Heilongjiang Climate
Location and Boundary
Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省) is located in the northeastern part of China, making it the northernmost and the highest latitude province in the country. It spans across two time zones, Eastern Standard Time (UTC+8) and UTC+9, and covers a vast area with the following geographical coordinates: it stretches from 121°11′ E longitude in the west to 135°05′ E longitude in the east, and from 43°26′ N latitude in the south to 53°33′ N latitude in the north. This results in a significant east-west extent of 14 degrees of longitude and a north-south span of 10 degrees of latitude.
The province borders Russia to the north and east across rivers, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (内蒙古自治区) to the west, and Jilin Province (吉林省) to the south. With a total land area of 473,000 square kilometers (including the regions of Jiagedaqi and Songling), Heilongjiang ranks as the 6th largest province in China. The province also boasts a border length of 2,981.26 kilometers, making it an important gateway for land travel between China, Russia, and Europe, as well as a key area for China's border opening policy.
Climate Characteristics
Heilongjiang Province experiences a cold temperate climate and a continental monsoon climate. From south to north, the province is divided into the temperate zone and the cold temperate zone based on temperature indicators. From east to west, the province is divided into the humid, semi-humid, and semi-arid regions based on dryness. The primary climate characteristics of the region include:
- Spring: Low temperatures and dry conditions.
- Summer: Warm with abundant rainfall.
- Autumn: Prone to flooding and early frost.
- Winter: Cold, long, and with a short frost-free period.
Rainfall in the province exhibits clear monsoon characteristics, with abundant precipitation in summer due to the influence of the southeast monsoon and dry conditions in winter under the control of the dry and cold northwest wind.
The annual average temperature in 2023 was 3.9°C, and the average annual precipitation was 637.5 mm. The frost-free period across the province typically lasts between 100 to 160 days. For example, the northern areas of the Greater Khingan Mountains (大兴安岭) have a frost-free period of only 80 to 90 days, whereas areas in the southwest of the Songnen Plain (松嫩平原) and most of the Sanjiang Plain (三江平原) experience frost-free periods of over 140 days, with the longest frost-free period reaching over 170 days in Tailai (泰来).
Sunshine
Heilongjiang enjoys a relatively high amount of sunshine, with annual sunlight hours typically ranging between 2,300 and 3,000 hours. The southwestern part of the Songnen Plain, particularly areas like Tailai (泰来), Zhaozhou (肇州), and Zhaoyuan (肇源), sees the highest levels, reaching up to 3,000 hours annually. The province experiences more sunlight during the summer months, generally exceeding 220 hours per month, and less during the winter months, particularly in the Daxing'anling (大兴安岭) and Sanjiang Plain (三江平原), where it can be less than 160 hours per month.
Heilongjiang's total solar radiation each year is typically between 4,200 and 5,000 megajoules per square meter, placing it in the mid-range in terms of solar intensity compared to other parts of China. The radiation distribution is greater in the southern areas and lower in the northern parts. The southwestern part of the Songnen Plain receives the most solar radiation, while the northeastern parts, such as the Sanjiang Plain, receive the least. Summer sees the highest total radiation, with June being the peak month, while December experiences the least radiation.
Temperature
The annual average temperature in Heilongjiang varies between -5.3°C and 5°C. The northern part, especially the northern Greater Khingan Mountains, has the lowest average temperature at -5.3°C, while the southeastern area, such as Dongning (东宁), has the highest average temperature at 4.9°C, resulting in a 10.2°C difference across the province.
- Winter (December, January, February): Very cold, with January being the coldest month. Average temperatures range from -30°C to -15°C, with many areas averaging below -20°C. The northernmost areas, such as Heihe (黑河), can reach as low as -30.8°C in January, making it the coldest region in China. The record low was observed in 1969, with temperatures reaching -52.3°C, earning Heilongjiang the title of China’s "cold extreme."
- Spring (March, April, May): Rapid warming, with significant temperature fluctuations. By April, the average temperature exceeds 0°C in most areas, except for the northwestern part of the Greater Khingan Mountains.
- Summer (June, July, August): Comparable to the southern provinces of China, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 23°C, particularly in areas such as Tailai, Du'erbu (杜尔伯特), and Zhaoyuan, where temperatures can exceed 23°C. Extreme high temperatures reached 41.6°C in Tailai in July 1968.
- Autumn (September, October, November): A significant drop in temperatures due to the increased presence of Siberian cold air, with rapid cooling and large day-night temperature differences. By September, average temperatures are around 10°C, and by October, they drop below 0°C in the northern regions.
