Harbin Temperature: Is it Really That Cold? Can I Visit Inner Mongolia Together?

Do you want to visit Harbin but worry about the cold? It's a valid concern, but don't let it stop you!

Harbin is known as the "Ice City" because its average yearly temperature is low. Daytime averages are around 11℃ (51.8℉), and nighttime dips to 0℃ (32℉). Winter, from November to March, sees temperatures between -25℃ (-13℉) and 3℃ (37.4℉). While cold, it's manageable with the right clothing!

So, should you pack your bags or stay home? Let's dive into the details so that you can prepare well for your trip.

What is the Average Temperature in Harbin?

Are you wondering about the average temperature across the year? Knowing what to expect can really help in planning your trip to Harbin.

The average monthly temperature in Harbin varies a lot. It ranges from -25℃ (-13℉) in the coldest months to 29℃ (84.2℉) in the summer. June, July, and August are the warmest, averaging around 20℃ (68℉).

I have seen many travelers confused about what to expect from Harbin's weather. To make it easier to plan, I always advise people to look at average temperatures¹. But, remember, these are just averages! The actual temperature on any given day can be higher or lower.

Month	Average Max Temp (℃)	Average Min Temp (℃)
January	-14	-25
February	-8	-20
March	3	-9
April	15	2
May	22	11
June	28	17
July	29	20
August	27	19
September	22	11
October	12	1
November	0	-9
December	-11	-21

This table is a great reference point. If you're visiting in January, prepare for very cold conditions! If you're coming in July, pack for warm weather, but still bring a light jacket for the evenings. I once forgot my jacket during a July trip and ended up buying a cheap one from a street vendor! So, it’s always better to be prepared.

What is the Winter Temperature Like in Harbin?

Worried about the extreme cold during winter? It is the most famous feature of Harbin, so here is the info you need.

Winter in Harbin lasts from November to March. During this time, the average monthly temperature ranges from -25℃ (-13℉) to 3℃ (37.4℉). The lowest temperature can drop to around -30℃ (-22℉), and the record low was -37.7℃ (-35.86℉)!

I get asked all the time, "How do I survive the Harbin winter?" My answer is always the same: layers, layers, layers²! Dressing in layers is key to staying warm. Start with thermal underwear, add a fleece or sweater, and top it off with a good quality ski suit or down jacket. Don't forget thick socks, cold-proof shoes, a windproof hat, scarf, and gloves.

Clothing Item	Recommendation	Why?
Thermal Underwear	Wear but don't wear too tight	Traps heat close to your body, but too tight can restrict circulation.
Fleece/Sweater	Adds an extra layer of insulation	Provides warmth and can be easily removed if you get too hot.
Ski Suit/Down Jacket	Windproof and water-resistant outer layer	Protects you from the elements and keeps you dry.
Thick Socks	Multiple pairs, with insoles for extra warmth	Keeps your feet warm and dry, preventing frostbite.
Windproof Hat/Scarf/Gloves	Covers exposed skin	Protects your face, neck, and hands from the cold and wind.

Remember to protect your extremities! Frostbite is a real risk in these temperatures. I once saw a tourist with bright red ears because they didn't wear a hat. They learned their lesson quickly!

How Can You Plan a Trip to Harbin?

Are you struggling to figure out the best itinerary? I can help with that!

Most travelers spend 2-4 days in Harbin. This allows for 2 days to see the city's highlights and 1-2 days to explore nearby attractions like Yabuli Ski Resort or China Snow Town.

When planning a Harbin tour, think about your interests. Are you passionate about ice and snow sculptures? Then, spend more time at the Ice and Snow World or the Zhaolin Park Ice Lantern Show. Do you love skiing? Allocate a full day to Yabuli. Or do you prefer scenic winter landscapes? Then, a day trip to China Snow Town is a must.

