Beijing weather in May
May is an excellent time to visit Beijing as warm spring temperatures edge towards summer.
You can expect pleasantly warm dry weather, clear blue skies and eight and a half hours of sunshine daily, with the occasional rain shower. Daytime temperatures climb to an average high of 27°C (80°F), with a low of 14°C (57°F) at night.
Windy conditions generally blow away the pollution but can also bring the occasional sand storm into the city from the Gobi desert.
May is considered low season in Beijing, except for the Labor Day Holidays (May 1, plus up to three weekdays and a weekend) when hotel rates and restaurant prices usually increase.
How hot is it in Beijing in May?
May is generally a warm month. However, there are significant differences between day and night temperatures: the average temperature is 20°C (68°F), with a high of 27°C (80°F) and a low of 14°C (57°F).
On the warmest days, which usually occur at the end of the month, the temperature can reach 35°C (94°F).
How sunny is it in Beijing in May?
There are normally eight and a half hours of bright sunshine each day in Beijing in May – that's around 60% of daylight hours.
Sunrise & sunset in May?
Sunrise is around 5am with sunset around 7:25pm.
Does it rain in Beijing in May?
There are usually six days with some rain in Beijing in May, and the average monthly rainfall is 39mm (1.5in).
How windy is it in Beijing in May?
May sees an average hourly wind speed of 13 kilometres per hour (8 mph; 7 knots).
What to do in Beijing in May?
Weather conditions in May are excellent to explore Beijing’s amazing treasure trove of stunning monuments, including the magnificent Summer Palace, the exquisite Temple of Heaven and the splendours of the Forbidden City.
It’s also a good time to stroll along the Great Wall of China at Badaling, only one hour from downtown Beijing. Or, for a more strenuous but rewarding adventure, hike (or cycle) the 9km route along the Great Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai (or visa versa).
Beijing weather in May
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High Temp: 27°C (80°F) |
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Low Temp: 14°C (57°F) |
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Sunshine: 8.5 hours per day |
14
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Daylight: 14 hours per day |
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Wind speed: 13 km/h (8 mph; 7 knots) |
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Wet Days: 6 days with some rain |
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Rainfall: 39 mm (1.5 in) per month |
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Comfort Level: Warm & 49% average humidity |
8
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UV Index: High |
| Beijing, China | |
Best time to visit the Beijing
The best time to visit Beijing is during spring and autumn: April and May, and September to early November – so avoiding the heat and rains of summer, as well as the cold of winter.
At these times the many tourist attractions are less crowded while it’s warm and dry, with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). Early summer is also a good time to visit Beijing.
Beijing weather by month
Source: Meteorological data for Beijing is based on weather statistics gathered for the 30-year period 1992 to 2021 by the China Meteorological Administration at the closest weather station: Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA), also called Capital Airport or Beijing Airport, located 32km (20mi) northeast of Beijing.
Advice on the best time to visit a particular destination is based on average local weather statistics, when the weather conditions are generally better than at other times of the year. We consider high and low temperatures, risk of rain (and thunderstorms, etc.), amount of sunshine and sea temperature. For general outdoor activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 18°C (64°F) and 27°C (80°F); and for hot-weather activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 24°C (75°F) and 32°C (89°F). Often, the best times to visit correspond to high season and therefore involve higher prices.
Latest update: Beijing weather: 12 June, 2024
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