Climate and monthly weather forecast
Beijing, China

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »