Beijing · Month comparison

April vs September

September ranks #1 overall vs April at #3. Golden autumn with crystal-clear skies — Beijing at its most photogenic and comfortable

Temple of Heaven surrounded by cherry blossom trees in spring

April

#3 of 12 months

Best match

Spring in Beijing peaks in April — cherry blossoms and near-perfect temperatures

  • ↑Cherry blossoms at Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace at their most spectacular
  • ↑Ideal 16–22°C days perfect for walking the hutongs and outer parks
Great Wall of China bathed in golden autumn light with turning foliage

September

#1 of 12 months

Best match

Golden autumn with crystal-clear skies — Beijing at its most photogenic and comfortable

  • ↑Perfect 20–26°C temperatures and brilliant blue skies after the summer haze lifts
  • ↑Great Wall sections like Jinshanling and Mutianyu glow with early autumn colour
FactorAprilSeptember
Weather score
8
9
Value score
5
5
Crowd score
7
7
Events score
6
6
Atmosphere
8
9
Avg high temp20°C25°C
Monthly rain26mm56mm
Daily sunshine9hrs9hrs

April trade-offs

  • ↓Popular parks fill quickly on weekends — arrive at 8am to beat the crowds
  • ↓Hotel prices rise and availability tightens for the peak spring window

September trade-offs

  • ↓Crowds build ahead of National Day Golden Week — book accommodation early
  • ↓Prices rise across hotels and tours as demand peaks
See all 12 months for Beijing →April in detail →September in detail →
Scores compare months within Beijing. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →