Located in the most northeasterly region of China and influenced by continental climate conditions, Harbin has four distinct seasons with long cold winter and short cool summer. In winter, the temperature can drop to -14.2
C (6.4F) on average while it is just 20.8C (69.4F) 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, it 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, yet it is also one of the most attractive. The beautiful and startling snowy scenery will satisfy your desire with no doubt. Though it is cold, the winter of Harbin is also recommended.
Detailed information about the Average, Maximun and Minimum Temperatures and the rainfall in Harbin.
| Average Data | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June |
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| Average High (F) | 6/10 | 15/18 | 33/36 | 53/57 | 68/72 | 77/81 |
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| Average High (C) | -14/-12 | -10/-8 | 1/3 | 12/14 | 20/22 | 25/27 |
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| Average Low (F) | -15/-12 | -9/-5 | 10/14 | 30/33 | 44/47 | 55/59 |
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| Average Low (C) | -26/-24 | -23/-21 | -12/-10 | -1/1 | 6/8 | 13/15 |
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| Rain (in) | 0.1/0.2 | 0.2/0.3 | 0.4/0.5 | 0.8/0.9 | 1.6/1.7 | 3.4/3.5 |
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| Rain (mm) | <5 | 5/10 | 10/15 | 20/25 | 40/45 | 85/90 |
| Average Data | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| Average High (F) | 81/85 | 78/82 | 68/71 | 52/56 | 30/33 | 12/16 |
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| Average High (C) | 27/29 | 26/28 | 20/22 | 11/13 | -1/1 | -11/-9 |
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| Average Low (F) | 63/67 | 60/63 | 46/50 | 30/34 | 10/14 | -7/-4 |
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| Average Low (C) | 17/19 | 15/17 | 8/10 | -1/1 | -12/-10 | -22/-20 |
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| Rain (in) | 6.3/6.4 | 4.6/4.7 | 2.4/2.5 | 1.1/1.2 | 0.3/0.4 | 0.2/0.3 |
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| Rain (mm) | 160/165 | 115/120 | 60/65 | 25/30 | 10/15 | 5/10 |
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Travelers' Voices on Harbin Climate
1.
Nov. 11,2009 19:19 Reply
Ms.Sharol(Malaysia) said:
I have booked my flights to Beijing, Harbin, Shanghai. What will the temperature like for these 3 places? Can you list it out for me? Why do we need down jacket? I will be landing in Beijing so do you suggest I buy the winter clothing in Beijing ? Any suggestion on where to visit apart from Great Wall, Tianaman Square, The Bund, Mind Dynasty and Yangze River?
Nov. 15,2009 02:07
Mr.Clark replied:
When are go heading for these cities. If in winter, you need down jacket. Yes, you can buy down jacket in Beijing. Well, it is about -7C to 2C now in beijing, -13 to -7C in Harbin and 5 to 10C in Shanghai. Not a good idea to visit Yangtze River in winter if you would take a cruise. It is a nice idea to see the ice and snow sculptures in Harbin.
Nov. 15,2009 08:24
Ms.Sharol(Malaysia) replied:
Mr Clark, I have booked my flights for 14 - 25th December. I shall take away Yangze river from my list then. Guess I have to really get my winter jacket on now. =P
2.
Oct. 3,2009 09:42 Reply
Ms.Jenny(uk) said:
Hello. I am planning a trip to china, but would like to see the ensure i see the ice lantern festival. If I arrive on the 12th february will this be too late?
Thanks
Oct. 5,2009 04:42
Mr.Colin replied:
No. It is too early. Feb 14, 2010 is the first day of lunar Chinese new year, and 14 days later, it is the lantern Festival.
Oct. 6,2009 08:19
Ms.Jenny Welsh(UK) replied:
It is Jenny again.
You misunderstood my question Colin. I want to be in Harbin for the Ice lantern festival, but want to know the dates of this please.
Thank you
Nov. 8,2009 13:10
Mr.Ryan(Canada) replied:
The Ice and Snow Festival of Harbin often sees its roots in the traditional ice lantern festival. Thus, there are plently of snow and ice sculptures in Harbin at that time. The Lunar calendar will tell you if you have hit the exact day for the "festival". The city or provincial government sites will have more - i.e. Heilongjiang.
3.
