Best Time to Visit Jilin

Winter: cold, but it's why people come

From December to February, Jilin is deep-frozen. January is the coldest month, with highs around -10°C and nights near -21°C. The air is dry on your skin but the days are short and often grey.

So why go? Rime ice. On cold mornings, frost coats the willows and pines along the Songhua River in the city centre, and it looks like white coral. It's the main reason Chinese visitors come, and it's best from about mid-December to February. Jilin is also close to ski resorts like Beidahu and Songhua Lake, so it works well for a snow trip. Winter is the high season for these two things, so expect busier hotels near the slopes and around Chinese New Year.

Spring and autumn: the easy seasons

March is still winter in spirit, with melting slush and cold nights. April is cool and fresh, with highs around 14°C and little rain. Trees leaf out slowly, so it's quiet and a bit bare.

May is our top pick, along with September. In May you get about 22°C, green parks and cool evenings. It does rain on about 12 days, but usually lightly.

September has the same highs, plus the sunniest weather of the warm months. The hills around the city turn gold and red in late September and early October. October is crisp, with frosty mornings, and still rated Good. Travelling with kids or parents? These months are the gentlest.

Summer: green, warm and wet

June to August is warm rather than scorching, with highs of 26–28°C. July is the hottest month, but it's also the wettest, with 166 mm over 18 days. Expect heavy downpours and muggy afternoons, so keep plans flexible and have an indoor backup.

The upside is a lush green landscape and cooler air by the water. It's a good time to head into the hills, or to take a day trip to Songhua Lake. Chinese school holidays run through July and August, so lakes and mountain areas fill up with domestic families. The city itself stays fairly calm.

If you hate both crowds and cold, aim for early May or late September. If you want the famous frost, pack a proper down coat and go in January.