Beijing · Month comparison

March vs September

September ranks #1 overall vs March at #6. Golden autumn with crystal-clear skies — Beijing at its most photogenic and comfortable

Temple rooftops in Beijing with early spring blossoms

March

#6 of 12 months

Worth considering

Warming days and uncrowded streets — Beijing's quiet shoulder season with emerging blossoms

  • ↑Rising temperatures and early cherry blossoms at Yuanmingyuan and Jingshan
  • ↑Good hotel availability and moderate prices before April peak
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
FactorMarchSeptember
Weather score
5
9
Value score
6
5
Crowd score
5
7
Events score
4
6
Atmosphere
6
9
Avg high temp12°C25°C
Monthly rain9mm56mm
Daily sunshine7.5hrs9hrs

March trade-offs

  • ↓Dust storms from Mongolia are possible, reducing visibility
  • ↓Mornings can still be cold (2–12°C) and smoggy days persist

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