Fall in Harbin comes in fast, and you’ll feel it right away. Temperatures drop sharply, going from mild September afternoons to freezing conditions by late November.
Highs start off near the mid-70s Fahrenheit in early fall, then tumble to the low 20s by the end of the season. This big swing affects everything, from what you pack to how you plan your days outside.
Cloud cover and daylight both change fast. Early September still gives you long, bright days, but by late fall, daylight shrinks by more than four hours.
Rain chances drop, but snow chances climb, and you can tell winter’s just around the corner.
Humidity drops and winds pick up as fall goes on, making the air feel even colder. The season feels short but packed with change, with early autumn still comfortable for travel and late autumn already feeling like Harbin’s famous winter.
Overview of Fall Weather in Harbin
Fall in Harbin brings a fast drop in temperatures, shorter daylight, and a clear switch from rain to snow. The season moves quickly from cool, mild September to freezing cold by late November.
General Climate Characteristics
Harbin’s fall weather sees both daytime and nighttime temperatures falling steadily. Highs go from about 74°F (23°C) in early September to near 21°F (-6°C) by late November.
Nighttime lows drop even faster, often hitting the single digits Fahrenheit before winter really kicks in.
Cloud cover gets heavier as the season goes on. Early September skies are mostly clear or partly cloudy, but by late fall, overcast days show up more often. The percentage of cloudy days climbs from about 35% to 43%.
Rainfall drops from an average of 2.5 inches in early fall to almost none by November. Snow starts showing up, averaging 1.1 inches by late November. Fall is probably the most transitional time of year here.
Transition from Summer to Winter
Harbin shifts from summer to winter much faster than you’d expect. Early September still feels pretty mild, with comfortable afternoons and cool nights.
By October, though, frosts hit often, and the growing season ends around the first week.
Daylight disappears quickly. You lose more than 4 hours of daylight between September and November. Sunsets move from about 6:11 PM in early September to 3:51 PM by late November.
Humidity drops too. September can still feel a bit muggy, but once mid-October hits, the air turns dry and chilly—a sure sign that winter is coming.
Unique Features of Harbin Weather
Harbin’s fall weather stands out because it goes from cool to frigid in no time. Not many places see such a steep temperature drop in just three months.
By late November, the city already feels like full-on winter in other places.
Winds matter here. Average speeds go from about 7.8 mph in September to 9.4 mph in November. The wind shifts from the south in early fall to the west later on, making things feel colder.
Snow comes early, too. While other northern cities wait until December for real snow, Harbin often gets measurable snowfall by mid-November. With long nights and less sunlight, it’s no wonder people call Harbin China’s “Ice City.”
Monthly Temperature Trends in Fall
Temperatures in Harbin drop quickly during fall, moving from mild early-season weather to freezing winter cold by late November.
Both daytime highs and nighttime lows go down steadily, and frost and snow become more common as the season moves on.
Average Temperatures in September
September still feels pretty mild. Daily highs often reach the low 70s°F (21–23°C) at the start, then fall to the low 60s°F (15–17°C) by month’s end.
Nighttime lows range from the mid 50s°F (12–14°C) early on to the mid 40s°F (7–9°C) later.
Rain drops off quickly in September. Early on, you might get a few wet days, but the chance of rain falls fast. Skies are usually clearer than in summer, and mid-September can have some of the sunniest days.
Humidity eases up, making the air drier and more comfortable. By late September, evenings feel cool and hint at colder weather ahead.
October Temperature Patterns
October brings a real shift toward colder weather. Highs start near 55°F (13°C) in early October but fall to the low 40s°F (5–6°C) by the end.
Lows drop from the upper 30s°F (3–4°C) down below freezing, often around 28°F (-2°C).
Snow can show up by mid to late October. Totals stay light, but it means winter’s knocking. Rain is rare, and most days stay dry.
Daylight hours drop fast, and sunsets get earlier, often before 5 PM by month’s end. Brisk winds from the west add to the chill, so you’ll want to dress in layers, especially after dark.
November Cooling and First Frosts
November in Harbin feels like winter, no question. Highs drop from the mid 30s°F (1–2°C) at the start to the low 20s°F (-5 to -6°C) by the end.
Lows often hit the teens and single digits Fahrenheit (-10°C and below).
Snowfall goes up, with average accumulation over an inch for the month. Frost becomes common, and ice can stick around most of the time.
By late November, daylight lasts less than nine hours. Mornings feel especially tough. Winds pick up, and the dry air makes the cold bite even more. At this point, you’ll need proper winter gear for anything outdoors.
Precipitation and Humidity in Autumn
Autumn in Harbin shifts quickly from the wet summer months to drier, cooler weather. Rainfall drops steadily as temperatures fall, and humidity levels go down, so by late fall the air feels crisp and dry.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Harbin’s autumn rainfall stays light compared to summer. September still brings some leftover moisture, with about 74 mm of rain spread over roughly 4 rainy days.
By October, rain is rare, averaging just 19 mm and usually falling on one day. November is even drier, with about 18 mm and just 1 rainy day.
This pattern matches the region’s continental climate. Summer storms fade quickly once cooler air arrives.
You’ll get longer stretches of dry weather, especially after mid-October.
