Beijing has a continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are short while winter and summer are long. The average temperature of Beijing in year 2002 is 13.2 Centigrade. December was the coldest month with an average temperature of -2.9 Centigrade while July was the hottest month with an average temperature of 27.5 Centigrade. Average annual rainfall in 2002 equaled 370.4 millimeters, which was relatively low. The frost-free period of Beijing for year 2002 was 199 days. 

The temperature in summer usually ranges from 28 - 39 degrees centigrade. Highest temperature ever recorded was 42 degrees centigrade. The temperature in winter usually ranges from -18 to 5 degrees centigrade. Lowest temperature ever recorded was -27 degrees centigrade.

The best time to visit Beijing is May, September and October, when people can enjoy bright sunny sky.