Fall in Shenyang, China, really marks a shift from the hot, sticky summer to days that feel crisp and cool. Daytime temperatures usually start out in the upper 70s Fahrenheit in early September, but by November, you’ll see them dip into the 40s. Honestly, autumn might be one of the best times to get out and explore the city.
Nights get chilly, so you’ll want to bring layers as the weeks go on.
Rainfall drops off pretty quickly compared to summer, and you’ll only run into a few rainy days here and there. Humidity takes a dive too, leaving the air dry and much more comfortable.
Sunshine hours don’t change much, so you’ll still get bright skies and good visibility for outdoor plans. Winds start to pick up, especially toward late fall.
With this mix of mild temps, less rain, and clearer skies, autumn draws both locals and visitors. Whether you’re wandering through historic sites, hanging out in parks, or heading out to the countryside, the weather usually works in your favor.
Overview of Fall Climate in Shenyang
Fall brings a steady drop in temperature, drier air, and shorter days to Shenyang. You’ll notice the change from late-summer warmth to early-winter chill in just a few weeks.
Rain gives way to light snow by the end of the season.
Typical Autumn Weather Patterns
September feels mild and cool, with average highs near 79°F (26°C) and lows around 62°F (17°C). By November, daytime temps often fall to 32°F (0°C), and nights can drop to 15°F (-9°C).
Rainfall tapers off fast. Early autumn might bring about 3 inches (80 mm) of rain in a month, but by late November, almost all the rain is gone, replaced by light snow—maybe 1–2 inches (2–4 cm).
Humidity shifts too. Early September can still feel a bit muggy, but by mid-October, the air turns dry. Humid days go from nearly 30% at the start to pretty much 0% by mid-fall.
Winds gradually pick up, averaging 7–9 mph (11–15 km/h). September and October usually see southerly winds, but by late fall, cold air from Siberia moves in from the north.
Seasonal Changes from Summer to Fall
Shenyang’s move from summer to fall feels pretty abrupt. August brings long, humid days, but September quickly cools things off.
The growing season usually wraps up by mid-October, once frost starts showing up.
Daylight changes fast too. In early September, you get over 13 hours of daylight. By late November, the sun sticks around for just about 9 hours.
Sunsets shift from around 6:20 PM in early fall to as early as 4:15 PM by the end.
Rain chances drop from 23% in early September to just 6% in late November. Meanwhile, the odds of snow creep up, reaching 3% by season’s end.
Early fall feels great for being outside, but late fall? You’ll want winter gear and to prep for icy mornings.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Fall in Shenyang feels way drier and less humid than summer. Summer brings rainstorms and highs near 85–90°F (29–32°C), but fall cools things off fast—sometimes down to freezing.
Winter gets way colder than fall. By January, you’re lucky if highs get above 20°F (-7°C), and there’s heavy snow and strong winds. Fall cools off gradually, rather than dropping into a deep freeze overnight.
Spring’s different too. While fall cools off, spring warms up. By April, temps climb above 50°F (10°C), and everything starts growing again.
If you look at daylight, fall loses almost 4 hours of sun, while spring gains about the same. Fall feels like a season of shrinking days, while spring’s all about renewal.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Shenyang’s temperatures drop quickly in fall. September brings late-summer warmth, but by November, it’s nearly winter cold.
You’ll notice shorter days, cooler nights, and a slow switch from rain to the first snow.
September Temperature Trends
September stays pretty mild, with highs around 24–26°C (75–79°F). Nights cool off to 13–16°C (55–61°F), so mornings and evenings feel crisp.
Rain still pops up early in the month, but not like the heavy summer storms. Humidity drops, so the air feels fresher.
Outdoor conditions are comfortable for most of September. By month’s end, temps dip into the mid-teens Celsius, and autumn’s coolness sets in.
October Temperature Trends
October brings a noticeable chill. Highs start around 13–17°C (55–63°F) but drop to 7–10°C (44–50°F) by month’s end.
Nights often fall into the 0–5°C (32–41°F) range, so frost can show up.
Clouds thin out compared to September, so you see more clear days. Rain’s rare, and snow starts to become possible, especially late in the month.
If you’re planning to be outside, bring warmer clothes for mornings and evenings. This is also peak time for fall colors, so lots of locals travel around then.
November Temperature Trends
November cools down fast. Daytime highs fall to 0–5°C (32–41°F), and nighttime lows often hit -7°C (19°F) or colder.
By mid to late November, freezing conditions are common all day.
Snow shows up more often, with monthly totals around 40–45 mm. Rain pretty much disappears, replaced by light or moderate snow showers.
Winds switch from south to north, which makes things feel colder. You’ll notice less daylight, with sunsets before 5 p.m.
By the end of November, Shenyang feels like it’s deep into winter.
Rainfall and Humidity in Autumn
Rainfall in Shenyang drops off sharply after the wet summer, and humidity levels slide as cooler air moves in.
You’ll notice things get drier and more comfortable as fall goes on.
Monthly Rainfall Averages
Rain spreads unevenly through the year in Shenyang, with summer getting the most. By September, the city still gets about 90–100 mm of rain.
Showers aren’t as frequent as in July or August, but you might still get a few wet days.
October brings a bigger change. Average rainfall falls to about 40–45 mm, and rainy days become rare. By November, you only get 15–20 mm, mostly light rain or early snow.
