Beijing in January

Very cold and dry; Spring Festival some years.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

January is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• MayGreatWarm and dry; May Day week is crowded.
• SeptemberGreatClear and mild; a good month.
• AprilGoodMild; blossoms; Qingming long weekend.
• NovemberGoodCool, dry and clear.

• BeijingHighs around 2 °C (36 °F), lows around -9 °C (16 °F), rain on about 3 daysHighs around 36 °F (2 °C), lows around 16 °F (-9 °C), rain on about 3 days
• North China, China · Beijing, Tianjin, Xi'an, Datong, Pingyaocool

  Continental: dry winters down to −10 °C (14 °F), hot humid summers with thunderstorms. Dust and smog peak in late winter and spring; September–October is the clear season.Continental: dry winters down to 14 °F (−10 °C), hot humid summers with thunderstorms. Dust and smog peak in late winter and spring; September–October is the clear season.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) check

  Date moves yearly; check this year's date · Whole city

  Many shops and restaurants close for several days; transport is packed for weeks around it; some fireworks restrictions apply in the centre.

Crowds · China overall

Medium

Prices · China overall

Medium

China overall: Cold and smoggy in the north, ice festival in Harbin; Spring Festival travel rush can start mid-month.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Beijing, side by side.

• A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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