Beijing Climate & When to Go

Beijing enjoys four distinctive seasons owning to its humid continental climate, ranging from very warm during the summer: 28ºC to 38ºC (82ºF to 93ºF), to chilly and dry during the winter: -10ºC to 10ºC (14ºF to 50ºF).

The summer here is hot due to warm and humid monsoon winds from the southeast, bringing Beijing most of its annual precipitation, while the winter is cold due to Siberian air masses that move southward across the Mongolian Plateau. January is the coldest month in Beijing and July is the warmest.

Four Seasons in Beijing & Best Time to Go

Seemingly, to answer the question of when is the best time of year to visit Beijing is not straightforward. It really depends on the person.

If you prefer cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery, autumn is the best season; if you prefer less crowded attractions and cooler temperatures and don't mind the wind, spring is the best. Winter is a season to see the City covered by the heavy snow; and summer is hot but popular, so only come in summer if you don't mind the crowds and hot days.

Autumn: Best Time to Visit Beijing

The best time to travel to Beijing is, generally, May, September and October. Autumn is the greatest season to visit Beijing, when warm, dry, sunny days with clear skies and pleasantly cool evenings are the norm.

Autumn is also a havest season, when fruits and vegetables are ripe. One great activity in autumn months is picking fresh fruits and vegetables in local orchards. This is regarded as a great way to relax and get fresh air.

Most Attractive Scenic Spots in Beijing Autumn:

Fragrant Hills Park
Fragrant Hills Park has the best red maples in Beijing. When autumn arrives, the hill is covered by flaming autumn leaves.

Mutianyu Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall will welcome its most beautiful period, charming with red-leafed maple trees in autumn.

Wuling Mountain
Wuling Mountain (Frog Mountain) is covered with birch and larch. Several rivulets run down the mountain, forming a splendid view accompanied by a roaring sound of flying water.

Spring: May is one of favorite month to travel Beijing

Spring in Beijing is a windy and dry season, frequented by heavy sandstorm. In early spring, the temperature may drop abruptly, and sandstorm hits Beijing frequently in spring and may delay trips. The condition will change in May, which is one of the best months to travel to Beijing.

Most Attractive Scenic Spots in Beijing Spring:

Beijing Botanical Garden; Beihai Park

Yuyuantan Park; Shijingshan Amusement Park

Summer: best season to enjoy the off-season promotion

Summer months in Beijing are long and hot with plenty of rainfall. Heavy rainstorms are common throughout the summer, and may occur on sunny afternoons without warning, Heavy rain may block traffic.

You can enjoy the off-season promotion, including hotels, flights, car-rental, sight tickets, even the restaurants.

Summer resorts are a great way to escape the summer heat, including Mountain Resort of Chengde and Miyun Reservoir.

Chengde Mountain Resort
Mountain Resort of Chengde is the most well-known resort in China. It was built for the royal families to spend the hot summer months in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Miyun Reservoir
Miyun Reservoir, also known as the Bridge Pearl of Yanshan Mountain, is the largest reservoir in Northern China. Ling Mountain is the No.1 Peak in Beijing with an elevation of 2,303 meters (7,556 feet). Plants here vary greatly with elevation. A Tibet Festival is held in July and August each year. Black Dragon Pond in Miyun County enjoys an average temperature 3℃ – 5℃ (37.4℉– 41℉) lowers than that in city center. Clear fountains runs along the hilly alley from the pond on the top of the hill. Refreshing Valley is also in Miyun County. There are 5 waterfalls and 13 ponds gathering in 4 kilometers' (2.5 miles) area.

Winter: best season to for skiing & snow sightseeing

Winter in Beijing is cold, so a trip during November to March may be a shock to visitors from tropical countries. People who take a winter tour to Beijing always be amazed by the special charm that winter puts on this ancient city.

Obviously winter is exactly the best season for skiing, snow sightseeing and instant-boiled mutton (hot pot). The ice temperature and the snow-covered season bring the special enjoyment and amusement of life: skiing, skating, go winter hunting and ice climbing.

Tourist Destinations for a Winter Journey to Beijing:

Badaling Ski Resort
Badaling Ski Resort, a few miles west of Badaling Great Wall is one with strong international feel.

Yuyang International Ski Resort
Yuyang International Ski Resort (Pinggu District) has the largest hall for renting skiing equipments.

Huabei International Ski Resort
Huaibei International Ski Resort, north of Yanxi Lake, Huairou County is the most romantic ski resort in Beijing.

Travel Tips:

*Autumn is probably the best season to visit Beijing when the weather is most pleasant.

*You had better dress in layers when visiting Beijing in winter.

*Rain gear and sun cream are recommended in the summer.

Beijing Weather Forecast

Note: Travelers to Beijing can also check the local weather in English from your hotel rooms by turning on CCTV 9, a Chinese TV station, or by picking up an English-language newspaper like China Day or People's Daily. Besides, you can dial 121 to receive daily local weather report in both Chinese and English.

Beijing Average Temperature by Month

View our most popular Beijing tours in this season:

     4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package pp $145

     5 Days Experience the Real Traditional Hutong Life pp $196

     6 Days In-depth Great Wall Experience Tour pp $249