Beijing · Month comparison
February vs September
September ranks #1 overall vs February at #5. Golden autumn with crystal-clear skies — Beijing at its most photogenic and comfortable
February
#5 of 12 months
Worth considering
Chinese New Year transforms Beijing into a city of lanterns, fireworks and temple fairs
- ↑Spring Festival temple fairs at Ditan and Longtan parks are extraordinary spectacles
- ↑Lantern Festival (15 days in) is among the world's most photogenic celebrations
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
| Factor | February | September |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 3 | 9 |
| Value score | 5 | 5 |
| Crowd score | 8 | 7 |
| Events score | 9 | 6 |
| Atmosphere | 8 | 9 |
| Avg high temp | 5°C | 25°C |
| Monthly rain | 6mm | 56mm |
| Daily sunshine | 6hrs | 9hrs |
February trade-offs
- ↓Peak crowds and surging prices around New Year week — book months ahead
- ↓Cold weather persists (−3 to 5°C) and transport chaos peaks
September trade-offs
- ↓Crowds build ahead of National Day Golden Week — book accommodation early
- ↓Prices rise across hotels and tours as demand peaks
Scores compare months within Beijing. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →