The story

One of the best times to visit China's capital, some tourist guidebooks say, is in August, despite temperatures that can soar as high as 40 degrees Centigrade -- and despite the rain.

August is not only one of the hottest months of the year in Beijing, it's also one of the wettest. The only time of the year that is hotter or wetter than August is July.

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games were originally scheduled to start in July. But in 2003, Beijing persuaded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to move the dates back a couple of weeks, following concerns for the well being of the Olympic athletes in the heat and humidity. Read full article »

All About Beijing • Sports • Olympic Games