Climate and monthly weather forecast
Harbin, China

Harbin, famously known as the 'Ice City', exemplifies the Dwa classification from the Köppen climate designation — denoting a humid continental climate with severe dry winters and hot summers. Nestled in the northeast of China, its weather gives a unique variety over the changing seasons. Its climate is dictated substantially by its geographical positioning, which allots Harbin a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year.

Through an analysis of its climate data, Harbin shows a wide range of temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The coldest months are January and December with temperatures sinking to as low as -24.1°C (-11.4°F) and -19.8°C (-3.6°F) respectively. On the contrary, the warmest months are July and August, reaching highs of 27.9°C (82.2°F) and 26.3°C (79.3°F) respectively. A similar course is traceable in terms of rainfall with the maximum precipitation in July at 143mm (5.63") and a stark contrast by December where the city records only 6mm (0.24"), a near-drought condition. Such a wide temperature assortment, combined with inconsistent rainfall distribution, elucidates Harbin's signature weather trend, emphasizing the extremities throughout the changing seasons.

Humidity also fluctuates greatly throughout the year in Harbin. The months from July to September experience the highest relative humidity of more than 70%, providing a very humid environment. Conversely, April records the lowest relative humidity at 49%, creating much drier conditions. Alongside these variables, the sunshine hours and UV index also vary throughout the year. The longest daylight hours can be seen in June with approximately 15.7 hours, but the shortest in December with just 8.8 hours per day.

The best time to visit Harbin would be during the summer months, particularly July and August. These months experience the highest temperatures, reaching between 26.1°C (79°F) and 27.9°C (82.2°F) with optimal levels of daylight at 15.3 to 14.1 hours respectively. However, it is important to note the high humidity during these months, which extends from 77% to 78%. This, combined with rainfall that reaches its peak at 143mm (5.63") in July, makes these months a humid but warm period, suitable for outdoor activities and exploring the city sights.

Travelers should avoid the winter months, specifically December and January to evade the harsh cold. During these months, temperatures plummet to -9.4°C (15.1°F) and -24.1°C (-11.4°F) respectively, with the minimal daylight hours ranging only between 8.8 to 9.1 hours. These extreme temperatures combined with the severe lack of sunlight can potentially hinder outdoor plans and activities.

Spring season in Harbin generally spans from March to May. During these months, the city experiences a swift increase in temperature from -7.2°C (19°F) in March to a warmer 21.3°C (70.3°F) in May. This season witnesses an increased rainfall too, with precipitation figures escalating from 10mm (0.39") in March to a sizable 40mm (1.57") by May's end. With average daylight from 11.9 to 14.9 hours, Spring can offer a pleasant time for visitors.

Spanning from June to August, summer in Harbin is characterized by high temperatures, high precipitation, and long daylight hours. Temperatures hover between 21.3°C (70.3°F) and 27.9°C (82.2°F), making it the warmest period of the year. With rainfall peaking in July at 143mm (5.63") and with relative humidity above 70%, the season is quite humid but offers lots of sunshine.

Autumn transpires from September to November in Harbin, bringing a marked decrease in temperature and rain. Temperature falls from 20.7°C (69.3°F) in September to -0.1°C (31.8°F) in November marking the transition towards the colder months. Likewise, average rainfall drops significantly from 58mm (2.28") in September to just 10mm (0.39") in November. Despite the cooler temperatures, the season is relatively dry making autumn an ideal time to stroll around the city.

Witnessing the harshest conditions of the year, the winter season in Harbin spans from December to February. During this season, temperatures range from -0.1°C (31.8°F) in December to a chilling -24.1°C (-11.4°F) in January. Likewise, the amount of daylight shrinks significantly to just between 8.8 to 9.1 hours. This time of the year does not see much rainfall, with precipitation level declining to as low as 3mm (0.12") in December. Despite the biting cold, the city comes alive with the renowned Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, turning this season into a unique spectacle.

January in Harbin, China is a month characterized primarily by biting cold and snow. Nestled deep in winter grasps, the city experiences the chilliest temperatures of the year, dropping to a staggering low of -24.1°C (-11.4°F), coupled with high of -12.5°C (9.5°F). Weather in January »

February sees a slight uptick in temperatures, signaling the impending end of winter. Nevertheless, Harbin remains cloaked in a frozen tableau. The month is comparatively drier, receiving 5mm (0.2") of rainfall over an average of 5.7 days, making it less snowy than January. Weather in February »

March marks a distinct shift in Harbin’s weather patterns. With the arrival of spring, temperatures climb from the chilling lows of winter to a more tolerable range. Marking this transition, Harbin receives an increased amount of rainfall, 10mm (0.39") over an average of 5.7 days. Weather in March »

April brings warmer temperatures significantly, signifying the full swing of spring in Harbin. Compared to previous months, the city witnesses a remarkable increase in rainfall, with 18mm (0.71") falling over 6.7 days. Blooming flowers and emerging greenery transform the frost-bitten landscape into a canvas of vibrant colors. Weather in April »

May in Harbin is a month of comfortable warmth and abundant greenery. Temperatures further rise and mark a significant departure from the frosty grip of winter. This month sees an elevation in humidity, resulting in heavier rainfall of 40mm (1.57") on average, sprouting lush landscapes around the city. Weather in May »

A typical June day in Harbin brims with the vivid hues of thriving summer. The city moves towards weather semblance with the hottest part of the year, albeit maintaining comfortable warmth. This month witnesses the peak of the rainy season, with a substantial 84mm (3.31") of rainfall. Weather in June »

July sees Harbin immersed in the height of summer with the warmest temperatures of the year, peaking at a high of 27.9°C (82.2°F) and a low of 18.3°C (64.9°F). This month is dominated by humidity and high rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation of the year, a whopping 143mm (5.63") occurring over 14.2 days on average. Weather in July »

August retains the warmth of July, indicating the relentless run of the summer season in Harbin. The humid conditions persist, with the city receiving a substantial amount of rainfall similar to July, registering 121mm (4.76"). The consistent weather allows an array of cultural events and outdoor activities to continue unhampered. Weather in August »

September ushers in an agreeable weather change, signaling the onset of autumn in Harbin. The city witnesses a drop in temperature, breaking away from the intense summer warmth. The rainfall significantly reduces to 58mm (2.28"), leading to drier conditions compared to the preceding months. Weather in September »

When October arrives, Harbin’s weather takes a sharp turn towards the colder end of the spectrum. The climatic conditions continue to dry, and temperatures gradually drop, paving the way for the imminent winter. The changed climate paves the way for the vibrant colors of autumn, accentuated by the city’s beautiful foliage. Weather in October »

In November, Harbin transitions into the colder months of the year. The daily temperatures continue to drop, and the city begins to cloak itself in its well-known winter garb. Weather is dry in November, with the recorded precipitation being a mere 10mm (0.39") on average. Weather in November »

December marks the onset of the intense winter season in Harbin. With temperatures plummeting further and daylight shrinking, the city welcomes its coldest month amidst snow and ice. During this time, Harbin receives minimal rainfall, with an average of 6mm (0.24"). Weather in December »