Beijing Weather and Climate in March

March in Beijing marks the beginning of spring, as temperatures begin to rise and the city starts to shed its winter chill. However, this transitional month still has some lingering cold days, making it essential for travelers to prepare for fluctuating conditions. Here's your comprehensive guide to what you can expect and enjoy in Beijing during March.

Weather in Beijing in March

Temperature

• Average Temperature: 6°C (43°F)

• Daytime High: 12°C (54°F)

• Nighttime Low: 0°C (32°F)

March sees temperatures gradually warming up compared to the deep cold of winter. However, early March can still be quite chilly, particularly in the mornings and evenings. By the end of the month, the weather becomes more comfortable as spring takes hold.

Air Quality

• Average AQI: 130 (Moderate)

• Humidity: 46%

• Rainfall: 8 mm

• Rainy Days: 3

March in Beijing can be quite dry, but sandstorms are also a possibility, usually lasting a few hours to a day. While these storms can temporarily affect visibility, they typically do not hinder sightseeing for long periods.

What to Wear

• For Outdoors: It’s advisable to bring a sweater and jacket for daytime outings. The temperature can vary, especially in the mornings and evenings. For visits to outdoor attractions like the Great Wall, consider bringing windproof pants, a hat, and gloves to protect against the chill wind.

• For Indoors: After March 15th, indoor heating is turned off in Beijing, so pack a light jacket or sweater for comfort indoors.

• Other Essentials: Due to the dry air, it’s a good idea to carry lip balm, moisturizer, and sunglasses. If you encounter sandstorms, wearing a mask will help protect you from dust and pollutants.

Is March a Good Time to Visit Beijing?

Advantages of Visiting Beijing in March

• Fewer Tourists: March is still part of the off-season, meaning fewer tourists, which results in a more relaxed and peaceful experience at major attractions like the Forbidden City and Great Wall.

• Spring Flowers: By mid to late March, spring flowers such as peach blossoms, magnolias, and cherry blossoms start to bloom, transforming Beijing's parks and historical sites into a colorful spectacle.

• Ideal for Flower Viewing: If you're keen to see beautiful spring flowers, March provides the perfect time to visit the city's top flower-viewing spots, such as the Summer Palace and Yuyuantan Park.

Disadvantages of Visiting Beijing in March

• Cold Early Days: While temperatures do rise, early March can still be cold, and visitors will need to be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings.

• Sandstorms: Occasionally, sandstorms can hit during March, which may limit outdoor activities temporarily.

Top Places to Enjoy Spring Flowers in Beijing

March is an ideal time to enjoy Beijing’s beautiful spring blooms in a tranquil environment. The city's parks, gardens, and iconic landmarks come to life with vibrant flowers, offering a memorable backdrop for photos.

Mutianyu or Jiankou Great Wall

• Best Time for Flower Viewing: March 20th - March 31st

The Mutianyu and Jiankou sections of the Great Wall are less crowded than the more popular Badaling section, making them great spots for a peaceful hike surrounded by spring blossoms. Wild apricot and peach flowers dot the hillsides, creating a soft pink hue across the landscape.

• Mutianyu: Known for its accessibility, you can take the cable car to Tower 14 and then walk towards Towers 15-20, where the flowers are most abundant. This section is ideal for families and less experienced hikers.

• Jiankou: For those seeking a more rugged adventure, the Jiankou section is largely unrestored, providing an authentic and adventurous experience. The section from Zhengbeilou to Mutianyu is especially beautiful, with concentrated flowers along the trail.

Recommended Tours:

• 1-Day Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Tour

• 2-Day Great Wall Mutianyu-Simatai Day-Night Tour

• 5-Day Badaling to Huangyaguan Great Wall Hiking Tour

The Forbidden City

• Best Time for Flower Viewing: March 20th - March 31st

The Forbidden City comes alive in March with magnolia, apricot, and pear blossoms. These flowers bloom against the backdrop of the ancient red walls and yellow tiles, filling the palace with the essence of spring.

• Top Flower Viewing Areas: Visit Zhongcui Palace and the Imperial Garden for magnolia blooms. The areas around Kunning West Garden and Shoukang Palace are known for apricot blossoms, while pear flowers can be found in front of Shoukang Palace.

• Unique Experience: For a truly unique experience, consider wearing traditional Qing or Han clothing while exploring the palace grounds. This adds a touch of romance and allows you to immerse yourself fully in the beauty of the season.

Recommended Tours:

• 3-Day Classic Beijing Tour Itinerary

The Summer Palace

• Best Time for Flower Viewing: March 15th - March 31st

The West Dike of the Summer Palace is renowned for its peach blossoms. These delicate pink flowers bloom along the lakeside, reflecting beautifully in the water. The scene is peaceful, with the iconic Tower of Buddhist Incense and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge adding to the beauty.

• Tips: The West Gate is the best entry point to access the West Dike quickly. You can also enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake, which offers a unique perspective of the peach blossoms.

Recommended Tours:

• 4-Day Beijing Private Tour

Yuyuantan Park

• Best Time for Flower Viewing: March 15th - March 31st

Yuyuantan Park is famous for its cherry blossoms, especially around the North Gate. The soft pink flowers create a romantic setting, and the Central TV Tower often appears in the background of popular photos.

• Evening Visits: After 6 p.m., the cherry blossoms are illuminated, offering a serene atmosphere for those who prefer a quieter experience. The lights create a unique opportunity for evening photography.

What to Do in Beijing in March

Iconic Landmarks

• The Great Wall: Visit the Mutianyu or Jiankou sections for both stunning flower views and the ancient architecture of the Great Wall.

• The Forbidden City: Explore the palace grounds and enjoy the spring blooms of magnolia, apricot, and pear flowers.

• The Summer Palace: Stroll along the West Dike and admire the vibrant peach blossoms reflecting on the lake.

Springtime Activities

• Kite Flying: Spring is an ideal time to fly kites, and you can do so in parks or Tian’anmen Square, where wide open spaces allow for this traditional activity.

• Great Wall Hiking: Hike the Mutianyu or Jiankou sections of the Great Wall to experience both historical grandeur and natural beauty.

• Cherry Blossom Viewing: Visit Yuyuantan Park to see the cherry blossoms, or enjoy the Temple of Heaven for lilacs in bloom during mid-April.

Tips for Visiting Beijing in March

• Layered Clothing: Due to fluctuating temperatures, wearing layers is recommended to stay comfortable throughout the day.

• Sandstorms: While sandstorms are not frequent, they can occur. Keep a mask and sunglasses handy for protection against dust and pollutants.

• Indoor Heating: After March 15th, indoor heating will be turned off. Make sure to carry a light jacket or sweater for indoor comfort.

• Fewer Crowds: Since March is part of the off-season, expect fewer tourists, especially before the end of the month when the weather warms up and crowds begin to increase.

March is an excellent time to visit Beijing if you’re looking to enjoy spring flowers, avoid the high-season crowds, and experience the historical landmarks without the hustle and bustle of peak tourism. Whether you’re hiking the Great Wall surrounded by blossoms or strolling through the gardens of the Forbidden City, March offers a unique and peaceful glimpse of Beijing in the early days of spring.