Late summer · Weather & things to do
Beijing in August
Beijing edges cooler than July, with highs of 89°F (32°C), lows of 69°F (21°C) and about 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 62/100, 7th of 12.
- Avg high
- 89°F (32°C)
- Avg low
- 69°F (21°C)
- Rain
- 4.3 in (109 mm)
- Humidity
- 67%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 35 min
- Comfort score
- 62/100 · Good
What August feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 89°F (32°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Lows average 69°F (21°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.3 in (109 mm).
Plan around August
August sits mid-table; the best months are April and September & October.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, June – August.
- Comfort improves from 49/100 in July to 62/100.
- Our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends Apr – May, Sep – Oct, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 89°F
- Sun hat and sunscreenmidday heat
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.3 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Beijing in August
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Summer Palace
Imperial lakeside retreat with the Long Corridor and Kunming Lake.
Why now August scores 62/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Temple of Heaven
Ming-era altar complex where emperors prayed for harvests, set in a large park.
Why now Highs near 89°F and 4.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Guijie (Ghost Street)
Street of restaurants lit by red lanterns, known for spicy crayfish and hot pot late into the night.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Shichahai Hutongs
Old alleyways around Houhai and the Drum and Bell Towers, best by bike or rickshaw.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 89°F.
Mutianyu Great Wall
Restored, forested section of the Great Wall with a cable car and toboggan descent.
Why now Best first thing, before the 89°F afternoon heat.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~222 m to Beijing's ~53 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Beijing in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Beijing?
It's middling, scoring 62/100. The best months are April and September & October, at up to 95. Expect highs of 89°F (32°C) and 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain. Our Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai route recommends Apr – May, Sep – Oct, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Beijing in August?
Average highs are 89°F (32°C) and average lows 69°F (21°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Beijing in August?
Some: about 4.3 in (109 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 21.0 in (533 mm).
What should I pack for Beijing in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 89°F), sun hat and sunscreen (midday heat), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.3 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Beijing
Planning Beijing in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.