What December feels like in Beijing
In Beijing, December brings early winter. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. Once the sun goes down the air changes: nights drop well below freezing. Humidity is moderate, so the air feels neither sticky nor dry.
Rain in Beijing in December
Dry weather dominates, and an umbrella can mostly stay packed. When it rains, it is usually light: about 2.6 mm (0.1 in) per rainy day, more drizzle than downpour. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 9.7 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 7:28 am and sunset at about 4:50 pm (local time) — 9 h 22 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 39 min less daylight than mid-November. About 84% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are mostly clear.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 2nd coolest month of the year in Beijing. Against November, the average high is 7.2°C (13°F) lower, with 14 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. By January, typical highs are 2.2°C (36°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Beijing in December
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Beijing in December?
Afternoons average 3°C (37.4°F) and nights about -6.1°C (21°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Beijing in December?
Hardly — only about 1 rainy days and 3 mm for the whole month.
What should I wear in Beijing in December?
The numbers point to versatile layers, warm layers and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is December or January better for visiting Beijing?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12). January has fewer rainy days.