Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Beijing (+Tips for All Months)

Beijing in January

• Average daily temperature range: -6–3°C (21–37°F)
• Average rainy days: 5
• Average sunny days: 26

In January, Beijing experiences occasional snowfall with cold temperatures, but indoor heating systems keep things cozy.

January is Beijing's off-peak season, except for the New Year holiday (January 1–3), making it a cost-effective choice.

Visiting the Great Wall during this time offers snowy landscapes. It is also good for hiking on clear days.

Skiing and enjoying hot springs in a wonderful ski resort are also good for a December trip.

See more on Beijing Weather in January.

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Beijing in February

• Average daily temperature range: -4–6°C (25–43°F)
• Average rainy days: 4
• Average sunny days: 24

February is the third-coldest month in Beijing. If you visit Beijing in February, you would experience a quieter city and you could immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations of Chinese New Year (in 1 in 3 years, it falls in January not February).

Many parks host temple fairs for the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). The fair at the Temple of Earth is the most popular one. You could see many traditional Chinese crafts and taste authentic Beijing food.

During the Spring Festival, major attractions remain open, including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

See more on Beijing Weather in February.

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Beijing in March

• Average daily temperature range: 3–15°C (37–59°F)
• Average rainy days: 4
• Average sunny days: 27

March sees Beijing's transition out of winter and into spring.

The weather starts to warm up slightly, although it can still be a bit chilly. March could be a good time to visit Beijing, especially if you're looking for favorable prices and a quieter travel environment.

See more on Beijing Weather in March.

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Beijing in April

• Average daily temperature range: 10–23°C (50–73°F)
• Average rainy days: 4
• Average sunny days: 26

In April, Beijing enters spring. The Great Wall displays rejuvenated vegetation while flowers bloom in parks across the city.

The pleasant weather marks the beginning of the peak season. Despite increased visitors compared to the off-season, April offers a manageable crowd level.

Various activities are suitable, such as hiking the Great Wall, embarking on a food tour, and exploring the Forbidden City.

See more on Beijing Weather in April.

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Beijing in May

• Average daily temperature range: 16–29°C (61–84°F)
• Average rainy days: 5
• Average sunny days: 26

May is a peak travel time in Beijing, especially the Labor Day holiday (May 1–5). If you're traveling during this period, make sure to book tickets and hotels at least a month in advance.

If your schedule allows, we recommend planning your trip after the holiday to avoid the crowds and get a better travel experience.

See more on Beijing Weather in May.

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Beijing in June

• Average daily temperature range: 21–32°C (70–90°F)
• Average rainy days: 9
• Average sunny days: 21

June is a good choice for family travel to avoid the upcoming peak time of July and August.

Beijing starts to get hot in June. Consider visiting the Great Wall around sunset or taking a night tour to avoid the daytime heat. Enjoying an evening culinary adventure is another ideal option.

Alternatively, Beijing offers many interesting and cultural indoor activities, such as learning Chinese calligraphy with a senior hutong resident.

See more on Beijing Weather in June.

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Beijing in July

• Average daily temperature range: 24–33°C (75–91°F)
• Average rainy days: 12
• Average sunny days: 19

In July, China's summer vacation begins and Beijing sees an influx of tourists. To avoid the domestic crowds and avoid the heat or occasional rain, we could arrange various family experiences for you. You could take a cooking class, participate in a family morning exercise experience at the Temple of Heaven, or take a rickshaw ride to explore the hutongs.

For an enhanced Great Wall experience, we recommend visiting the Jinshanling section. It is less crowded and best for hiking.

The Mutianyu section is a preferable option for younger kids with easy access and a fun toboggan ride experience to descend.

You could get more ideas and tips on How to Plan a Summer Trip to China.

See more on Beijing Weather in July.

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Beijing in August

• Average daily temperature range: 23–32°C (73–90°F)
• Average rainy days: 9
• Average sunny days: 22

August is also a peak season month in Beijing, but the number of tourists decreases after the middle of the month as the summer vacation ends.

To escape the heat, Beijing's vibrant nightlife offers solutions, such as a nighttime food hunting discovery tour or a night tour of the Great Wall.

Museums, such as the Beijing Museum of Natural History and the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution, provide an immersion in knowledge and could be a good choice to get respite from the heat.

Visiting the Temple of Confucius and the Imperial Academy could also be good options for a family trip. They would enable your kids to learn about the roots of Chinese culture.

See more on Beijing Weather in August.

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Beijing in September

• Average daily temperature range: 17–27°C (63–81°F)
• Average rainy days: 6
• Average sunny days: 24

September's warm and sunny weather makes it one of the best months to explore Beijing.

The favorable conditions suit various activities, such as hiking or camping on the Great Wall, taking cooking classes, a relaxing city walk, a food tour, and more.

Moreover, compared to the crowded months of July and August, there are fewer tourists, allowing for a more enjoyable experience.

See more on Beijing Weather in September.

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Beijing in October

• Average daily temperature range: 9–19°C (48–66°F)
• Average rainy days: 7
• Average sunny days: 23

With clear and cool weather, October in Beijing is ideal for admiring autumn landscapes on the Great Wall. If you're into photography or simply love capturing memories, the sunset view at Jinshanling is a must-see.

The pleasant temperatures also make a stroll in the Forbidden City a comfortable experience, offering picturesque autumn scenes. The ancient red palace walls are adorned with cascades of golden and crimson leaves, creating a harmonious dance between architecture and nature.

However, do note that the National Day holiday (October 1–7) is a peak travel time with many visitors.

See more on Beijing Weather in October.

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Beijing in November

• Average daily temperature range: 1–10°C (34–50°F)
• Average rainy days: 5
• Average sunny days: 25

In November, temperatures start to drop in Beijing and the city enters the off-peak season.

Many of Beijing's attractions are architectural and cultural landmarks, which are less affected by weather changes. Therefore, November is a favorable time to explore the city. It offers budget-friendly travel, cool and mostly dry weather, and a better overall experience with fewer crowds.

See more on Beijing Weather in November.

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Beijing in December

• Average daily temperature range: -5–4°C (23–39°F)
• Average rainy days: 7
• Average sunny days: 24

December in Beijing often sees the city's first winter snowfall and major ski resorts are open for skiing.

Popular attractions, such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, tend to have fewer visitors, providing a better visiting experience.

Universal Beijing Resort hosts a light show on New Year's Eve. If you're celebrating Christmas with kids, Gubei Water Town is also a great option, offering markets, Christmas parades, light displays by drones, and various ice activities.

See more on Beijing Weather in December.

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