Beidaihe is a true seasonal resort. The town springs to life in late June and reaches peak intensity in July and August, when Chinese families take their summer holidays and the population swells enormously. Accommodation prices rise sharply and the beaches are packed.
For birdwatchers, spring migration (mid-April to late May) and autumn migration (September to mid-November) are the best times to visit. The weather is mild, accommodation is cheap, and the town is quiet. Spring can be cold and windy but offers the most dramatic concentrations of migrants.
Outside of summer, most restaurants and shops close or operate on reduced hours, and the atmosphere is noticeably subdued. That said, the empty pine-lined streets and deserted beaches have a real appeal for those who like resorts in the off-season.
Winter is cold — temperatures drop well below freezing — and most of the tourism infrastructure shuts down entirely.