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Dunhuang Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Dunhuang.
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Climate overview of Dunhuang
Dunhuang, Gansu, China, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 35°C (95°F) in July, while winters cool to 0°C (32°F) in January.
With just 50 mm (2 in) of annual rain/snowfall, the city has a dry, desert-like climate. The sunniest month is May, with 10.7 hours of sunshine per day on average.
Dunhuang Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Dunhuang - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Dunhuang
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from very warm to very cold in Dunhuang. Average daytime temperatures reach a very warm 35°C (95°F) in July. In January, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a very cold 0°C (32°F).
At night, temperatures range from around 21°C (70°F) in July to -12°C (10°F) in January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Dunhuang
Dunhuang has a dry climate with very low precipitation, averaging 50 mm (2 in) of rain/snowfall annually. Despite minor fluctuations, Dunhuang enjoys fairly consistent precipitation throughout the year. In June, you can expect around 11 mm (0.4 in) of precipitation, while in October, Dunhuang receives about 1.3 mm (0.1 in). For more details, please visit our Dunhuang Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Dunhuang
Dunhuang experiences moderate variation in sunshine hours across the seasons. With 10.7 hours daily sunshine in May, it dips to 6.9 hours in December, offering a balanced mix of sunny and overcast days.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Humidity in Dunhuang by Month
The relative humidity is moderate throughout the year in Dunhuang.
The city experiences its highest humidity in December, reaching 55%. In April, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 32%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Best Time to Visit Dunhuang
Conditions in Dunhuang are generally most comfortable in April, May, September and October. They are typically least comfortable in January, July and December.
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
Jan
cold
Feb
mixed
Mar
very good
Apr
excellent
May
excellent
Jun
very good
Jul
very hot
Aug
good
Sep
excellent
Oct
excellent
Nov
mixed
Dec
cold
- Best overall: April, May, September and October
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: May, June, July and August
- Seasonal pattern: Very little rainfall year-round, with very warm summers and very cold winters
- Coldest conditions: January, with freezing nights around -12°C (10°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Dunhuang
What is the best time to visit Dunhuang?
April, May, September and October typically offer the most optimal weather in Dunhuang. In contrast, January, July and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Dunhuang has very little rainfall year-round, with very warm summers and very cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Dunhuang?
Daytime highs range from 0°C (32°F) in January to 35°C (95°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -12°C (10°F) to 21°C (70°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Dunhuang get?
Annual rainfall is around 50 mm (2 in). June is the wettest month with 11 mm (0.4 in), while October is the driest with 1.3 mm (0.1 in).
How sunny is Dunhuang?
Dunhuang receives around 3,262 hours of sunshine per year. May is the sunniest month with 320 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 208 hours. Overall, Dunhuang enjoys abundant sunshine.
Dunhuang 3-Day Forecast
Dunhuang on the map
Dunhuang is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
Popular in October
Where to go in October - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Guangzhou
30°C (86°F) Shenzhen29°C (84°F) Hangzhou25°C (77°F) Shanghai24°C (75°F) Chengdu
22°C (72°F) Xi'an21°C (70°F) Beijing
21°C (70°F) Qingdao21°C (70°F) Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
The Li River: A Journey Through China’s Most Breathtaking Landscape
Go to China's Zhangjiajie National Park with the highest, the fastest, largest-loaded outdoor elevator in the world
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Go to Xinjiang in China
In Xinjiang you get to see a mix of East and Central Asia. An experience that you might want to add to your bucket list. You can travel through the province as if you are following an ancient silk route.
Mount Kailash
The best time for a Kailash tour/trekking is from mid-May to mid-October when the temperature is most pleasant. It is warm, dry and sunny in that period.