Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Harbin, China, December brings a striking winter landscape characterized by a chilly average temperature of -15°C (6°F). Residents and visitors can expect maximums around 8°C (46°F), while temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -29°C (-19°F), creating a stark contrast that defines the season. With only 9 mm (0.4 in) of precipitation over just 1 day, the month remains relatively dry, but the air is notably crisp, with a humidity level of 53%. This blend of cold temperatures and low precipitation sets the stage for Harbin's famed ice festivals, making December a captivating time to experience the city's winter charm.
In December, Harbin, China, transforms into a winter wonderland, characterized by sharp drops in temperature as the year nears its end. With a minimum temperature of -29°C (-19°F) and an average of -15°C (6°F), the city braces for frosty conditions that echo the frigid January chill. However, December offers a slight reprieve, allowing the temperature to peak at 8°C (46°F), hinting at the seasonal warmth just around the corner. As the cold deepens, Harbin's inviting winter festivities come to life, showcasing the enchanting beauty of ice sculptures and the vibrant atmosphere that defines this northern city during its coldest month.
In December, Harbin experiences a notable decline in precipitation, with only 9 mm (0.4 in) of rainfall recorded over just one day. This sharp contrast to the wetter summer months, where precipitation peaks in July and August, highlights a significant seasonal shift. As temperatures drop and winter sets in, the region transitions from the summer's lush rainfall to the crisp dryness characteristic of December. This pattern is reflective of Harbin's continental climate, where the annual cycle sees a dramatic reduction in moisture, signaling the onset of its famous snow season.
December brings a noticeable shift in humidity levels in Harbin, China, with the average dropping to a comfortable 53%. This decrease marks a stark contrast to the peak summer months of July and August, where humidity soars to 84% and 87% respectively. As the year winds down, the air becomes crisper and drier, leading up to the cold winter months. Notably, December's humidity is significantly lower than the average 73% experienced in January, suggesting that the transition from autumn to winter prompts a more refreshing atmosphere. This trend showcases Harbin's unique climate, where the humidity ebbs and flows dramatically, offering a range of experiences throughout the year.
In Harbin, China, the December UV Index remains at a low level of 2, mirroring the trend observed in January and November. This consistent reading signifies that the sun's intensity is manageable, allowing for a comfortable burn time of 45 minutes before any risk of skin damage occurs. Throughout the year, Harbin experiences fluctuations in UV exposure, peaking at very high levels during the summer months of May to August, where a mere 15 minutes of sun can cause burns. As winter settles in, the lower UV index offers a reprieve for outdoor adventurers, making December, along with January and November, an ideal time to enjoy the chilly beauty of the season with minimal sun-related concerns. For more details on the UV index throughout the year, visit Harbin UV Index.
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In Harbin, December brings a delightful shift in sunshine, boasting 227 hours of daylight. While this marks a decline compared to the sun-drenched summer months, it still exceeds the winter peak seen in January and provides a warm welcome before the deep chill of winter takes hold. As the year closes, December can be seen as a transition, smoothing the sharp drop from the sunniest months—in particular, the vibrant 337 hours of July. This trend highlights the city’s diverse climate, where even the colder months offer a sprinkle of brightness, ensuring that the spirit of Harbin remains as radiant as its festive snow sculptures.
In Harbin, China, the likelihood of sunny weather in December stands at an encouraging 67%, making it one of the brighter months of the year. This month benefits from a noticeable uptick in sunshine compared to the previous months, including a sharp rise from November’s 36% chance. As the year transitions into winter, it's interesting to see a trend where the chances of sunny days are generally higher in the colder months, peaking in December. Following the summer months, which featured the least amount of sunshine, the return to brighter skies in late autumn and early winter is a refreshing change for residents and visitors alike, showcasing Harbin’s unique climatic transitions.
As December settles in Harbin, China, residents experience the year’s shortest daylight duration, with only 8 hours of light per day. This marks a notable decrease from the previous months, where daylight gradually increased from 9 hours in January to a peak of 15 hours in both June and July. Following the warmth of summer, daylight begins to retreat, leading to a steady decline each autumn, reaching 10 hours in October and 9 hours in November. By the time December arrives, the early sunset and late sunrise create an atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the bright, extended days of summer. As winter embraces the city, the reduced daylight serves as a reminder of the seasonal cycles that shape Harbin's unique climate.
As December blankets Harbin in winter's chill, the average wind speed hovers around 3.8 m/s (9 mph), matching the brisk conditions of November. This consistency in wind velocity suggests that the city's atmospheric activities stabilize as the year concludes, with winds typically picking up as the seasons transition from the mildness of fall to the biting cold of winter. Notably, December’s winds are stronger than the languid breezes of summer, which dip as low as 2.9 m/s (7 mph) in July. Thus, while the winter air grows colder, the winds remain steadily invigorating, lending a crisp edge to the beauty of Harbin's snowy landscapes, preparing the stage for its iconic ice and snow festivals.
Weather in Harbin varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Harbin, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
December and January present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -29°C (-19°F) to a maximum of 8°C (46°F), with an average of -15°C (6°F). Precipitation is minimal at 9 mm (0.4 in), occurring over just one day, and humidity sits at a moderate 53%. Conversely, January experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -37°C (-34°F) and a maximum of 0°C (32°F), resulting in an average temperature of -17°C (1°F). The precipitation decreases slightly to 5 mm (0.2 in) over the same one day, but humidity increases significantly to 73%. For more detailed information, you can check Harbin weather in January.
