Weather: In February, Beijing is slightly warmer than in January, with average temperatures ranging from -4°C to 6°C (25-43°F). It feels more comfortable walking in the sunshine during the day, but it still gets noticeably cold by evening. The air remains dry and windy, so keeping warm and protected from the wind is important.
Occasionally, there might be light snow, adding a touch of winter atmosphere to the city, but it won't affect travel.
What to wear: A thick sweater paired with a warm winter coat is generally sufficient. If you plan to be outdoors, it's best to also bring a scarf, gloves, and a hat. Indoors, there's heating, so you won't need to worry about being too cold indoors, but it's convenient to be able to remove your coat easily.
Is February a Good Time to Visit Beijing？
It's worth visiting, but only if you can handle the cold weather.
The advantage of February is the festive atmosphere and off-season deals, but you often can't have both at the same time.
Chinese New Year usually falls in this month, and if you want to experience temple fairs, dragon and lion dances, and New Year decorations, you'll need to book flights and hotels 2-3 months in advance, as prices rise and crowds increase significantly during the holiday.
If you're not interested in the New Year atmosphere, avoiding the peak season during the festival is more comfortable and cost-effective.
Additionally, winter-exclusive activities are quite appealing. The ice sculptures and colorful lights at Longqing Gorge offer a unique scene, like a mini Harbin Ice and Snow World. The ski resorts are nearing the end of the snow season, so it's your last chance to enjoy winter sports.
Best Places to Visit in Beijing in February
Here are our recommended places to visit in Beijing in February.
Temple Fair–Traditional Chinese New Year Festivities
If you visit Beijing in February, you might catch the lively atmosphere of the Chinese New Year (usually between late January and late February).
Temple fairs are the most iconic traditional folk activities. You'll see dragon and lion dances, vibrant folk performances, a variety of New Year decorations, and stalls selling snacks and crafts, all of which are filled with festive cheer. Attending a temple fair is like joining in the local New Year celebrations.
New Year decorationsIf you're interested in ancient sacrificial culture, you could visit the Ditan Temple Fair to see a reenactment of a Qing dynasty earth worship ceremony. The scene of an "emperor" in traditional attire leading officials in a solemn ritual is an immersive experience in royal etiquette.
Ditan Park is about a 10-minute walk from Lama (Yonghe) Temple, where you could also go to pray. The Ditan Temple Fair is usually the most popular, so it's best to go early to avoid the crowds.
Ditan Temple FairIf you're traveling with kids, Longtan Temple Fair is more suitable. It has game areas with simple activities like ring toss, ball kicking, and arrow throwing.
There's also a shadow play performance, where a wooden box is used to display illustrations accompanied by narration. It's a unique storytelling method from old Beijing, similar to watching a movie.
For a nighttime temple fair experience, visit the Changdian Temple Fair at Liulichang.
The west street is adorned with lanterns featuring ancient poems, and the east street is decorated with fish lanterns, offering a beautiful scene when lit. The area is also known for shops selling traditional Chinese stationery, adding a cultural touch.
The Liulichang is near Qianmen and Dashilan, so you could explore Qianmen in the afternoon and enjoy the lanterns at Changdian in the evening.
If you are interested in a temple fair, click on our 6-Day Beijing Chinese New Year Tour, and we can adjust it based on your needs.
Fish lanternTip:
Tickets are required for Ditan and Longtan Temple Fairs, and lines can be long, so it's best to buy online in advance. The Changdian Temple Fair is free.
Nanshan Ski Resort–Enjoy the Last Month of Skiing
February is the last month of the skiing season in Beijing, so if you want to experience the joys of a northern winter, make the most of this final opportunity. The temperatures remain cold, but there's more sunshine, and the slopes are still in good condition.
Compared to the crowds in January, February offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
SkiAmong the ski resorts around Beijing, we highly recommend visiting Nanshan Ski Resort. It's about 1.5-hour drive from the city, with good snow quality, comprehensive facilities, and a wide range of slopes, from easy ones for beginners to advanced runs for more experienced skiers.
It's also great for families. Kids could ski on the dedicated children's slopes or enjoy snow tubing and sledding in the play area, while non-skiing seniors could relax with a hot drink and enjoy the snowy scenery in the rest area or restaurant.
Whether you're trying skiing for the first time or have some experience, Nanshan can meet your needs. If you want to learn quickly, you could also hire a coach for one-on-one lessons, which can be more efficient.
Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival–Lanterns and Ice Sculptures
If you don't have time to visit the Harbin Ice and Snow World, the Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival, about a 2-hour drive from the city, makes for a great alternative.
The festival is open from mid-January to the end of February. The gorge is transformed into a winter wonderland, and it becomes even more magical when the lights are turned on at night.
The most captivating area is the Ice Lantern Art Zone. You'll see a variety of ice lanterns, ice sculptures, and snow sculptures. In addition to the zodiac theme of the year, trendy elements like Pop Mart and Sun Wukong are incorporated, blending tradition with modernity in the icy setting.
Ice LanternThe river in the gorge is completely frozen, resembling a giant mirror with visible bubbles like pearls embedded within. Walking there, you'll feel that nature itself as the most ingenious sculptor.
Besides sightseeing, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. You could drift on the ice in a snow tube, ride an ice bike, or have fun in the ice lantern maze and ice slides. If you want to challenge yourself, you could try ice climbing with a professional coach and create unforgettable moments on the glistening ice wall.
Let Us Help Plan Your Beijing Trip
If you want an unforgettable winter experience in Beijing without worrying about the details, let us take care of it. We can customize an itinerary based on your interests and schedule.
Traveling with us ensures you won't have to worry about ticket lines or inconvenient transport. We'll help you avoid peak crowds and arrange comfortable transportation and guide services. This way, you can focus on truly enjoying your experience rather than on the small preparations.
Beijing Climate Information by Month
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