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Dunhuang

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Travel Info
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Travel Info

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Dunhuang Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

Dunhuang year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): 7.5–21.6°C on average, dry climate, large temperature difference between day and night, little rainfall. Common activities: Appreciate Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Lake, visit Mogao Grottoes. Recommended clothing: Warm jacket, long-sleeved clothing, sun protection clothing.
  • Summer (June–August): 26.7–28.4°C on average, hot and dry, little rainfall. Common activities: Visit Dunhuang Ancient City, experience desert adventure. Recommended clothing: Light and breathable clothing, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses.
  • Autumn (September–November): 11.4–20.8°C on average, pleasant climate, large temperature difference between morning and evening, slightly more rainfall in September. Common activities: Appreciate the golden autumn desert scenery, hiking. Recommended clothing: Long-sleeved clothing, light jacket.
  • Winter (December–February): -7.2–-2.3°C on average, cold and dry, little rainfall. Common activities: Experience the unique winter scenery of the desert (need to take good warming measures). Recommended clothing: Thick warm clothing, hat, gloves, scarf.

Dunhuang climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 11.8°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 23 mm / Summer humidity: 20%–30% / Rainiest month: September

Dunhuang monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
-7.2°C
1
February
-2.3°C
1.5
March
7.5°C
4.1
April
13.9°C
0.7
May
21.6°C
2.8
June
27°C
1.8
July
28.4°C
2.7
August
26.7°C
0.8
September
20.8°C
4.3
October
11.4°C
1.5
November
2.4°C
1.7
December
-6.3°C
0.7

Dunhuang weather for the next seven days

12/18
Thursday
Sunny
2.4°C/-6°C
12/19
Friday
Moderate snow
0.6°C/-4.6°C
12/20
Saturday
Sunny
-1.1°C/-10°C
12/21
Sunday
Sunny
-0.5°C/-7.3°C
12/22
Monday
Partly Cloudy
-1.2°C/-5.9°C
12/23
Tuesday
Sunny
-1.9°C/-10.7°C
12/24
Wednesday
Sunny
-0.4°C/-9.8°C

Dunhuang Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

How many days do you need for a trip to Dunhuang?

A 3-day Dunhuang trip allows you to visit almost all of Dunhuang's highlights. Another 2 days would allow a more relaxed pace or more exploration. An extended itinerary of 5 to 12 days allows for more flexibility and a richer experience including the area around Dunhuang.

How to get around Dunhuang?

The most common way to get around Dunhuang is by bus or taxi. But if you want to get to some remote attractions such as Yadan National Geopark, you may need to rent a car.

Can you still travel the Silk Road?

Yes, you can still travel the Silk Road by focusing on specific regions, such as parts of China's Xinjiang province. While independent travel can be complex due to language and logistical challenges, organized tours are popular and readily available, or you can plan your own trip by flying into a country of interest and traveling overland between its Silk Road cities.

What are the best times to visit Dunhuang?

The best time to go Dunhuang is from May to October. During these months, the weather is pretty sweet – warm, dry, and there's tons of sunshine! It's the perfect time to explore this ancient Silk Road city.

What are the must-see attractions in Dunhuang?

Key attractions in Dunhuang include the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Buddhist art. You should also explore the Crescent Lake and Singing Sand Dunes of Mingsha Shan, and visit the ancient Jade Gate Pass (Yumenguan), a historically significant Silk Road outpost.