Best Time to Visit Beijing 2025: Weather & Festivals

Before planning your Beijing tour, one of the most important questions may come up in your mind: when is the best time to visit Beijing?

Generally speaking, the best times to visit Beijing are April to May and September to October. Because these four months provide the most pleasant weather and best scenery.

However, personal preferences can vary as the climate and scenery change with each season. Additionally, you may need to consider your own holiday schedule.

To help you plan a worry-free trip to Beijing, we have detailed information about the best time to visit Beijing, featuring the weather and what festivals you can experience in each month.

Weather & Average Temperature in Beijing

Summer Palace in Beijing

When planning your Beijing trip, considering the weather is crucial, as it can greatly impact your experience and activities. Beijing has four distinct seasons:

• Spring (March to May): The weather is generally mild. Flowers will bloom in spring, bringing vigor to this city.
• Summer (June to August): In summer, the weather is hot and sunny. Sometimes it might rain for a few days.
• Autumn (September to November): Except for rainy September, most of the time in the fall in Beijing is cool and comfortable with clear blue skies.
• Winter (December to February): Usually, it will snow in winter in Beijing. The weather will be cold and dry. And the temperatures can drop to -10°C (14°F) or lower.

Beijing Average Temperatures by Month:

Best Time to Visit Beijing

Visiting Beijing during April to May and September to October can offer a more enjoyable and comfortable experience. At that time, the temperature is mild, and there are fewer crowds compared with peak season in summer.

April to May

Temple of Heaven in May

It's spring in April and May in Beijing. At this time, Beijing bursts with life and vibrancy. The weather is generally sunny and cloudless, with occasional light showers. Temperatures typically range from comfortable highs in the 24°C (around 70 °F) to cool lows in the 12°C (around 50 °F).

One of the highlights of visiting Beijing during this time is the opportunity to witness the flowers blooming in this city. Peonies, cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and other flowers create a breathtaking spectacle against the backdrop of ancient temples and palaces.

Additionally, the city's many parks and gardens, such as Jingshan Park and Temple of Heaven, will hold events for people to admire vibrant flowers, providing a serene and picturesque setting for leisurely walks.

Key Events:

• Tob Sweeping Day (Apr. 3rd to 5th): Chinese people will honor their ancestors by visiting their graves.
• Labor Day (May 1st to 5th): It's a public holiday that has a 5-day off, commemorating the contributions of workers to the country's development.

September to October

Jinshanling Great Wall in September

Beijing in September and October offers a delightful blend of pleasant weather and stunning autumn foliage. The temperatures gradually cool down from the summer heat, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. Days are typically sunny with crisp, clear skies, perfect for exploring the city's many attractions.

The city's parks and gardens transform into vibrant displays of autumn colors, with leaves turning shades of red, orange, and yellow. This creates a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls and photography. Additionally, the air quality tends to improve during these months, making it enjoyable to spend time outdoors.

Key Events:

• Mid-Autumn Festival: It's a Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually falls in mid-September). It is a time for families to gather together, enjoy mooncakes, and admire the moon.
• National Day (Oct. 1st to 7th): National Day is celebrated on October 1st each year. It commemorates the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. People will have a week off to travel or simply relax themselves.
• Double Ninth Festival: It's a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month (usually falls in mid-October). It's a day for elders. People often go hiking, as there's a saying that climbing a mountain on this day could bring good health and longevity.

A gentle reminder: Both Labor Day and National Day are major holidays in China, leading to a surge in domestic tourism. If you're planning a trip to Beijing, it's advisable to avoid these periods as popular attractions will be packed with crowds.

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Second-Best Time to Visit Beijing

March, June, and November are the second-best times to visit Beijing. The weather is generally comfortable, and there will be even fewer crowds than peak season (July and August) and the best period we mentioned above. However, it's wise to pack more clothes before you set off to Beijing because there will be a significant temperature difference between day and night.

