Beijing Climate Overview
Beijing has a warm temperate semi-humid and semi-arid monsoon climate. The annual average temperature is 11-13 ℃ in the plain, 9-11 ℃ in the mountainous area below 800 meters above sea level, and 3-5 ℃ in the alpine mountain area. The annual extreme maximum temperature is generally between 35 ℃ and 40 ℃.
The annual extreme minimum temperature is generally between-14 ℃ and 20 ℃, which was as low as-27.4 ℃ in 1966 and below-30 ℃ in high mountain areas. The hottest in July, the monthly average temperature is about 26 ℃ in the plain area and 2125 ℃ in the mountain area below 800 meters above sea level. The coldest in January, the monthly average temperature is 5 ℃ in the plain area, and-6 ℃ in the mountain area below 800 meters above sea level, and 10 ℃ in the mountain area below 800 meters above sea level. The annual range of temperature is 3032 ℃.
The spatial distribution of annual precipitation is uneven, with relative precipitation centers in the northeastern and southwestern Piedmont windward slopes, less than 500 mm in the northwest and northern deep mountains, and 500-600 mm in the plain and some mountainous areas.
The summer precipitation accounts for about 3% of the annual precipitation. The spatial distribution of summer precipitation is similar to that of the whole year: the northeast and southwest Piedmont windward slope is the relative precipitation center, between 450 mm and 500 mm, the northwest and north deep mountain area is less than 400 mm, and the plain and some mountain areas are between 400 mm and 450 mm.
| Seasons | Average highest temperature | lowest temperature | average precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 21℃ | 9℃ | 56mm |
| Summer | 31℃ | 22℃ | 399mm |
| Autumn | 18℃ | 9℃ | 110mm |
| Winter | 4℃ | -5℃ | 9mm |
Spring to April and May are also good months to visit Beijing, because this is the time when flowers are in full bloom. The temperature fluctuates (from 0-25 °C / 32-77 °F), so pack a large number of thin layers and warm socks. There are also fewer tourists, so you can explore famous cultural sites relatively calmly. Compared with the busy summer, hotel prices also tend to fall at this time of year.
From June to August, temperatures may reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), increasing the risk of torrential rain and high humidity. This does not seem to stop the influx of international tourists to Beijing at this time of year. On the positive side, the Great Wall of China looks particularly spectacular on a sunny day.
You can also enjoy a leisurely boat trip in Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace, or visit Beijing’s hutongs (traditional narrow streets or neighborhoods) to escape the heat. Make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen and umbrellas to cope with changing weather.
September and October are widely regarded as the best months to travel to Beijing. The temperature drops to a comfortable 15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit) and is usually sunny during the day. Rain is kept to a minimum, although there is no guarantee that it will rain, so take your raincoat. As flowers and trees become autumn colors, the city looks particularly attractive. Beihai Park and Beijing Botanical Garden are required places to visit. In addition, September is the only month for the Palace Museum in Beijing to display its most precious ancient paintings.
Warning: October 1 marks the beginning of the week-long National Day holiday. Celebrate the founding of the people’s Republic of China in 1949. Many Beijingers will leave the city to visit friends and relatives. In return, tourists from other parts of China have poured into Beijing, and major cultural attractions have become unusually busy. If possible, you’d better avoid it this week.
Beijing gets very cold in winter. The temperature can drop to-9 °C (16 °F), and snow is an obvious possibility. Packing warm clothes is very important-if you are tall, it may be difficult to find suitable clothes in Beijing.
Nevertheless, winter may be a good time to travel to the city because there are so few international tourists. In addition, if you celebrate the Spring Festival in Beijing, you can take part in all the celebrations in Beijing, from fireworks to the Spring Festival Gala.
