Yearly & Monthly weather - Beijing, China

Beautiful orange evening sky above the ancient Royal Palace buildings in Beijing, China

The climate of Beijing

Nestled in northeastern China, Beijing presents a Dwa type Köppen climate classification. This condition translates to a humid continental climate, known for severe dry winters and hot summers. Analyzing the data, evident fluctuations in weather parameters become apparent throughout the year.

Temperature values deviate significantly from biting cold to scorching hot. January holds the coldest title with average high temperatures reaching only 1.8°C (35.2°F) and dipping to lows of -8.4°C (16.9°F). Contrastingly, July provides the hottest conditions, boasting average highs of 30.9°C (87.6°F) and lows reaching a still-warm 22°C (71.6°F).

Humidity levels also exhibit a pattern of variation. Wintertime drops the relative humidity to 44%, while the peak summer month of August exhibits a comparatively damp 77%. Rainfall patterns associate closely with humidity. The dry winter produces as little as 3mm (0.12") in January, but sees an exponential increase to a torrential 185mm (7.28") during the peak of summer in July.

The frequency of sunshine hours aligns with daylight length, reaching the maximum during June with 15 hours of daylight and 8.7 hours of sunshine. The shortest days occur in December, providing a mere 9.4 hours of daylight and 5.8 hours of sunshine. The UV index patterns showcase clear demarcations of seasons, with winter presenting a UV index of 1 and summer peaking at 9.

The best time to visit Beijing

Optimally, tourists passionate about soaking in the spring bloom should schedule a Beijing visit from April to June. April witnesses an average high of 20.3°C (68.5°F) and an average low of 7.9°C (46.2°F), making it comfortably warm for outdoor activities. Tourists can also appreciate lengthier daylight hours and mild sunshine with a lower risk of sunburn due to a moderate UV index of 6.

The worst time to visit Beijing

Those sensitive to humid climates or rainstorms should avoid visiting Beijing from July through August. In these months, rainfall significantly escalates to overwhelming levels, reaching 185mm (7.28") and 160mm (6.3"), respectively. The combination of high temperatures and increased humidity simultaneously can restrict comfort levels, especially during outdoor activities.

Spring weather in Beijing

Spring emerges between April and June with temperatures escalating from 11.6°C (52.9°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F) throughout the period, offering mild to warm conditions. This season grants increasing daylight hours from 12 to 15 along with an increased sunshine duration, ranging from 7.5 hours to 8.7 hours. The April showers remain relatively low at 21mm (0.83"), escalating to a more abundant 78mm (3.07") by June's end.

Summer weather in Beijing

Summer weather engulfs Beijing from July to August, exhibiting the highest temperatures that vary between 29.7°C (85.5°F) and 30.9°C (87.6°F). Heavy rainfall is a defining aspect of Beijing summers, ranging from 160mm (6.3") to an imposing 185mm (7.28"). Sunshine hours decrease to 6.9 hours amidst the frequent showers, but daylight hours stay robust at approximately 14.7 hours.

Autumn weather in Beijing

September signals the arrival of autumn in Beijing, lasting until November. The average high temperatures show a steady decline from 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 10.1°C (50.2°F), accompanied by a similar trend in lows from 14.8°C (58.6°F) to 0°C (32°F). The rainfall decreases significantly from 46mm (1.81") in September to a mere 7mm (0.28") by November, offering drier conditions for visitors.

Winter weather in Beijing

Winter descends on Beijing from December and lasts till February. This period displays the lowest temperatures, with average highs descending to 1.8°C (35.2°F) and lows plunging to -8.4°C (16.9°F) in January. Rainfall stays minimal during this period, with a consistent downscale from 3mm (0.12") in December to 3mm (0.12") in January. The daylight hours drop to 9.4 hours, with reduced sunshine hours reaching their minimum at 5.8 in December.

Weather in January

Winter in Beijing is in full swing in January, which is notable as the coldest month of the year. While temperatures can rise to a maximum of 1.8°C (35.2°F) during the day, they can dip to -8.4°C (16.9°F) at night, making it necessary to bundle up. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February brings a slight warmth with an augment in temperatures. Even though the temperature disparity between February and its chillier neighbour, January, is not significant, it still brings relief from the biting cold. The amount of sunshine increases in February, and the days become longer, hinting at the approach of spring. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March marks the transition from winter to the warmer spring season in Beijing. A notable change in weather from February is the increase in maximum temperatures to 11.6°C (52.9°F), contributing to a more agreeable climate. The increase in daylight hours, coupled with a relatively low UV index, makes it an excellent time for those who appreciate mild weather to explore the outdoors. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Beijing is characterized by an evident rise in temperatures, signaling the comfort of spring. A significant uptick is seen in precipitation from 8mm (0.31") in March to 21mm (0.83"), reinforcing the city's entrance into the wetter part of the year. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May boasts of Beijing’s overall comfortable climate before summer sets in. Despite the warmer maximum temperature of 26°C (78.8°F), the weather does not reach the intense summer heat levels. However, rainfall and humidity begin to increase significantly during this month, preparing the city for the upcoming wet season. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June signifies the arrival of summer in Beijing with the city warming up to a maximum of 30.2°C (86.4°F). There is a shift in the city's weather dynamics as rainfall nearly doubles from May's volume to 78mm (3.07"). The city achieves its annual peak daylight hours, but the UV index also reaches a yearly high. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July takes the throne as the hottest and wettest month of the year in Beijing. The maximum temperature peaks at 30.9°C (87.6°F), and the city receives the highest rainfall of 185mm (7.28") this month. The extreme weather does not deter the city’s life rhythm. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August sustains July's heat with a maximum temperature of 29.7°C (85.5°F), marking it as a part of Beijing’s hot summer period. While the temperature remains high, there is a slight dip in rainfall to 160mm (6.3") from July's peak. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September brings relief from the intense summer heat as temperatures begin to cool off, with a maximum of 25.8°C (78.4°F). The amount of precipitation sharply drops to 46mm (1.81"), indicating the end of the heavy rain months. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October showcases Beijing’s pleasant autumn climate. The maximum temperature lowers to 19.1°C (66.4°F) and, despite the cooler air, the city keeps its charm. The reduction in relative humidity recognizes the arrival of drier times. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November introduces winter in Beijing as the maximum temperature drops to 10.1°C (50.2°F). It marks a drastic climate shift from the pleasant autumn in October. Reduced daylight, coupled with a low UV Index, further confirms winter’s approach. Weather in November »

