Lanzhou Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Lanzhou, Gansu, China. The figures are based on a 30-year period (1990–2020) to provide a reliable average. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

Lanzhou has a relatively dry climate with low precipitation, averaging 478 mm (19 in) of rain/snowfall annually. It experiences a distinct dry season during certain months. Refer to our detailed charts below to see the seasonal variation.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, August receives substantial rainfall, averaging 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation, recorded across 13 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, December brings less snowfall, with 4.1 mm (0.2 in) over 2 snowy days.

August, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 27°C (81°F). The city receives 242 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month December you can expect a temperature of 4°C (39°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Lanzhou Temperature page.

Lanzhou's average annual precipitation is 478 mm (19 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

The city of Rome, Italy, has an average annual precipitation of 832 mm (33 in), spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

• Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
• In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
• Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.

For more detailed information about Lanzhou's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Lanzhou Climate page.