Less rainfall means fewer interruptions to outdoor plans. If you’re visiting, you can count on mostly dry conditions, though September might still bring some showers. Usually, a light rain jacket is enough in early fall.
Humidity Levels Through Fall
Humidity drops along with rainfall. September can feel a bit humid, especially early on when highs stay around 20°C.
By October, cooler air and less rain bring down humidity, making it nicer for outdoor activities.
November air turns noticeably dry. Night temperatures often drop below freezing, and humidity falls enough that you might notice dry skin or chapped lips.
This crisp air feels refreshing, but it also means indoor heating can dry things out. Bringing moisturizer or lip balm helps if you’re staying a while.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Changes
During fall in Harbin, sunlight shifts in a way you can’t really miss. Daily sunshine drops off, and daylight hours get shorter as winter gets closer.
These changes affect how much time you have outside and the city’s overall mood.
Average Daily Sunshine
September still gives you a decent amount of bright days. On average, Harbin gets about 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day, which is plenty for outdoor plans.
Skies are clearer than the humid summer months.
By October, sunshine drops to 5 to 6 hours daily. The cooler weather makes sunlight feel weaker, even on clear days. You’ll probably notice longer shadows and a softer light.
November brings a bigger drop. Sunshine averages 4 to 5 hours per day, and cloudy days become more common. The sun sits lower, so days feel even shorter.
| Month | Avg Daily Sunshine (hrs) |
|---|---|
| September | 6–7 |
| October | 5–6 |
| November | 4–5 |
You can really see how quickly the season dims as winter approaches.
Daylight Duration in Fall
Daylight hours shrink even faster than sunshine. Early September gives you almost 13 hours of daylight, so mornings and evenings feel long.
By mid-October, that drops to about 11 hours. Earlier sunsets become hard to ignore, and you’ll probably need to adjust your plans for shorter days.
In November, daylight slips to around 9.5 to 10 hours. The sun rises later and sets before dinner. Along with the cold, this makes the seasonal shift feel even stronger.
These daylight changes matter for travel, sightseeing, or just daily routines. Harbin moves quickly from late summer warmth to the long, cold winter ahead.
Wind, Air Quality, and Other Atmospheric Conditions
In autumn, Harbin gets steady but not extreme winds, plus cooler, drier air. Air quality usually stays good to moderate, though sometimes you’ll get a pollution spike if the weather stalls.
Typical Wind Speeds and Directions
Expect light to moderate winds most days in fall. Average speeds hover around 3 mph, so it feels calm compared to spring’s gusts.
Winds shift between northwest and northeast, bringing colder air from Siberia as the season goes on. This wind shift is a big reason temperatures drop so quickly.
Since the winds aren’t too strong, cold air tends to linger. This makes for crisp mornings and evenings, especially in October.
Travelers usually enjoy the gentle breezes, but watch for sudden gusts when cold fronts move through. Those can make it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Air Quality Overview in Autumn
Harbin’s fall air quality is generally moderate to good, with annual AQI values from 38 to 115. Cooler weather and lighter winds can let pollutants hang around, but most days are fine for being outside.
Unlike winter, when coal heating bumps up emissions, autumn brings fewer local pollution sources. You’ll often get clearer skies, especially early in the season.
Sometimes, calm days cause temperature inversions that trap pollution near the ground. If you’re sensitive, check daily air quality before spending hours outside.
Most days, though, the air feels clean and crisp, making fall a great time for exploring Harbin.
Travel Tips for Visiting Harbin in Fall
Autumn in Harbin brings cooler temperatures, clear skies, and less rain than summer. The season’s great for sightseeing, but you’ll want to pack smart since temperatures can swing a lot between day and night.
Best Time to Visit During Autumn
Fall in Harbin stretches from September through November. Early September usually feels pretty mild, with daytime highs sitting around 18–20 °C (64–68 °F).
By late November, those highs often drop close to 0 °C (32 °F). Nights? They can slip below freezing, so you’ll want to pack accordingly.
If you love crisp air and colorful leaves, you’ll probably find mid to late September the most enjoyable. October brings cooler weather, but it’s still comfortable enough for a stroll along the Songhua River or maybe a walk in Sun Island Park.
When November rolls around, the city starts shifting into winter. You might catch the season’s first snowfalls, which look beautiful but can make sidewalks a bit slippery. This time of year works well for travelers who like fewer people around and don’t mind the chill.
Quick guide:
- September: Mild days, cool nights, light jacket needed
- October: Noticeable chill, sweater and coat recommended
- November: Cold, frost likely, winter gear required
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
Temperatures in Harbin change fast, so you’ll want to pack layers. I’d grab a light sweater or fleece for early fall days, then switch to a medium jacket when the evenings get chilly.
By October, you’ll probably want a thicker coat. In November, insulated outerwear really comes in handy.
Gloves, scarves, and hats make a big difference once those late autumn winds start blowing. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes. If you’re heading there in November, waterproof boots can save you a lot of hassle if it snows.
Go for clothes you can add or peel off as the weather changes. For example:
- Base layer: long-sleeve shirts or thermal tops
- Mid layer: fleece or wool sweater
- Outer layer: windproof and insulated jacket
A small backpack makes it easy to stash extra layers as you go about your day. Sunglasses can be surprisingly useful too, since Harbin skies often stay bright and clear in autumn.