

Make the most of the weather by spending time outside in places like Fragrant Hill, walking the Great Wall, or strolling through the hutongs.

You can also visit Beijing's top attractions, like the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, with fewer crowds. The weather will become cooler as the month goes on, so it's wise to pack layers and a light jacket for those crisper evenings.

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Beijing Weather in October

The panoramic view of the Forbidden City

October is a fantastic time to check out the changing of the seasons at the Fragrant Hill Red Leaf Festival and hike around the Great Wall. You can also visit some of the lovely gardens and parks in and around the city, including Beihai Park and Prince Gong's Mansion.

The temperature during October is nothing short of ideal, with crisp, clear days and chillier nights. You will want to bring a warm coat and some long-sleeved shirts, but gloves and heavy winter wear will most likely not be necessary.

There is a Chinese national holiday between October 1 and October 7, so if you're visiting during that time, try to coordinate visits to popular attractions earlier in the morning.

Beijing Weather in November

The Lama Temple in Beijing

Beijing's weather turns markedly drier and colder starting in November, and it's an excellent time to find rare deals on hotels and escape the crowds. Gloves, a scarf, good winter shoes, and heavy sweaters are also appropriate for this time of year.

Visitors who arrive during the first half of the month can still glimpse Beijing's changing seasons, and those who come in the second half might see the first snow. Since the weather can be a little challenging, combining outdoor and indoor activities is a bright idea.

The National Museum of China is an excellent place to get a deeper understanding and appreciation for the culture, and the Forbidden City has a combination of sheltered and open spaces to enjoy.

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Beijing Weather in December

Biking on ice in the Summer Palace in winter

Beijing rings in December in all of its snowy glory, and visitors will have the opportunity to appreciate some of the city's most famous landmarks, like the Forbidden City and Great Wall, in a whole different way.

Warm clothing is imperative, especially if you'll be participating in outdoor activities like skiing. You can also alternate warming up at one of Bejing's many museums and then seeing the glory of the city shrouded in snow.

Beijing is also full of Christmas cheer and plenty of seasonal activities this time of year. You'll find fabulous Christmas decorations, charming markets on Wangfujing Street and at the Hutong Winter Fayre, holiday-themed entertainment at the Beijing Playhouse, and plenty of ways to ring in the New Year, perfect for every taste and budget.

Get Started on Your Beijing Itinerary Today

Whether you decide to experience Bejining's snowy wonder, visit during the bustling peak season, or any time in between, we can help you craft the ideal itinerary that will meet your needs perfectly. Contact us at China Odyssey Tours and make your dream vacation a reality today.