The humid continental climate of Beijing is rather extreme. There are four very distinct seasons, with a wide temperature variation between winter (December to February), which is well below freezing, and summer's hot humidity and 79°F (26°C) average daily temperatures. Most of the rain falls in the summer (June to August); the sudden downpours make an umbrella a necessary travel accessory. Spring and autumn are relatively short seasons. Spring (March to May) has warm and windy conditions. Autumn (September to November) brings blue skies, pleasantly mild temperatures, and slight humidity. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to travel to Beijing.