December and February in Harbin exhibit notably cold temperatures, with December averaging -15°C (6°F) and February slightly warmer at -13°C (9°F). However, February experiences even lower minimum temperatures, dipping to -32°C (-25°F), compared to December's minimum of -29°C (-19°F). Both months see limited precipitation, with December recording 9 mm over 1 day and February showing a slightly lower 8 mm across 2 days. Moreover, humidity levels are higher in February at 66%, compared to December's 53%, contributing to the overall chill in the air. For more detailed information, visit Harbin weather in February.
In December, the weather is notably colder with average temperatures hovering around -15°C (6°F) and occasional peaks reaching up to 8°C (46°F). The month experiences minimal precipitation, totaling just 9 mm (0.4 in) over the course of only 1 day, contributing to a relatively dry atmosphere with a humidity of 53%. In contrast, March brings a significant warming trend, with average temperatures rising to -2°C (29°F) and daytime highs potentially soaring to 21°C (70°F). Precipitation also increases in this month, averaging 17 mm (0.7 in) over 5 days, while humidity slightly elevates to 61%. For a closer look at what to expect in March, check Harbin weather in March.
December and April exhibit stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -29°C (-19°F) with an average around -15°C (6°F), making it a frigid month. Precipitation is minimal, totaling just 9 mm (0.4 in) over a single day, while humidity levels sit at 53%. Conversely, April experiences a significant shift with minimum temperatures of -9°C (17°F) and averages climbing to 8°C (47°F), peaking at a warm 27°C (82°F). The month sees more precipitation, with 22 mm (0.9 in) falling over four days, and humidity rises slightly to 60%. For more details on the weather in April, you can visit Harbin weather in April.
In December, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -29°C (-19°F) and an average around -15°C (6°F), while the maximum reaches only 8°C (46°F). Precipitation is minimal, with only 9 mm (0.4 in) occurring over just one day, and the humidity sits at a moderate 53%. In stark contrast, May brings a significant warming trend, featuring a minimum temperature of 0°C (33°F) and a much more pleasant average of 16°C (60°F), peaking at a sweltering 34°C (93°F). Rainfall increases dramatically to 76 mm (3.0 in) spread over ten days, along with higher humidity at 65%. For more details about May weather, you can check Harbin weather in May.
December and June showcase stark contrasts in weather. December in Harbin is characterized by frigid temperatures, with an average of -15°C (6°F) and a maximum reaching only 8°C (46°F), making it a chilly winter month with a mere 9 mm of precipitation and humidity at 53%. In sharp contrast, June experiences a much warmer climate, boasting an average temperature of 20°C (69°F) and highs soaring to 37°C (99°F). Additionally, June is notably wetter, receiving 107 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over about 14 days, coupled with higher humidity levels at 79%. For more details on the weather patterns in June, you can visit Harbin weather in June.
December and July present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet as low as -29°C (-19°F) with an average of -15°C (6°F), while July boasts much warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average temperature of 25°C (76°F). Precipitation patterns also differ significantly, with December experiencing just 9 mm (0.4 in) over 1 day, compared to July's substantial 156 mm (6.2 in) spread across 16 days. The humidity is notably higher in July at 84%, compared to 53% in December, contributing to a much muggier atmosphere. For more detailed insights about the weather during this summer month, visit Harbin weather in July.
December and August exhibit striking contrasts in weather. In December, temperatures plunge to a chilling average of -15°C (6°F), with lows reaching as low as -29°C (-19°F), while precipitation remains minimal at just 9 mm (0.4 in) over a single day. The humidity levels hover around 53%, contributing to the dry cold of winter. In sharp contrast, August boasts much warmer conditions, with average temperatures of 22°C (71°F) and highs soaring to 32°C (90°F). This summer month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 176 mm (6.9 in) over 17 days, along with elevated humidity levels of 87%. For more insights, check out Harbin weather in August.
December and September present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures plummet, with minimums reaching -29°C (-19°F) and an average around -15°C (6°F), while precipitation is minimal at just 9 mm (0.4 in) over the course of only 1 day. The humidity stands at a moderate 53%. In contrast, September enjoys much milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (35°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), resulting in an average of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation is significantly higher at 104 mm (4.1 in) over 11 days, and the humidity is quite high at 84%. For more detailed information, visit Harbin weather in September.
In December, the weather takes a significant turn with much colder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -29°C (-19°F) to an average of -15°C (6°F), with a maximum of just 8°C (46°F). Additionally, December experiences much lower humidity at 53% and only 1 day of precipitation, accumulating 9 mm (0.4 in). In contrast, October enjoys milder conditions, with a minimum temperature of -9°C (16°F), an average of 7°C (45°F), and a high of 28°C (84°F). It also sees more precipitation over 5 days, totaling 23 mm (0.9 in), along with higher humidity at 81%. For more specific details about the October weather, visit Harbin weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, December experiences much colder temperatures, with average lows reaching -15°C (6°F) compared to November's milder -4°C (25°F). The maximum temperatures in December are also cooler, peaking at just 8°C (46°F), whereas November can reach highs of 15°C (59°F). Additionally, December sees significantly less precipitation with only 9 mm (0.4 in) over just one day, whereas November has 27 mm (1.1 in) spread across four days, indicating a wetter month. Humidity levels are slightly lower in December at 53% compared to November's 65%. For more detailed information, you can check Harbin weather in November.
December in Harbin ushers in a dramatic chill, contrasting sharply with the milder temperatures of earlier months. As the city transforms into a winter wonderland, residents and visitors alike experience the crisp air and occasional light precipitation, creating a serene yet frosty ambience. The humidity levels hover around a moderate 53%, adding to the brisk feel of the season. With subzero averages and the rare but enchanting snowfall, December is a stark reminder that Harbin's winter is truly unique and captivating. For more insights on what to expect throughout the year, visit Harbin Climate.