Beijing sits at 39.9N latitude at 43m elevation in northern China. The city has a continental monsoon climate with four sharply defined seasons.
Winters are cold and dry. Summers are hot and humid with the bulk of annual rainfall. This guide gives you exact numbers for every month so you can plan around the weather instead of being surprised by it.
Beijing Monthly Weather Data
The table below shows average daily high temperatures, total monthly rainfall, average relative humidity, and total monthly sunshine hours for Beijing.
| Month | High (°C) | High (°F) | Rain (mm) | Humidity | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1°C | 34°F | 3mm | 44% | 195 |
| February | 5°C | 41°F | 6mm | 44% | 195 |
| March | 12°C | 54°F | 9mm | 43% | 240 |
| April | 20°C | 68°F | 26mm | 43% | 255 |
| May | 26°C | 79°F | 29mm | 48% | 290 |
| June | 30°C | 86°F | 71mm | 58% | 275 |
| July | 31°C | 88°F | 176mm | 73% | 225 |
| August | 30°C | 86°F | 182mm | 76% | 220 |
| September | 26°C | 79°F | 49mm | 67% | 240 |
| October | 19°C | 66°F | 19mm | 58% | 230 |
| November | 10°C | 50°F | 6mm | 52% | 190 |
| December | 3°C | 37°F | 2mm | 47% | 185 |
Beijing Weather Patterns Throughout the Year
Beijing has a continental monsoon climate (Köppen Dwa). The city gets 578mm of rain annually, with roughly 80% falling between June and September. Annual sunshine totals 2,740 hours. The hottest recorded temperature was 41.9°C (107°F) in July 1999. The coldest was -27.4°C (-17°F) in February 1966.
Winter in Beijing: December Through February
December through February are cold and bone-dry. Average highs range from 1°C to 5°C (34°F to 41°F). January is the coldest month at 1°C (34°F). Nighttime lows routinely drop to -8°C (18°F). Total rainfall across all three winter months is just 11mm. You will likely see no rain at all during a week-long visit. Sunshine averages 185 to 195 hours per month. Central heating keeps indoor spaces warm, but you need a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat outdoors.
Spring in Beijing: March Through May
Spring brings rapid warming but also dust storms from the Gobi Desert, especially in March and April. March starts at 12°C (54°F) and by May the average high reaches 26°C (79°F). Rainfall increases from 9mm in March to 29mm in May. Sunshine jumps from 240 hours in March to 290 hours in May. The best spring window is late April through May when temperatures are comfortable and before summer humidity arrives. Cherry blossoms peak in early April at Yuyuantan Park.
Summer in Beijing: June Through August
Summer is hot, humid, and rainy. July is the hottest month at 31°C (88°F) with average humidity of 73%. July and August together receive 358mm of rain, more than 60% of the annual total. Rain often comes as afternoon thunderstorms. Expect 10 to 14 rainy days per month in July and August. Sunshine drops to 220-225 hours despite long daylight.
Air conditioning is standard in hotels and malls. This is the least comfortable season for outdoor sightseeing.
Autumn in Beijing: September Through November
Autumn is the best season in Beijing. September temperatures drop from 30°C (86°F) early in the month to 22°C (72°F) by month end. Rainfall drops sharply to 49mm in September, 19mm in October, and just 6mm in November. Humidity falls to 52-67%. Sunshine is abundant at 190-240 hours. October averages 19°C (66°F) with clear blue skies and is the single best month to visit. November turns cold quickly, ending the month near freezing.
Beijing Annual Weather Summary
The ideal visiting window is mid-September through late October. Spring (late April to May) is the second-best season. Avoid July and August if possible due to heat, humidity, and crowds. Winter (December to February) is cold but gives you uncrowded attractions and the lowest hotel rates. The best time to visit Beijing guide covers seasonal strategy in more detail.
Read Beijing travel tips and FAQ for practical logistics. The Beijing neighborhoods guide covers each area in detail.