Beijing — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Beijing.
Beijing climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -1°C | -9°C | 3mm | 43% |
| Feb | 3°C | -6°C | 6mm | 44% |
| Mar | 10°C | 0°C | 10mm | 43% |
| Apr | 20°C | 8°C | 26mm | 47% |
| May | 26°C | 14°C | 35mm | 51% |
| Jun | 31°C | 19°C | 77mm | 59% |
| Jul | 31°C | 23°C | 185mm | 77% |
| Aug | 30°C | 22°C | 160mm | 75% |
| Sep | 26°C | 15°C | 58mm | 62% |
| Oct | 18°C | 7°C | 17mm | 60% |
| Nov | 8°C | -1°C | 10mm | 54% |
| Dec | 1°C | -8°C | 3mm | 47% |
Climate overview
Beijing has a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate (Dwa): hot, humid and rainy summers, and cold, very dry winters. Located on the northern edge of the North China Plain, with mountains to the north and west, it is strongly affected by the East Asian monsoon.
Average highs range from -1°C in January to 31°C in June and July. Annual precipitation is about 570 mm, and most of it — around three-quarters — falls between June and August. Winters are dominated by cold, dry winds from Siberia and Mongolia, bringing clear skies but very little snow.
Köppen classification: Dwa — monsoon-influenced humid continental
Beijing through the seasons
Winter
December – FebruaryWinters are cold and dry, with highs around -1 to 3°C and lows near -8 to -9°C. Snow is light and infrequent. Northwesterly winds bring clear blue skies, but still days can trap pollution and lower air quality.
Spring
March – MaySpring is short, windy and dry, with highs warming from 10°C to 26°C. Dust storms from the Gobi Desert can occur, especially in March and April, turning the sky yellow and reducing air quality.
Summer
June – AugustSummer is hot and humid, with highs of 30–31°C. Most of the year's rain falls now, often as heavy thunderstorms; July averages around 185 mm. Humid, hazy days are common.
Autumn
September – NovemberAutumn is widely considered the finest season. Skies are clear, humidity drops and temperatures are comfortable — 26°C in September, 18°C in October. By November, cold winds return.
What makes Beijing's weather distinctive
Beijing's weather is strongly seasonal. Summer rainfall is concentrated in a short period, and intense storms can cause flash floods, as in July 2023. In winter, dry air and heating raise the risk of smog on calm days, though air quality has improved significantly over the last decade.
Spring dust storms are another feature. Fine sand from the deserts to the northwest can cover cars and reduce visibility, typically for a day or two at a time.
Best time to visit Beijing
The best times to visit Beijing are April to May and September to October. Spring brings mild days and blossoms, while autumn offers clear skies, comfortable temperatures and colourful foliage in the Western Hills and along the Great Wall.
What to pack
- A very warm coat, gloves and hat for winter
- Moisturiser and lip balm for dry air
- Light clothing and a rain layer for summer storms
- A face mask for dusty or polluted days
- Comfortable shoes for the Great Wall and large sites
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Beijing?
September and October are usually best, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. April and May are also pleasant, though windy and sometimes dusty.
Does it snow in Beijing?
Snow falls occasionally but winters are very dry, so snowfall is usually light.
When is Beijing's rainy season?
The rainy season is June to August, with July the wettest month.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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