Fall in Qingdao really signals a shift from the sticky heat of summer to the crisp air of the cooler months. Average daytime highs drop from the low 80s °F in early September to the upper 40s °F by late November.
Nights cool down even faster, so if you’re heading outside, you’ll want to layer up.
As temperatures fall, the air dries out and humidity drops. Rain gets less common as autumn moves on, and that muggy summer feeling fades away.
Skies usually clear up, which is perfect if you want to catch coastline or city views without all those clouds hanging around.
Winds pick up bit by bit through the season, so the air starts to feel brisker. Shorter days and cooler sea temperatures add to the autumn vibe, changing daily routines and travel plans in Qingdao.
Overview of Qingdao’s Fall Climate
Fall in Qingdao steadily shifts from warm, humid late summer to the cooler, drier air of early winter. You’ll notice changes in temperature, rainfall, and daylight, all shaped by the city’s coastal spot on eastern Shandong.
Geographic and Climatic Context
Qingdao sits right on the southern coast of the Shandong Peninsula, facing the Yellow Sea. This spot gives it a humid subtropical climate with dry winters (Cwa classification), and the sea keeps things milder than you’d find inland.
Elevation isn’t much—just about 20–30 feet above sea level. The nearby hills and islands mess with wind patterns, so you’ll often get breezes from the north in late fall.
These winds help cool things off and dry out the air.
Historical weather records show Qingdao has distinct seasonal contrasts. Summers get hot and humid with plenty of rain, while winters turn cold and dry.
Fall lands right between, with humidity dropping and days getting shorter pretty quickly.
Because Qingdao hugs the coast, you’ll get stronger winds than in inland Shandong. By late November, average winds reach about 11–12 mph, usually coming from the north.
That breeze can make it feel colder than the numbers say.
Seasonal Transition from Summer to Winter
Temperatures in Qingdao drop fast during fall. In early September, highs still reach around 27°C (81°F), but by late November, they drop to about 9°C (48°F).
Nighttime lows fall even harder, from roughly 22°C (71°F) in September to 3°C (37°F) in November.
Rainfall dries up after summer. September might bring about 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, but by November, totals fall below 20 mm (0.8 in).
Late fall ends up being one of the driest times of year.
Humidity drops too. Early fall can feel muggy, but by mid-October, those sticky days are rare.
Skies get clearer, and October often brings some of the sunniest days you’ll see.
Daylight disappears fast. You lose about three hours of daylight from early September to late November.
Sunset moves from after 6:20 PM to before 5:00 PM, so the season feels like it changes in a hurry.
Comparison with Other Regions in Shandong
Compared to inland cities like Jinan or Weifang, Qingdao’s fall feels less harsh. The coast keeps daytime highs a bit warmer in November and delays those freezing nights.
Here’s a quick look:
| City | Avg. Nov High | Avg. Nov Low | Rainfall (Nov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qingdao | 9°C (48°F) | 3°C (37°F) | ~20 mm |
| Jinan | 11°C (52°F) | -1°C (30°F) | ~25 mm |
| Weifang | 10°C (50°F) | 0°C (32°F) | ~23 mm |
While places inland cool off much faster at night, Qingdao stays milder thanks to the sea. You’ll notice stronger winds and higher humidity early in the season compared to those cities.
If you’re traveling in Shandong during fall, Qingdao is usually better for outdoor plans in September and October.
By late November, though, most of the province feels similar—cold winds and short days everywhere.
Typical Fall Temperatures in Qingdao
Through fall, Qingdao’s temperatures slide steadily downward. Early September still feels like late summer, but by late November, you’re bundling up for winter.
Both daytime highs and nighttime lows show clear changes.
Average High and Low Temperatures by Month
September brings average highs of about 27°C (81°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
It’s warm enough that early fall could fool you into thinking summer’s sticking around.
October sees highs drop to about 20°C (68°F), with lows near 13°C (55°F).
You’ll want a light jacket in the evenings.
November continues the cooling. Highs average 13°C (55°F), and lows go down to 5°C (41°F).