Weather in December

In December, Beijing enters the depths of winter. The chilly weather is reminiscent of January with a maximum temperature of 3.7°C (38.7°F), bringing Beijing's weather full circle. Falling daylight hours and fewer hours of sunshine result in a typical winter atmosphere. Weather in December »

Updated: Jan 24, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What are the coldest months in Beijing?

January is Beijing's coldest month, registering average high temperatures of 1.8°C (35.2°F) and lows of -8.4°C (16.9°F).

What is the least humid month in Beijing?

The months with the lowest humidity in Beijing, China, are January and February, with an average relative humidity of 44%.

What is the driest month in Beijing?

January is the month with the least rainfall in Beijing, China. Rain falls for 1.8 days and accumulates 3mm (0.12") of precipitation.

How much does it rain in Beijing?

Throughout the year, in Beijing, China, there are 70.6 rainfall days, and 572mm (22.52") of precipitation is accumulated.

What month has the most sunshine in Beijing?

The month with the most sunshine in Beijing is May, with an average of 9.1h of sunshine.

When are the longest days in Beijing?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 0min of daylight.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Beijing?

The months with the highest UV index in Beijing are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 9.

What is the warmest month in Beijing?

July temperatures in Beijing tend to peak at an average high of 30.9°C (87.6°F) and dip to a low of 22°C (71.6°F).

What is the wettest month in Beijing?

July is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 13.6 days and accumulates 185mm (7.28") of precipitation.

What is the most humid month in Beijing?

With an average relative humidity of 77%, August is the most humid month.

What is the month with the shortest days in Beijing?

December has the shortest days of the year in Beijing, with an average of 9h and 24min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Beijing?

Beijing, China, does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). CST timezone is used over the entire year.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Beijing?

With an average of 5.8h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year in Beijing.

When is the lowest UV index in Beijing?

With an average maximum UV index of 1, December is the month with the lowest UV index.

Today

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Long-term

Year J F M A M J J A S O N D

Average temperature
Beijing, China

Average high temperature in January:
1.8°C
Average high temperature in February:
5°C
Average high temperature in March:
11.6°C
Average high temperature in April:
20.3°C
Average high temperature in May:
26°C
Average high temperature in June:
30.2°C

Average high temperature in July:
30.9°C
Average high temperature in August:
29.7°C
Average high temperature in September:
25.8°C
Average high temperature in October:
19.1°C
Average high temperature in November:
10.1°C
Average high temperature in December:
3.7°C

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (30.9°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (1.8°C).

Average low temperature in January:
-8.4°C
Average low temperature in February:
-5.6°C
Average low temperature in March:
0.4°C
Average low temperature in April:
7.9°C
Average low temperature in May:
13.6°C
Average low temperature in June:
18.8°C

Average low temperature in July:
22°C
Average low temperature in August:
20.8°C
Average low temperature in September:
14.8°C
Average low temperature in October:
7.9°C
Average low temperature in November:
0°C
Average low temperature in December:
-5.8°C

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (22°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-8.4°C).

Average humidity
Beijing, China

The month with the highest relative humidity is August (77%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January and February (44%).

Average rainfall
Beijing, China

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (185.2mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (2.7mm).

Average rainfall days
Beijing, China

Average rainfall days in January:
1.8 days
Average rainfall days in February:
2.3 days
Average rainfall days in March:
3.3 days
Average rainfall days in April:
4.3 days
Average rainfall days in May:
5.8 days
Average rainfall days in June:
9.7 days

Average rainfall days in July:
13.6 days
Average rainfall days in August:
12 days
Average rainfall days in September:
7.6 days
Average rainfall days in October:
5 days
Average rainfall days in November:
3.5 days
Average rainfall days in December:
1.7 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (13.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is December (1.7 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Beijing, China

Average daylight in January:
9h and 4min
Average daylight in February:
10h and 4min
Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min
Average daylight in April:
13h and 2min
Average daylight in May:
14h and 2min
Average daylight in June:
15h and 0min

Average daylight in July:
14h and 4min
Average daylight in August:
13h and 4min
Average daylight in September:
12h and 3min
Average daylight in October:
11h and 1min
Average daylight in November:
10h and 0min
Average daylight in December:
9h and 2min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 24min).

Average sunshine in January:
6h and 2min
Average sunshine in February:
7h and 0min
Average sunshine in March:
7h and 3min
Average sunshine in April:
8h and 2min
Average sunshine in May:
9h and 1min
Average sunshine in June:
8h and 4min

Average sunshine in July:
6h and 5min
Average sunshine in August:
7h and 1min
Average sunshine in September:
7h and 4min
Average sunshine in October:
7h and 1min
Average sunshine in November:
6h and 1min
Average sunshine in December:
5h and 5min

The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 9h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 48min).

Average UV index
Beijing, China

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 9).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 1).

Climate and monthly weather forecastBeijing, China

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