Beijing Weather in February

February weather

February in Beijing feels properly wintry, with daytime highs around 6°C and nights down to -6°C. Rain is scarce, and the air is often dry, so you're more likely to face cold than a washout. Short walks around the hutongs, the old lanes near Houhai, can work well between warm stops. The Forbidden City and its indoor halls are another good choice.

Long days on the Great Wall can feel tough in the cold. If you visit Mutianyu, take the cable car up and keep your walk short if the steps are icy.

Lunar New Year

Chinese New Year sometimes falls in February, though its date changes each year. Beijing's Ditan Temple Fair is a traditional option when it's running, with folk performances and snacks. The Lantern Festival may also fall in February, marking the end of the holiday period.

Travelling with kids? A temple fair can be more fun than a long, chilly museum visit.

Crowds and costs

February is generally quieter and cheaper than Beijing's popular spring and autumn months. But don't expect empty trains or streets around Chinese New Year: many people travel home, and some local businesses close for part of the holiday. Outside that period, you'll often find calmer queues at major sights.

For the Great Wall, choose Mutianyu over a long hike at a more remote section. Its cable car cuts down the exposed climb, and you can warm up afterwards with a hot bowl of zhajiangmian, Beijing noodles with soybean paste.