Harbin Weather, the best time to visit Harbin, temperature, what to bring

Overview

Harbin has a temperate continental monsoon climate, characterized by short, cool summers and long, cold winters. The transitional seasons of spring and autumn are brief, with rapid temperature changes, and spring temperatures are slightly higher than autumn's. The average summer temperature in Harbin is 22.3°C, while the winter average is -14.6°C.

The annual average precipitation in Harbin ranges from 494 to 651 millimeters, with most rainfall occurring in July and August, accounting for 66% of the yearly total. Winter sees the least precipitation, contributing only about 4%. On average, the city experiences 110 to 129 days of snow cover annually, with significant snowfall, sometimes exceeding 15 millimeters. The frost-free period lasts about 145 days. The annual sunshine hours in the city range from 2410 to 2750, with more hours in the west compared to the east.

The Best Time and Seasons to Visit Harbin

The best time to visit Harbin is summer and winter. In summer, Harbin offers cool weather and lush greenery, making it a great escape from the heat. On the other hand, winter is truly the most beautiful season, as the city transforms into a snowy wonderland, where you can enjoy the beautiful snow scenery and ice sculpture art.

Harbin Weather in Four Seasons

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Harbin brings comfortable temperatures and blooming flowers throughout the city. After the peak season, the city enjoys a rare tranquility where you won’t have to wait in lines anywhere. Imagine strolling down Zhongyang Street, with historic buildings whispering their stories, as if the world belongs to you. Also, you can relax by the Songhua River, listening to the gentle flow of the water and the songs of birds, immersing yourself in the softness and peace of nature.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Harbin is pleasantly cool, offering a refreshing respite with gentle evening breezes. The streets are filled with the tempting aromas of fresh fruits, making it hard to resist. You can take the opportunity to savor authentic Northeast barbecue, Guo Bao Rou, and other local delicacies, immersing yourself in the city's warmth and vibrancy. Additionally, you can experience Harbin's nightlife, where music and laughter fill the streets, showcasing the city's romantic and passionate spirit.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn in Harbin is a captivating season with enchanting beauty unique to the north. The autumn here is a veritable golden autumn that the crisp fall has a concrete interpretation. Strolling through the streets, you can witness leaves turning yellow and red, just like a picturesque scene. The Harbin Summer Music Festival and the Harbin Beer Festival will also allow you to enjoy the stunning landscapes while immersing yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage and unique charm.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Harbin is an experience not to be missed. The city transforms into a magical wonderland, blanketed in snow, resembling a fairy-tale castle. You can explore the ice-decorated buildings along Central Avenue or visit St. Sophia Cathedral to feel the solemnity and sanctity of the place. Furthermore, the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival and the Snow Sculpture Art Expo offer endless joy and excitement, making you find warmth in the festivities even during the cold winter.

Harbin Weather by Month/Year Round

If you can freely choose when to travel to Harbin, it is recommended to select the most suitable month based on your interests and preferences. If you don't have the flexibility to choose, it is advisable to understand the advantages and disadvantages of traveling to Harbin in each month. According to them, you can be better prepared in advance.

View your month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

In January, Harbin’s average temperature ranges from -24°C to -12°C, with highs reaching 3°C and lows dropping to -35°C. The average monthly precipitation is around 4mm, with a mix of sunny, hazy, cloudy, and occasionally snowy days. January turns Harbin into a kingdom of ice and snow, offering stunning ice and snow sculptures that blend with the cityscape, along with a variety of fun winter activities that promise an unforgettable experience.

January is peak tourist season in Harbin, featuring numerous ice and snow events and services. As a result, the city can be quite crowded, with fewer accommodation options and higher prices. Meanwhile, there is more snow in Harbin winter, that heavy snowfall may impact your itinerary, so it is essential to plan your itinerary in advance.

What to Wear/Bring in January

In January, Harbin is extremely cold, so it's essential to wear warm clothing, such as woollen coats and down jackets, along with gloves and scarves. When participating in snow activities, waterproof snow boots are recommended, and sunglasses can help prevent snow blindness. The weather is dry, so bringing lip balm and moisturizer to prevent skin chapping is wise, as well as a thermos for hot drinks. Wearing a mask can also be helpful for blocking out haze.

