Harbin Climate & Weather

Harbin Climate & Weather

Located in the most north-easterly region of China and influenced by continental climate conditions, Harbin has four distinct seasons with long cold winter and short cool summer. In winter, Harbin weather is extremely cold with the temperature dropping to -14.2 C (6.4 F) on average while it is just 20.8 C (69.4 F) on average in summer. The city can be visited at any time, especially from July to September and from December to January.

 

►With little rainfall, the temperature of Harbin in spring (March-May) is changeable from month to month.

►Summer from June to August has plenty of rainfall, and as such Harbin is not as hot as the other cities of inland China. The measurable highest temperature is just 22.3C (72F) on average, which occurs in July. So, Summer is the best time for you to visit here and escape the hot summer.

►During the transition from Summer to Winter, Autumn (September to October) in Harbin has little rainfall and a fluctuating temperature; it is also windy.

►Harbin in Winter (November to February) is the coldest city of China, and yet it is one of the most attractive time to visit. Consequently, winter is the popular tourist season in Harbin, with ice and snow concentrated from December to January. It is the coldest month of the year, with an average high temperature at -13°C and an average low at -25°C. Harbin is at the same latitude as Montreal, Canada.

 

Harbin Climate Data Table

 

Tips for Harbin Weather

►Best time to visit Harbin

The best time to visit Harbin is from December to February of the next year, when the weather is freezing cold, and Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival takes place. People come there to enjoy the area’s ice and snow and relative activities, including skiing. The festival usually runs on December 20 every year. On January 5, it's formally open to the public and lasts for about one month.

 

►What to pack

In spring: Prepare the same clothing as in winter because it is still very cold in March, but gets warmer in April and May. Prepare an overcoat, a medium sweater and base shirts for April, and prepare a trench coat and a long-sleeve shirt or T-shirt for May. Wearing layers is practical, as they are easier to take on and off in the changeable weather.

 

In summer: Prepare summer clothes, such as T-shirts, skirts and light pants. Add a light cardigan in case you feel chilly in early morning or evening and an umbrella during the rainy season (July and August).

 

In autumn: In September, prepare long-sleeve T-shirts and long pants for the day and a cardigan/trench coat for early morning and evening. Prepare sweater and overcoat for October and down jackets for November when it may snow.

 

In winter: It is necessary to wear down jackets, woolen pants, thermal underwear, snow boots, hats, scarves and gloves, everything that can keep you warm. Because the weather is very dry, it is suggested that you wear a mask to protect your nose. Try to wear a coat loose enough at the chest to cover and protect your camera to prevent condensation problems and preserve battery power by keeping it relatively warm with your body-heat.

 

►Best Places to Visit in Harbin

Saint Sophia Cathedral in Harbin is a former Russian Orthodox Church and is the largest Eastern Orthodox Church in the Far East. 

 

Yabuli Ski Resort is China's largest ski resort. 

 

Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival is one of the world's four largest ice and snow festivals, along with Japan Sapporo Snow Festival, Canada Quebec City Winter Carnival, and Norway Ski Festival.