Nights sometimes get close to freezing, especially late in the month.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 22°C / 72°F |
| October | 20°C / 68°F | 13°C / 55°F |
| November | 13°C / 55°F | 5°C / 41°F |
These numbers come from historical weather data and give you a good idea of what to expect.
Temperature Trends from September to November
From September to November, average highs cool off by about 14°C (25°F). This drop isn’t sudden—you’ll feel it week by week.
September still feels warm and a bit humid, but October brings that crisp, classic fall air.
By November, heavier clothing is a must, especially after dark. Fall cools down faster than spring warms up, thanks to Qingdao’s spot on the Yellow Sea.
The sea helps, but it can’t stop the quick drop in temperature.
Expect September to be great for being outside, October to be mild but sometimes unpredictable, and November to start feeling pretty chilly.
Daily Temperature Ranges and Extremes
Highs and lows can swing a lot in fall. Some September days still hit 30°C (86°F), while by late November, cold nights can dip near 0°C (32°F).
The gap between day and night temps gets bigger as fall goes on.
In September, nights stay relatively warm. By November, mornings feel much colder than afternoons.
It’s rare, but September can sometimes top 30°C (86°F), and late November can drop below freezing.
When you’re packing, think layers. Afternoons can be mild, but evenings cool off fast, especially later in the season.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall in Qingdao changes a lot through fall. You’ll see higher totals in early autumn, but things dry out quickly, with fewer rainy days by late November.
Long-term weather records back this up.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
September usually wraps up the summer rainy season. Average precipitation lands around 90–120 mm, thanks to warm, humid air from the sea.
By October, rain drops to about 40–60 mm, showing how fast things dry out.
November is even drier, with just 20–30 mm—sometimes you go days without any rain at all.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 90–120 |
| October | 40–60 |
| November | 20–30 |
You can really see how rain fades away as fall goes on.
Frequency of Wet Days
Rainy days get fewer as the season moves along. September can bring 7–9 wet days, often from leftover summer storms.
October usually has 4–6 wet days, but showers are lighter and don’t last as long.
By November, rain is rare—just 2–3 wet days most years.
So, you’ll notice longer stretches of clear skies, especially late in the season.
This pattern repeats year after year, so it’s pretty reliable for planning.
Transition from Rainy to Dry Season
Fall marks Qingdao’s shift from humid summer to dry winter. September still feels the effects of the East Asian monsoon, but by October, that fades away.
Continental air starts to take over, drying out both the rain and the humidity.
By November, you’re at the driest point before winter arrives. September may still call for rain gear, but October and November are usually fine for outdoor plans.
This gradual drying is classic for Qingdao’s coastal climate, where ocean-driven rain gives way to chilly, dry air from the land.
Humidity and Dew Point During Fall
As summer heat leaves, humidity in Qingdao drops, and the dew point falls too. You’ll feel cooler air that holds less moisture, which really changes how the season feels.
Average Relative Humidity Levels
Through fall, Qingdao’s humidity goes down as temperatures cool. Early September still brings relative humidity around 75–80%, which can feel sticky on hot days.
By November, it usually drops to 65–70%, so the air feels drier and more comfortable.
Cooler air can’t hold as much water vapor, so humidity falls even as rain tapers off.
Cloudy days sometimes keep humidity from dropping too fast, though.
You might notice mornings feel more humid than afternoons. Overnight cooling pushes humidity up, sometimes causing mist or light fog near the coast.
By midday, sunshine brings it down a bit, especially later in the season.
If you’re sensitive to damp air, September feels the muggiest, while October and November are much milder.
Dew Point Variations by Month
The dew point is a better way to judge how humid the air feels. In September, dew points hang in the upper 60s °F (around 20 °C)—that’s pretty muggy on warm days.
By October, average dew points drop to the mid-50s °F (12–14 °C), making the air feel fresher.
In November, dew points fall further to the mid-40s °F (7–8 °C). The air feels crisp, and sticky nights are rare.
It’s easier to enjoy outdoor activities without that lingering dampness.
