Weather in Beijing

Find out what weather awaits you in Beijing. This section provides up-to-date information, forecasts, and weather trends for your convenience.

The climate of Beijing is characterized as continental monsoon, with four clearly defined seasons. This means that travellers can expect significant fluctuations in temperature and weather conditions throughout the year. Winters here are cold and predominantly dry, while summers are hot and more humid.

Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, replacing winter frosts with pleasant spring weather, albeit with a small amount of rainfall. Summer (June-August) is the hottest period, with average temperatures peaking in July. It is the summer months, especially July and August, that account for the main share of annual precipitation. Autumn (September-November) is often considered the best time to visit Beijing thanks to comfortable temperatures and fewer rainy days. Winter (December-February) is cold, with average temperatures below freezing and minimal precipitation; snow is possible occasionally.

Thus, when planning a trip to Beijing, it is worth considering seasonal features: from frosty and dry winters to hot and relatively humid summers. The spring and autumn months are considered the most comfortable for most tourists.

The temperature regime in Beijing demonstrates significant annual fluctuations, characteristic of a continental climate. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature drops to -3.2°C, and nightly lows can reach -8.8°C. Daytime temperatures in January rarely rise above 2.5°C. Conversely, the peak heat occurs in July, with an average temperature of 27.2°C. During this period, daytime highs often exceed 31°C, and nights remain warm, around 22.7°C. June is also very hot, with average maximum temperatures reaching almost 33°C.

The summer months in Beijing, from June to August, are characterized by high temperatures. June can be particularly sweltering during the day, with temperatures up to 32.9°C, although nights bring some relief, cooling on average to 20.2°C. July is the hottest month on average, with temperatures consistently staying above 22°C even at night, and daily peaks around 31.7°C. August is slightly cooler than July but still very warm, with an average maximum of around 29.9°C. It is important to note that July and August have the highest number of days with precipitation, which can create a feeling of increased humidity combined with the heat.

Winter in Beijing, spanning December, January, and February, is frosty and predominantly dry. Average monthly temperatures during this period are below freezing: -2.5°C in December, -3.2°C in January, and -0.1°C in February. At night, the mercury regularly drops significantly below zero, reaching -7.8°C in December and -8.8°C in January. During the day, the temperature may fluctuate around zero or slightly above, especially towards the end of winter (in February, the average maximum is 5.7°C). A characteristic feature of the Beijing climate is noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations throughout the year, but they are especially pronounced in spring, autumn, and winter, when the difference between daytime highs and nightly lows often exceeds 10-13°C.

Beijing observes a distinct seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. The city is characterized by a relatively dry climate most of the time; however, the summer months stand out with a significant increase in the amount of moisture falling. Thus, one can clearly distinguish a wet summer season and a prolonged dry period covering autumn, winter, and most of spring.

The highest amount of precipitation in Beijing falls during the summer months, especially in July and August. July is the wettest month, when about 7 mm of precipitation falls on average, and the number of rainy days reaches approximately 14. August is also distinguished by increased humidity, bringing on average 5 mm of precipitation and about 12 days with rain. During this period, precipitation most often falls in the form of intense but often short-lived downpours, which is characteristic of the summer monsoon.

The winter months – December, January, and February – are the driest in Beijing. At this time, as well as in November and March, the average monthly precipitation is 0 mm. Despite this, one "wet day" is registered in January and December, and two in February. Given that average temperatures in winter drop below freezing, these "wet days" are likely associated with the falling of light snow or frost, which are not always recorded as significant precipitation in millimetres. Spring (April, May) and early autumn (September, October) are transitional seasons with a small amount of rainfall (1-2 mm) and 4-6 rainy days per month, usually in the form of light rains.

When planning a trip to Beijing, it is important to consider its sharply continental climate with four distinct seasons, which directly affects wardrobe choices. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable shoes for long walks around the city's numerous attractions are an absolute necessity. The principle of layering in clothing will also be your faithful companion, especially in transitional seasons when the weather can be changeable and diurnal temperature fluctuations are significant.

If your trip falls during summer (June-August), be prepared for hot and humid weather, especially in July and August, when the probability of rain is also high. Your suitcase should contain light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen), T-shirts, shorts, and sandals. Be sure to take an umbrella or a light raincoat, as well as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Winter in Beijing (December-February), on the contrary, is cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. You will need a warm winter jacket or down jacket, a hat, a scarf, gloves, thermal underwear, and insulated, waterproof shoes, especially if you catch a rare snowfall.

For travelling in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), which are considered the most comfortable seasons, layered clothing is best suited. It can be pleasantly warm during the day, while evenings and mornings are cool. Take a light jacket or windbreaker, sweaters, jumpers, and long and short-sleeved T-shirts with you. By late autumn (November), warmer outerwear may be required. Although there is little precipitation during these periods, a compact umbrella will not go amiss. Do not forget about sunscreen even on cool but sunny days, as the sun in Beijing can be active.