Beijing swings hard. January lows hit -6°C (21°F) with a dry, cutting wind, and June highs reach 34°C (93°F). The bigger surprise is that daily life runs on your phone, from paying with Alipay or WeChat Pay to the subway, so a dead battery hurts more here than a forgotten jacket.
Beijing weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 3°C37°F | 6°C43°F | 16°C61°F | 22°C72°F | 27°C81°F | 34°C93°F | 33°C91°F | 30°C86°F | 27°C81°F | 19°C66°F | 11°C52°F | 3°C37°F |
| Low | -6°C21°F | -5°C23°F | 2°C36°F | 9°C48°F | 15°C59°F | 21°C70°F | 24°C75°F | 22°C72°F | 17°C63°F | 9°C48°F | 2°C36°F | -5°C23°F |
| Rain days | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 16 | 14 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCold and very dry. Highs are only 3–6°C (37–43°F) and lows -5°C (23°F) to -6°C (21°F), with 0 to 2 rain days a month. The wind across Tiananmen Square and up on the Great Wall is the real problem, so bring a warm, windproof coat, a hat and gloves, plus lip balm for the dry air.
Spring
March–MaySpring warms fast, from 16°C (61°F) in March to 27°C (81°F) in May, but March nights still drop to 2°C (36°F). It's dry, with 3 to 6 rain days a month, and windy days kick up dust. Pack layers you can peel off by lunchtime.
Summer
June–AugustHot, and wetter than people expect. June peaks at 34°C (93°F), and July brings 16 rain days with lows of 24°C (75°F), so nights barely cool down. The Forbidden City has very little shade, so go early. Light, breathable clothes and a rain shell are the kit.
Autumn
September–NovemberThe best season. September is 27°C (81°F), October 19°C (66°F), and November drops to 11°C (52°F) by day and 2°C (36°F) at night. Bring a light jacket for September and October and a proper coat by November.
What to bring to Beijing
0 of 23 packed- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Payments, subway QR codes and translation all live on your phone in Beijing, and this battery plugs straight in so you're never at a checkout with a dead screen. Flying domestically in China? Check it carries the 3C mark first.
- Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Bottle with Flex CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Hot water dispensers are common in China, and this bottle is rated 12 hours hot and 24 hours cold, so it earns its place in January and July.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
June hits 34°C (93°F) and the Forbidden City has little shade, so a handheld fan is the cheap fix you'll be glad you packed.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Crowds at Tiananmen and Wangfujing are thick, and this crossbody keeps your phone and passport in front of you behind lockable zips.
Its sliding US, EU and AU plugs match the socket types you'll find in Beijing, with three USB-C and two USB-A ports on top.
- A warm wrapClothing
A wool or cashmere wrap fits in your personal item, works as a blanket on the long flight and as an extra layer when the wind picks up on the Great Wall.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Beijing days are long on foot, and this cushioned sneaker with a traction outsole handles subway transfers and Great Wall steps in the warm months.
Clothing
- Insulated down jacket · 1January lows hit -6°C, Dec–Feb
- Thermal base layers · 2 setsDec–Feb cold, dry wind
- Warm hat and gloves · 1 setDec–Feb
- Breathable T-shirts · 4June highs reach 34°C
- Light rain jacket · 1July averages 16 rain days
- Light layers for spring and fall · 2
Footwear
- Waterproof boots or shoes · 1 pairWinter cold and July rain
Gear
- Compact umbrellaJul–Aug downpours
- Sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- Rich moisturizer and lip balmWinter air is dry
- Face masksUseful on high-pollution days
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
Documents and money
- Passport and China visa if required
- Card linked to Alipay or WeChat PayPayments run mostly by phone
- Some cash in yuan
Tech
- Phone set up with payment and map apps before arrival
What shoes should you pack for Beijing?
Beijing is huge, and the distances between sights and the long subway transfers add up fast. Bring cushioned, broken-in sneakers with grip, because the steep, uneven steps on Great Wall sections like Mutianyu are hard on smooth soles. In winter, add warm socks or a lined shoe.
What do people wear in Beijing?
Casual and practical. Locals wear jeans, sneakers and long puffer coats in winter and light cotton in summer. Nobody dresses up for the Forbidden City or the hutongs, but a smarter outfit fits in for dinner in Sanlitun or a hotel bar.
What plugs does Beijing use?
Mainland China uses Type A, C and I sockets at 220V, and many outlets take more than one shape. Phone and laptop chargers are fine at 220V, but anything with a heating element built for 110V isn't. An adapter with US, EU and Australian plugs covers every socket type you'll find.
Tours and things to do in Beijing
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Beijing.
What should you leave at home for Beijing?
Leave the 110V hair dryer at home. Check your power bank before you fly, because security is strict and domestic flights within China only accept ones with China's 3C mark and a clearly printed capacity. And don't count on Google Maps or Gmail working, so set up your apps before you land.
Packing for Beijing: questions people ask
What should I wear in Beijing in winter?
A warm, windproof coat, a hat and gloves. Highs are 3–6°C (37–43°F) and lows drop to -6°C (21°F) in January, and the wind makes it feel colder.
Is Beijing humid in summer?
July and August are the muggy months, with 16 and 14 rain days and lows of 24°C (75°F) and 22°C (72°F). June is drier but the hottest, at 34°C (93°F).
What shoes should I wear for the Great Wall?
Sneakers or light hiking shoes with real grip. Many sections have steep, uneven steps that are slippery for smooth soles.
Do I need a plug adapter for China?
Mainland China uses Type A, C and I sockets at 220V. US plugs fit the Type A outlets, but an adapter covers all three.
When is the best time to visit Beijing?
September and October. Highs are 27°C (81°F) and 19°C (66°F) with only 5 to 6 rain days a month.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.