📒 Beijing Climate & Weather Overview
Located in Northern China, Beijing's geography gives it a humid continental climate, which means the city experiences four distinct seasons. For travellers from tropical Singapore, this offers a dramatic and exciting change of scenery throughout the year. The Beijing climate swings from hot, humid summers to cold, dry winters, creating vastly different travel experiences depending on when you visit.
Understanding the weather in Beijing by season is key to a comfortable trip. Summers can feel surprisingly familiar with their warmth and occasional downpours, while the crisp, biting air of winter is a world away from the year-round humidity of Southeast Asia. The average temperatures in Beijing fluctuate significantly, so planning ahead is essential for a smooth journey.
Current & Next 7 Days Temperature in Beijing
Seasons in Beijing
- Spring (March–May): Days become pleasantly warm and flowers bloom, but be prepared for occasional sandstorms and fluctuating temperatures.
- Summer (June–August): This season is hot and humid, with the majority of the city's annual rainfall occurring in July and August.
- Autumn (September–November): Often considered the best time to visit Beijing, autumn offers clear blue skies, comfortable temperatures, and beautiful golden foliage.
- Winter (December–February): Expect freezing temperatures, dry air, and the possibility of snow. It’s a quiet and atmospheric time to see the city’s landmarks without the crowds.
Not decided on when to visit Beijing yet? Check out the Best Time to Visit Beijing guide and Beijing Weather in June for up‑to‑date weather, seasonal events, and festival calendars so you can compare a magical winter trip in December with milder spring and autumn visits.
🧣 Beijing Weather in December: Freezing, Dry, Sunny
For those used to Singapore's tropical warmth, the Beijing weather in December is a true winter experience. The city is firmly in the grip of the cold, with average temperatures ranging from a chilly -6°C to 4°C (21°F to 39°F). The air is exceptionally dry, a stark contrast to Singapore's humidity, and while snowfall isn't guaranteed, a light dusting can transform the city into a picturesque winter scene.
This month is ideal for travellers looking to escape the heat, enjoy lower crowd levels at major attractions, and experience the unique beauty of a northern winter. The crisp air and bright, low-hanging sun create perfect conditions for photography, capturing ancient landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall in a stark, beautiful light. While outdoor activities require serious bundling up, the city’s cosy restaurants and well-heated museums offer warm refuge.
Category | Details |
Season in December | Deep Winter |
Temperature Range | -6°C to 4°C / 21°F to 39°F |
Rainfall | Very low – average 2mm/month (more likely as light snow) |
Humidity | Low (40-50%) |
Daylight Hours | Approximately 9-10 hours of daylight |
Best Things to Do | Ice skating on Houhai Lake, visiting the Great Wall with fewer crowds, enjoying indoor hot pot dinners, exploring museums. |
Festivals & Events | While not a public holiday, major shopping districts will have festive Christmas decorations. |
Use the Beijing Food Guide to savour cold‑weather comfort foods: warm up with classic Peking duck, bubbling hotpot, hand‑pulled noodles, and roasted street‑snack favourites between your chilly sightseeing stops.
🎒 What to Pack for a Trip to Beijing in December
Packing correctly is the key to enjoying Beijing in Winter. The goal is to stay warm and comfortable in the dry, freezing conditions. Layering is essential, as indoor spaces are often very well-heated.
Clothing Essentials:
- Thermal Underwear: A non-negotiable base layer (both top and bottom) to trap body heat.
- Mid-Layers: Pack fleece jackets, wool jumpers, or cashmere sweaters to wear over your thermal base.
- Outer Layer: A high-quality, insulated, and windproof down jacket is crucial for staying warm outdoors.
- Warm Trousers: Fleece-lined or thick corduroy trousers are excellent choices. Avoid jeans, as they offer little insulation.
- Footwear: Insulated, waterproof boots with good grip are essential for icy paths. Pair them with thick wool socks.
Weather Gear:
- Warm Accessories: A warm hat that covers your ears, a thick scarf to protect your face from the wind, and insulated gloves or mittens.
- Lip Balm & Moisturiser: The dry air can be harsh on skin. Pack a rich moisturiser and a good quality lip balm.
- Sunglasses: The winter sun can be surprisingly bright, especially if there is snow on the ground.
- Hand Warmers: Disposable heat packs are a great way to keep your hands toasty on particularly cold days.
Travel Accessories:
- Reusable Water Bottle: It's easy to get dehydrated in the dry air, so remember to drink plenty of water.
- Power Bank: Cold weather can drain phone batteries faster than usual.
- Daypack: To carry your extra layers, water bottle, and other essentials while sightseeing.
Pro Packing Tips:
- Layering is your best friend. You’ll want to remove your heavy jacket and jumper indoors to avoid overheating in centrally heated buildings.
- Protect your extremities. Your ears, nose, hands, and feet will feel the cold first, so ensure they are well-covered.
- Hotels are well-equipped for the cold, so you won't need to worry about being cold in your room.
Travelling light? Check out our guide on carry-on baggage restrictions to know what you can or can not bring on board!
✈️ Planning Your December Trip to Beijing
A trip to Beijing in December offers a peaceful and atmospheric experience, free from the crowds of peak season. While the Beijing temperature requires thoughtful preparation, the reward is seeing the city's historic grandeur in a serene winter setting. For those seeking milder weather, autumn is often cited as the best time to visit Beijing, but winter holds a unique charm for the well-prepared traveller.
Must-Know Tips
- Weather Preparedness: Always check the daily forecast, paying attention to the "feels like" temperature, which accounts for wind chill. Plan indoor activities like museum visits for the coldest parts of the day.
- Cultural & Safety Considerations: Be cautious when walking, as pavements can be icy. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or warm tea, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Practical Planning Tips: December is considered the off-peak season, so you can often find excellent Beijing hotel deals. The Beijing Metro is a warm, fast, and efficient way to travel between sights and avoid the cold.
Map your stay with Where to Stay in Beijing to pick the right base for December—from Wangfujing for last‑minute shopping and festive lights to hutong areas like Nanluoguxiang for slower‑paced historic walks—and pair it with Best Things to Do in Beijing and What to Buy in Beijing to make the most of crisp winter days, snowy landmarks, and cosy evenings indoors.
Plot your route fast with Where to Go in Beijing for the city’s must‑see neighborhoods—from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen area to the Great Wall gateways—and then plug in a ready‑made Beijing Itinerary Guide for smooth planning.
Beyond Beijing, don’t forget to check out our weekly updated deals and promo codes for regional and global destinations—grab the best offers before they’re gone!
FAQ: Visiting Beijing in December
How cold is Beijing in December?
December in Beijing is properly wintery, with average daytime highs around 3–4°C and nights often dropping to about −6°C or lower, so you will need a good winter coat, thermals, and accessories like gloves and a hat.Does it snow in Beijing in December?
Yes, light snow is possible in December, though it usually falls only on a few days; when it does, it can create beautiful snowy scenes in the city and especially around the Great Wall, but you shouldn’t count on thick or frequent snow.Are attractions and shops open over Christmas?
Christmas is not a major public holiday in mainland China, so most attractions, malls, and restaurants in Beijing stay open as usual, although some places may add festive decorations, special menus, or extended shopping hours for the season.Are there public holidays in China in December?
There are no major nationwide public holidays in December in China, so you can expect mostly normal business hours and regular pricing, with the next big holiday rush only starting around New Year and Chinese New Year.