Beijing, the Chinese capital, has four very different seasons. Whether you’re visiting the Great Wall in the winter or the Summer Palace in autumn, having a good understanding of the Beijing weather will help you plan your trip.
In this post, I take a look at its weather by season, when to go, and what you need to bring!
Beijing Weather by Season
Spring (March – May)
Weather: Warm (10–25°C), dust storms sometimes.
Best for: Sightseeing, viewing cherry blossoms at Yuyuantan Park.
What to Pack: Light sweaters, comfy shoes, sunglasses, and a face mask for dust (possible).
Summer (June – August)
Weather: Hot and humid (25°C - 38°C), sometimes with large rain.
Best for: Cultural events, the Great Wall (get there super early to avoid the heat).
What to Pack: Light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and an umbrella for sudden rain.
Autumn (September – November)
Weather: Pleasant and cool (10°C - 25°C), distinct skies, and little rain.
Best for: Exploring the Forbidden City, hiking the incredible Fragrant Hills for autumn colors.
What to Pack: Lightweight sweaters, comfortable shoes for walking, a light jacket.
Winter (December – February)
Weather: Expect cold, dry weather (-10˚C – 5°C) with some snow.
Good for: Visiting the Winter Olympics sites, eating traditional hotpot.
Pack: Warm clothes, gloves, hat, and lip balm to protect against the dry air.
Seasonal Festivals and Events in Beijing
Spring
Temple Fairs (around Chinese New Year): Enjoy traditional performances, food, and crafts.
Cherry Blossom Festival (April): Both Yuyuantan Park and the Summer Palace are filled with pink flowers.
Summer
Dragon Boat Festival (June): Head to the water to watch locals compete in dragon boat racing.
Beijing International Beer Festival (July): Sample beers from over 40 countries.
Autumn
Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October): Celebrate mooncakes and watch the full moon..
Fragrant Hills Red Leaf Festival (October): A stunning autumn foliage experience.
Winter
Chinese New Year (January/February): Fireworks, lanterns, and a lot of festivities.
Longqingxia Ice and Snow Festival (January - March): An ice sculpture and lantern winter land located at Longqingxia.
Essential Weather-Related Travel Tips
Don’t go during Chinese National Holidays (Golden Week at beginning of October and Spring Festival in January/February). Everything is packed full.
The best time to visit Beijing is spring (from April to May) and autumn (September to October).
Check the Air Quality: Beijing is sometimes mired in smog. Make sure to download an air-quality app.
Be Ready for Abrupt Weather Shifts: Summer lightning and winter gales are common, so come prepared.
Keep Hydrated: Cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers can deplete energy, so remember to stay well-hydrated.
Layer Up: Especially during the spring and autumn, temperatures can vary tremendously from day to night.
FAQ
1. What is the coldest month in Beijing?
January sees the coldest temperatures with regularly below -10°C.
2. Does it snow in Beijing?
Yes, but it doesn’t happen very often and it’s not heavy snowfall.
3. When is the rainy season in Beijing?
The wettest months are July and August but rainfall is intense yet brief.
4. Does Beijing have air pollution year-round?
Air pollution can be an issue, especially during the winter. Monitor air quality before you go.
5. How does Beijing’s climate compare to Shanghai’s?
Beijing is much colder in winter and hotter in summer and is drier year-round while Shanghai tends to be humid.
Conclusion
Beijing ranges dramatically in climate, so it’s worth planning around the weather.
Whether you want to enjoy the springtime blossoms, the autumn colors, or holiday season, there’s no bad time to visit Beijing.
Know the weather, pack for it, and you’ll be able to enjoy the city no matter when you visit.