Weather in Jilin City

Stay informed about the current weather conditions in Jilin City to ensure a comfortable journey. Below, you will find the latest data, charts, and forecasts to help you plan your day effectively.

The climate of Jilin City can be described as temperate continental with distinct seasons. The weather here is quite contrasting: travellers can expect harsh but picturesque winters and warm, humid summers. Thanks to this diversity, the city is an interesting destination almost all year round, depending on the experiences you are seeking.

The winter period here is long and characterised by low temperatures: in January, the thermometer can drop to -20°C. However, winter is usually dry with little snow, creating unique conditions for winter tourism. Summer, on the other hand, brings significant warming. In July and August, the average temperature hovers around +22...+24°C, making outdoor activities comfortable, although this is also the wettest season — the number of rainy days reaches its peak during this time.

The transitional seasons — spring and autumn — are quite short in Jilin. In spring, the air warms up gradually, but cool days are possible even in April, while in autumn, temperatures drop rapidly by November. If you are planning a trip, keep in mind that the summer months can be quite cloudy and humid, while a winter visit will require the warmest clothing.

The climate in Jilin City is characterised by distinct seasonality and significant annual temperature variations, which is typical for continental zones. Winter here is harsh and prolonged: the coldest month is traditionally January, when average nighttime temperatures drop to -20°C, and daytime air rarely warms above -8°C. During this period, the city is gripped by frost, so travellers planning a visit from December to February need high-quality thermal gear for protection against the cold.

Summer brings long-awaited warmth, making this season the most comfortable for the majority of tourists. July is considered the hottest month, with an average temperature of around +24°C and daily maximums reaching +28°C. Unlike the tropical south of China, the summer heat here is more bearable, although July and August are also the rainiest months of the year. June and late August offer pleasant, moderately warm weather, ideal for walking.

Particular attention should be paid to diurnal temperature fluctuations, which are especially noticeable during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn. The difference between daytime warmth and nighttime coolness often exceeds 10–11 degrees. For instance, in May or September, it can be very comfortable during the day (up to +20°C), but after sunset, the temperature drops rapidly to +9...+11°C. Therefore, when packing for a trip during the shoulder season, it is recommended to bring clothing that can be easily layered.

Precipitation patterns in Jilin City show distinct seasonality, dividing the year into dry and wet periods. The winter months, particularly December and January, are the driest. Due to consistent sub-zero temperatures (averaging down to -14°C), precipitation during this time falls exclusively as snow. However, snowfall here is an infrequent occurrence: statistics show only 2–3 days with precipitation per month with minimal volume.

The main rainy season occurs in summer. The wettest months are July and August, when the frequency of precipitation reaches its peak. During this period, about 17–18 rainy days are recorded per month. Despite the high frequency, the intensity of the rain, based on average figures, remains moderate, allowing you to comfortably plan walks between showers.

Spring and autumn serve as transitional stages. By May, the number of rainy days increases noticeably (up to 12 days), bringing spring freshness. In autumn, starting from September, the frequency of precipitation gradually decreases, and in November, when temperatures drop below zero again, rain gives way to the first snow.

When packing for Jilin City, it is important to remember the sharp contrast between seasons. Winter here is harsh and frosty, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C. Be sure to bring high-quality thermal underwear, warm woollen sweaters, a windproof down jacket, a hat, a scarf, and mittens. Since snow and ice are frequent companions during the winter months, you will need comfortable insulated shoes with non-slip soles to move safely around the city and enjoy the famous rime ice.

In summer, the weather becomes warm and comfortable, with daytime temperatures reaching 28°C; however, this is also a season of high humidity and frequent rainfall. In July and August, it can rain for more than 15 days a month, so light, breathable clothing should be packed alongside a sturdy umbrella or a compact raincoat. For spring and autumn, the principle of layering is ideal: the weather is changeable, and the ability to quickly remove or put on a windbreaker will be very useful.

Regardless of the time of year, bring comfortable shoes for long walks along the picturesque embankments of the Songhua River. Do not forget sunscreen and sunglasses: in summer, the sun can be strong, and in winter, bright rays reflect intensely off the snow. Also, during the winter period, travellers will find a rich moisturising cream and lip balm useful to protect their skin from the dry, frosty air.