Weather: The weather gets cold by the end of October. It rains about 7 days a month, and it usually gets cooler after each rain. There is often frost overnight. Average daily low and high temperatures are respectively 0 °C (32 °F) and 12 °C (54 °F).
It is often sunny, dry and clear with only 26 mm of rain. So most days are pleasant for touring in Harbin and for Chinese people on vacation for the October holidays. There are about 7 hours of sunshine per day.
Clothing: Dressing in layers makes it convenient to put on or take off clothing as needed. There is a big temperature drop of 12 °C at night, and though central heating starts in most buildings by the end of October, you might need to wear a coat or sweater indoors. So bring a coat, long sleeves shirts, and warm attire. You might need rain gear on rainy days. Here is the weather forecast for Harbin>>
Things to Do in Harbin in October
The Chinese Russian Market Area: This area of 5 cross streets with two large indoor markets in central Harbin is the best place to go for bargains and haggling for Russian and Chinese products. You'll find a wide selection of products such as Russian vodka, furs, chocolate, and antiques. The shops are open every day from about noon until 11 pm.
The Mid-Autumn Festival: It's the second biggest holiday in China, and it comes in early October about 1/3 of the year. The Chinese go to enjoy the parks and the local attractions. If it is near the October 1 National Day holidays, it becomes a part of a "golden week" of holidays. Try the local moon cakes and other holiday foods.
See St. Sofia Cathedral
St. Sophia Orthodox Cathedral: Many people will be surprised to see this large Russian structure in China. This cathedral has always been one of Harbin's main landmarks. There was a large Russian population who built the city in the early 20th century, and it still serves a large expat community. Work began on it in 1923, and it was finished in 1932.
The architecture is beautiful and unusual. Inside, there is an intricate play of light and shadow and subdued colors. The exterior has shiny green and gold domes that contrasts against the blue sky. Soft lights glow and make the cathedral look inviting at night. There are colorful icons in front. The building is 53 meters or 174 feet tall, and it is shaped a little like St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.
Touring Harbin in October
Moderately High Travel Month
The first two weeks of October is a high travel period due to the National Day Holiday in China from October 1 to October 7. Tourism and travel increases even more for the Mid-Autumn Festival. This is when hotels and transportation are in tight demand and tour prices rise higher than usual.
If you plan to visit during this period, it is highly recommended that you place your bookings well in advance and prepare for crowded transportation. We can help you book your hotel rooms and arrange your flight tickets and train tickets by our experience.
The second half of October is a low travel season though. There are lower prices, more convenience and less crowds, so it might be the time to go before the weather turns colder in November.
Arrange Your Tour!
Our clients can design their tour to Harbin and other places in China. If you tell us where you'd want to go, we can try to arrange your tickets, accommodations, and travel.