February: is February a Good Time to Visit?

In February, Harbin’s average temperature ranges from -20°C to -7°C, with highs reaching 8°C and lows dropping to -29°C. The average monthly precipitation is around 5mm, with mostly sunny and cloudy weather, accompanied by haze, overcast and occasionally snowy days. In February, Harbin remains lively with the Ice and Snow World, but don't miss the chance to experience snow hot springs. With the snow still intact, enjoying tea while soaking in a hot spring offers a delightful experience amidst the winter landscape.

February is peak tourist season in Harbin, featuring numerous ice and snow events and services. As a result, the city can be quite crowded, with fewer accommodation options and higher prices, especially during the Spring Festival. Meanwhile, there may be heavy snow in February, that snowfall may impact your itinerary, so it is essential to plan your itinerary in advance.

What to Wear/Bring in February

In February, Harbin is also extremely cold, so it's essential to wear warm clothing, such as woollen coats and down jackets, along with gloves and scarves. When participating in snow activities, waterproof snow boots are recommended, and sunglasses can help prevent snow blindness. The weather is dry, so bringing lip balm and moisturizer to prevent skin chapping is wise, as well as a thermos for hot drinks. Wearing a mask can also be helpful for blocking out haze.

March: is March a Good Time to Visit?

In March, Harbin’s average temperature ranges from -7°C to 5°C, with highs reaching 21°C and lows dropping to -19°C. The average monthly precipitation is around 11mm, with mostly sunny and cloudy weather, accompanied by occasionally haze, snowy and rainy days. In March, temperatures in Harbin begin to rise, and the snow starts to melt, resulting in a less sightly winter landscape. However, the softer snow makes it an excellent time for skiing. Enjoy the thrill of the winter sports.

March is peak tourist season in Harbin, but the ice and snow events and services draw to an end. The city can still be quite crowded, with fewer accommodation options and higher prices. Meanwhile, there is still possible heavy snow in March, that snowfall may impact your itinerary, so it is essential to plan your itinerary in advance.

What to Wear/Bring in March

In March, Harbin is warm up, but it's also important to wear warm clothing, such as woollen coats and down jackets, along with gloves and scarves. When participating in snow activities, waterproof snow boots are recommended, and sunglasses can help prevent snow blindness. The weather is dry, so bringing lip balm and moisturizer to prevent skin chapping is wise, as well as a thermos for hot drinks. Wearing a mask can also be helpful for blocking out haze.

April: is April a Good Time to Visit?

In April, Harbin’s average temperature ranges from 1°C to 16°C, with highs reaching 26°C and lows dropping to -6°C. The average monthly precipitation is around 21mm, with mostly cloudy and sunny weather, accompanied by overcast, haze, and rainy days. In April, Harbin experiences a rare tranquility without the snowy winter landscapes or vibrant spring scenery. It’s a great time to explore historical sites and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage.

April is low tourist season in Harbin, featuring fewer events and services available, leading to lower prices. This means fewer tourists, more accommodation options, and easier transportation, allowing for a more flexible and budget-friendly travel experience, so it is freer to plan your itinerary.

What to Wear/Bring in April

In April, Harbin is warmer, but it's also important to wear warm clothing, such as sweaters and down jackets. During this time, the wind is relatively strong, so it is necessary to prepare a windbreaker and windproof goggles. The weather is dry, so bringing lip balm and moisturizer to prevent skin chapping is wise, as well as a thermos for hot drinks. Wearing a mask can also be helpful for blocking out haze.

May: is May a Good Time to Visit?

In May, Harbin’s average temperature ranges from 7°C to 21°C, with highs reaching 30°C and lows dropping to -1°C. The average monthly precipitation is around 37mm, with mostly cloudy and sunny weather, as well as some rainy days, accompanied by occasionally haze days. In May, Harbin bursts into color with blooming lilacs, filling the air with their fragrant purple blossoms. Beautiful lilac blossoms can be seen swaying in the wind in Harbin's streets and parks.

May is common tourist season in Harbin, featuring numerous events and services during the May Day holiday. This means more tourists, fewer accommodation options and higher prices, so it is essential to plan your itinerary in advance. However after the holiday the tourists will decrease, making off-peak travel a good option.