Activity	Location	Description	Time Needed
Ice and Snow World3	Harbin	Massive ice sculpture park, best visited at night.	Half Day
Zhaolin Park Ice Lantern Show	Harbin	Ice lanterns and sculptures in a park setting.	Evening
St. Sophia Cathedral	Harbin	Beautiful Russian Orthodox church, a historical landmark.	1-2 Hours
Zhongyang Pedestrian Street	Harbin	A vibrant street with shops, restaurants, and historical architecture.	2-3 Hours
Yabuli Ski Resort	About 220 km from Harbin	A popular ski resort offering various slopes for all skill levels.	Full Day
China Snow Town	About 280 km from Harbin	A charming village with traditional houses covered in thick snow, a winter wonderland.	Full Day

I recommend considering a longer trip that combines Beijing and Harbin if you have the time. You can experience both the historical and cultural aspects of Beijing and the winter wonderland of Harbin. For example, here's a 2-week itinerary that our travel agent partners love, which I'm going to introduce to you below.

Discover the Unknown North of China: Is This the Perfect Tour for You?

The allure of the unknown captures the imagination. The thought of exploring lesser-traveled routes in China promises a unique adventure. Have you ever considered such an itinerary?

Embarking on a journey through China's northern terrains offers a blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Our 13-day tour itinerary takes you from the bustling streets of Beijing to the tranquil landscapes of Hulunbuir. Each day promises a new discovery, making it ideal for those who wish to delve beyond typical tourist paths.

Consider a tour where every transition from one city to the next leads to a fresh cultural tapestry. Doesn’t that sound like an adventure worth considering?

Two-Week Harbin & Inner Mongolia Tour Package

Details	Information
Duration	13 days/12 nights
Departure	Summer or Autumn
Destinations	Beijing-Harbin-Daqing-Qiqihar-Wudalianchi-Heihe-Tahe-Mohe-Genhe-Ergun-Manzhouli-Hulunbuir-Back to Beijing

Tour Itinerary

Day	Route	Activities & Highlights
1	Beijing - Harbin	Arrive in Beijing for a city tour. Evening flight to Harbin.
2	Harbin - Daqing	Harbin city tour (Harbin Grand Theatre, St. Sophia Church Square, Central Street), then proceed to Daqing.
3	Daqing - Qiqihar	Photo stop at Wang Jinxi Iron Man Memorial Museum4, continue to Qiqihar. Visit Zhalong Nature Reserve and Wanda Plaza.
4	Qiqihar - Wudalianchi	Explore Wudalianchi Scenic Area, Beiyin Spring, and Longmen Village.
5	Wudalianchi - Heihe	Visit the Russian Culture Park, photo stop at Grand Russian Island, tour Aigun Ancient Town.
6	Heihe - Tahe	Travel to Tahe to visit Daxing'anling Primitive Forest.
7	Tahe - Mohe	Tour Jiugiu Eighteen Bends, Songyuan Primitive Forest Park, view the Northern Lights.
8	Mohe - Beiji Village - Mohe	Visit North Pole Village: Northernmost Post Office, North Star Square, border outpost; return to Mohe for market visit.
9	Mohe - Genhe	Travel to Genhe, visit Mangui Town and the Aoluguya Tribe to see/feed reindeer.
10	Genhe - Ergun - Heishantou Grassland	Ergun Wetland Scenic Area, Russian family experience, arrive at Heishantou Grassland (Inner Mongolia).
11	Heishantou Grassland - Manzhouli	Morning Mongolian milk tea & ethnic costumes, city tour of Manzhouli, visit Matryoshka Doll Square, evening Russian dance show.
12	Manzhouli - Hulunbuir - Hailar	Travel to Hailar with Hulun Lake stop, visit Hulunbuir Grassland, Genghis Khan Square photo stop, fly to Beijing.
13	Beijing	Free time before airport transfer.

Pricing for Travel Agents

Group Size	3-Star Hotels (Summer)	3-Star Hotels (Autumn)	4-Star Hotels (Summer)	4-Star Hotels (Autumn)
20 Pax	CNY8,462	CNY7,757	CNY9,932	CNY8,677
25 Pax	CNY8,367	CNY7,577	CNY9,737	CNY8,497
30 Pax	CNY8,117	CNY7,337	CNY9,487	CNY8,257
Single Supplement	CNY3,320	CNY2,580	CNY4,590	CNY3,400

Special Notes

• Guides: Three local guides will facilitate different segments.
• Escort: A tour escort will ensure a guide presence throughout the journey.
• Note: Local guides are necessary for specific sections despite the tour escort's presence.

