Climate Overview
Beijing has a humid-continental climate with hot, muggy Jul–Aug (32°C highs, 249mm of rain in July) and dry, freezing winters that drop to -6°C lows. Spring is short and dusty, autumn crisp and clear — Sep–Oct delivers the cleanest air and most reliable blue-sky days for the Forbidden City and Great Wall.
Monthly Climate
Temperature range, rainfall, and humidity by month
Monthly Data
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.9° | -5.6° | 1mm | 33% |
| Feb | 6.4° | -5.6° | 0mm | 23% |
| Mar | 16° | 3.3° | 2mm | 30% |
| Apr | 24.2° | 9.7° | 21mm | 30% |
| May | 27.1° | 14.2° | 56mm | 50% |
| Jun | 32.7° | 20.6° | 79mm | 44% |
| Jul | 32.9° | 24.6° | 342mm | 72% |
| Aug | 31.2° | 22.8° | 292mm | 82% |
| Sep | 28.1° | 17.4° | 59mm | 63% |
| Oct | 17.2° | 8.6° | 119mm | 71% |
| Nov | 13.5° | 1.6° | 5mm | 48% |
| Dec | 5.2° | -4.6° | 4mm | 43% |
When to Visit
Experiences to seek out and peak periods to plan around
Experiences & Highlights
Mild 22–28°C highs and under 32mm monthly rain make April–May ideal for walking Kunming Lake and the Great Wall at Mutianyu before summer haze. Humidity sits around 38–43%, so long hikes stay comfortable.
After the July–August monsoon eases, 19–28°C days and clearer skies return. Mid-Autumn moon-viewing at Jingshan and Houhai (25 Sep 2026) pairs with comfortable sightseeing at Tiananmen and the 798 Art District.
Lion dances, folk opera and lantern stalls fill Ditan Park and the Temple of Earth during the Lunar New Year. Expect dry, cold days (6°C highs, -4°C lows) — dress for the wind off the Mongolian plateau.
The wettest months bring 170–250mm of rain and 72–76% humidity, with afternoon downpours. Use mornings for the Great Wall and save the National Museum, Capital Museum and Liulichang antique alleys for stormy afternoons.
Peak Periods & Travel Advisories
China's 9-day Lunar New Year break is the country's largest annual travel surge. Trains and flights sell out weeks ahead; many restaurants close while temple fairs draw huge local crowds.
Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall see their heaviest visitor load of the year. Hotel rates double and timed-entry tickets for palace sites are required well in advance.
Averaging 248mm in July and 167mm in August, short but intense storms can flood hutongs and disrupt Great Wall trips. Carry rain gear and keep a flexible day-by-day itinerary.
China Destination Comparison
Compare climate across destinations in China
| City | Avg High | Avg Low | Annual Rain | Season Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
🇨🇳 Beijing | 20° | 9° | 980 mm | |
🇨🇳 Shanghai | 23° | 15° | 1179 mm |
Official Resources
Government portals and tourism boards for Beijing, China