Beijing Weather

Home / City Guide / Beijing

Beijing Weather

Distinct Four Seasons Under the Temperate Monsoon Climate

Located on the eastern coast of the Asian continent, Beijing has a warm-temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of approximately 12°C and an annual precipitation of 644 millimeters.

This climate endows the city with a unique rhythm characterized by "long winters, prolonged summers, and short springs and autumns":

Winter lasts for more than five months;

Summer spans about three months;

Spring and autumn are brief, lasting around 55 days and 50 days respectively.

Temperatures fluctuate significantly with the alternation of monsoons—extreme highs can reach 41°C, while extreme lows drop to -11°C—forming a richly layered picture of the four seasons' weather.

I. Spring: A Windy, Dry "Temperature Climbing Period" (March - May)

Spring is Beijing’s shortest season, defined by rapid temperature rises and sharp fluctuations.

1. Temperature Trends

March: Still chilly, with average high-low temperatures ranging from 1°C to 16°C; extreme lows can hit -6°C (down jackets remain common).

April: Temperatures jump to 10°C - 24°C, with warm afternoons.

May: Fully warm, averaging 15°C - 30°C; extreme highs may exceed 36°C.

2. Key Climate Features

Dry & Low Rainfall: March sees 0mm of rain, May only 5mm, leading to very low air humidity.

Frequent Strong Winds: Average daily maximum wind speed exceeds 10 km/h in March and May, causing sand/dust and reducing visibility to 15 - 22 kilometers.

3. Travel Tips

Willow buds (Summer Palace) and cherry blossoms (Botanical Garden) are in bloom, but prepare windproof jackets and moisturizers to handle 15°C day-night temperature differences.

II. Summer: A Hot, Humid "Steaming Pot" (June - August)

Summer is marked by heat, humidity, and concentrated rainfall—Beijing’s warmest season.

1. Temperature Trends

June: Enters high-temperature mode, averaging 20°C - 35°C.

July: Sustains intense heat, with average highs matching June.

August: Slightly cooler (average high 32°C) but more sweltering due to higher humidity.

Extreme Case: A 41°C high was recorded on June 11, 2024; "sauna-like weather" is common.

2. Key Climate Features

Heavy, Concentrated Rainfall: July - August sees 352.1mm of rain (over 65% of annual precipitation), mostly in thunderstorms.

Reduced Visibility: ~15 rainy days lower visibility to 12 - 13 kilometers.

3. Travel Tips

Popular activities include nighttime boat rides (Shichahai) and open-air markets (Sanlitun), but carry rain gear for short-term downpours. Wear breathable cotton and note indoor-outdoor temperature differences; prioritize sun protection.

III. Autumn: A Clear, Crisp "Golden Season" (September - November)

Autumn is Beijing’s most pleasant season, with mild temperatures and stable weather.

1. Temperature Trends

September: Comfortable, averaging 17°C - 27°C (warm afternoons, cool nights).

October: Cools to 10°C - 18°C, with refreshing autumn winds.

November: Drops to 3°C - 15°C, but no biting cold.

2. Key Climate Features

Scarce Rainfall: September - November totals only 31.1mm of rain.

Ideal Air Quality: More sunny days, visibility reaches 16 - 19 kilometers.

3. Travel Tips

Autumn highlights include Xiangshan’s red leaves, Olympic Park’s golden ginkgoes, and the Forbidden City’s glazed tiles under clear skies. Layer clothing (thin windbreaker in the morning, long-sleeved T-shirt in the afternoon); no need to worry about extreme weather. Locals call this 50-day season a "fleeting beauty"—perfect for outdoor tours and photography.

IV. Winter: A Cold, Dry "Clear and Chilly World" (December - February)

Winter is long, dry, and cold, with frequent northerly winds.

1. Temperature Trends

January: Coldest month—2024 averages -7°C - 4°C; 2025 saw an extreme low of -11°C.

December & February: Slightly warmer, but average lows stay below -4°C; ground often freezes.

Note: Topographical barriers keep Beijing warmer than same-latitude areas (180 - 200 frost-free days).

2. Key Climate Features

Extremely Low Precipitation: December and January often have no rain/snow.

Dry Air & Strong Winds: Low humidity causes dry, cracked skin; December’s average daily maximum wind speed hits 12.4 km/h (biting northerlies intensify cold).

3. Travel Tips

Snowfall creates iconic scenes: snow-covered Forbidden City glazed tiles and silver-wrapped Badaling Great Wall. Wear heavy warm clothing (down jackets, non-slip boots) to handle over 20°C indoor-outdoor temperature differences.

Conclusion: Life Wisdom in the Four Seasons' Climate

Beijing’s seasonal temperature changes are deeply shaped by monsoons—the winds of spring, rains of summer, clear autumn skies, and winter cold form the city’s climatic identity.

From wind/sand protection (March) to heat/rain prevention (August), from light autumn layers (September) to heavy winter warmth (December), the climate’s rhythm guides local life. Whether it’s the Forbidden City’s post-snow tranquility or Xiangshan’s autumn splendor, these moments are woven into the seasonal temperature cycle—unique memories of Beijing.

Questions & Answers on Beijing Travel

Ask a Question

Beijing Weather

ADDRESS

USEFUL LINKS

CONTACT