Question 1

What is the weather like in Beijing during autumn?

Accepted Answer

Beijing experiences crisp, pleasant autumn weather from September through November, with average temperatures of 13.5°C (56.3°F) and abundant sunshine making it one of the best times to visit the city.

Autumn 2024 brought a dramatic temperature transition across the three months. September remained warm with an average of 20.7°C (69.3°F) and occasional highs reaching 31.1°C (88.0°F). October cooled significantly to 12.6°C (54.7°F), offering ideal conditions for outdoor sightseeing. By November, temperatures dropped to an average of 7.2°C (45.0°F), with overnight lows occasionally dipping below freezing to -5.5°C (22.1°F).

Rainfall is relatively low during Beijing's autumn season. The period from September to November 2024 recorded just 81.9mm (3.2 inches) of total precipitation, with most falling in September. This dry weather, combined with 726 hours of sunshine across the season, creates excellent visibility for viewing the Great Wall and exploring the city's historic hutongs.

The autumn humidity in Beijing averages around 67.5%, noticeably more comfortable than the humid summer months. Visitors should pack layers to accommodate the 13.5°C (24.3°F) temperature swing between early September and late November. Light jackets suffice for September, while warm coats become essential by November as winter approaches.

Question 2

How cold did Beijing get in winter 2023/24?

Accepted Answer

Beijing dropped to a frigid -16.1°C (3.0°F) during winter 2023/24 (December 2023 to February 2024), making it one of the coldest periods for visitors and residents alike.

The average winter temperature in Beijing was -2.6°C (27.3°F), with December being the coldest month at an average of -4.3°C (24.3°F). January followed closely at -3.2°C (26.2°F), while February brought slightly milder conditions averaging -0.4°C (31.3°F) as the city transitioned toward spring.

Despite the cold nighttime lows, daytime temperatures were more moderate. Average daily highs reached 12.1°C (53.8°F) across the winter months, with February seeing the warmest days at 13.6°C (56.5°F). This significant temperature swing between day and night is characteristic of Beijing's continental climate.

Winter 2023/24 was notably dry in Beijing, with only 19.8mm (0.78 inches) of total precipitation across all three months. January recorded no measurable precipitation at all. The dry conditions combined with 681.9 hours of sunshine meant clear, crisp winter days were common, though the low humidity averaging 46.6% made the cold feel more biting.

For travelers planning a winter visit to Beijing, layered clothing is essential to handle both the freezing mornings and the milder afternoon temperatures.

Question 3

How much rain does Beijing get in summer?

Accepted Answer

Beijing receives substantial rainfall during summer, with the 2024 season recording a total of 608.7mm (24.0 inches) across June, July, and August. This makes summer by far the wettest season in Beijing's climate.

The summer rain in Beijing follows a distinct pattern, with precipitation increasing dramatically as the season progresses. June 2024 was relatively dry with just 32.1mm (1.3 inches), while July saw a significant jump to 258.8mm (10.2 inches). August 2024 was the wettest month, delivering 317.8mm (12.5 inches) of rainfall.

This heavy summer precipitation is driven by the East Asian monsoon, which brings warm, moisture-laden air from the Pacific Ocean. Average humidity in Beijing climbed from 45.8% in June to 81.3% in August 2024, creating notably muggy conditions. Despite the rain, summer temperatures remained warm with an average of 26.8°C (80.2°F).

For visitors planning summer trips to Beijing, packing waterproof gear is essential, particularly for July and August. The afternoon thunderstorms are often brief but intense. Morning hours typically offer the best window for outdoor sightseeing before the daily rains arrive.

Question 4

When does spring start in Beijing and what temperatures can you expect?

Accepted Answer

Spring in Beijing (March to May) brings a dramatic temperature transition, with 2024 data showing the season warming from chilly March averages of 7.6°C (45.7°F) to pleasant May temperatures averaging 21.6°C (70.9°F).

In 2024, Beijing's meteorological spring saw its last frost on March 21, with temperatures consistently staying above 10°C (50°F) from mid-March onward. March remains quite cold with minimum temperatures dropping to -8.2°C (17.2°F) in early 2024, while by May, daily highs regularly reached 27-34°C (81-93°F). The season's highest temperature hit 34.0°C (93.2°F) on May 30.

One notable characteristic of Beijing spring weather is the large daily temperature swing, averaging 14.4°C (26°F) between daytime highs and nighttime lows. April offers the most comfortable conditions with average temperatures of 16.2°C (61.2°F), making it ideal for sightseeing at popular attractions like the Forbidden City and Summer Palace.

Spring 2024 brought 99.5mm of rainfall spread across 25 days, with May being the wettest month at 54.6mm. Despite occasional showers, Beijing enjoyed over 920 hours of sunshine throughout the season, providing plenty of clear days for outdoor activities.

Question 5

What is the sunniest time of year in Beijing?

Accepted Answer

Beijing enjoys the most sunshine during late spring and early summer, with June being the sunniest month of the year. In 2024, June recorded 383.1 hours of sunshine, averaging approximately 12.8 hours of daylight per day.

May follows closely as the second sunniest month with 350.4 hours of sunshine. Together, these two months delivered 733.5 hours of bright, sunny weather in 2024, making the May-June period ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing in Beijing.

The summer season overall (June through August) accumulated 997.4 hours of sunshine in 2024, compared to 920.3 hours in spring (March through May) and 722.7 hours in winter (December through February). Beijing received a total of 3,366.5 hours of sunshine throughout 2024, averaging 280.5 hours per month.

During the sunniest month of June, temperatures in Beijing averaged 27.3°C (81.1°F), providing warm but comfortable conditions for exploring the city's historic sites and parks. February was the least sunny month with just 216.8 hours of sunshine. For visitors seeking the best combination of abundant sunshine and pleasant weather, late May through June offers optimal conditions in Beijing.

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