The Li River: A Journey Through China’s Most Breathtaking Landscape
Explore the Li River, China's breathtaking landscape with majestic mountains, serene waters, and picturesque views. A must-see for every traveler.
Beijing Weather in May
May in Beijing averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night. Around 38 mm (1.5 in) of rainfall is typical for this time of year.
Rainfall in Beijing in May
Typically around 6 days of rainfall are expected, averaging 38 mm (1.5 in) for the month. The odd shower may pass through, but it usually doesn't amount to much. A largely dry month overall.
Temperature in Beijing in May
May in Beijing brings typical temperatures with highs around 30°C (86°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). This gives the month a fairly typical daily rhythm, with warmer afternoons and more comfortable nights. Nights drop to around 15°C (59°F), which is noticeably cooler than the daytime. A light jacket for the evening is a sensible addition, and the cool nights tend to make sleeping comfortable.
Sunshine in Beijing in May
The days are predominantly sunny, with an estimated total of around 270 hours of sunshine. These sun-filled days are perfect for playing sports, visiting parks, or going for a bike ride.If you prefer enjoying temperate temperatures and rain-free days, April, September and October typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Beijing Temperature in May
Min Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Max Temperature
30°C (86°F)
Chance of Rain
18%
Precipitation
38 mm (1.5 in)
Rainy days
6 days
Humidity
53%
Sunshine
270 hours
Percentage Sunshine
64%
Beijing Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Beijing - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Beijing typically rise from around 25°C (77°F) at the start of May to approximately 29°C (84°F) by the end. Nights are pleasant, with lows typically ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 17°C (63°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather records for Beijing in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Beijing spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Beijing historical weather extremes in May
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Beijing from 1976 through 2026.
- The warmest day in May was on May 29, 2014, with a maximum of 42°C (108°F).
- Beijing registered its coldest May night on May 4, 2026, with temperatures dropping to 3°C (37°F).
Best Places in China in May
Find out more about the weather in China and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of China in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Beijing in May
Warm temperatures in May make for comfortable sightseeing weather. Pack breathable fabrics like cotton shirts, knee-length shorts or skirts, and comfortable walking shoes. A thin long sleeve for indoor spaces is handy. Pack a light rain jacket or compact umbrella for occasional showers. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.
What To Do in Beijing in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming10/10 -
Cycling8/10 -
Walking8/10 -
Barbeque10/10 -
Camping10/10 -
Outdoor sports8/10
Beijing 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Beijing
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Beijing climate overview or explore weather in China.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
The Li River: A Journey Through China’s Most Breathtaking Landscape
Go to China's Zhangjiajie National Park with the highest, the fastest, largest-loaded outdoor elevator in the world
You won't find this unique landscape anywhere else in the world. Thousands of floating mountains overgrown with trees at the top dominate this fairy tale landscape.
Go to Xinjiang in China
In Xinjiang you get to see a mix of East and Central Asia. An experience that you might want to add to your bucket list. You can travel through the province as if you are following an ancient silk route.
Mount Kailash
The best time for a Kailash tour/trekking is from mid-May to mid-October when the temperature is most pleasant. It is warm, dry and sunny in that period.