March

Forbidden City in Spring

In March, Beijing starts to emerge from winter, but the weather remains quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from around 0°C to 12°C (32°F to 54°F). The air can be dry, and occasional gusts of cold wind remind you of the lingering winter season. By late March, some early spring blossoms, like apricot and cherry trees, begin to bloom, although it is still too early for the full floral display seen later in the season. While not yet in full bloom, these early spring changes add a refreshing vibrancy to the otherwise subdued winter landscape.

While the weather in March is generally similar to April and May, March may have slightly cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings. However, this can also make for a more comfortable and refreshing experience.

Key Event:

• International Women's Day (March 8th): Women in China often receive a half-day off. Some retail stores would run special promotions on that day, offering discounts on products for women.

June

Mutianyu Great Wall in Summer

June in Beijing brings balmy days, with average daytime temperatures ranging from around 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Compared to April and May, there will be more sunshine, making it slightly warmer. However, it's a bit more humid since occasionally there might be light showers.

Visiting Beijing in June is ideal if you want to enjoy cultural festivals and events, such as the Dragon Boat Festival, which offers unique opportunities for visitors to experience local traditions during this time.

Key Events:

• Dragon Boat Festival: It is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (usually falls in mid-June). People will eat zongzi (rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves), race dragon boats, and hang wormwood and calamus at their doors during this holiday.

November

Overview the Forbidden City in Jingshan Park

In November, it's late autumn in Beijing, gradually changing into early winter. The city is often crisp and clear, though cold winds may sometimes sweep through, giving it a brisk feel.

The vibrant autumn foliage of October fades, leaving behind a more subdued but still picturesque landscape with golden ginkgo leaves and barren trees standing against the backdrop of Beijing's historic sites.

Key Events:

• Thanksgiving: As an international city, Beijing has been embracing more and more global traditions, including Thanksgiving. While China doesn't have a public holiday for Thanksgiving, the festival has attracted a growing number of foreign tourists who take advantage of their holiday time to experience a quick getaway to Beijing.
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Peak Season in Beijing

Forbidden City in summer

July and August are peak tourist seasons in Beijing primarily because they coincide with summer vacation for students and families. The weather during these months is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), often accompanied by occasional rain showers. Despite the heat, many visitors flock to Beijing for its rich cultural attractions, including the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall. Plus, Beijing is also popular among schools, hosting summer camps and educational tours.

While the crowds can be overwhelming, visiting Beijing in peak season offers the advantage of longer daylight hours, allowing tourists to make the most of their time exploring the city's historic and modern attractions. Also, the sunny summer skies also enhance the beauty of the landmarks with clear, blue views.

To make the most of your vacation, partnering with experienced local travel experts can be incredibly helpful. We can create a customized itinerary and handle all the details, from visa applications to travel activities, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your trip, even during peak seasons.

Key Event:

• Double Seventh Festival: It is a Chinese festival celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, which usually falls in late August. This romantic festival celebrates the love story of a cowherd named Niu Lang and a weaver girl named Zhi Nü.
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Low Season in Beijing

Bike on ice in Summer Palace, Beijing

From December to February, Beijing is often adorned with snow. The winter stillness and the ancient architecture draped in white create a serene and almost magical atmosphere. Though it's considered the low season for tourism, visiting during this time allows you to experience a truly unique side of the city.

By around January and February, you can experience the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year. Streets and alleys are adorned with red lanterns and New Year decorations. Many parks in Beijing host temple fairs, where traditional Chinese performances like lion dances and acrobatics are showcased. The fairs also offer traditional snacks, such as candied hawthorn (tanghulu).

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Key Events:

• Chinese New Year: Also known as the Spring Festival, it is a major holiday celebrated in China. It marks the beginning of the new lunar year according to the Chinese calendar. The date of Chinese New Year varies each year, usually falling between January 21st and February 20th. As the capital of China, Beijing is one of the bests places to celebrate Chinese New Year.
• Lantern Festival: It's a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and is known for its beautiful display of lanterns.

Plan Your Beijing Tour With Us

No matter when you plan to visit Beijing, China Odyssey Tours can tailor an itinerary to meet all your needs, including exclusive English-speaking guides and cars. Feel free to contact us for detailed information about private Beijing tours.