Beijing Weather and Climate

Beijing Weather from Beijing Made Easy

Beijing’s weather is fairly dry, with very hot weather in summer, and very cold winters. There are sometimes sandstorms in winter and early spring, caused by sand blown South from the Gobi Desert due to desertification.

Air quality is generally not very high and its improvement is one of the biggest tasks the Beijing government has undertaken for the 2008 Olympics.

Beijing Weather: When to Visit Beijing?

Beijing weather is best in the autumn, around September to November. Temperatures are mild and there’s not too much rain. The autumn also has the advantage of there being relatively few tourists.

Beijing Weather – Freezing Winters

The winter lasts from December to March. Temperatures can drop as low as -10°C (14°F), and rarely rise above 5°C (40°F). While this might seem cold, a hutong covered in snow is an achingly beautiful sight, and the winter is the time of the year for ice skating, snowball fights, local liquor and spicy, steaming northern hotpots. Winter is the time for sandstorms.

Beijing Weather – Spring

Spring is the equal of autumn in terms of temperatures and rainfall, but sandstorms are more common and the air is dusty.

Beijing Weather – Summer

Beijing’s summer weather starts in late May, and lasts until August. Temperatures rarely drop below 20°C and can reach nearly 40°C (104°F). The heat can be very oppressive and summer is the busiest tourist season. Most of Beijing’s rainfall comes in the summer, and is usually a welcome break from the heat. A walk just after a rainstorm is a lovely way to relax. The air is clean and fresh, and the streets deserted.

Beijing Weather: What to wear?

Summer: Shorts and T-shirt are probably OK, but carry a spare jumper, sunscreen, a hat, and an umbrella if you don’t want to get wet.

Autumn: Trousers and a jumper, but have a coat with you.

Winter: Bring a thick coat and hat, sturdy waterproof shoes, gloves and scarf. Beijing is beautiful in winter, pneumonia isn’t. Multiple thin layers are better than few thick ones.

Spring: As for autumn, hedge your bets, wear trousers and a jumper but have an extra layer handy.

Beijing Weather Related Links

5 Day Beijing Weather Forecast from the BBC

6-10 Day Beijing Weather Forecast from Weather.com

Current Beijing Weather and 5 Day Forecast From www.theweathernetwork.com