01Weather
Beijing weather in May
Afternoons in May average 28.7 °C (84 °F) and nights cool to 14.2 °C (58 °F). The month brings about 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain spread over roughly 6 days. Compared with April it is 5.8 °C warmer; June is 4.4 °C warmer again.
What the averages hide
| In a typical May | Value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Warm afternoons (90th percentile) | 33 °C / 91 °F | one day in ten is at least this warm |
| Cool afternoons (10th percentile) | 24 °C / 75 °F | one day in ten stays below this |
| Cold nights (10th percentile) | 9 °C / 48 °F | one night in ten is colder than this |
| Days above 30 °C (86 °F) | 12.5 | per month, average 2016–2025 |
| Nights at or below 0 °C (32 °F) | 0.0 | frost mornings per month |
| Chance of rain on any given day | 20 % | at least 1 mm |
| Hottest / coldest May day 2016–2025 | 37.0 °C / 3.9 °C | extremes in the ten-year record |
02Daylight
Sunrise, sunset and the length of the day
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 May | 05:13 | 19:09 | 13.9 h |
| 15 May | 04:58 | 19:22 | 14.4 h |
| 31 May | 04:47 | 19:36 | 14.8 h |
Daylight grows by about 54 minutes over the month. Times are local (Asia/Shanghai).
03Crowds
How busy Beijing is in May
very busy The main sights are very busy in May. What drives it:
- May Day holiday 1–5 May
- domestic tourism peak
- warm, dry days
04Public holidays
Public holidays in May 2027
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
On public holidays many shops close and museums run on Sunday hours; check opening times for the day before and after as well.
05Events
What's on in Beijing in May
Every year in May
| Event | When | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Day holiday | 1–5 May | holiday |
07Packing
What to pack for Beijing in May
- light, breathable clothing
- sun hat and sunscreen
- refillable water bottle
- a compact umbrella for occasional showers
- something for heat: 12 days a month pass 30 °C on average
08Editor's notes
What the numbers don't tell you
May is warm, dry and bright, with afternoons around 29 °C, but the first five days are the Labour Day holiday, when the Forbidden City and the Great Wall hit daily capacity and prices spike across the city. From the second week it settles into one of the best months of the year for sightseeing, with low humidity and clear skies. Rain falls on about six days.
The Great Wall hikes from Jinshanling to Simatai are at their best. The Beijing Longqing Gorge and the Fragrant Hills are green. Hotel rates ease after the holiday. The Forbidden City's timed slots need a week's notice. Daylight passes fourteen hours. For the heat, the Dragon Boat Festival and the school groups, see June; mid-to-late May is the window.
09Compare
Beijing month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun h | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4 °C | -9 °C | 0 | – | quiet | Good |
| February | 7 °C | -6 °C | 3 | – | moderate | Good |
| March | 16 °C | 2 °C | 4 | – | moderate | Good |
| April | 23 °C | 8 °C | 4 | – | busy | Excellent |
| May | 29 °C | 14 °C | 6 | – | very busy | Good |
| June | 33 °C | 20 °C | 9 | – | busy | Mixed |
| July | 33 °C | 23 °C | 12 | – | busy | Mixed |
| August | 32 °C | 22 °C | 10 | – | very busy | Mixed |
| September | 28 °C | 16 °C | 8 | – | busy | Excellent |
| October | 20 °C | 7 °C | 5 | – | very busy | Good |
| November | 12 °C | 0 °C | 2 | – | moderate | Good |
| December | 5 °C | -8 °C | 1 | – | quiet | Good |
Not sure about May? See the best time to visit Beijing.
10Elsewhere
May in nearby cities
| City | High | Rain days |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul in May | 24 °C | – |
| Shanghai in May | 26 °C | 10 |
| Kyoto in May | 25 °C | 8 |
| Tokyo in May | 24 °C | 9 |
| Bangkok in May | 36 °C | 22 |
| Singapore in May | 32 °C | 12 |
11FAQ
Beijing in May: your questions
Is May a good time to visit Beijing?
May is a good month to visit Beijing. Daytime highs average 29 °C (84 °F), rain falls on about 6 days, and hotel arrivals run above the yearly average, so the main sights are very busy.
What is the weather like in Beijing in May?
Expect warm days around 29 °C (84 °F) and nights near 14 °C (58 °F). One May in ten brings afternoons above 33 °C, and one in ten stays below 24 °C.
Does it rain a lot in Beijing in May?
May brings about 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain over roughly 6 days, which is fairly dry by Beijing standards. On any given day the chance of at least 1 mm of rain is 20 percent.
What should I wear in Beijing in May?
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun hat and sunscreen, refillable water bottle.
Is Beijing crowded in May?
The main sights are very busy in May. Main drivers: May Day holiday 1–5 May; domestic tourism peak; warm, dry days.
What time does it get dark in Beijing in May?
Around the middle of May the sun sets at about 19:22 and rises at 04:58, giving 14.4 hours of daylight.