You won’t need to worry much about long rainy spells in autumn. It’s still smart to pack a light rain jacket in September, but by late October and November, rain rarely messes up your plans.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 90–100 | 7–8 |
| October | 40–45 | 4–5 |
| November | 15–20 | 2–3 |
Humidity Levels Throughout Fall
Humidity drops right along with the rain. In September, relative humidity averages 70–75%, so you might still feel a little muggy when it’s warm.
Nights start to feel drier and cooler, though.
By October, humidity usually settles around 60%. This feels a lot more comfortable, and you’ll see clearer skies and crisp air.
Outdoor activities get easier since the summer stickiness is gone.
November gets even drier, with average humidity at 55% or less. The air turns cool and dry, especially with early winter winds.
If you’re sensitive to dry air, you might want to grab some moisturizer or lip balm. You’ll notice the dryness both inside and out.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
In Shenyang during fall, you can’t help but notice the steady drop in sunshine and daylight length. It changes how long you can stay outside and how warm afternoons feel.
Average Daily Sunshine
Autumn brings a clear drop in daily sunshine compared to summer. September usually has about 7 to 8 hours of sun most days.
By November, that’s down to 5 to 6 hours.
The shift happens slowly. September still gives you bright afternoons, but October brings more clouds and shorter sunny stretches.
November? It’s definitely the dimmest, with fewer clear days.
Humidity affects this too. September’s leftover summer humidity can make skies a bit hazy. By October and November, the air’s drier, but shorter days and a lower sun angle mean less overall sunshine.
If you want to sightsee or spend time outside, September and early October are your best bet. You get comfortable temps and longer sunny spells.
Daylight Duration Changes
Shenyang’s daylight hours drop quickly in fall, thanks to its northern spot on the map. Early September has sunrise around 5:30 AM and sunset close to 6:15 PM, so you get nearly 13 hours of daylight.
By October, you’re down to about 11 hours. Sunrises move later, around 6:00 AM, and sunsets come earlier, near 5:00 PM.
November brings an even bigger change. Daylight shrinks to about 10 hours or less, and the sun sets before 4:45 PM.
This earlier darkness shortens your window for outdoor plans.
Shorter days also mean evenings cool off fast, so late autumn nights feel colder than the thermometer might suggest.
Wind and Air Quality in Fall
In fall, Shenyang’s winds change as temps cool and the air dries out. This affects how comfortable you feel outside and can impact air quality.
Typical Wind Patterns
September usually brings winds from the south and southeast, carrying the last bits of summer warmth. October and November see winds shift north and northwest as cold air from Siberia moves in.
Fall wind speeds hover between 8–12 km/h (5–7 mph). Breezes stay steady, not too gusty, so outdoor conditions are manageable.
Cold fronts can bring stronger winds, especially late in the season.
These wind shifts explain why October and November feel colder. North winds bring dry, cool air, dropping humidity and making the air crisp.
If you’re visiting, expect lighter winds in early fall but more bite in the air as November gets closer. A windbreaker or light jacket works in September, but you’ll need heavier gear by late fall.
Air Quality Considerations
Shenyang’s fall air quality is a bit of a mixed bag. Cooler, drier air usually means better visibility and less of that heavy summer humidity that traps pollutants.
But when the heating season starts in October and November, emissions from coal and other fuels go up.
You might see higher PM2.5 particle levels during colder months, especially on calm days when the air doesn’t move much. This can make things hazy and affect people who are sensitive, like kids or anyone with respiratory issues.
On windy days, pollution usually drops since the air circulates better. Air quality can swing a lot from week to week.
If you’re planning to be outside, check the local air quality forecast. Clear, breezy days are best for walking or sightseeing. On still, hazy days, you might want to limit your time outdoors, especially near busy roads.
Travel Tips for Visiting Shenyang in Autumn
Autumn in Shenyang feels refreshing, with cooler weather, fewer rainy days, and bursts of color everywhere. Temperatures can swing quickly, so one day you might need just a light jacket, and the next, you’ll want something much warmer.
Planning ahead really helps, especially when the weather can surprise you.
Best Time to Visit
Most people find mid-September to mid-October the sweet spot for a trip. Daytime highs usually land somewhere between 17°C and 25°C (62°F to 77°F), which feels just right for walking tours or exploring outside.
Once late October rolls around, you’ll notice temperatures dropping fast, down to -5°C to 6°C (23°F to 43°F). The air gets crisp, and honestly, you’ll need to bundle up if you want to enjoy time outdoors.
Rain doesn’t show up as much as it does in summer, so you’re likely to get more dry, clear days.
Autumn in Shenyang brings harvest festivals and a break from the usual tourist crowds. You can wander parks or check out places like the Shenyang Imperial Palace without fighting through big groups.
If you’re after mild weather, September usually hits that balance between warmth and comfort. November feels much quieter, but you’ll need to pack heavier clothes for the cold.
Recommended Clothing and Packing
Packing for Shenyang in autumn? You’ll want to be ready for some pretty wild temperature swings. In September, I’d go with light jackets, long-sleeve shirts, and comfortable walking shoes.
Afternoons can still get warm, so layering really helps.
By October, you’ll probably reach for medium-weight coats, sweaters, and scarves. Nights get chilly fast, and if you’re hanging around outside after dark, gloves start to sound like a good idea.
November feels a lot like early winter. You’ll want a thick coat, insulated footwear, and some thermal layers.
Hats and gloves? Pretty much a must, since frost and even a bit of snow might show up.
I’d also toss a compact umbrella in your bag. Autumn doesn’t see much rain, but those sudden showers can catch you off guard.
A small thermos for hot drinks really comes in handy on cold days, especially if you’re wandering outdoor markets or parks for a while.