Oct. 10,2009 21:11 Reply
Ms.Shade(Canada) said:
Hi,
Please i would like to visit Habin just to attend the Ice and Snow Festival. Around what time of the year does this event take place? Do they still have the awesome snow and ice sculptures available? Do you have an idea how much i can budget for my trip (including my flight tickets to and fro) since i am coming from Canada and would like to spend at least one week at Harbin.
Thanks
Oct. 11,2009 01:38
Mr.Shan replied:
The Ice and Snow Festival is held every year, so you could see these awesome sculptures all the same. Usually, the festival is held in every Dec until to early Feb, when the city is in the coldest time. Very difficult to give you an accurate number for the money. I think you could search the flight fare and hotel price firstly online, then plus your daily cost about 200~300RMB there.
Nov. 8,2009 13:06
Mr.Ryan(Canada) replied:
Look at the following www newspaper: The Haerbinger. My spelling is correct. It is the English language news, events, etc for Harbin.
4.
Oct. 27,2009 23:56 Reply
Ms.ditz(singapore) said:
im planning to go harbin in mid nov, actually 8th to 14th nov this year and i read in some websites that ski sites are open since 1st nov. the question is will i get to ski at all? please advise
5.
Oct. 20,2009 09:21 Reply
Mr.AMMAD ANWAR(PAKISTAN) said:
Good Evening to all!
I just want to ask that Is Harbin a cold city. Because i am going Harbin for engnieering from Pakistan. And i like cold places.
GOOD TIME
Oct. 23,2009 22:14
Mr.Shan replied:
If you come here in winter, please keep you as warm as possible in case of the cold weather. This city is also called Ice City. However, if you come here in summer, the cool air will let you feel so comfortable.
6.
Oct. 14,2009 01:18 Reply
Mr.Chai(Malaysia) said:
Planning to go Harbin from 14 Dec to 24 Dec. What is the weather like around that time? What kind of clothing layers should i wear? is the ice sculptures available for viewing by then? thanks
Oct. 16,2009 02:23
Mr.Frankie replied:
It will be in the chilly winter already, maybe snow~ So, please wear warm sweater and down jacket. Of course, scarf, hat and gloves will keep you warm. In terms of the annual schedule, the Ice and Snow Festival will be open from Dec. Nice trip!
7.
Oct. 13,2009 04:40 Reply
Mrs.tami(israel) said:
Pls. advise if towards end of november (25th) ski resort is open and ski is available and how many slopes and cables will be operated at this time of the year.Also what is the link to see the map of the ski resort/area?
Oct. 14,2009 22:55
Mr.Clark replied:
Yes, the skiing reaort is open. Yabuli skiing resort is near to Harbin, about 2.5 hours by bus.
Here is some data I know about it:
Competitive field:9 alpine skiing slopes, 7 cross-country skiing slope, 6 cables and jumps, 90 meters jump, shooting range
Tourist skiing resort: 11 slopes, 6 cables, etc
8.
Oct. 12,2009 17:34 Reply
Mrs.tami(Israel) said:
planning to come to harbin this year November 25 - will ski resort be open completly - would i be able to ski is there snow by this time or maybe they shoot snow - appreciate your promt answer
Tami
Oct. 13,2009 01:39
Mr.Eric replied:
Yes, the ski resort such as Yabuyi will be open already. I think there will be snow in Harbin at the end of Nov. Usually, the Ice and Snow Festival of Harbin is open from every Dec.
9.
Sep. 29,2009 09:21 Reply
Mr.Daniel(Singapore) said:
HI, I plan to visit Shanghai from 14th to 19 Dec and would like to go to Harbin to see snow. How do I know which days, among these days, will be snowing?
Oct. 8,2009 01:13
Mr.Clark replied:
Yes, it will has snow at that time, but the snow and ice sulcpture is not full ready, I think.
10.
Oct. 1,2009 23:02 Reply
Ms.kong(Malaysia) said:
i can't decide if i shd go harbin end dec as i'm suffering fr quite severe dry eyes (put eye drop every 1-2 hrs day time and eye gel every night). can anyone tell me if this is really a bad choice or how can i keep my eyes moisturize in deep winter? i injured my cornea last time when i was in beijing in oct due to severe dryness.
Oct. 8,2009 01:12
Mr.Clark replied:
Yes, it is quite a chanllege. It is dry and cold. Not a good choice. You should make the doctor if it is possible to go there at that time with some eye drip with you.