You might still run into some dampness near the sea, but inland, it’s much drier.
This steady drop in dew point tracks right along with the season cooling down and shows Qingdao moving into winter.
Wind Speed and Cloud Cover Trends
During fall in Qingdao, you’ll notice steady winds off the Yellow Sea. Cloud cover also changes as the season rolls on.
These patterns affect daily comfort and how much you can see if you’re planning anything along the coast.
Prevailing Wind Directions and Speeds
In Qingdao during fall, winds mainly blow in from the north and northwest as continental air starts to take over. You’ll still feel some sea influence, but by late October, inland breezes really pick up.
Average wind speeds usually sit between 10–15 km/h (6–9 mph), but gusts can hit higher numbers along the coast. September tends to feel breezier, probably because of leftover summer monsoon effects. By November, winds calm down, though they get cooler.
If you hang out near the shoreline, you’ll probably notice the wind gets stronger in the afternoon. That’s when the temperature difference between land and sea hits its peak. Inland, it’s less windy, but open spaces can still feel chilly as fall moves along.
When you’re planning to walk the boardwalk or go cycling, expect steady breezes instead of wild gusts. Early fall is usually best for sailors and kiteboarders, since winds ease off later in the season.
Changes in Cloud Cover Throughout Fall
Cloud cover drops off steadily from September through November. Early fall keeps some of summer’s humidity, so skies are often partly to mostly cloudy. By mid-October, drier air rolls in, and you start seeing more clear days.
In September, you’ll probably see about 50–60% average cloud cover most days. By November, this falls to 30–40% as colder, dry air from the north takes over. You’ll notice the difference in both daylight and how clear the nights get.
With less cloud cover comes longer stretches of sunshine late in the season. If you like photography or sightseeing, October usually hits that sweet spot between clear skies and comfortable weather.
By November, skies look clearer, but the air turns colder. So, even though visibility improves, outdoor activities can feel less inviting.
Other Notable Fall Weather Features
As fall rolls in, you’ll notice shorter days, changing visibility, and the occasional odd weather event in Qingdao. These shifts can really shape your plans, especially if you’re hoping to get outside or check out the coast.
Sunshine Duration and Daylight Hours
Daylight fades fast in Qingdao during the fall. Early September gives you close to 13 hours of daylight. By late November, you’re down to under 10 hours. Sunrise moves from about 5:30 AM in early September to nearly 6:50 AM by the end of November.
Sunset creeps earlier too, dropping from around 6:25 PM in September to about 4:45 PM by late November. This quick change means you’ll want to plan outdoor stuff for earlier in the day.
Cloud cover also affects how much sunshine you get. Weather records show skies clearing up as fall goes on, with cloudiness dropping from about 40% in September to around 32% in November. Even with shorter days, late fall actually feels a bit brighter.
Fog and Visibility Issues
Qingdao sits on the coast, so fog pops up pretty often in fall. Sea fog forms when warm air passes over cooler water, especially in September and October. These fog events can mess with visibility and sometimes delay flights or ferries.
Records show fog happens most often during the shift from summer to fall, when humidity still hangs around. By November, fog becomes less common as the air dries out and cools down.
If you’re traveling, fog usually lifts by mid-morning. Early hours along the shore can stay hazy, though. So if you’re driving or hoping for clear coastal photos, expect visibility to be lower first thing in the morning.
Unusual Weather Events in Recent Years
Fall usually feels pretty steady, but every now and then, Qingdao gets hit with some odd weather. Sometimes, when late-season typhoons linger, they bring heavy rain and strong winds in September.
By October, these storms don’t show up as much. Still, in some years, they’ve caused sudden flooding or messed up travel plans for a short time.
Now and then, cold air sweeps down from the north earlier than anyone expects. If you look at old weather records, you’ll see that late October can bring sharp temperature drops and biting winds that basically announce winter’s on the way.
Winds get even stronger in November. On average, they blow over 11 mph. That extra wind makes the air feel colder and can whip up the sea, so the coast gets a bit rough.