What to Wear/Bring in May

In May, Harbin is relatively warm, so it's suitable to wear comfortable clothing, such as sweaters and jeans. During this time, the wind is relatively strong, so it is necessary to prepare a windbreaker, a mask, and windproof goggles. The weather is dry, so bringing lip balm and moisturizer to prevent skin chapping is wise, as well as a thermos for hot drinks. The rainfall increase, so it's a good idea to bring along a raincoat or umbrella.

June: is June a Good Time to Visit?

In June, Harbin’s average temperature ranges from 15°C to 26°C, with highs reaching 35°C and lows dropping to 8°C. The average monthly precipitation is around 83mm, with mostly rainy and cloudy weather, accompanied by sunny and overcast days. As the summer sun blankets the earth, Harbin, this northern city, transforms into a paradise for escaping the heat, radiating its own unique charm.

June is common tourist season in Harbin, featuring fewer events and services compared to May. This means fewer tourists, more accommodation options, and easier transportation, allowing for a more flexible and budget-friendly travel experience, so it is freer to plan your itinerary.

What to Wear/Bring in June

In June, Harbin is extremely warm, so it's suitable to wear comfortable clothing, such as shirts and jeans. During this time, the sun is relatively strong, so it is necessary to prepare sunglasses, sun hats, or sunscreen to against UV rays. The weather is dry, so bringing lip balm and moisturizer to prevent skin chapping is wise. The rainfall increase, so it's a good idea to bring along a raincoat or umbrella.

July: is July a Good Time to Visit?

In July, Harbin’s average temperature ranges from 20°C to 29°C, with highs reaching 37°C and lows dropping to 13°C. The average monthly precipitation is around 154mm, with mostly rainy and cloudy weather, accompanied by sunny and overcast days. In July, Harbin enjoys cool and pleasant weather, as an ideal vacation spot for escaping the heat. Whether it's the refreshing water parks, serene lotus ponds, or enchanting forest parks, everything here allows you to enjoy coolness and fun during the summer.

July is peak tourist season in Harbin, featuring numerous events and services as well as the beginning of the summer holiday, which means more tourists, fewer accommodation options and higher prices. At the same time the rainfall is erratic that may impact your itinerary, so it is essential to plan your itinerary in advance.

What to Wear/Bring in July

In July, Harbin is extremely warm, so it's suitable to wear light and breathable clothing, such as light shirts and trousers, with a thin jacket for nights. During this time, the sun is relatively strong, so it is necessary to prepare sunglasses, sun hats, or sunscreen to against UV rays, with a bottle to stay hydrated. The rainfall increase, so it's a good idea to bring along a raincoat or umbrella.

August: is August a Good Time to Visit?

In August, Harbin’s average temperature ranges from 16°C to 26°C, with highs reaching 33°C and lows dropping to 10°C. The average monthly precipitation is around 111mm, with mostly rainy weather, accompanied by sunny, cloudy and overcast days. In August, Harbin becomes a paradise for music lovers, with the sounds of choirs and accordion performances echoing along the banks of the Songhua River, and the romantic melodies of balcony concerts on Zhongyang Street, creating a romantic musical atmosphere.

August is peak tourist season in Harbin, featuring numerous events and services as well as the summer holiday, which means more tourists, fewer accommodation options and higher prices. At the same time the rainfall is erratic that may impact your itinerary, so it is essential to plan your itinerary in advance.

What to Wear/Bring in August

In August, Harbin is warm and comfortable, so it's suitable to wear light and breathable clothing, such as light shirts and trousers, with a thin jacket for nights. During this time, the sun is relatively strong, so it is necessary to prepare sunglasses, sun hats, or sunscreen to against UV rays, with a bottle to stay hydrated. The rainfall is erratic, so it's a good idea to bring along a raincoat or umbrella.

September: is September a Good Time to Visit?

In September, Harbin’s average temperature ranges from 11°C to 23°C, with highs reaching 29°C and lows dropping to 2°C. The average monthly precipitation is around 62mm, with mostly sunny weather, accompanied by rainy, cloudy and overcast days. In September, temperatures in Harbin start to cool, blending European architecture with the charm of autumn, forming picturesque scenes. It's the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

September is common tourist season in Harbin, and the summer holiday is over, so the events and services reduce, which means fewer tourists, more accommodation options and some lower prices. At the same time the rainfall is still erratic that may impact your itinerary, so it is essential to plan your itinerary in advance.

