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Dunhuang sits at the eastern edge of the Gobi desert in northwestern Gansu province, at an elevation of 1,139 m (3,737 ft). It has a cold desert climate (Köppen BWk): annual rainfall is only about 40 mm (1.6 in), the city gets more than 3,100 hours of sunshine a year, and the gap between daytime highs and nighttime lows can exceed 15°C (27°F) in a single day. That daily swing is the single most important thing to pack for, and this month-by-month breakdown is part of the Dunhuang city guide.
Dunhuang Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
March is cool and dry, with daytime highs around 13°C (55°F) and nights still below freezing at about -3°C (27°F). Sandstorms are most likely in March and early April, when Gobi winds pick up. By May the weather turns ideal: highs reach 27°C (81°F), lows stay near 11°C (52°F), and May is the sunniest month of the year at 10.7 hours of sunshine per day. This is a good window for the Mogao Caves and the sand dunes before the summer heat arrives.
Dunhuang Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer is hot but very dry, so the heat is more bearable than in humid eastern China. July is the hottest month, with average highs of 34°C (93°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F); heatwaves can push daytime highs past 38°C (100°F). June is the wettest month and still only averages 8 mm of rain. Because of the big day-to-night range, evenings cool off noticeably, which is why the best time to visit Dunhuang is to do outdoor sights at sunrise and after 4 pm.
Dunhuang Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September and October are the most comfortable months: September averages highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F), while October drops to 18°C (64°F) highs and 1°C (34°F) lows. Skies are clear and sandstorm risk is low. By November, highs fall to about 7°C (45°F) and nights dip to -7°C (19°F). Pack layers for the autumn evenings if you attend the September cultural expo.
Dunhuang Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter is cold and sunny. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of -6.3°C (20.6°F), average highs just above freezing at 0°C (32°F), and lows down to -15°C (5°F). Snowfall is rare, averaging under 2 mm a month. Indoor attractions stay open and crowds nearly disappear. For winter logistics, see the Dunhuang travel tips page.
Dunhuang Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall Table
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C / 32°F | -15°C / 5°F | 1 mm |
| February | 5°C / 41°F | -10°C / 14°F | 1 mm |
| March | 13°C / 55°F | -3°C / 27°F | 2 mm |
| April | 21°C / 70°F | 5°C / 41°F | 3 mm |
| May | 27°C / 81°F | 11°C / 52°F | 5 mm |
| June | 32°C / 90°F | 16°C / 61°F | 8 mm |
| July | 34°C / 93°F | 18°C / 64°F | 6 mm |
| August | 33°C / 91°F | 16°C / 61°F | 4 mm |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 9°C / 48°F | 3 mm |
| October | 18°C / 64°F | 1°C / 34°F | 2 mm |
| November | 7°C / 45°F | -7°C / 19°F | 1 mm |
| December | 1°C / 34°F | -13°C / 9°F | 1 mm |
To match these numbers to a base location, read the Dunhuang neighborhoods overview and the where to stay in Dunhuang guide.
