Beijing Weather in July

Heat and summer rain

July is hot and sticky, with highs around 33°C and nights near 22°C. Rain falls on many days, often as heavy showers, so a clear morning can turn grey and wet by afternoon. The air can feel close, especially around busy streets and crowded sights.

Use clearer spells for the Great Wall or a walk through the hutongs, Beijing's old lanes. Keep the Forbidden City and indoor museums for the hottest or wettest parts of the day. Rain can make the Wall's stone steps slippery, so don't push on if a storm rolls in.

July events

July 1 marks the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. You may see themed displays or ceremonies around Tiananmen Square, though it isn't a public holiday. Beijing's school summer break also starts around this time, bringing more local families to major sights.

If you hate crowds, avoid weekends at the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. July is a busy domestic travel month, so hotel rates and flights are often higher than in spring or autumn. The weather is also less comfortable than in April, May, September and October.

Make the most of it

Travelling with kids? Build in a quiet, air-conditioned break after lunch, then head out again when the day eases. For a more sheltered outing, explore the shops and food stalls around Qianmen, but expect plenty of people.

At the Forbidden City, use the Meridian Gate entrance and follow the route north toward the Gate of Divine Might. It's a long, exposed walk with little shade, so save it for a cooler, drier spell rather than arriving at midday.