Beijing sits on the North China Plain, where a temperate monsoon climate brings cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers. Roughly seventy percent of the year’s rainfall arrives in short, intense bursts during July and August, when moist air pushes north from the Pacific and collides with continental air masses to trigger sudden, heavy thunderstorms.
The city’s flood-control system was tested severely by the July 2012 storm and again by Typhoon Doksuri’s remnants in 2023, both of which caused serious flooding in low-lying suburbs. Because so much rain falls in such a narrow window, drainage systems built for an average year can be overwhelmed by a single severe storm cell, making short-term radar tracking more useful here than seasonal forecasts. The China Meteorological Administration’s regional radar network covers Beijing. Learn more: Flash Flood Warning Signs on Radar · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Beijing right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Beijing in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Beijing, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Beijing rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Beijing?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over China are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Beijing or pass by.
Is this Beijing rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.