When you’re planning a trip to northern China, the weather shapes your experience just as much as the sights do. In Tianjin, autumn feels like one of the most comfortable and inviting seasons.
You’ll get warm days in early September, but by late November, nights turn crisp. Highs drop from the low 80s °F to the low 40s °F.
As fall moves in, skies clear up, rain tapers off fast, and that sticky summer humidity fades to drier, much more comfortable air. The changing daylight hours and shifting winds also affect how the city feels, whether you’re strolling along the Haihe River or wandering through old neighborhoods.
It’s helpful to know what kind of fall climate you’ll get in Tianjin. It lets you pack better and pick the right times for outdoor adventures.
Overview of Fall Weather in Tianjin
Fall brings a steady drop in temperature, clearer skies, and way less rain than summer. Muggy conditions end as cooler, drier air settles in and winter creeps closer.
Typical Autumn Climate Patterns
Temperatures in Tianjin during autumn really swing. Early September brings daily highs around 83°F (28°C), but by late November, it’s closer to 43°F (6°C). Lows go from the upper 60s°F (about 19°C) down to the upper 20s°F (around -3°C).
Rain falls off quickly after summer ends. Early September might still see about 2.7 inches (70 mm) in a month, but by late November, it averages just 0.1 inches (3 mm). The chance of a wet day drops from 21% to only 3%.
Humidity drops too. Nearly half the days feel muggy in early fall, but by November, the air is dry and crisp. Winds pick up a bit, shifting from about 6 mph in September to 8 mph in November, and they turn from southerly breezes to more northerly gusts.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Autumn stands out in Tianjin compared to the hot, sticky summers and the cold, dry winters. Summer highs often hit the upper 80s°F (31°C), with heavy rain and high humidity. Fall, on the other hand, brings milder afternoons and way better conditions for being outside.
Spring is usually windier and dustier, while fall tends to be drier. Spring can bring dust storms, but fall skies are more stable and clear. The days get shorter too, from about 13 hours of daylight in early September to less than 10 hours by late November.
Winter rolls in fast after fall. By December, highs hover near freezing, and lows drop well below it. If you visit in autumn, you’ll catch that transition—temperatures are still manageable, but you can already feel winter in the air.
Recent Weather Trends
Over the years, Tianjin’s fall has shown a pretty consistent pattern: rapid cooling and drying. The growing season usually ends by early November, when nighttime lows drop below freezing. That shift puts plants into dormancy.
Nearby coastal waters cool off fast too, dropping from about 76°F (24°C) in early September to 49°F (9°C) by late November. This chill makes the air feel colder near the sea and affects local winds.
Muggy weather disappears quickly after summer. By mid-autumn, the chance of humidity is almost gone. October is a great month for sightseeing—mild afternoons, barely any rain, and clearer skies than other times of the year.
Average Fall Temperatures
Temperatures steadily drop during fall in Tianjin, both day and night. Early September still feels warm, but by late November, it’s almost wintery. You’ll notice big swings between daily highs and lows, so layering your clothes is smart.
Monthly Temperature Ranges
September brings average highs around 83°F (28°C) and lows near 67°F (19°C). In October, highs dip to about 68°F (20°C) and lows cool to 48°F (9°C). November gets much colder, with highs near 52°F (11°C) and lows around 32°F (0°C).
That’s a drop of about 41°F (23°C) for highs and 40°F (22°C) for lows over just three months. It’s a sharp change, but that’s typical for northern China’s continental climate.
If you’re sticking around for the whole season, you’ll probably wear short sleeves in September and heavy coats by late November.
Daytime vs. Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime warmth fades fast as fall moves on. Early fall afternoons feel nice, from the mid-70s to low 80s °F (24–28°C). By late fall, afternoons rarely get above the low 50s °F (10–12°C).
Nights cool off even more. September nights stay mild, often in the upper 60s °F (18–20°C). By October, nights drop into the 40s °F (7–9°C). November nights often hit freezing or below, averaging around 27–32°F (-3–0°C).
There’s a big gap between day and night, so evenings can feel much colder than the afternoons. If you pack layers, you’ll be able to handle the swings.
Temperature Records and Extremes
Averages are helpful, but extremes do happen. Early fall highs can still spike close to 90°F (32°C). On the flip side, late November nights can plunge below 20°F (-7°C) in colder years.
Tianjin’s hottest day usually lands in mid-July, with highs in the upper 80s °F (31°C). The coldest day comes in mid-January, when highs sit near 35°F (2°C) and lows around 17°F (-8°C).
Compared to those extremes, fall is a transition. You’ll notice the steady cooling, but you won’t get the bitter winter cold or the blazing summer heat.
Precipitation and Humidity in Autumn
In autumn, Tianjin’s rainfall drops off from the summer peak, and humidity falls as temperatures cool. The season shifts from wetter weeks in early September to much drier weather by late November.
Rainfall Patterns
Rain in Tianjin during autumn follows a clear downward slide. September still brings some leftover summer rain, averaging 50–60 mm for the month. By October, that drops to around 20–30 mm, and November is usually the driest, with less than 10 mm in most years.
You’ll see fewer rainy days as fall goes on. September averages about 6–7 wet days, but November often has just 1–2 days of measurable rain. Most rain comes as short, light showers, not long storms.
The switch from humid summer rains to dry autumn skies makes travel more pleasant. Streets dry out quickly, and you’re less likely to have plans ruined by sudden downpours.
Humidity Levels
Humidity steadily drops through autumn. September sees average relative humidity around 70%, which can still feel muggy on hot afternoons. By October, it’s closer to 60%, and in November, you’ll notice crisp air with averages near 50%.
Lower humidity can make the air feel cooler than the thermometer says, especially in the evenings. Mornings might be a bit damp in September, but by November, the air is dry and clear.
With less humidity, visibility improves across the city. Skies clear up, and there are more hours of sunshine compared to the hazy summer months. Sightseeing and walking tours just feel better.
Dry and Wet Spells
Autumn in Tianjin usually means longer dry stretches, broken up by the occasional wet spell. September might still have clusters of rainy days, but by October, you often get a week or more of dry weather. November is mostly dry, with only light rain or drizzle now and then.
The difference between lingering summer moisture and incoming winter dryness is most obvious in early autumn. Late autumn feels much closer to winter—little rain, very low humidity.
If you’re traveling, you can mostly count on dry weather, but it’s smart to bring light rain gear in September, especially if you’re planning a lot of outdoor time.
Wind and Air Quality During Fall
In fall, Tianjin’s winds shift as temperatures drop, and pollution levels change too. You’ll notice steady breezes that affect comfort and visibility. Air quality usually improves compared to winter, though it’s not quite as clear as in summer.
Prevailing Winds
During fall, winds in Tianjin mostly come from the northwest and north. These breezes bring in cooler, drier air from inland, which helps drop the humidity. Average wind speeds run from 8 to 12 mph (13 to 19 km/h), but gusts can get stronger when cold fronts move through.
Wind direction changes as cold air masses move in from Mongolia and northern China. This pattern makes things feel crisp and can bring a quick temperature drop.
You’ll probably notice stronger winds in October and November than in September. These breezes help clear out haze and boost visibility, especially after rain. For travelers, the wind can make it feel colder, so a light jacket or windbreaker comes in handy.
Air Quality Trends
Air quality in Tianjin during fall is a mixed bag. Pollution is usually lower than in winter (when coal heating kicks in), but higher than in summer (when sunlight and rain help clear things out).
In September, you’ll often get cleaner air, thanks to lingering summer weather. As fall goes on, cooler and drier air can trap pollutants near the ground, especially on calm days without much wind.
October and November sometimes bring hazy days, though passing cold fronts can clear the air for a while. You might run into some days with reduced visibility, but fall is still better for being outdoors than the heavy smog of winter.
If you’re sensitive to air quality, check daily reports and try to plan outdoor time for breezier days when pollution is more likely to disperse.
