Changchun Weather in November

November: cold days, early nights

By November, Changchun's autumn is nearly over, and you'll feel it. Days reach only about 1°C, and nights can drop to -9°C. October was much milder, and December is colder still, so November is the turning point. With daylight down to about 9.4 hours and just 5.5 hours of sun a day, you'll have less time outside than you might expect. Rain isn't the main problem. The cold is, and it can make long walks hard going.

That's why November rates only 3.4 out of 10. If you can choose, May and September are much better times to visit. If you're set on November, you can still enjoy the Palace of the Puppet Emperor, where the indoor exhibits give you a break from the chill. Jingyuetan National Forest Park is quieter, but its open paths can feel bitterly cold. Save long outdoor sightseeing for another month if freezing weather isn't your thing.

What to do, and what to skip

There's no major public holiday or well-known Changchun festival in November. China's Singles' Day shopping promotions fall on November 11, but they're not a city festival, so you may find shops busy around the sales while the main sights stay fairly quiet.

If you don't like crowds, November can suit you, since it falls outside the popular May and September travel periods. It's also a low-season month, so hotels may cost less than in busier months, though prices vary. If you'd rather have milder weather on the same trip, Fushun, Shenyang and Anshan are all within a few hours and rate Fair this month.

Make the cold work for you

Travelling with kids? Keep outdoor visits short, then warm up indoors at the Puppet Emperor's former palace in Kuancheng District. Its historic rooms and exhibits make a more comfortable outing than a long park visit.

For Jingyuetan, take a taxi or local transport to the park entrance instead of walking a long way from central Changchun. The park is large, and cold weather makes extra walking less pleasant. Skip all-day outdoor plans, too, and keep your days flexible so you can head indoors when the wind picks up.