Expats who plan on moving to Beijing should prepare themselves for an interesting and varied climate. Falling in the monsoon region, Beijing’s summers are hot and wet, while winters are bitterly cold and dry. The summer months, especially July and August, are prone to sudden evening downpours, so keeping an umbrella nearby is handy.

July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 81°F (27°C). Spring and autumn tend to be mild and pleasant, with the autumn foliage being a major highlight. January is the coldest month of the year, with maximum temperatures only reaching 25°F (-4°C) on some days.