Climate Influences and Regional Context
Tianjin’s fall weather comes from big atmospheric patterns and local city effects. You’ll feel the lingering East Asian monsoon and the impact of rapid urban development on temperature and air quality.
Monsoon and Weather Systems
During fall, Tianjin moves away from the strong summer monsoon. The East Asian monsoon weakens, and cooler, drier continental air from northern China and Siberia takes over. That’s why September can still feel warm, but October and November cool down fast.
Rain keeps dropping off. September averages about 46 mm, but by November, it’s down to around 10 mm. Most days are dry, and skies look clearer than in summer. Humidity, often around 50–60%, makes the air feel crisp and comfortable for outdoor plans.
Cold fronts from the north can bring abrupt temperature drops. You might get a mild day, then a sudden chill the next. These fronts also bring stronger winds that help push out leftover summer humidity and pollution.
So, fall weather in Tianjin really shows the monsoon fading and dry continental air taking over. The result? Cooler, more stable weather that’s a big shift from the city’s humid summer.
Impact of Urban Environment
Tianjin is massive, and the city itself changes how you feel the weather. All that concrete and asphalt traps heat, creating an urban heat island effect. Nighttime temperatures in the city center usually stay a bit warmer than in the countryside.
Air quality is a factor too. Industry and vehicle emissions can trap pollution, especially when the wind dies down. Fall brings clearer skies than summer, but you might still see haze or smog on calm days, which can limit visibility even when it’s not raining.
Tianjin’s spot near the Bohai Sea helps moderate extremes. Sea breezes can cool things off during the day and bump up humidity a bit. Sometimes, though, those breezes bring fine marine particles inland, mixing with city pollution.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, keep these urban effects in mind. Parks and waterfront spots usually feel cooler and fresher, while the city’s dense districts hold onto warmth and might feel stuffier in late afternoons.
Travel Tips for Autumn in Tianjin
Autumn in Tianjin brings cooler temperatures, low rainfall, and scenery that really pops with color. You’ll want to plan what you wear pretty carefully, and maybe think about timing your visit with local holidays or the weather.
Recommended Clothing
During autumn, daytime highs in Tianjin usually hit 18–21°C (64–70°F). Nights can get chilly, sometimes dropping to 5–10°C (41–50°F). That’s a pretty big swing, so packing layers is the way to go.
A light sweater or long-sleeve shirt should keep you comfortable during the day. Once the sun goes down, you’ll probably want a warmer jacket or coat.
For shoes, stick with comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes. Places like the Huangyaguan Great Wall have lots of steps and uneven ground, so you’ll thank yourself later.
In late October, mornings and evenings can feel pretty cold. Tossing in a scarf and some light gloves isn’t a bad idea.
Rain doesn’t show up much, with only about 23 mm for the whole month. You probably won’t need heavy rain gear, but a small foldable umbrella can come in handy if a shower sneaks up on you.
Here’s a quick clothing guide:
| Time of Day | Suggested Clothing |
|---|---|
| Daytime | Long-sleeve shirt, blouse, thin sweater |
| Evening | Jacket, trench coat, or leather coat |
| Footwear | Sneakers or hiking shoes |
| Extras | Scarf, umbrella (optional) |
Best Time to Visit
Autumn feels like one of the most comfortable seasons in Tianjin. You’ll get mild temperatures, low humidity, and those wonderfully clear skies.
September through mid-October usually brings the best weather. Locals and visitors both love this time, so you might find the city buzzing with tourists.
If you’re thinking about coming in early October, keep an eye on the National Day Holiday (October 1–7). Crowds flock to hotels, trains, and all the main attractions, and prices can shoot up. Honestly, booking ahead feels almost mandatory if you can’t skip this week.
Late October cools off, and the crowds thin out. Trees in parks and along the Haihe River start showing off yellow and red leaves, so it’s a great time to snap some photos or just wander outside.
Crisp evenings invite you to take a river cruise or poke around historic streets. Wouldn’t that be nice?