Beijing in May
In May, Beijing averages 27°C (81°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night, with around 5 days of rain (35 mm total).
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
May is a great month to visit Beijing: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Beijing
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Beijing (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C above the annual average (18°C). May runs 6°C warmer than April (21°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (30°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Beijing
Times shown for Beijing local time (Asia/Shanghai), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Beijing — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Beijing's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Beijing in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (High season) and Beijing's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Beijing
This is a busy month in Beijing — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Beijing
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Beijing in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C / 36°F | -9°C / 16°F | 3 mm | 2 | 2 |
| February | 5°C / 41°F | -6°C / 21°F | 5 mm | 2 | 2 |
| March | 12°C / 54°F | -1°C / 30°F | 10 mm | 3 | 1 |
| April | 21°C / 70°F | 7°C / 45°F | 25 mm | 4 | 0 |
| May | 27°C / 81°F | 13°C / 55°F | 35 mm | 5 | 0 |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 18°C / 64°F | 70 mm | 9 | 0 |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 175 mm | 14 | 0 |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 21°C / 70°F | 165 mm | 12 | 0 |
| September | 26°C / 79°F | 14°C / 57°F | 50 mm | 7 | 0 |
| October | 19°C / 66°F | 7°C / 45°F | 25 mm | 3 | 0 |
| November | 10°C / 50°F | -1°C / 30°F | 10 mm | 2 | 1 |
| December | 4°C / 39°F | -7°C / 19°F | 5 mm | 2 | 2 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Beijing in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Beijing in May?
In May, Beijing averages a high of 27°C (81°F) and a low of 13°C (55°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Beijing in May?
May sees occasional rain in Beijing, with about 5 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Beijing?
May is warm and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Beijing in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full May packing list for Beijing for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.