Inclusions

• Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotels in twin-share rooms.
• Meals: Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
• Transportation: Private coach with experienced driver.
• Entrance Fees: To all attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
• Guide Services: Total of 4 English-speaking guides.
• Activities: All cultural experiences and shows specified.

Exclusions

• Airfare: International and domestic flights not included.
• Personal Expenses: Not covered.
• Tipping: Not included for guides and drivers.

Why Travel from Beijing to Harbin & Inner Mongolia?

The journey from Beijing to Harbin exposes you to the rich cultural and historical significance of these Chinese cities. Have you ever toured a city where history stands shoulder-to-shoulder with modernity?

Beginning with a city tour in Beijing, you’ll get a glimpse of China’s capital before jetting off to Harbin. Known for its Russian architectural influence, Harbin offers sights such as the St. Sophia Church Square and modern-day wonders like the Harbin Grand Theatre. This marks the start of a transformative journey where each city shares its story.

From Harbin's architectural beauty, the tour advances to Daqing and Qiqihar. At Daqing, you can ponder the industrial past at Wang Jinxi Iron Man Memorial Museum. In Qiqihar, embrace nature at the Zhalong Nature Reserve and experience the vibrant energy of Wanda Plaza.

Exploring Scenic Vistas: Wudalianchi to Mohe

From volcanic landscapes to phenomena like the Aurora - Northern Lights, what’s not to love about Wudalianchi and Mohe?

Continue the adventure with Wudalianchi Scenic Area with its unique volcanic formations, hinting at the earth's raw power.

As you proceed north to Mohe, known as China's northernmost city, the crescentic Northern Lights will make a night sky unforgettable, culminating with visits to local tribes and markets.

Moving further north, you'll find the Arctic Village, where you access the utmost extent of China. How fascinating is it to visit sites like the Northernmost Post Office? It's a real stroke of luck to catch the aurora borealis⁵ here.

The interaction with the Aoluguya Tribe⁶ on your way to Genhe introduces you to the reindeer-herding Evenki people. Have you ever fed reindeer in their natural habitat?

The sequence of experiences gives you a taste of China's cultural diversity and geographical splendor. With activities like sipping Mongolian milk tea and dressing in ethnic costumes, is this not the immersive experience you crave?

The Harmony of Cultures: Ergun to Hulunbuir

As your culinary and cultural palette widens through places like Ergun and Inner Mongolia's Heishantou Grassland, how do local customs enrich your travel perspective?

This segment of the trip allows for quintessential syncretism. The vastness of Hulunbuir⁷ Grassland and the cultural embrace at Matryoshka Doll Square in Manzhouli unite influences from varied traditions. This harmonious blend of cultures, capped off by visiting Genghis Khan Square, creates fond memories.

Ergun's wetlands and Hulun Lake/Dalai Lake offer untouched natural beauty to marvel at. Do these landscapes remind you of the earth's primal allure?

Embracing China's Industrial Heritage: Daqing to Qiqihar

Daqing, often described as an industrial icon, provides a look into China's oil boom. Could you imagine the stories these historical sites tell?

The eastward path from Harbin offers a narrative of resilience and progress. Daqing, rich in its industrial heritage, presents the Wang Jinxi Iron Man Memorial Museum. Here, visitors can grasp China’s industrious spirit.

Later, in Qiqihar, the natural beauty of Zhalong Nature Reserve contrasts starkly with Daqing’s mechanical marvels, adding a perfect balance of nature to your journey.

The itinerary is finely secured with cultural experiences dotted along enchanting landscapes. The retrospective 6-section guidance ensures continual enlightenment, with periods allowing reflection upon the overwhelming charm of each visit.

Conclusion

Harbin is cold, yes, but it's also amazing! With the right preparation, you can have an unforgettable winter adventure.

Understanding Harbin's extreme cold is essential for planning a trip full of wonder and exploration. Layer up, pick your favorite activities, and consider guided tour options for an unforgettable Harbin experience.

Our 13-day tour promises an extraordinary journey through China's northern landscapes, blending history, culture, and nature. Is this your next unforgettable adventure in China?

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