Beijing · Month comparison
May vs September
September ranks #1 overall vs May at #4. Golden autumn with crystal-clear skies — Beijing at its most photogenic and comfortable
May
#4 of 12 months
Strong option
Late spring warmth before summer heat — one of Beijing's most pleasant months for sightseeing
- ↑Warm days (20–28°C) and long evenings ideal for outdoor dining and hutong walks
- ↑Gardens in full bloom; wisteria at the Summer Palace is exceptional
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 | May | September |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 7 | 9 |
| Value score | 5 | 5 |
| Crowd score | 6 | 7 |
| Events score | 5 | 6 |
| Atmosphere | 7 | 9 |
| Avg high temp | 27°C | 25°C |
| Monthly rain | 29mm | 56mm |
| Daily sunshine | 10hrs | 9hrs |
May trade-offs
- ↓Humidity begins to rise noticeably, making afternoons more tiring
- ↓Occasional rainy days — carry a light jacket
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 →