What to Wear/Bring in September

In September, Harbin is cooling, so it's important to wear comfortable clothing, such as sweaters and jeans, with a jacket or a coat for nights. During this time, the sun is relatively strong, so it is necessary to prepare sunglasses, sun hats, or sunscreen to against UV rays, with a bottle to stay hydrated. The rainfall decrease, but it's also a good idea to bring along a raincoat or umbrella.

October: is October a Good Time to Visit?

In October, Harbin’s average temperature ranges from 1°C to 13°C, with highs reaching 23°C and lows dropping to -6°C. The average monthly precipitation is around 26mm, with mostly sunny and cloudy weather, accompanied by rainy days. With the arrival of autumn, Harbin dons a beautiful golden hue. The surrounding mountains burst with vibrant colors, making it the perfect choice for hiking and enjoying the fall scenery.

October is common tourist season in Harbin. However, the National Day holiday is coming, making more events and services compared to September, which means more tourists, fewer accommodation options and higher prices, so it is essential to plan your itinerary in advance.

What to Wear/Bring in October

In October, Harbin is very cool, so it's essential to wear warm clothing, such as sweaters and jeans, with jackets or coats. During this time, the sun is relatively strong, so it is necessary to prepare sunglasses, sun hats, or sunscreen to against UV rays. The weather is dry, so bringing lip balm and moisturizer to prevent skin chapping is wise, with a bottle to stay hydrated.

November: is November a Good Time to Visit?

In November, Harbin’s average temperature ranges from -8°C to 1°C, with highs reaching 14°C and lows dropping to -23°C. The average monthly precipitation is around 9mm, with mostly sunny and cloudy weather, accompanied by overcast, snowy and haze days. In November, though it has not yet entered the snow-covered winter, Harbin feels the chill of northern winds and the early whispers of winter, blending the lingering warmth of autumn with the essence of winter's approach.

November is common tourist season in Harbin, so the events and services is not as numerous as winter, which means fewer tourists, more accommodation options and lower prices, so it is essential to plan your itinerary in advance. However, there is possible snow in November, that may impact your itinerary, so it is advisable to plan your trip in advance.

What to Wear/Bring in November

In November, Harbin is very cold, so it's essential to wear warm clothing, such as woollen coats and down jackets, along with gloves and scarves. When participating in snow activities, waterproof snow boots are recommended, and sunglasses can help prevent snow blindness. The weather is dry, so bringing lip balm and moisturizer to prevent skin chapping is wise, as well as a thermos for hot drinks. Wearing a mask can also be helpful for blocking out haze.

December: is December a Good Time to Visit?

In December, Harbin’s average temperature ranges from -17°C to -7°C, with highs reaching 5°C and lows dropping to -30°C. The average monthly precipitation is around 6mm, with mostly sunny and cloudy weather, accompanied by overcast, snowy and haze days. In December, Harbin enters its most beautiful season, with the much-anticipated Ice and Snow Festival kicking off. Whether you're admiring the stunning ice sculptures or soaking in the festive atmosphere, it's an excellent time to experience the city's winter.

December is peak tourist season in Harbin, featuring numerous ice and snow events and services. As a result, the city can be quite crowded, with fewer accommodation options and higher prices. Meanwhile, there is more snow in Harbin winter, that heavy snowfall may impact your itinerary, so it is essential to plan your itinerary in advance.

What to Wear/Bring in December

In December, Harbin is extremely cold, so it's essential to wear warm clothing, such as woollen coats and down jackets, along with gloves and scarves. When participating in snow activities, waterproof snow boots are recommended, and sunglasses can help prevent snow blindness. The weather is dry, so bringing lip balm and moisturizer to prevent skin chapping is wise, as well as a thermos for hot drinks. Wearing a mask can also be helpful for blocking out haze.

Customize Your Unique Harbin Ice and Snow World Tour

If you are interested in one of the Harbin itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Harbin Tour, please visit our Harbin Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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