Temperature Range
Heilongjiang has the largest annual temperature variation in China, with most areas experiencing a temperature range greater than 40°C. The Greater Khingan Mountains (大兴安岭) area sees an annual temperature range greater than 44°C, with the northern part of the Heilongjiang Valley (黑龙江谷地) in Jiayin County (嘉荫县) experiencing the greatest annual temperature difference, reaching 49.4°C.
Because of its high latitude, the province receives less solar heat compared to southern parts of China. However, the long daylight hours in summer help make up for this deficit. Despite having low heat resources, the province’s climate supports agriculture, with a growing degree day (GDD) ranging between 2,500°C and 3,500°C across most of the province, enabling the cultivation of annual crops.
Precipitation
Heilongjiang receives between 400 and 650 mm of precipitation annually, with distinct monsoon characteristics. The precipitation is unevenly distributed, with the majority occurring in the summer months, accounting for approximately 60% of the total annual rainfall. The winter months, however, are dry, contributing only about 4% to the annual precipitation.
Precipitation varies significantly from year to year, with wet years seeing up to three times more rainfall than dry years. The western part of the province receives less rainfall (400-450 mm), while the eastern mountain areas receive more (500-600 mm). The region has a significant difference in rainfall between the windward and leeward slopes of the mountains, with the windward sides receiving more rainfall.
Frost and Ice Period
Due to frequent cold air activity in spring and autumn, frost is common in Heilongjiang. The frost-free period is generally short, ranging from 100 to 160 days. The most northern areas, such as Mohe (漠河) and Xunke (逊克), have frost-free periods of less than 100 days.
The province experiences a long freezing period, beginning in late September to early October, when the surface and rivers freeze from north to south. The freezing period ends in late April to mid-May, with certain areas having ice until late May.
Weather in Four Seasons in Heilongjiang
Spring (March - May)
- Temperature: In spring, temperatures rise quickly, but there are significant temperature fluctuations. March is still a cold month, especially in the northern and mountainous areas, where temperatures are often below zero. By April, the temperature begins to rise and exceed zero degrees, with most regions entering spring. However, the temperature difference between day and night is still large, and it remains cold at night.
- Precipitation: Spring has relatively low precipitation, with dry weather prevailing. Occasionally, cold fronts may bring strong winds and cold temperatures. Rainfall increases in May, particularly in the southern and eastern regions.
- Characteristics: Spring often has large temperature variations, and due to the rising temperatures, the region can experience cold spells, known as "returning cold."
Summer (June - August)
- Temperature: Summer in Heilongjiang is generally warm, especially in the southern regions. July is the hottest month, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C in places like Suihua and Harbin. Even in the higher regions of the northeast, temperatures can rise above 25°C.
- Precipitation: Summer is the wettest season, with rainfall peaking in June through August. July and August often bring thunderstorms, heavy rain, and other extreme weather. The summer months account for about 60% of the annual rainfall.
- Characteristics: The summer is humid and warm, with occasional hot weather and extreme weather events such as heavy rain and typhoons.
Autumn (September - November)
- Temperature: In autumn, temperatures decrease quickly, especially after October. Daytime temperatures remain around 15°C, but the temperature difference between day and night increases. By November, temperatures drop significantly, with daytime temperatures often above 0°C, and nighttime temperatures frequently dropping below zero.
- Precipitation: Precipitation decreases in autumn, and the weather becomes drier. Frost starts to appear in October, particularly in the northern regions, where frost is more common.
- Characteristics: Autumn is characterized by significant temperature differences between day and night. The weather cools down, and by November, temperatures drop rapidly.
Winter (December - February)
- Temperature: Winter is cold and long in Heilongjiang, especially in the northern regions, where temperatures can drop below -30°C. In the southern regions, temperatures usually range from -20°C to -30°C. January is the coldest month, and some areas may experience temperatures as low as -40°C. Some places in Heilongjiang, such as Mohe, are among the coldest in China.
- Precipitation: Winter has very little precipitation, and the air is dry. Snowfall is relatively light, typically occurring from December to February. The snow is generally not heavy, and the air is dry due to the cold temperatures.
- Characteristics: Winter is the coldest season in Heilongjiang, with long periods of extreme cold and heavy snow. It is a time for ice and snow activities, and winter tourism is popular in the province.
Summary
- Spring: Large temperature differences, weather changes rapidly, dry with occasional rain.
- Summer: Warm and humid, with heavy rainfall, sometimes leading to thunderstorms.
- Autumn: Large temperature differences, dry weather, with frost appearing towards the end of the season.
- Winter: Long, cold, and snowy, with extreme temperatures in northern areas.
Heilongjiang has a unique climate with long and cold winters, short summers, and a significant temperature variation between seasons. Its climate is ideal for winter tourism, particularly snow and ice festivals, and agricultural activities are well-supported in the warmer months.
