Beijing · Month comparison

January vs September

September ranks #1 overall vs January at #12. Golden autumn with crystal-clear skies — Beijing at its most photogenic and comfortable

Great Wall of China in winter with snow-covered battlements

January

#12 of 12 months

Avoid

Biting cold and hazardous smog make January Beijing's harshest month

  • ↑Forbidden City nearly empty — you can walk the courtyards in silence
  • ↑Cheapest hotel rates of the year across the board
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
FactorJanuarySeptember
Weather score
2
9
Value score
8
5
Crowd score
3
7
Events score
4
6
Atmosphere
4
9
Avg high temp2°C25°C
Monthly rain3mm56mm
Daily sunshine4.5hrs9hrs

January trade-offs

  • ↓Sub-zero temperatures and pollution emergencies make outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable
  • ↓Short days and grey skies limit photography windows

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 →January in detail →September in detail →
Scores compare months within Beijing. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →