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Shenyang has a humid continental climate with four sharply defined seasons. The capital of Liaoning province sits at about 55 m elevation and averages 9°C (48°F) across the year, but that figure hides extremes: January drops to a mean of -11°C (12°F) while July reaches 25°C (77°F). Total rainfall is around 700 mm a year, and nearly two-thirds of it falls in the three summer months of June, July, and August. If you are planning a trip, the best time to visit Shenyang guide tells you exactly which dates to target.
Shenyang Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter in Shenyang is long, dry, and seriously cold, driven by Siberian air masses. Skies are often clear, so the low sun still feels bright, but the cold is relentless. See our Shenyang events and festivals for more.
December
December averages -8°C (18°F), with highs around -2°C (28°F) and lows near -13°C (9°F). You get about 10 mm of precipitation across 4 days, mostly light snow. Daylight is short, roughly 9 hours. See our Shenyang neighborhoods for more.
January
January is the coldest month, averaging -11°C (12°F). Daytime highs sit near -5°C (23°F) and nights drop to -17°C (1°F), with 7 mm of precipitation over 4 days. The Hun River freezes solid enough for ice skating and winter festivals. See our where to stay in Shenyang for more.
February
February warms only slightly to a -7°C (19°F) average, with highs near -1°C (30°F) and lows around -13°C (9°F). Precipitation stays low at 9 mm. Chinese New Year usually lands in late January or February, which is the one genuinely busy stretch of the winter. See our Shenyang travel tips and FAQ for more.
Shenyang Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring arrives fast. Temperatures climb from freezing to warm in about eight weeks, but spring is also windy and dusty, with occasional sandstorms blown in from the west.
March
March averages 1°C (34°F), still cold at night with lows near -5°C (23°F). Highs reach 6°C (43°F) and precipitation is 20 mm over 5 days. Snow can still fall in the first half of the month.
April
April jumps to a 10°C (50°F) average. Highs hit 16°C (61°F) and lows stay just above freezing at 4°C (39°F). Rain totals 40 mm over 8 days. This is when Beiling Park’s plum and magnolia blossoms open, and the spring wind peaks.
May
May averages 17°C (63°F) with highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). Rainfall reaches 55 mm over 9 days. It is one of the most comfortable months of the year for walking around the Mukden Palace and Zhongjie.
Shenyang Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer is hot, humid, and wet. The East Asian monsoon pushes warm, moisture-heavy air over the city, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. July and August bring roughly half of the annual rainfall.
June
June averages 22°C (72°F), with highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). Rain climbs to 95 mm over 12 days, and humidity becomes noticeable. Sunshine still averages around 8 hours a day.
July
July is the hottest and wettest month, averaging 25°C (77°F). Highs reach 29°C (84°F) and lows stay at 21°C (70°F). It brings 175 mm of rain across 14 days, so pack an umbrella and expect sudden downpours in the late afternoon.
August
August stays nearly as wet, averaging 24°C (75°F) with highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F). Rainfall is 170 mm over 11 days. The heat and humidity peak in the first two weeks, then ease slightly toward the end.
Shenyang Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is short and dry and is widely considered the best season. September keeps summer warmth, October brings crisp days and clear skies, and November turns cold fast.
September
September averages 18°C (64°F), with highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). Rain drops to 65 mm over 8 days. The weather is ideal for day trips to the Fuling and Zhaoling tombs.
October
October averages 10°C (50°F), with highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 4°C (39°F). Rainfall is 40 mm over 7 days. Foliage in Qipanshan and Beiling Park turns gold and red in the middle of the month.
November
November averages 0°C (32°F) and winter arrives quickly. Highs are 6°C (43°F), lows -5°C (23°F), and rain is 20 mm over 5 days. The first snow of the season usually falls before the end of the month.
Shenyang Weather by Month: Climate Data Table
Monthly averages for Shenyang Taoxian Airport station, based on 1991 to 2020 normals.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain mm | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5 | -17 | 7 | 4 |
| February | -1 | -13 | 9 | 4 |
| March | 6 | -5 | 20 | 5 |
| April | 16 | 4 | 40 | 8 |
| May | 23 | 11 | 55 | 9 |
| June | 27 | 17 | 95 | 12 |
| July | 29 | 21 | 175 | 14 |
| August | 28 | 20 | 170 | 11 |
| September | 24 | 12 | 65 | 8 |
| October | 16 | 4 | 40 | 7 |
| November | 6 | -5 | 20 | 5 |
| December | -2 | -13 | 10 | 4 |
Shenyang Weather by Month: What to Pack
For winter (December to February) bring a heavy down coat, thermal layers, a hat, gloves, and insulated boots; temperatures below -15°C (5°F) are common at night. In spring and autumn a light jacket plus a windbreaker works, but add a scarf in March and November. For summer (June to August) pack lightweight clothes, a folding umbrella, and breathable shoes, since July and August are humid and stormy. Check the full things to do in Shenyang list before you go, since several attractions close outdoor areas in heavy rain or extreme cold.
