Beijing has 4 seasons, with summer and winter being extreme. In winter, it can get as cold as -20 degrees, and is very dry (remember your moisturizer!). Winter is usually from November through to February, with January being the coldest month. Summer, May to August, is hot and is when Beijing gets most of it’s rainfall – the city is therefore pleasantly green during the summer. July is usually the hottest month, with temperatures in the low 30’s. 

 

Autumn, September to October, is perhaps the best time to visit Beijing as the temperatures are mild with light breezes and the sky is blue.   

 

Spring, March to April, is windy with occasional dust storms.

 

Air pollution is a problem in Beijing and while the government is determined to transform Beijing into a “green city” before the 2008 Olympics, smoggy days are not unusual.