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Best Time to Visit Beijing

Beijing is best visited in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. The city is crowded with tourists during the summer months and can reach extremely cold temperatures in winter.

 

High Season in Beijing

The high season in Beijing is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is hot and humid. This is also the peak tourist season with crowded attractions and higher prices.

brown and green building near body of water under blue sky during daytime
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Shoulder Season in Beijing

The shoulder season in Beijing is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Crowds are smaller and prices are lower compared to the high season.

Low Season in Beijing

The low season in Beijing is during the winter months of December to February when the city experiences cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. Attractions are less crowded and prices are lower during this time.

 

Annual Average Temperature

* The chart above displays the average yearly 'feels like' temperature in Beijing over the last 5 years.

Seasons

Beijing in Spring

Spring in Beijing is beautiful with blooming cherry blossoms and mild temperatures. It's a great time to visit the iconic historical sites and enjoy outdoor activities.

city skyline under blue sky during daytime
zhang kaiyv @ Unsplash

Beijing in Summer

Summer in Beijing can be hot and humid, but it's also the time for festivals and cultural events. Make sure to stay hydrated and visit the Great Wall early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Beijing in Autumn

Autumn in Beijing is considered the best time to visit with mild temperatures and clear skies. The city is adorned with vibrant fall foliage, making it perfect for outdoor exploration.

Beijing in Winter

Winter in Beijing is cold, but it has its charm with less crowds and the possibility of seeing snow-covered landscapes. Don't forget to bundle up and visit the Winter Palace for ice skating.

Annual Average Precipitation

* The chart above shows the annual average precipitation for Beijing for the past 5 years.

Month-By-Month

Beijing in January

→ -13 to -2 °C (9 to 28 °F)

January in Beijing is cold with occasional snowfall. It's a good time to visit the Winter Palace and enjoy ice skating.

Beijing in February

→ -10 to 1 °C (13 to 35 °F)

February in Beijing is still cold, but the city starts to wake up from the Chinese New Year celebrations. Visit the Temple of Heaven to witness traditional cultural performances.

black high rise builcing
zhang kaiyv @ Unsplash

Beijing in March

→ -3 to 11 °C (26 to 51 °F)

March in Beijing sees milder temperatures as spring approaches. Enjoy the blooming cherry blossoms at the White Cloud Temple and explore the historic hutongs.

Beijing in April

→ 4 to 18 °C (40 to 64 °F)

April in Beijing is beautiful with cherry blossoms in full bloom. Visit the Forbidden City and hike on the Great Wall to enjoy the pleasant weather.

Beijing in May

→ 12 to 26 °C (54 to 79 °F)

May in Beijing is mild and pleasant. Explore the Summer Palace and take a boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake.

Beijing in June

→ 21 to 33 °C (70 to 91 °F)

June in Beijing can be hot and humid, but you can escape the heat by exploring the underground tunnels of the Ming Tombs.

Beijing in July

→ 26 to 35 °C (79 to 95 °F)

July in Beijing is hot and humid. Visit the Lama Temple and enjoy the coolness of the incense-filled halls.

buildings at daytime
Li Yang @ Unsplash

Beijing in August

→ 24 to 33 °C (74 to 91 °F)

August in Beijing is hot and humid. Take a break from the heat by visiting the Beijing Zoo and enjoying the shade of the trees in the surrounding parks.

Beijing in September

→ 16 to 27 °C (61 to 81 °F)

September in Beijing is pleasant with mild temperatures. Explore the Beijing Olympic Park and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Beijing in October

→ 4 to 16 °C (39 to 61 °F)

October in Beijing is beautiful with vibrant fall foliage. Visit the Temple of Heaven and witness locals practicing tai chi.

Beijing in November

→ -5 to 7 °C (24 to 45 °F)

November in Beijing sees colder temperatures. Visit the Beijing Botanical Garden to see the last traces of autumn colors.

Beijing in December

→ -12 to -2 °C (10 to 29 °F)

December in Beijing is cold with occasional snowfall. Visit the Summer Palace and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Annual Average Humidity

* The chart above shows the annual average humidity percentage for Beijing for the past 5 years.

Accommodation

Beijing offers a wide range of accommodation options from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. It is recommended to stay in central areas like Dongcheng or Chaoyang for easy access to major attractions.

city skyline during night time
Henry Chen @ Unsplash

Public Transportation

Beijing has a convenient public transportation system including subway, buses, and taxis. The subway is the most efficient way to get around the city, with extensive coverage and affordable fares.

Beijing Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport is the main airport serving the city. It is well-connected to major international destinations and has excellent transportation options to the city center.

Airport to City Center

From the airport, you can take the Airport Express train, airport shuttle buses, or taxis to reach the city center. The Airport Express train is the fastest and most convenient option.

Is Beijing Safe?

Beijing is generally a safe city for travelers. However, it is advisable to take usual precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots.

According to the Global Peace Index, China ranks 80th among all countries in the world in 2023. China achieved a score of 2.01 out of 5, based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideal Time to Visit Beijing

The best time to visit Beijing is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Best Beijing Visit Length

A recommended duration to explore Beijing is around 4 to 5 days to cover the main attractions and have time for day trips to the Great Wall.

Must-See Attractions in Beijing

Must-see attractions in Beijing include the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square.

Beijing Nightlife: What to Do

Beijing offers vibrant night markets, such as Wangfujing Street and Nanluoguxiang, where you can try local street food and shop for souvenirs.

Getting Around Beijing Efficiently

Getting around Beijing is easy with the efficient subway system. Taxis are also widely available and affordable. It's recommended to carry a map or use navigation apps.

Beijing 3 day Itinerary

Day 1

Start your day by visiting the iconic Tiananmen Square and exploring the historical sites of the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven. In the afternoon, take a rickshaw ride through the traditional hutongs and visit the Lama Temple. End the day with a stroll along Wangfujing Street, known for its shopping and street food.

  1. Tiananmen Square
  2. Forbidden City
  3. Temple of Heaven
  4. Hutongs
  5. Lama Temple
  6. Wangfujing Street
blue and white concrete building under blue sky during daytime
Victor He @ Unsplash

Day 2

Spend the day at the Great Wall of China, starting at Mutianyu section for a less crowded experience. Take a cable car to reach the wall and hike along its stunning stretches. In the afternoon, visit the Ming Tombs, where you can explore the underground burial chambers and learn about imperial history.

  1. Mutianyu Great Wall
  2. Ming Tombs

Day 3

Start your day with a visit to the Summer Palace, a stunning imperial garden complex. Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake and explore the beautiful pavilions and temples. In the afternoon, visit the Beijing Olympic Park and admire the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube.

  1. Summer Palace
  2. Beijing Olympic Park