Beijing has a temperate and continental monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons and big differences in temperature between day and night. Summer in Beijing is hot and humid, while winter is cold and dry. Spring and autumn are short and cool. 75% of the annual precipitation is concentrated in summer from June to August, with frequent showers in July and August. The coldest month is January at an average of -4oC (25oF), and the hottest month is July at an average of 26oC (79oF). The weather is generally pleasant all year round, but autumn (September to November) is the best season to visit Beijing. Have a look at our Beijing Tour Packages and choose your time of travel. Red Leaf Festival at Fragrant Hill will be held from October to November, 2011, offering a great chance to get close to nature and see the breathtaking multicolored scene of red maple leaves and other autumnal foliage.
Spring
Spring is from March to May, with frequent intervals of rising and lowering of temperatures. Spring is the season when flowers bloom. See places to see flowers in Beijing. There is much wind and dust in spring, and sometimes sandstorms, but May is a good time for spring outings and many shows and performances concentrate in this month.
Summer
Summer is from June to August, usually scorching with sizzling temperatures at noon. There are occasional downpours. Umbrella, sunglasses and sun screen are recommended. Wear any summer clothes, such as T-shirts, shorts and skirts. Summer is considered peak season, when hotels typically raise their rates and the Great Wall nearly collapses under the weight of marching tourists.
Mountainous areas such as Jingdong Grand Canyon and Chuandixia Village near Beijing's suburbs offer much coolness to escape the summer heat. Leisurely boating on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace, or riding a rickshaw to visit Hutongs (traditional neighborhoods), is also very pleasant.
Autumn
Autumn (September to November) is the most beautiful and pleasant season in Beijing. Though there are intervals of weather changes, it is generally comfortable. Climbing the Great Wall or seeing the red leaves at Fragrant Hill is recommended for this season. There are many places that you can go to see fall foilage in this season.
Winter
Winter is from December to February. It is cold and dry with occasional snow. The temperature is usually well below zero. Prepare down jackets, thick jeans and long johns, sweaters, hats and gloves. You might also need a mask to protect your nose on windy days
Eating steaming Mongolian hotpot can warm you up in winter (View Beijing's food and restaurants). Celebrating a traditional Chinese New Year in the Hutongs, attending bustling temple fairs, and learning to make dumplings will surely give you an authentic experience of local people's life. In addition you can enjoy skiing at Nanshan Ski Resort, Huaibei Ski Resort, and the Bird's Nest (the National Stadium, main venue for the 2008 Olympics Beijing).
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